Get ready for a busy weekend in Portland! We have major cultural celebrations with the Lunar New Year festivities happening Saturday, plus family sports deals on Sunday. Check out the light show at the Chinese Garden before it closes, or catch some unique film screenings.
See our top picks
Chinese New Year Cultural Fair 2026
Oregon Convention Center
Free admission to see Lion Dances, martial arts, and children's games on Saturday.
Studio Ghibli Film Festival
Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI)
Escape the weather with a showing of classics like My Neighbor Totoro indoors at OMSI.
Lantern Viewing Dragon + Light Show Nights
Lan Su Chinese Garden
The magical closing night light show on Sunday evening is perfect for mesmerizing younger viewers.
· February 28
4FREE : Head downtown for a massive cultural showcase featuring Lion Dances, instrumental music, and martial arts demos. This fair is huge and includes specific children's games, making it a perfect Saturday outing.It’s a major cultural event happening only on Saturday, full of action and demonstrations that captivate kids.
FREE : Celebrate Lunar New Year at the mall with traditional crafts and performances. Make sure to stop by the Wishing Tree to leave your family’s good fortune wishes for the year.Another great free cultural option happening right when the Convention Center fair starts, offering a great choice for families near the western suburbs.
FREE : This free film festival showcases African achievements and culture through the eyes of African filmmakers. Saturday showings begin around noon at various locations across the city.It’s a free way to experience global cinema, and the Saturday noon start makes it manageable for families.
: The Oregon Zoo is running its Winter Discount Days promotion through Saturday. While the $10 play deal is for teens on Sunday, Saturday usually features general winter discounts, making it a budget-friendly day out.It's the final confirmed date for the Zoo's winter promotion, which often means lower admission prices for the whole family.
· March 1
1FREE : This is your absolute last chance to experience the magical zodiac animals light show and Dragon Dance procession, as the celebration ends March 1st.It’s the closing day for this stunning light installation, making Sunday the final opportunity for families to see it.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: Catch a showing of beloved Studio Ghibli films at OMSI’s Empirical Theater. The festival runs through March 2nd, so this weekend is a great time to attend.This is one of the last opportunities to catch this festival before it wraps up on March 2nd.
: Catch the mesmerizing lantern displays and dragon light shows during the evening sessions at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. This specific event listing confirms the 5:30 PM timing for Sunday.If you missed the main LNY event, this evening viewing on Sunday is the final showing for the light installation.
FREE : The PSU Farmers Market runs year-round on Saturdays. It’s a great spot to grab fresh produce, baked goods, and see community members, operating under winter hours this weekend.It’s a consistent Saturday morning staple, and the winter hours (9 AM start) are great for early risers.
: Check the schedule for the Trail Blazers playing at the Moda Center this Saturday. Catching an NBA game is a quintessential Portland family experience.A major sporting event that is often scheduled on Saturday evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Portland this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-Mar 1) features two great free options: the Chinese New Year Cultural Fair on Saturday at the Oregon Convention Center, and the Lunar New Year Celebration at Washington Square Mall, also on Saturday.
Are there any last-chance cultural festivals?
Yes, the Lunar New Year celebration at Lan Su Chinese Garden, featuring glowing lantern sculptures and a Dragon Dance procession, ends on Sunday, March 1st.
What can older kids/teens do on Sunday?
Teens aged 12-17 can take advantage of $10 play deals at Blue Ox Axe Throwing (Hillsboro location at 2 PM). Otherwise, families can enjoy the final night of the Lan Su Chinese Garden light show.
