Liz Picks: Fun Family Events in Portland, February 7 - 17

I haven't usually thought of February has the most eventful month, but then I looked at the calendar. These next two weeks (most concentrated during next weekend) are actually jam-packed with events—the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, the Chinese New Year, even Presidents Day—and Portland has found a way to celebrate every one. So get reading and get planning so your family doesn't miss out on any of the fun!




• Sunday, February 7
Bargain Hunting 101 at the Crystal Ballroom
If you, like me, could care less about who wins on the gridiron tomorrow, perhaps you’d like to compete yourself—to find the best deals at this twice-yearly collective sale. So many vendors are participating this time that they had to move from the Kennedy School to the larger Crystal Ballroom. Don’t miss rock-bottom prices offered by local designers and boutiques like Baby Wit, Haggis McBaggis, Plue, Woolie Originals—and so much more for the stylish mamas at “The Mother of All Clearance Sales.”
DETAILS: 12pm-5pm, free

• Friday & Saturday, February 12-13
Valentine’s Weekend at Me Too Café
It can be hard to find the time for romance when you’re so busy with the kids, but on Valentine’s Day, you want to spread the love all around. Me Too Café is the perfect place to keep both the little love bugs and your sweetheart happy. Both Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant is offering a special Date Night menu (three courses for under $20 each), plus free childcare in their fantastic play area, and on Friday, live music. The kiddos can also make their own sweet treats (brownie truffles) during daytime cooking classes—the perfect way for them to learn the age old truth that the way to a person’s heart is through their belly.
DETAILS: Cooking class 12pm-5pm, $2 materials fee; dinner 5pm-8pm, $19 each

Bonus: There's more hands-on Valentine’s baking on Thursday, February 11, at Grandma Leeth’s. Local photographer Christina Weber will be on hand to capture all the fun—for $28.99 per child, you’ll get three 4x6 prints of your darling during the half-hour Bake ‘n Decorate workshop, plus an hour of supervised play and lunch. (Reserve a spot by Tuesday at 503-234-4682). Grandma Leeth’s is also offering a romantic Valentine’s dinner for the grown-ups on Saturday and Sunday ($18.95 each).

• Saturday, February 13
Mardi Gras on Mississippi Ave.
The debauchery of Mardi Gras in New Orleans isn’t exactly family-friendly, but this new PDX version is full of face-painting and balloon animals instead of flashers and booze. Before the parade at 3pm, there will be mask and bike decorating at the Q Center and a spelling bee at Mississippi Pizza; afterwards, a Mudeye puppet show and live music and dancing along the street. Sounds like kiddie heaven!
DETAILS: 12pm-6pm (maybe later), free

• Sunday, February 14
The Curious Garden at Curious Comedy Theater
It’s imagination come to life every second Sunday at Portland’s premiere comedy theater. Characters like a happy farmer, a grumpy daisy, and a British lawn jockey stoke the kiddos’ curiosity with games and songs before the littlest talents can tell stories, sing songs, and express whatever strikes their fancy during the mini open mic. I can only imagine what they’ll come up with!
DETAILS: 10:30am-11:30am, $3-$5 suggested donation

Bonus: If you can’t make the live show, look for the new Curious Garden television series on Portland Community Media.

• Sunday, February 14
Chinese Cultural Fair at the Convention Center
Celebrate the Chinese New Year—this is the Year of the Tiger—by learning about both traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. There will be music and martial arts demonstrations, a puppet show, and of course, the classic Lion and Dragon Dance. Since I was never actually able to dig a tunnel to China as a kid, I’m excited to get a taste of the country—quite literally, since the food is supposed to be one of the highlights of this popular event!
DETAILS: 10am-6pm, $6 at the door, free for children under 6

• Monday, Feburary 15
President’s Day Tea Party at The Doll House Tea Room
A day off school doesn’t have to be a free-for-all; the lil’ ladies can learn etiquette and table manners instead at this old-fashioned tea. There are fancy dresses, jewelry, accessories, and shoes for playing dress-up, and the staff will even do hair and makeup. It’s what I imagine the First Ladies would be doing at the same time.
DETAILS: 10am-12pm, $23 per child (girls ages 4-12)