Best Weekend Events in Vancouver & Portland Jan 23-25, 2026
Best Weekend Events in Vancouver and Portland
This weekend brings an exceptional lineup of family-friendly entertainment, culinary experiences, and community gatherings across Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. From K-pop character performances to live band karaoke, world-class seafood festivals to community seed swaps, this weekend celebrates everything that makes the Pacific Northwest special.
Families can enjoy a free Huntrixx character takeover at Vancouver Mall with choreographed performances and meet-and-greets. Music lovers can sing with a live band at Camas's newest karaoke venue. Foodies will be in heaven with two major festivals at the Portland Expo Center—the Portland Seafood and Wine Festival and the Tacos, Tequila and Tamales Festival (my personal favorite—I love tacos!). Green thumbs can swap seeds and share gardening wisdom at Kindred's National Seed Swap Day.
From K-pop dance numbers to fresh oysters and Oregon wines, from live karaoke to community gardening, this weekend offers the perfect blend of entertainment, culinary excellence, and sustainability in the greater Portland-Vancouver area.
Huntrixx Takeover at Vancouver Mall
Demon Hunters fans—don't miss this! The HUNTRIXX characters are taking over Vancouver Mall for a one-day-only fan event featuring a concert-style performance and character meet & greet. This free family-friendly event brings the excitement of K-pop-style entertainment to the heart of Vancouver.
Kick off the afternoon with choreographed dance numbers and sing-along moments to fan-favorite songs including "How it's Done," "Golden," and "What it Sounds Like." After the show, stick around for an exclusive photo meet & greet with the characters—a perfect opportunity for young fans to meet their favorite Huntrixx personalities up close!
What to Expect
- High-energy concert-style performance with choreographed dance numbers
- Sing-along opportunities to "How it's Done," "Golden," and "What it Sounds Like"
- Exclusive character meet & greet and photo opportunities
- Located at Vancouver Mall lower level near center court
- Partnership with Magic In the PNW Character Parties & Events
- Perfect for Demon Hunters fans and K-pop enthusiasts of all ages
💡 Pro Tip from a Local
Registration is REQUIRED for this free event due to limited capacity—spaces fill up fast! Registration opened on January 9 at 12PM PT. Arrive early to get a good spot for the performance and to be first in line for the meet & greet, which is first come, first served. Late arrival may result in delayed or limited entry if capacity is reached. The Vancouver Mall has plenty of parking, but Saturday afternoons can be busy, so plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early. Bring your phone or camera fully charged for photos with the characters. Check the Facebook event page for any last-minute updates or changes to timing!
Live Band Karaoke at Drop The Mic
Karaoke From Hell is coming to Camas for an unforgettable Saturday night at the newest karaoke venue in town! This isn't your typical karaoke—you'll be singing with a LIVE BAND, making you feel like a true rock star. Drop The Mic Karaoke offers a cool space with fantastic equipment and great food, creating the perfect atmosphere for a night of musical fun.
The first two hours (7-9pm) are all ages, making this a great family outing before transitioning to an adult crowd. With a song list of over 800 options and machine karaoke available in the back room, there's something for every musical taste. This is the only weekend show Karaoke From Hell currently has scheduled, so don't miss this special Saturday performance!
What to Expect
- Live band accompaniment—sing like a rock star!
- All ages welcome from 7-9pm, then 21+ after 9pm
- Song list featuring over 800 selections
- Machine karaoke available in back room for additional options
- Great food and drinks available on-site
- Fantastic sound equipment and professional setup
💡 Pro Tip from a Local
If you're bringing the family, arrive during the all-ages window (7-9pm). The venue can fill up quickly on Saturday nights, so arrive early to get your song requests in. Review the 800+ song list ahead of time if possible to plan your performance! If you can't find what you want in the live band repertoire, the machine karaoke in the back room is a great backup option. DTM Karaoke is new to Camas and already gaining a reputation for great sound quality and a fun atmosphere. Parking is available nearby, but carpooling or rideshare is recommended if you plan to enjoy drinks. This is a rare weekend show for Karaoke From Hell, so don't wait for another opportunity!
Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
The Portland Seafood and Wine Festival is a delicious celebration of the region's finest seafood and wines, bringing together top local vendors for a weekend of tasting and culinary exploration. This is the perfect event for foodies and wine lovers to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest's incredible food and beverage scene all under one roof.
Sample fresh Oregon seafood prepared by talented local chefs, discover new favorite wines from over 30 Oregon wineries, and explore craft beers and spirits from regional producers. With live entertainment creating a festive atmosphere and local artisans showcasing their crafts, it's a complete sensory experience celebrating everything that makes Pacific Northwest cuisine special.
What to Expect
- Fresh Oregon seafood prepared by local vendors and chefs
- Wine tastings from over 30 Oregon wineries
- Craft beer and spirits vendors showcasing regional beverages
- Live entertainment throughout the weekend
- Local craftspeople and artists displaying unique creations
- Family-friendly atmosphere perfect for all ages
💡 Pro Tip from a Local
Come hungry and pace yourself—there's so much to taste! Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest, so consider attending Sunday for a more relaxed experience. Bring cash for easier transactions with smaller vendors. The Portland Expo Center has ample parking but it fills up during peak hours, so arrive early or consider carpooling. Purchase your tickets online in advance for the best prices and to skip the line at the door. Don't forget to pick up contact information from your favorite wineries and vendors for future purchases!
Tacos, Tequila and Tamales Festival
Get ready for a flavorful weekend at the 2nd Annual Portland Tacos, Tequila, and Tamales Festival! This celebration brings together the best of Portland's food scene with authentic Latin American cuisine and culture. It's more than just a food festival—it's a complete cultural experience that honors the vibrant traditions and flavors of Latin America.
Enjoy delicious Latin American cuisine from multiple vendors, sip premium tequila and other spirits, shop unique pop-ups from local artists and creators, and experience the excitement of live Lucha Libre wrestling matches. With live music performances throughout the weekend, this festival creates an electric atmosphere that celebrates community, culture, and incredible food.
💭 Personal note: This is one of my favorite food festivals—I absolutely love tacos! There's nothing quite like experiencing authentic Latin American cuisine while watching Lucha Libre and soaking in the vibrant cultural atmosphere. Definitely don't miss this one!
What to Expect
- Authentic Latin American cuisine including tacos, tamales, and more
- Premium tequila tastings and margarita bars
- Dozens of pop-up vendors from local artists and creators
- Live Lucha Libre wrestling matches with colorful masked wrestlers
- Live music performances celebrating Latin culture
- Family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages
💡 Pro Tip from a Local
This festival tends to get lively, especially during the Lucha Libre matches—arrive early to get a good viewing spot! The tequila tastings are popular, so pace yourself and make sure to have plenty of food to balance your drinks. Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be walking and standing quite a bit. The Portland Expo Center can get warm with all the crowds, so dress in layers. Check the schedule online for Lucha Libre match times and plan your visit accordingly if that's something you don't want to miss. There's also great shopping from local artisans, so bring some extra cash or a card for unique finds!
National Seed Swap Day
Celebrate National Seed Swap Day on January 25th at Kindred in downtown Vancouver! This free community event creates a space for neighbors and gardening enthusiasts to come together, swap seeds, and share their passion for plants. Whether you're a seasoned gardener with years of saved seeds or a curious beginner eager to learn, this event welcomes everyone.
Bring collected seeds from your backyard garden, extra seed packets you won't use, or simply bring your enthusiasm and love of plants. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover new plant varieties, learn growing tips from experienced gardeners, and connect with like-minded community members who share your interest in sustainable gardening and local food production.
What to Expect
- Swap seeds for the 2026 growing season with fellow gardeners
- Meet neighbors and the Kindred community in a welcoming space
- Share and receive growing tips and gardening wisdom
- Discover new and heirloom plant varieties
- No seeds required—everyone is welcome to participate
- Free event celebrating abundance and community connection
💡 Pro Tip from a Local
If you're bringing seeds to swap, label them clearly with the plant name, variety, and year collected. Include any special growing notes if you have them! Arrive earlier in the morning for the best selection of seeds, but don't worry—great seeds are available throughout the event. Bring a small notebook to jot down planting advice and recommendations from experienced gardeners. Even if you don't have seeds to trade, you're absolutely welcome to attend and learn. Kindred is located at 2213 Main St in downtown Vancouver with street parking nearby. This is a fantastic opportunity to build community connections and start planning your spring garden!
Discover More Local Events & Community Happenings
Sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive expert advice, important local updates, and insider knowledge on the best ways to thrive in this unique region. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply curious about life in the Pacific Northwest, I've got you covered.
Join My Newsletter Contact CassandraCategories
Recent Posts










GET MORE INFORMATION

Cassandra Marks
Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA | License ID: 201225764
Realtor, Licensed in OR & WA License ID: 201225764
