WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31
Five-Course Fundraiser for Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary
Enjoy a delicious five-course vegan meal prepared by the fine folks at Aviv—an Israeli-inspired eatery—while giving back to the animals. This benefit dinner will raise money for Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary, which has provided refuge to farm animals since 2002. The menu includes chimichurri kabobs, cashew brie, and more. Aviv, 1125 SE Division, 6-8 pm & 8-10 pm, $40
We Are All America Forum
While the Muslim and refugee bans may enrage you, we don’t hear nearly enough from the people and families directly impacted. Join Unite Oregon for a public discussion on the bans, how they’re affecting our communities, and what Oregonians can do to fight back. Unite Oregon, 700 N Killingsworth, 6-8:30 pm, FREE
Ink & Drink for EASA
Every month, local artists come together to create art for a good cause with Ink & Drink. Observe live art-making and walk away with the perfect piece to finally tie your living room together. Half of all proceeds benefit a rotating organization, with EASA as this month’s recipient. Dig a Pony, 736 SE Grand, 7-10 pm, FREE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Elements of Reclamation: Ori Gallery Opening Reception
Celebrate the opening of Ori Gallery, a new space focusing on trans and queer artists of color, and take in the works of five celebrated local Black artists in the space’s debut exhibit, Elements of Reclamation. The show runs through March 22 and features art by Lisa Jarrett, Sidony O’Neal, Intisar Abioto, Melanie Stevens, and Maya Vivas. Ori Gallery, 4038 N Mississippi, 6-10 pm, FREE
A Benefit for VGMF: Fernando, Trujillo, and Edna Vazquez
In 1975 a six-year-old girl named Virginia Garcia died after receiving a small cut on her foot that became infected. In honor of her legacy, the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center was started as means to provide migrant and seasonal farm workers with access to health care and prevent similar deaths. Each artist performing at this concert has generously offered their talents for free to raise awareness and funds. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi, 8 pm-1 am, $15-20
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Volunteer at Paying It Forward Store
The Paying It Forward Store is an entirely volunteer-run community effort that seeks to destigmatize free resources by offering a popup store open to all—no questions asked. Volunteer to play shopkeeper and help keep this vital resource running! Shifts are flexible in length and start time. Sign up in advance online. Paying It Forward Store, 3130 SE 148th, 12:30 pm-3 pm, FREE
Hidden History of Albina Walking Tour
Whether you like it or not, children are the future. Know Your City provides various youth mentorship opportunities, and one way they connect generations is by offering a walking tour history series. Llondyn Elliot, a Portland-born youth activist, will share knowledge of Portland’s Black history and guide visitors on a tour around the neighborhood where he grew up. Little Big Burger, 3747 N Mississippi, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, $10-25
Puplandia Valentine’s Shopping Extravaganza
Support Puplandia, a Beaverton-based dog rescue founded in 2016, by shopping for dog treats, stocking up on artisan soaps, or getting your cheek slurped at the puppy kissing booth. This community bazaar boasts more than 50 different vendors and a raffle! Oaks Park Dance Pavilion, 7805 SE Oaks Park, 11 am-3 pm, FREE
Resistance Ball
Celebrate a year of protests and activism propelled by the efforts of Portland’s Resistance by partying at p:ear. Highlights include a wonderful musical lineup, an activist awards ceremony, and an all-inclusive dress code. Get in for $5 when you bring winter clothing donations for houseless folks. P:ear, 338 NW 6th, 8 pm- 1 am, $10-15 sliding scale or $5 with donation
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Gresham Housing for the People / Vivienda Justa Para el Pueblo
As Portland grows, so do the rents inside and outside of city limits. The Community Alliance of Tenants and Pueblo Unido PDX are pairing up to make sure our Gresham community members stay protected and housed. Learn more about how you can help by attending this forum. Gresham Station Apartments, 1003 NW Shattuck, Gresham, 6-7:30 pm, FREE
What the Shell Happened to the Oysters?
What’s the current state of everybody’s favorite bougie aphrodisiac? Not good. Shuck Portland will host an evening filled with cocktails, informative panels, and oyster tastings while exploring solutions for supporting wild oyster restoration on the Oregon Coast. Ecotrust, 721 NW 9th, Suite 200, 6-9 pm, $25
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Operation Nightwatch
Houselessness can be extremely isolating. Beyond not knowing where you can safely sleep and find shelter, opportunities for socialization are few and far between. In response, Operation Nightwatch was launched to offer space for people to share stories and play games over coffee and sandwiches. They now run three hospitality centers in the tri-county area.
Opportunities and commitment: Can you pour a cup of joe, play a mean hand of rummy, or make a sandwich? If so, you’re qualified to help out in Operation Nightwatch’s hospitality centers, or “neighborhood living rooms.” Commitments are flexible and are restricted to evenings (dependent on each site’s own hours). Take the orientation and sign up at operationnightwatch.org.