CHINESE NEW YEAR. The Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland hosts what many consider the biggest Lunar New Year celebration in the Pacific Northwest. The highlights of this joyous festival are eight evenings of traditional lantern viewings, both hanging red lanterns and illuminated lantern sculptures in Lake Zither. Guests will also be treated to the return of an illuminated dragon procession that is rarely seen by the public featuring ten experienced dancers who manipulate a 50-foot long “dancing dragon” to the exhilarating sounds of drums, gongs and cymbals. Hours 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. February 3-6 and 10-13. Tickets $35/members; $45/non-members. Children 3-10 $15. 239 NW Everett Street.

PDX WINTER LIGHTS FESTIVAL. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival in Minneapolis is the oldest winter carnival in the United States. It began when business owners decided to make the area’s cold winters something to celebrate. Well, here in the Pacific Northwest, we can see a lot of darkness in the winter, so the Willamette Light Brigade decided to shed some light on our season and give us all a reason to get outside and celebrate too. This free festival returns every winter with imaginative works that combine light and technology to create interactive experiences. Displays are located throughout the city with pop-up art in windows, businesses and unusual spaces along with larger, dynamic anchor art installations. Last year’s event saw 100 illuminated art installations and more than 70 vibrant performances and live events. February 4-12.

BATTLE OF THE LAKE. The Lake Oswego/Lakeridge rivalry is one of the most celebrated in our state, whether it’s played on the football, soccer or lacrosse fields, wrestling mat, the swimming pool, the track and field, tennis or basketball courts. The Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball teams face off on Tuesday, February 8 in the Lakeridge High School gymnasium with the girls going at it at 5:30 p.m. followed by the boys at 7:30. It’s a great opportunity to go back in time, cheer on your colors, and just smell the inside of a high school gymnasium once again—guaranteed to make you feel young again! 1235 Overlook Drive.

LOST TREASURES. These popular performances are presented in concert/cabaret fashion on the Side Door stage at the Lakewood Center for the Arts. A Connecticut Yankee is February’s offering with music by Richard Rodgers adapted from the novel by Mark Twain.  February 18 and 19. 368 S. State Street.

FLORAL DESIGN AND WINE. Zupan’s is offering another one of its popular virtual workshops on February 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a pink-themed arrangement. Participants will need to pick up floral materials, cheese & charcuterie plate and wine on Sunday, February 20 prior to class. Tickets $125 available online.

PORTLAND SPRING HOME AND GARDEN SHOW.  If you’re itching to get back out in the garden despite the weather, then give yourself a little inspiration by attending the Portland Spring Home and Garden Show. Vendors offer all kinds of ideas from patio pavers to plants to water features and garden art. February 24 through February 27 . Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets $10/General Admission; Parking $12.  The Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive, Portland.

LAKE OSWEGO READS KICKOFF. This year’s Lake Oswego Reads selection is How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang and the library will be handing out 800 free copies via a drive-through on Saturday, February 28 beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the library parking lot, 706 Fourth Street. While traditionally held in February, this year’s Lake Oswego Reads events are transitioning to April so stay tuned.

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One of the things we always love about Lake Oswego is the lake and the lake life it provides. If you’re in the same boat, be sure to check out the lake prints on my wife and daughter’s Etsy shop, heartspun printables.