Although technically the first month of spring, March can feel a bit more like an extended winter doldrums at times, especially here in rainy Portland. But, during the month of March, the cherry blossoms at Waterfront Park herald spring in Portland.

Rain or shine, Oregonians welcome spring with festivals, Mardi Gras celebrations, annual races and bike rides.

Portland Mardi Gras Parade

March 1, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Mississippi Avenue, free

March 1 marks Shrove Tuesday and kicks off the 2022 season Portland Mardi Gras Parade. the “the most authentic Louisiana Mardi Gras experience in the PNW” will walk down Mississippi Ave, led by a jazz musician Mel BrownThis year Grand Marshal. Brown, the Mysti Krewe by Nimbus, and all the other spectators of the parade in Portland. The celebration starts at the corner of Humboldt and Albina and runs down to Cook St, before letting the post-parade festivities rip – pizza and beer at the Mississippi PizzeriaCajun band music Swamp Thang and Pete Krebs the Catnip Brothers, and more. And if you don’t have time after work to deck yourself out in purple, green and gold, the Mysti Krewe has you covered with plenty of pearls and mini umbrellas.

SheBrew PDX

March 6, 12 p.m.-7 p.m., Castaway Portland, $30-50

The SheBrew PDX Beer Festival focuses on women in the world of craft beer, cider and mead. The Sunday Festival, SheBrew’s seventh consecutive year will highlight the work of more than 30 female brewers, including liquor from local favorites including Portland Cider Company and Leikam Brewing. The $30 general admission fee includes a tasting card for all house beers, 10 tasting tickets for professional beers, and your price of admission is donated entirely to the Human Rights Campaign. And if you’re the DD or babysitter for the day, the family festival will also feature entertainment, games, and last but not least, tater tots.

Brick Cascade Public Exhibition

March 12-13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Oregon Convention Center Halls A & A1, $11-20

Whether it’s your 6-year-old or your 23-year-old partner, everyone seems to know someone who very in LEGOs. Surprise your kids (or your sweetheart) with two days filled with ridiculously awesome LEGO creations. Admire hundreds of bespoke models on display, browse vendors selling new and vintage LEGO sets, and or simply visit designated areas for LEGO enthusiasts to build to their heart’s content for free.

Oregon Chocolate Festival

March 4-6, various times, Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites, $20 per day (some events require additional cost)

Friday marks the start of the 18and Oregon Chocolate Festival—think chocolate creations from all over the West Coast, and don’t miss chocolate-themed events. There are chocolate spa treatments (chocolate infused massage oil, anyone?) and cocktail demonstrations, educational workshops (did you know cocoa can be used as medicine?) to science experiments where kids can create their own hydrophobic hot chocolate. The festival also features live music, food trucks, photo booths, face painting, and a pop-up market selling local produce.

Shamrock Run Portland

March 13, multiple times, $25-99

Start stretching. Now in his 44’sand year, the annual Shamrock Run in Portland continues with distances ranging from a one-mile Leprechaun race for kids to a half-marathon. Races begin and end at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Don’t forget the after-race party, with a beer garden, kids’ zone and live music. (For participating runners, be sure to pick up your t-shirt and bib at the two-day fitness show, March 11-12, at the Oregon Convention Center.)

The worst day of the year

March 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $49 to $65

Come rain, rain or snow, the worst day of the year always rolls out (except for the year they were canceled due to ice, but we digress.) This year , Portland’s annual costume ride takes place on Saturday, March 20. Runners can sign up for three routes of varying distances. The price of admission gets you a hearty breakfast, a half-time party at Breakside Brewing, a costume contest, and more. Ride in your best costume, organized by category: weather-themed, elaborate, group costume and the coolest. Stay for an after-party lunch at Lucky Labrador.

Cherry blossoms in the waterfront park

March–April, free

Although there is no official event commemorating the arrival of the Cherry Blossom Exhibit at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, take time this spring to stroll the alley of pretty pink trees near the waterfront. of the southern sea. The show only happens for a few weeks once a year (and peak bloom varies depending on the weather), and it’s not to be missed. Expect tons of pedestrians and lots of families and newlyweds posing for photos.