Symphonies, Lanterns, and Stage Thrills: Your Portland Sunday Guide

A Day of Culture and Final Showings

As the first Sunday of March arrives, Portland’s cultural scene is buzzing with a mix of grand musical performances, the closing nights of beloved winter festivals, and the continuation of vibrant local theater. Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the classics at the concert hall or catch the final glow of the Lunar New Year celebrations, today, Sunday, March 1, 2026, offers a wealth of community events across the city.

Morning Museums and Mineral Wonders

• 75th Annual Agate & Mineral Show at OMSI: Today marks the final day for rockhounds and curious families to explore the Agate and Mineral Show hosted at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Open through the early afternoon, the exhibition features stunning displays of rare gems, fossils, and intricate mineral specimens from across the Pacific Northwest.
• Free First Sundays: For those looking to connect with local history, the Japanese American Museum of Oregon is hosting its "Free First Sunday" today. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, visitors can explore the museum's permanent collections and rotating exhibits at no cost, gaining deeper insight into the heritage and contributions of the Japanese American community in the region.

Afternoon Melodies and Masterpieces

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall takes center stage this afternoon at 2:00 PM as the Oregon Symphony presents a masterful program featuring Mozart and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. This matinee performance is a highlight for music lovers, bringing the timeless beauty of the Baroque and Classical eras to the heart of downtown Portland.

Nearby, the Portland Art Museum continues its exhibition, David Hockney: Works from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer. The museum opens at 10:00 AM, providing an ideal Sunday morning activity to view iconic works by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Evening Magic: Lanterns and Theater

• Lantern Viewing Nights at Lan Su Chinese Garden: It is the final opportunity to experience the magic of the Lunar New Year at Lan Su. The garden will host its closing night of the Lantern Viewing Dragon + Light Show, with sessions starting at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. The event features illuminated sculptures, a zodiac animal light show, and the traditional dragon dance.
• Lizard Boy at Portland Center Stage: For theater enthusiasts, the PNW cult-favorite indie-rock musical "Lizard Boy" continues its run at The Armory with a 7:30 PM performance. This high-energy superhero-inspired tale is a must-see for those seeking contemporary, local theater.
• Studio Ghibli Film Festival at OMSI: The 11th annual festival is nearing its end. Catch a screening of a Ghibli masterpiece at 7:00 PM tonight in the Empirical Theater, providing a cozy way to wrap up your Sunday.