Portland

Celebrate Samhain and the Day of the Dead with a transformative, grounding evening hosted by Celine Redfield of Two Wings Balanced Healing. Aligned with the deeply intuitive water energy of Scorpio season, this sacred gathering combines community connection with deep personal restoration.

• The Experience: The evening begins with an ancestral invocation and a warm botanical tea ceremony—guests are welcome to bring a memento, photo, or candle to place on a collective altar. You will then ease into a guided hypnotic meditation before relaxing into a restorative, one-hour water-element sound bath.
• The Instruments: Healing frequencies are created using a carefully curated selection of "watery" and crystalline instruments. You will experience crystal singing bowls for all seven chakras, a cosmic light chalice, ocean drums, rain sticks, aqua Koshi chimes, crystal pyramids, tongue drums, and pangi seed shakers.
• Who It’s For: This event is for anyone looking to honor their ancestors, connect deeply with their intuition, or find a peaceful space for internal reflection and fresh personal transformation.
• The Benefits: Attendees will experience deep, receptive relaxation, reduced stress, emotional release, and a renewed sense of internal safety and security.

Portland Japanese Garden’s Tea Ceremony Workshop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional practice of Chanoyu, or the Way of Tea. Experience the art of tranquility, mindfulness, and omotenashi, whole-hearted hospitality.

It is not an exaggeration to say that through tea, one can understand much of Japanese culture. Tea’s influence can be found in many of the nation’s most beloved artforms, including arranging flowers, calligraphy, incense, ceramics and lacquerware. Japanese gardens are also deeply intertwined with tea ceremony. The four principles of tea, wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility), are explored by the gardeners of Portland Japanese Garden in their work every day.

Guided by skilled instructor Jan Waldmann, Sosui, the focus of this workshop is to learn to be a guest in the tea ceremony, an important aspect to this historic tradition. Participants will learn the proper etiquette for attending a tea ceremony, including how to receive and consume sweets and matcha, and most importantly, the reasons behind each of the steps. Additionally, you will gain insight into what it entails to be a host— understanding the occasion and seasonality, attention to aesthetics, careful preparation, and the thoughtful gestures made toward the guests.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Classroom.

Participants will first attend a presentation of tea ceremony in our Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner alongside visitors to the Garden (2:00-2:30pm) before they are taken into their exclusive workshop in the Yanai Family Classroom (2:45-4:15pm).

No previous experience is needed. Students will sit in a chair at a table, not kneeling on a tatami mat.

Urasenke Konnichian of Kyoto is one of the major establishments within Japan that has preserved the tradition of Chado or the Way of Tea.  From the first Urasenke generation, Sen no Rikyu (1522-91) to the current headmaster Zabosai Genmoku Soshitsu XVI (b.1956 -), the Sen family lineage has devoted great effort to fostering the philosophy of Tea through the simple words of Wa – Harmony, Kei -Repect, Sei – Purity & Jaku – Tranquility. Over the years Urasenke has established connections in over 21 cities worldwide.

2026 Cinnamon Bear Cruise Dates:
Saturday, 11/28
Sunday, 11/29
Saturday, 12/5
Sunday, 12/6
Saturday, 12/12
Sunday, 12/13
Saturday, 12/19
Sunday, 12/20
Monday, 12/21
Tuesday, 12/22
Wednesday, 12/23
Thursday, 12/24
Saturday, 12/26
Sunday, 12/27

Boarding: 9:00 am
Cruising: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

• 2-hour cruise on the Willamette River
• Plated hot breakfast (eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit and pastries) for adults & youth, excludes infants
• Hot cocoa, orange juice, coffee and hot tea
• Souvenir photo with Cinnamon Bear for every child 12 and younger
• Signature Cinnamon Bear treat for youth
• Character storytelling, autograph sessions and magic show
• Reserved table
• Service gratuity

Boarding Location:
Salmon Springs Dock
1010 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Return Details: Returns to original departure point.

Tickets start at $72 for adults or $52 for children 12 and younger. Cinnamon Bear has been a holiday tradition for generations and you’re invited to make this season one your child will remember forever.

Reservations available at portlandspirit.com/cinnamonbear or by calling 503-224-3900.

Participants will begin with self-reflective prompts before embarking on a slow, guided walk, where they will be invited to observe and capture with a camera (or cell phone) how the late autumn garden mirrors the landscapes of transformation, grief and transition.

The seasonal landscape itself becomes a teacher: the architectural presence of conifers standing among bare deciduous trees, the rich layers of fallen leaves returning to the soil, beavers preparing for winter, eagles tending their nests, seed pods, mosses, textures, changing light, and the quiet beauty that emerges when life appears stripped down to its essence.

Through mindful photographs, participants will gather visual "fragments" before coming together in a circle for creative reflection, gentle conversation, and complementary herbal teas. The intention is to cultivate presence, symbolism, and a compassionate way of witnessing both nature and ourselves.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, drinking water, optional snack, camera or cell phone. If using a cell phone camera, be sure that the sound is off.

About the Guest Facilitator

Clara-Julia Peru is an artist, poet and nature advocate. She is a grief informed art and nature guide with an abundance of specialized training in grief support and expression. Learn more about Clara-Julia’s work here.

Sliding Scale Equity Pricing

In an effort to create an inviting and inclusive community for all we have sliding scale equity pricing based on personal financial experience and financial privilege.

Lidong marks the beginning of winter on the traditional Chinese solar calendar. Before the cold settles in, give yourself one slow morning: warming teas brewed gongfu style, the garden turning gold outside the window, and 80 minutes that belong entirely to you.

Hosted in a private, hand-built teahouse in SE Portland, this small-group gathering (16 guests maximum) is led by Fengxia, a landscape architect who designed and built the teahouse and its Japanese-style garden herself. You will taste several seasonal teas, learn the basics of gongfu brewing, and leave with a quieter mind.

Advance booking required.

Looking for the best brunch in Portland? Treat yourself and your loved ones to a 2-hour Willamette River cruise featuring a delicious buffet of breakfast and lunch favorites. Sip on mimosas (included) while enjoying live piano music and stunning river views.

• 2-hour cruise on the Willamette River
• Views of the Historic Milwaukie Waterfront and downtown Portland
• Freshly prepared Northwest brunch buffet
• Mimosas, house sparkling wine & sparkling cider
• Coffee and tea
• Assorted miniature desserts
• Reserved table
• Live piano player
• Historical narration available on outer decks or bring headphones for your cell phone to listen via an app (instructions provided; not available on Willamette Star or Crystal Dolphin cruises)

The perfect setting for a wonderful Thanksgiving with the whole family. Let us do the cooking this holiday! Sit back and relax as you cruise down the river taking in the views of the city of Portland and the historic Milwaukie waterfront. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal with holiday classics and tempting desserts.

We offer two cruises on Thursday, November 26th:

Afternoon
• Boarding: 11:30 am
• Cruising: 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Evening
• Boarding: 4:00 pm
• Cruising: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

• Duration: 2 hours
• Thanksgiving holiday buffet: View sample menu
• Vegan & GF by request
• Suggested dress: Dressy to upscale casual
• Wheelchair accessible: See details
• Non-smoking vessel

• 2-hour cruise on the Willamette River with views of the Historic Milwaukie Waterfront and downtown Portland
• Freshly prepared holiday buffet, including turkey and NY striploin carving station
• Seasonal desserts
• Coffee and tea
• Reserved table
• Live piano music
• Service charge (gratuity)
• Free street parking downtown all day on the holiday

• Bar beverages (a full bar is available for purchases)
• Souvenir photo

Boarding Location:
Salmon Springs Dock
1010 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Return Details: Returns to original departure point.

Celebrate the season with a little holiday magic at Portland Japanese Garden. For three special weekends, experience the Garden’s traditional winter decorations, shop for thoughtful Japanese and Japanese-inspired gifts, and have your purchases beautifully wrapped in cloth using the Japanese custom of furoshiki. Along the way, warm up with seasonal teas and treats from the Umami Café and make an origami ornament to take home. These Holiday Weekends are a festive way to slow down, enjoy the season, and find something meaningful for everyone on your list.

Did you know? Furoshiki refers to traditional Japanese cloths that are used to wrap and carry items, including gifts. Traditionally, when presenting a gift wrapped in furoshiki, givers would take the cloth back home with them. Today, furoshiki may also be given as part of the gift itself, valued both for their beauty and as environmentally friendly, reusable alternatives to disposable paper wrap. Recipients can then reuse the cloth for wrapping and carrying items or presenting a future gift.

Consciously compost the old and claim your next energetic upgrade at a transformative evening hosted by Celine Redfield of Two Wings Balanced Healing. Anchored by a rare, generational Uranus-Pluto planetary alignment, this sacred sanctuary is designed for intentional release, deep nervous-system recalibration, and profound cellular renewal.

• The Experience: The 4-phase journey begins with a grounding botanical tea ritual and intention setting. Next, you'll awaken the throat chakra with unified group vocal toning using simple, non-intimidating vowel sounds. Then you'll lie down and surrender to a cosmic sound bath featuring crystal singing bowls, therapeutic cosmic gongs, and airy overtone instruments, ending with a sweet community grounding practice.
• Who It’s For: This event is open to absolutely everyone—no prior experience is required. It is perfect for anyone feeling burnt out from the holiday weekend, navigating a season of personal transition, or looking to quiet a crowded mind.
• The Benefits: Attendees will experience a deep nervous system reset to lower stress hormones, release heavy emotional density, boost mental clarity, and feel a heart-centered sense of community connection.

Give the gift of a healing balm and a soothing tea this holiday season with Saundra Kamman of Bloom and Grow Nutrition! Discuss herbs and their traditional uses and make a balm to heal and soften dry skin. Create a delicious tea to calm frazzled holiday nerves, too! Everyone will go home with gifts and recipes to make more.

Join Kate for a grounding Breathwork and Tea Ritual designed to help you slow down, reconnect with your inner rhythm, and find stillness.

Join a day of sipping and celebrating with tea friends. Special guests from Enthea, Teazen, Ocha, and Aishang will be stopping by throughout the day. Enjoy delicious pastries from Miss Orange and friends, along with crafts, giveaways, and plenty of surprises.

Enjoy a Little Magic with Sarah Blue Cloud tarot and palm readings. Guest Tea Spotlights with Via Tempo, Tea J Tea and Brew and Blossom. End the evening with Charlie Sebastian Short for a Sound Bath Meditation, a peaceful way to close out a day of tea, friendship, and celebration. Space is limited for the Sound Bath.

No admission fee, just an open invitation to spend the day enjoying tea.

Free All-Day Tea Party.

Portland Japanese Garden will offer free public demonstrations of Chadō, the Way of Tea, at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center.

The Way of Tea is intrinsically linked to Japanese gardens and understanding the kokoro (heart) of Japanese gardening.

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a manner of preparing and drinking a bowl of tea. More than just making tea, it reflects the Japanese sense of omotenashi, or wholehearted hospitality. It involves choreographed movements where both the host and guest escape the fast pace of life and experience calm.

Enjoy an intimate, small-group exploration of traditional Chinese and Taiwanese teas in one of Lan Su’s garden pavilions. Led by the Tea Masters of Yun Shui Teahouse, each tasting features a seasonal selection of three teas and introduces their origins, processing, brewing methods, and cultural significance. The experience offers a relaxing way for tea enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike to explore a beloved cultural tradition amid the beauty of Lan Su.

A kissa-style (Japanese coffeeshop) pop-up at Fumi featuring slow bar pour over coffee, usucha matcha, and white tea from Spirit Tea served by coffee_ma_pdx, plus intentionally paired seasonal snacks by Boulet (boulet.pdx).

Chef Alexa's non-colonial Thanksgiving dinner honoring Indigenous ancestors, featuring indigenous tea pairings, a fully dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and white cane sugar-free menu. Take-home meals also available the day before for $50 per person while supplies last.

Join the 20th year anniversary for a beloved holiday event for kids and grandparents alike. The whole family will enjoy reserved seating and a plated breakfast while whimsical characters entertain the kids with storytelling, music and magic. Cinnamon Bear has been a cherished holiday tradition for generations.

Enjoy reserved seating and a plated breakfast while a cast of fanciful characters entertains the kids with storytelling, music and magic.

Tickets include:

• 2-hour cruise on the Willamette River
• Plated hot breakfast (eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit and pastries) for adults and youth, excludes infants
• Hot cocoa, orange juice, coffee and hot tea
• Souvenir photo with Cinnamon Bear for every child 12 and younger
• Signature cinnamon cookie for youth
• Character storytelling, autograph sessions and a magic show
• Reserved table
• Service gratuity

🌍 Sip, chat, and connect! Stop by the Cultural Beverage Table for a FREE international drink and meet students from the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP). Discover new flavors, ask questions, and learn about their cultures! ☕

Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is slow down. 🌿 This Friday March 20th at 6:30PM we’re gathering at The @qcenter for an evening of sound healing and guided tea meditation!

fully Queer & BIPOC led by, ✨

@charliesoundpractice

@waterfairytea

A restorative space where tea grounds you, sound moves through you, and the nervous system finally gets to exhale. 🫖🎶

Link in bio to reserve your spot. 🙏🏽

Join the shop for a Tea Salon. Choose from a variety of delicious teas to sip on while practicing tasseomancy (tea leaf reading) with longtime tea leaf reader and herbalist Ciaran Keast. In this hour-long gathering, dive into the realm of magic, tea leaf reading and self-care with like-minded babes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Get to know other witchy babes and learn the basics of tea leaf reading. There will be time to practice your reading skills with your own and other people's cups.

Light guidance and tea divination readings from Ciaran will also happen throughout the session.

Make sure to bring:

• Pen and paper or a journal
• Your intuition
• Please bring a mask with you. You will be asked to wear your mask throughout class. If you're experiencing any COVID symptoms prior to the gathering, please do not attend.

Why Attend?

• Learn the basics of tea leaf reading and how it can be a great addition to your magical practice.
• Connect with fellow witchy babes and make new friends
• Gain different insights and recommendations for witch tools and practices from the Seagrape Witches.
• Nurture your spiritual journey and self-care practices in a supportive environment.

Water Fairy Tea

D'Guar (They/Them) hosts gentle tea gatherings focused on mindfulness, presence, and community. Through shared tea and simple tea meditation, participants are invited to slow down, connect, and rest in a welcoming LGBTQIA2S+ space.