Portland Art Museum Hosts Free First Thursday

Event kicks off Cascade Festival of African Films' 36th anniversary celebration.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The Portland Art Museum is inviting the community to its Free First Thursday event, which will feature screenings and programs from the Cascade Festival of African Films. This event marks the start of the festival's month-long celebration across Portland, honoring its 36th anniversary as the longest-running African film festival in the Pacific Northwest.

Why it matters

The Cascade Festival of African Films is a beloved cultural institution in Portland, providing a platform for powerful storytelling, artist voices, and community dialogue around African cinema. The Free First Thursday event at the Portland Art Museum helps kick off this annual celebration and raises awareness of the festival's long-running legacy in the city.

The details

The Free First Thursday event at the Portland Art Museum will include various screenings and programs from the Cascade Festival of African Films. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the festival's diverse lineup of films, engage with artist voices, and participate in community discussions across multiple museum spaces.

  • The Free First Thursday event takes place on February 5, 2026.
  • The Cascade Festival of African Films runs for the entire month of February 2026.

The players

Portland Art Museum

A renowned art museum located in Portland, Oregon that hosts a variety of exhibitions, programs, and community events.

Cascade Festival of African Films

The longest-running African film festival in the Pacific Northwest, celebrating its 36th anniversary in 2026 with a month-long celebration across Portland.

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What’s next

The Cascade Festival of African Films will continue its month-long celebration across various venues in Portland throughout February 2026.

The takeaway

The Free First Thursday event at the Portland Art Museum serves as an exciting kickoff to the Cascade Festival of African Films' annual celebration, providing the community with an opportunity to engage with powerful storytelling, artist voices, and cultural dialogue around African cinema.