Now that the holidays are over and the new year has begun, there’s not much to look forward to other than a few months of cold, gray, wet days. Luckily, Portlanders have developed a few events to help ease us through the post-holiday winter months. Here are the can’t-miss food and drink celebrations of January and February. Let us know which ones you’ll be attending on our Facebook or Twitter.

Bourbon and Bacon Fest
January 14
Two weeks into the new year is long enough to hold on to any health based resolutions you may have made. On January 14th, put all of those away (at least for an evening) and head down to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry for the Bourbon and Bacon Fest. It’s just what it sounds like: try a variety of bourbons from local distilleries and sample from a plethora of bacon dishes cooked up by Portland chefs. While you’re doing that, you can play at all the edifying exhibits that OMSI after dark has to offer. (Tickets: $35 - $60, or $15 for non-drinking guests. 6 PM - 10 PM, 1945 SE Water Ave.)

The Oregon Truffle Fest
January 20, 21, & 22
For a truly indulgent weekend (with a matching price tag), there’s nothing quite like the Oregon Truffle Fest. Dinners, classes, and tours are available separately or as packages, and include truffle focused dishes prepared by award winning Portland chefs. The bounty of Oregon is not limited to its truffle though, as some of the best wineries will also be there, pouring their products to enhance the truffle experience. Tickets are expensive, but will quickly sell out. (Tickets range in price. Events are weekend long, and throughout Yamhill Valley)

Chocolate Fest
January 20, 21, & 22
For those with more of a sweet tooth, Chocolate Fest is the perfect way to sample delicious treats from over thirty different chocolatiers. Truffles, baked goods, ice creams, bars, and more will all be available, as will a selection of wines and beers. A number of the exhibitors listed here have even included golden tickets in their products, for a total of 150 possible winners. Best off, 100% of the proceeds from the event go to The World Forestry Center, a local non-profit that educates on the subject of forests, trees, and sustainability. (Tickets: $10 - $30; Friday January 20, 4 PM - 9 PM (21+); Saturday, January 21, 11 AM - 6 PM; Sunday, January 22, 11 PM - 5 PM; Oregon Convention Center 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.)

The Original Artisan Spirits Tasting
February 18
TOAST is moving back to its Leftbank Annex location in 2017, which means the best spirits event in town will be less cramped and loud than it was in 2016, when it was hosted at Really Big Video. Sample whiskey, vermouth, rum, gin, vodka, bitters, and more from distilleries and wineries in Portland and across Oregon, as well as the cocktails made with them. Food will also be provided, from five different local chefs. At the time of publication, only BJ Smith of Smokehouse Tavern has been announced. TOAST is a great try out the amazing distillery scene that Portland and the greater Oregon area have. (Tickets: $45 - $65, $14 for Designated Drivers; February 18, 4 PM - 10 PM (11 PM for VIPs); Leftbank Annex 101 N Weidler St.; 503-928-6437)

Portland Mardi Gras Ball
February 18
Sure, it’s a New Orleans tradition far more than it is a Portland one, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get into the spirit! While the Mardi Gras parade will still be on Fat Tuesday, February 28th, the party is going down on the 18th, at the Tiffany Center Ballroom. Grab your best green, gold, and purple outfit and join fellow revelers in drinks, food, and dancing to live music. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Tickets: $30; February 18, 7 PM; Tiffany Center 1410 SW Morrison St.)

Photo via Oregon Distillery Trail on Facebook