There are many mysteries in our Northwest forests, but do you know what might be hiding under our Douglas firs? Truffles.

Yes, those alluring, aromatic, most expensive culinary delicacies can be found right here in the Pacific Northwest. Many people may be familiar with the delectable fungi seen being harvested by truffle-hunting dogs or pigs in Italy or France, but few may realize that the Northwest’s native wild white and black truffle varieties are beginning to rival their European counterparts.

To initiate those who aren’t familiar with the region’s hundreds of native truffle species and to delight those who are, the Oregon Truffle Festival is coming to Astoria over Valentine’s Day weekend.

“We wanted to share one more fabulous thing about Oregon,” said Leslie Scott, a co-founder of the nonprofit behind the festival.

Scott, with her husband, mycologist, author and fungi cultivator Charles Lefevre, founded the Oregon Truffle Festival 20 years ago in Eugene. Since then, they’ve been promoting an appreciation of truffles while collaborating with scientists, farmers and chefs.

Lefevre and Scott have supported educational seminars and worked to advance domestic truffle cultivation and production, spreading awareness of the state’s epicurean crop domestically and internationally.

Through their efforts, the state is now recognized as one of the top truffle-producing regions in the world. Last year, Gov. Tina Kotek even designated February as Oregon Truffle Month.

“We’re super excited to come to Astoria,” Scott said. “Most of our events over the years have been concentrated in the Willamette Valley, coordinating with wine growers, chefs and small farmers.”

The three-day truffle showcase is being coordinated with Fort George Brewery’s Festival of Dark Arts, spurring a flurry of truffle-centric events concentrated at the Liberty Theatre. The fun kicks off Feb. 14 with a masquerade noir dance in the upstairs McTavish Room.

“People don’t have to dress up, but we hope they will,” Scott said. “The underlying theme is ‘noir,’ black and white, as a nod to the featured truffles. Put on your dancing shoes and grab your fancy mask.”

Live music by Casanostra will set the evening’s mood. Eight chefs are also set to offer tasty truffle-inspired morsels. Beverage stations — a two-drink voucher is included with each ticket — will be sponsored by Fort George, plus an oyster bar, a chocolate bar and a goody bag are all included.

On Feb. 15, expect to see events in the streets, coordinated with Dark Arts festivities, plus a pair of afternoon movies at the Liberty. Truffle popcorn is on the menu for a double feature: Merlin Sheldrake’s “Fungi: Web of Life,” followed by “The Truffle Hunters.”

An intermission between the two will feature truffle bites, wine, nonalcoholic drinks, books and other truffle-infused items such as oils, cheeses, breads and smoked salmon. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged.

On Feb. 16, back at the Liberty, a fresh truffle showcase will feature cooking demonstrations with Charles Ruff, culinary director of the Oregon Truffle Festival.

Lefevre will also be on hand for truffle and mushroom sensory analysis, lessons on how to handle and store truffles, identification techniques, information about cultivating orchards and an interactive truffle dog demonstration. Fresh truffles from trusted foragers will also be available for purchase.

“We not only want to introduce new consumers to the delicacy but to help teach others how to harvest, cultivate and enjoy Oregon truffles,” Scott said.

Oregon Truffle Festival in Astoria

• “Masquerade Noir” costume ball, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14, Liberty Theatre, 1203 Commercial St., Astoria. Tickets $175, for ages 21 and over.

• “Fungi Film Foray,” movie double-feature, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15, all ages, advance tickets $40, limited tickets at the door.

• “Oregon Fresh Truffle Showcase,” cooking demonstrations, education and visits from truffle dogs, 11 a.m., all ages, tickets $30 in advance or $40 at the door.

Purchase tickets at www.oregontrufflefestival.org.