Lord of the Rings superfans are giddy little hobbits right now. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd are hosting a hobbit panel at this weekend's Fan Expo Portland. Characters from Star Trek, Ninja Turtles, Better Call Saul, and Stranger Things will also be there at the Expo Center this weekend.
Considered by many the pinnacle of canine excellence, the Rose City Classic Dog Show is a family friendly premier event drawing top dogs from across the US to compete in the heart of Portland, Oregon every January.
Paw Patrol “A Mighty Adventure” is coming to Veterans Memorial Coliseum this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
It's the final weekend of American Land at Portland Art Museum. Landscape painting has always had a unique place in the history of American Art. Earlier settlers and colonists especially celebrated the American landscape – one that has been shaped by the stewardship of Native peoples through the ages.
The Portland Old-Time Music Gathering is tomorrow through Sunday, at multiple venues in Portland. This year’s event features 26 performers, workshops, jams, kids’ activities and square dancing. The grassroots, volunteer-run festival was born from a simple idea: meaningful music happens when people come together for the joy of playing, listening and sharing. See their schedule of times and places at Bubbaville dot org.
McMenamins Wassail Cider Fest…an ages-old English tradition of banishing evil spirits from trees, while sipping on a locally crafted cider. It’s a cider party with live music, folk dancing, a costume contest and a parade to toast the apple trees. The 9th annual Wassail Cider Fest is from 2 to 8 PM at the McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday. Check out 4 ways to connect here in Portland.
LOOKING AHEAD:
This Monday, January 19, celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving back to our community, getting out into nature or connecting with community leaders. The 12th annual Reclaim MLK March starts at 700 North Rosa Parks Way…they’ll gather around noon and the march starts at 1 PM. World Arts Foundation hosts speakers along with a vendor market at Life Change Church from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday. Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership hosts a volunteer planting event to enhance the habitat at East Fork Lewis River in La Center.
The St. Johns Winter Beer Fest is coming up Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24. From classic ales to innovative brews, there’s 20+ local beers, ciders and craft cocktails. Also, there are some nonalcoholic cocktails available. Plus, you can partake in axe throwing and rage room for an additional cost. That’s at StormBreaker Brewing.
Portland Winter Light Festival returns Feb. 6-14. Free, family-friendly light art, performances, and interactive experiences across Portland. This year’s theme, “All the Little Things,” explores how the smallest things can carry the greatest weight.
And while you're planning ahead Valentine's Day is on a Saturday this year. Better get those reservations now. In fact all the big holidays in 2026 take place on a Friday or Saturday. 4th of July and Halloween both on a Saturday. Christmas and New Years Day 2027 both on Fridays. I think we have to keep Thanksgiving on a Thursday though.
STACEY & MIKE WATCHLIST
Stacey: His & Hers on Netflix. John Bernthal from The Bear stars. And one Pablo Schreiber is in it. You know him from The Wire, 13 Hrs, Den of Thieves. Turns out he's Liev's brother! Also, after Mike's recc about The Night Manager S2 we started watching The Night Manager S1. Quite good.
Mike: The Night Manager S2 on Amazon Prime. Love Hugh Laurie since the “House” days and Hiddleston pairs well. Slick and smart.