Portland and Area Activities Planner - January 3, 2025

BUILD, REMODEL AND LANDSCAPE EXPO
Jan. 10–12
This comprehensive home show brings together homeowners and the area's top remodeling and building experts. Every aspect of the home can be explored, from the smallest design detail to the largest house addition. Professionals will be on hand, sharing their valuable knowledge to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones.

AN EVENING WITH TIM MATHESON`
Jan. 8
Have you ever kissed Steven Spielberg’s wife? Has Rob Lowe ever stolen your nanny? Have you ever been asked for an autograph while scattering your father’s ashes?
 
Tim Matheson takes to the stage to share his stories and experiences from his extraordinary life—both in front of and behind the camera. Stamping popular culture since high school as the voice of Jonny Quest, into adulthood as Animal House’s iconic “Otter,” to the vilified Vice President Hoynes in The West Wing—Tim has been a part of dozens of projects that have shaped our collective consciousness. 

PENDLETON WHISKEY VELOCITY TOUR
Jan. 3–4
Headquartered in Pueblo, Colo., PBR was founded in 1992 by a group of 20 visionary bull riders who broke away from the traditional rodeo scene, seeking mainstream attention, new riches and a livelihood for future generations of cowboys for the most popular discipline in rodeo, bull riding. The combination of incredible athleticism, raw sport, and quality entertainment for the whole family has propelled live attendance growth. 

1ST FRIDAY CEILI, IRISH DANCE AND MUSIC
Oct. 4, 2024–May 2
This region is rich in Irish music and dance. Dancers have enjoyed Irish social dancing and listening to great live music and callers. What the region hasn't had was a dedicated céilí band — musicians organized to provide music for social dancing. In Ireland and worldwide, céilí bands represent their locality.

Live Irish music on the first Fridays of the month, October through May. All dances are taught and called as you enjoy the tunes of Ireland.

The purpose is to provide the best music through concerts, workshops, and sessions and dance through classes and ceilis and keep Irish Trad alive and well. "A workout for the body, mind, and smile."

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2 IN CONCERT
Jan. 3–5
In the epic finale of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert brings the final chapter to the big screen as the Oregon Symphony performs every note of the magical score. The stakes have never been higher.

WINTER VILLAGE AT ORENCO STATION
Nov. 30, 2024 - Jan. 12, 2025
Find holiday cheer at this outdoor ice-skating rink. Winter Village is a beloved Hillsboro holiday event that is back for the first time since the pandemic. Bring your friends and family to a skate session or rent the rink for your private event. Check out special theme Fridays. 

Open Wednesday – Sunday

SNOWMAN SCAVENGER HUNT
Jan. 1, 2025 - Jan. 31
Get ready for a winter adventure. Families are invited to bundle up and join in Bridgeport Village’s Snowman Scavenger Hunt.

Pick up a Scavenger Hunt checklist at the Security Office and set off on a frosty journey to find 15 hidden snowmen in the windows of stores and restaurants around the center. After finding them all, head back to the Security Office to claim a small prize as a reward.

This exciting scavenger hunt is sure to bring smiles to little ones and is a great way for families to explore all that Bridgeport Village has to offer.

JAMES ADOMIAN
Jan. 8–9
James Adomian is a comedian and actor who is well-known for his characters and impressions. He can currently be seen regularly performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live and was also seen recently playing Richard Nixon on the Hulu series History of the World: Part II, the follow-up to the seminal Mel Brooks film. He’s also known for playing Bernie Sanders in the hit project Trump vs. Bernie, which resulted in a sold-out international tour, a #1 comedy album (Trump vs. Bernie: Live In Brooklyn), and two-hour-long comedy specials on Fusion.

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
Oct. 4, 2024–Mar. 21
Come cheer on the Winterhawks, Portland's junior ice hockey team and three-time WHL champs. Winterhawks games are a great night out for fans of all ages, whether you want to sit right by the glass or a little higher up for a full-ice view.

A PITTOCK MANSION CHRISTMAS
Nov. 18, 2024–Jan. 9
There’s no place like Pittock Mansion when it comes to experiencing Portland’s holiday tradition. Enjoy the combined splendor and warmth of the mansion and the charming Gate Lodge decorated with this year’s theme, Holiday Classics. Your admission includes access to the mansion, the Gate Lodge and the Georgiana Pittock and the City of Roses exhibit.

BENSON HOTEL ANNUAL GINGERBREAD DISPLAY
Dec. 3, 2024–Jan. 5
The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton invites the public back once again for a live unveiling of the 2024 Gingerbread Masterpiece, a 53-year beloved holiday tradition. This event promises an evening of joy, music, and festive surprises for all ages and takes place Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 6 PM in The Benson’s grand lobby..

This year, chef David Diffendorfer has outdone himself, utilizing over 150 pounds of house-made gingerbread, 50 pounds of marzipan, 20 pounds of chocolate, 10 pounds of Rice Krispies treats, and buckets of royal icing to craft a breathtaking gingerbread creation. While the details of this year’s masterpiece will remain a secret until the unveiling, it is inspired by the rich and fascinating history of a whimsical structure that has captivated tourists with its fairy-tale appearances for centuries.

HOLIDAY EXPRESS
Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 4
Santa is putting away the sleigh and going by rail. The most highly anticipated event of the year is just around the corner — the beloved Holiday Express. This magical experience will whisk you away for a jolly journey aboard a decorated steam train. You’re invited to Santa’s Enginehouse, where sparkling decorations and scrumptious treats await.

Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to buy them early. 

This is a 45-minute round-trip train ride. Departure times vary per day

LOST SKI AREAS OF OREGON - HISTORY PUB AT MCMENAMIN'S GRAND LODGE
Jan. 8
Oregon has 13 downhill ski areas but there were once many more. Join Steven Stenkamp as he chronicles the history of lost and forgotten alpine ski areas, including Taft Mountain, Idlewild, Oregon Trail, Tomahawk, Santiam Lodge, and many others.

Steven Stenkamp is a longtime Bend resident, retired firefighter and teacher, and former mayor of Bend. He is the creator of “Lost Ski Areas of Oregon” on Facebook and has downhill skied for 60 seasons. Stenkamp has been interviewed by OPB and various news outlets for his research on Oregon’s ski history.

ZOOLIGHTS
Nov. 22,–Jan. 5
Dazzling new light displays, plus familiar favorites. This year promises to be the brightest ZooLights yet, with a brand-new magical meadow light show, dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the train route, and more interactive displays than ever. Walk through the famous tunnels of sparkling lights, pose next to colorful animals and make holiday memories to last all year.

CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORT
Year-Round
Driving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone.

THE DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY SHOW
Oct. 19, 2024–Mar. 22
Join The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show in Portland for an evening filled with suspense, laughter, and delicious dining. Step into a world of intrigue as you work to solve a thrilling crime that unfolds around you. But watch out — the culprit could be anyone in the room, and you might even become a Prime Suspect yourself.

Your ticket includes a full dinner, interactive murder mystery experience, waitstaff gratuity, and a special prize for the night’s Top Sleuth. Get ready for a night you won’t forget.

PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET
Ongoing
Come celebrate 50 years of supporting local artists, fostering connections, and embracing the spirit of Portland. Thank you for being a cherished part of our journey—here's to another 50 years of creativity, community, and countless memories!

FARMERS MARKET AT PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Year-Round
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.

HOLLYWOOD FARMER'S MARKET
Year-Round
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty.

In addition to amazingly fresh, local food,  you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season.

• April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,
• October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM,, and
• December through March: 9 AM to 1PM on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month