OPB and KMHD Community Events

You can join OPB and KMHD jazz radio at a variety of community events and engagements this year. From screenings to panels and audience Q&A’s, learn more about our events below and check back for event updates.

Explore KMHD’s full community events calendar here.

History Pub: Oregonians Experiencing Archaeology

Presented by Oregon Historical Society

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Oregon Archaeological Society (OAS), take a behind-the-scenes look at the research and field work, including archaeological insights, that leads to new episodes of OPB’s “Oregon Experience.” From revelations about Chinese cowboys and doctors to early-twentieth-century logging families, archaeologists are making significant new conclusions about Oregon history.

In this special presentation, archaeologist Chelsea Rose, OPB “Oregon Experience” executive producer Arya Surowidjojo, and OPB producer Christie Goshe share historical context and stories about how the documentaries are made — including new footage from the 2026 Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology (SOULA) summer field school. OAS representatives will be on hand to share information about how you can get involved.

EVENT DETAILS:

August 31, 2026

Doors 6 p.m. | Program at 7 p.m.

McMenamins Kennedy School

5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland

All ages welcome. Tickets on sale now here.

OPB at Rose City Comic Con

Join us at Rose City Comic Con on September 12! OPB will be hosting two fun-filled experiences for event attendees.

‘It’s a Beautiful Day With Daniel Tiger!’ at Rose City Comic Con

Get ready to dance, read, color and play with OPB and PBS KIDS in this grr-ific celebration! Featuring a special appearance by Daniel Tiger, this interactive event invites our littlest neighbors to sing, dance and enjoy a special story time inspired by the beloved PBS KIDS series. Kids can also enjoy coloring activities and plenty of family-friendly fun throughout the event.

EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Oregon Convention Center

777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland

Rose City Comic Con passes are required. On sale now at opb.org/rccc.

Premiere screening: ‘Indie Comics City’ at Rose City Comic Con

Join OPB’s “Oregon Art Beat” team at Rose City Comic Con for the premiere screening of our new documentary film “Indie Comics City: How Portland Built Its Own Comics Universe.” The screening will be followed by a panel conversation with the filmmaker and voices from Portland’s comics scene, including comics pioneer Rupert Kinnard and Katie Pryde of Books with Pictures.

EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Oregon Convention Center

777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland

Rose City Comic Con passes are required. On sale now at opb.org/rccc.

OPB at McMinnville Short Film Festival Pop-up in Nehalem

This pop-up event presented by McMinnville Short Film Festival will showcase short documentaries, including films from our “Oregon Experience,” “Superabundant,” and “Oregon Art Beat” series. Featured shorts will include:

• “Kiyokawa,” which highlights the family behind Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Hood River.
• “Hollywood Theatre,” which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the iconic movie theater in Portland.
• “Guardian of the Land,” which explores the Indigenous oral histories and lasting impact of Bigfoot in the Pacific Northwest.

EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026

Doors at 6:30 p.m. | Screening at 7 p.m.

North County Recreation District - NCRD

36155 9th St., Nehalem

Tickets available at the door. Learn more here.

‘American Sons’ theatrical screening and panel conversation in Salem

Join OPB in Salem for a theatrical screening of “American Sons.” The film follows a brotherhood of Marines a decade after their deployment to Afghanistan, as they struggle to overcome the trauma of combat and the loss of their friend, Corporal JV Villarreal.

“American Sons” is an intimate view of life on the front lines and the unbreakable bonds formed in war and serves as a poignant exploration of resilience, grief and the urgent need for mental health support among veterans.

Following the screening, hear a conversation with the filmmaker and voices from the film. There will be time for audience Q&A.

EVENT DETAILS:

Thursday, September 17

Doors at 5:30 p.m. | Program at 6:30 p.m.

Elsinore Theatre

170 High St. SE, Salem

Tickets are required for this event. Seating is first come, first served.

Veterans and their families are welcome to join us at a discounted rate. Select “Veteran Family Ticket” at checkout. All proceeds support OPB’s public service journalism and storytelling.

Get tickets at opb.org/americansons.

‘All Science. No Fiction.’ LIVE at Oregon State University

Experience a night of science and curiosity with the creators of OPB’s original science series “All Science. No Fiction.” live at Oregon State University. OPB’s Jes Burns and Brandon Swanson will spotlight some of the most innovative science happening in the Pacific Northwest. Join us for playful demonstrations that are fun for all ages – including a chance to take a selfie with a giant uterus!

This family-friendly event is open to the public as well as attendees of the National Association of Science Writers conference. Appropriate for people ages 10 and up.

EVENT DETAILS:

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

Doors at 7 p.m. | Program at 7:30 p.m.

OSU’s Austin Auditorium, LaSells Stewart Center

875 SW 26th St., Corvallis

Tickets on sale now at opb.org/asnflive

‘Politics Now’ Live in Beaverton

Join OPB and special guests for a live taping of OPB’s “Politics Now” podcast. Each week, the “Politics Now” team offers a deep dive into the hottest political topics in Oregon and the Northwest. At this live taping, we’re taking a closer look at 2026 midterm election candidates, as well as events and issues that are top of mind for Beaverton communities.

EVENT DETAILS:

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

Doors at 6:30 p.m. | Program at 7 p.m.

Patricia Reser Center for the Arts

12625 SW Crescent St., Beaverton

Tickets on sale now here.

Film Tour: ‘First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath’

Watch the film | Meet the people | Connect with history in person

Join us with OPB producer Jessie Sears (Karuk) as we kick off our film tour for “First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath.”

In 2025, 28 Indigenous youth completed a 300-mile, 30-day river expedition, becoming the first to paddle the entire Klamath River from source to sea since four major dams were removed. An “Oregon Field Guide” special, “First Descent” brings you an inside look at this emotional, historic and triumphant journey.

This event is part of a series of community screening events happening across Oregon in 2026. Check back for information about future event dates and locations.

Event details are subject to change. Check back for updates.