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.

‘Oregon Experience’ presents ‘Tattoo People’

Join OPB’s “Oregon Experience” team for a special screening of our new film “Tattoo People.” The documentary short explores Oregon’s rich history and unique relationship with the art of tattooing. Conversation with the filmmaker and artists to follow.

Anatomy Tattoo artists will be offering custom flash* and there will be temporary tattoos and other goodies for all ages to enjoy! Food and drink will be available to purchase from Wonderlove vendors.

EVENT DETAILS:

Friday, Aug. 14

Doors at 5 p.m. | Screening at 6 p.m.

Wonderlove

262 SE Main St., Portland

Free to attend. *First come, first served. Must be 18+ to be tattooed.

‘Oregon Field Guide’ on the road: Astoria and Long Beach

Join OPB’s “Oregon Field Guide” team on the coast for an evening of science stories highlighting the region!

We’ll screen a selection short films, including “Underwater Robots,” which follows Warrenton students as they design and build underwater robots to accomplish real-world marine exploration and mapping tasks, and “Willapa Bay Sharks,” which explores why the migratory broadnose sevengill shark returns to the region every spring.

In Astoria, we will also screen “Columbia River Bar Pilots,” which follows bar pilots as they encounter crashing surf, unpredictable currents and fierce winds of the infamous Columbia River Bar—a gauntlet that has killed nearly 2,000 men and sunk 700 vessels since record-keeping began.

Conversations and Q&As with science experts and members of OPB’s science and environment team will follow both screenings.

EVENT SHOWTIMES & TICKETS

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 Northeast 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 since, 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 | 3:30 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.

‘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.

‘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 available soon at opb.org/reser

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.