Aug. 10, 2026 – “Oregon Field Guide,” the award-winning documentary series from Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) exploring the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders, environmental issues and outdoor recreation, is hitting the road this month. The beloved program for outdoor enthusiasts will travel to Astoria, Ore., on Friday, August 21, and Long Beach, Wash., on Saturday, August 22, for live events pairing short films about Columbia River bar pilots, Willapa Bay sharks, and Warrenton students who build underwater robots with conversations with the scientists and students featured in the films.

While reporting “Oregon Field Guide,” OPB producers get the honor of filming with some of the region’s most interesting people in some of its most beautiful places, but they rarely get to go back and connect with communities after the stories air.

“The idea with the ‘On the Road’ series is to return to towns around the Northwest to screen both new and classic stories filmed in their backyards, and then to bring the folks featured in the stories on stage to learn more about their worlds — as well as to invite community members to join the conversation,” said Aaron Scott, executive editor of OPB’s Science and Environment team.

Both events will include a conversation between OPB science producer Jes Burns and Oregon State University fisheries scientist Jessica Schulte about OSU’s research into the mysterious shark superhighway that swims through Willapa Bay every year. The Astoria event on Friday, August 21, will also feature a conversation between “Oregon Field Guide” producer Noah Thomas and Warrenton’s robotics coach Heidi Lent and several of her students about their experience building marine robots that have competed at the MATE ROV world championships, plus the opportunity for the audience to see some of the robots up close.

“These events are more than film screenings,” Burns said. “They’re a way to share that spark of curiosity that drives us to tell stories about the people and places that define who we are and why we love this magical place where we live.”

More Information/Event Details

“Oregon Field Guide” On the Road, Astoria, Ore.

Showtime: Friday, August 21 | Doors at 6 p.m. | Program at 7 p.m.

Address: Liberty Theatre, 1203 Commercial St., Astoria

Tickets: $15, available for purchase through the Liberty Theatre

More Information: opb.org/events

“Oregon Field Guide” On the Road, Long Beach, Wash.

Showtime: Saturday, August 22 | Doors at 10:15 a.m. | Program at 11 a.m.

Address: Neptune Movie House, 809 Ocean Beach Blvd. S, Long Beach

Tickets: Free with a suggested donation; register here

More Information: opb.org/events