Jazz Legends and Broadway Hits: What's On in Portland Today
A Day of Jazz and High Drama
As the city begins to feel the first hints of spring this Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Portland's cultural calendar is reaching a crescendo. Whether you are looking for soulful jazz, a Broadway masterpiece, or an intellectually stimulating lecture, the Rose City has a variety of verified local events to keep you engaged throughout the day and evening.
Live Music and the PDX Jazz Festival
The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival continues its citywide celebration of sound today. A highlight of the evening is Delbert Anderson Live at the historic Old Church Concert Hall. Anderson, a Diné jazz trumpeter and composer, is known for his unique fusion of Navajo "spinning songs" with jazz and funk. The performance begins at 8:00 p.m. and promises a deep, cultural experience that bridges tradition and modern innovation.
For those looking for a different vibe, The Last Gang will be performing at the Twilight Cafe and Bar starting at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, for a mix of history and melody, the Lake Theater & Cafe is hosting "Pints from the Past: Jazz in Portland," a session exploring the beginnings of the local jazz scene from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Theater and Broadway Highlights
Broadway fans have a major reason to head downtown today as the stage adaptation of The Notebook opens its run at the Keller Auditorium. This romantic powerhouse begins its Portland residency tonight, offering a musical journey through the decades-spanning love story. Meanwhile, science and art collide at the OMSI Kendall Planetarium with a production of Bertolt Brecht’s The Life of Galileo. This immersive performance features live music and stunning visuals designed by the planetarium’s director, creating a unique backdrop for the classic tale of intellectual defiance.
Literary Lectures and Community Meetups
Intellectual life is thriving this Tuesday with the 2026 Hatfield Lecture featuring Michael Luo. Held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall at 7:00 p.m., this event is part of the Oregon Historical Society's series and focuses on "Strangers in the Land," exploring the epic story of the Chinese experience in America. Simultaneously, the Albina Library welcomes Dr. Randall Horton for an "Everybody Reads" event. From 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the award-winning author will lead a reading and discussion centered on the intersections of justice, racism, and incarceration.
Cinema and Family Activities
Film enthusiasts can catch the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films at Living Room Theaters, with screenings of animated, documentary, and live-action entries throughout the afternoon and evening. If you prefer community-driven activities, local libraries are hosting several sessions today, including Sistahs4Life Soulful Line Dancing, knitting and crochet groups, and various makerspace drop-ins for teens looking to get creative.