Studio Ghibli Classics and Monday Night Laughs: Portland's Best Events Today
Welcome to Monday in the Rose City
Despite the typical gray January skies, Portland’s community and cultural scenes are buzzing this Monday, January 26, 2026. Whether you are looking to escape into an animated masterpiece, share a laugh with the local comedy community, or sharpen your culinary skills, today offers a diverse array of events to keep the winter blues at bay.
Cinematic Magic at OMSI and Beyond
Film lovers have a standout opportunity today as the 11th Annual Studio Ghibli Film Festival continues at the OMSI Empirical Theater. This long-running festival is a local favorite, and today features several beloved titles:
- The Secret World of Arrietty (Dubbed): A family-friendly screening starting at 3:00 PM.
- Whisper of the Heart (Dubbed): This romantic coming-of-age drama begins at 5:00 PM.
- Howl’s Moving Castle (Subbed): Catch this visual spectacular at 7:15 PM.
For those seeking something outside the realm of animation, the Kennedy School Theater is hosting a 1:00 PM screening of the drama Eternity, while the Living Room Theaters in the West End features The Chronology of Water at 12:10 PM and 7:00 PM.
Monday Night Comedy and Live Performance
Portland’s comedy scene is one of the best ways to brighten a Monday evening. Head over to The EastBurn Public House for the weekly "It’s Gonna Be Okay" comedy showcase. This free event starts at 8:00 PM and features a rotating lineup of local and regional talent. If you prefer a more established touring act, Rhys Nicholson is performing at Helium Comedy Club with a show starting at 7:03 PM.
Art and Community Gatherings
If you have an afternoon free, the Portland Art Museum has several major exhibitions on view today. Highlights include the narrative journey of Rick Bartow: Storyteller and the immersive Conductions: Black Imaginings II. For a more intimate gallery experience, the Oregon Society of Artists is hosting its annual Community Exhibition, which remains on view through the end of the month.
Community-minded residents might also enjoy these local meetups:
- PDX Code & Coffee: Join fellow tech enthusiasts at DeadStock Beaverton at 9:00 AM for networking and productivity.
- PDX Silent Book Club: Meet at the Lucky Labrador at 6:00 PM for a low-pressure evening of reading in the company of fellow book lovers.
- Pasta Making with Chef Sarah: For those looking to learn a new skill, Leikam Brewery is hosting a hands-on pasta workshop this evening.
From the big screen to the comedy stage, today’s schedule proves that Portland remains vibrant and active, regardless of the season.