COMMUNITY EVENTS
SATURDAY, JAN. 24
Garden talk: Real Gardens Grow Natives, a presentation by Eileen Stark, author of Real Gardens Grow Natives, is set for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the Carnegie Room, at the McMinnville Public Library, 225 N.W. Adams St. Stark will cover landscaping with native plants at any scale and will be available to sign books afterward. Following the presentation, guests can discuss ideas for revitalizing the local Native Plant Society of Oregon Chapter and opportunities for volunteering in 2026.There is no cost to attend. For details, contact Brooke Karasch at 503-472-6403 or brooke@yamhillswcd.org.
Fundraiser gala: McMinnville Music Boosters presents “Swingin’ On a Star” a benefit gala featuring entertainment by music students from McMinnville schools and dinner by Golden Valley Brewery from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the McMinnville Community Center, 600 N.E. Evans St., McMinnville. Admission is $100 and includes dinner. The gala is a fundraiser to help support music programs in the McMinnville public schools. For details, contact Brian Bailey at 971-901-6477, brian@incahoots.biz or visit macband.net/event/swingin-on-a-star-2026.
Culture fair: The West Valley Culture Collective presents the 2026 Community Cultural Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Bridge Learning Community, 430 S.W. Monroe St., Sheridan. The event includes displays from local artists, music, food, informational booths and a quilt raffle.
Burns Supper: The Celtic Heritage Alliance hosts its annual Burns Supper from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at the McMinnville Grand Ballroom, 303 N.E. Third St., McMinnville. In honor of late poet Robert Burns, the event includes a five-course dinner, poetry readings, music and toasts to celebrate the Bard. Proceeds of a dessert auction and 50/50 raffle will go toward the Alliance's scholarship fund. Tickets are $80 a person or $600 for a table. This is a 21-and-over event. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit celticheritage.org/event/2026-burns-supper.
SUNDAY, JAN. 25
Documentary viewing: The Yamhill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution are hosting viewings of Ken Burns “American Revolution” documentary from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through February (skipping Feb. 8), at the First Federal community room, 111 N.E. Third St., McMinnville. This week’s episode is “The Times That Try Men’s Souls.” The movie begins at 1:30 p.m. with brief discussion after. No food is allowed, drinks with lids only.
TUESDAY, JAN. 27
Puzzle palooza: Teams of up to four can compete to put together a 500-piece puzzle at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the McMinnville Public Library, 225 N.W. Adams St. Snacks and drinks will be provided. For details or to register your team, calling the library at 503-435-5562.
Story Night: Story Night invites local women to hear from featured guest Veronica Tijerina-Rangal at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the McMinnville Ballroom, 325 N.E. Third Street, McMinnville. Tijerina-Rangel will discuss growing up Latina, becoming a nurse, and facing the greatest health challenge of her life. Doors open and 6:15 p.m. and a dessert social will follow at 8:30 p.m. To register for a free ticket, visit storynighthope.com.
THURSDAY, JAN. 29
Money game: The McMinnville Public Library will host a "PetCents Money Game" for children to learn about money in a fun, hands-on way at 2 p.m Thursday, Jan. 29, at the library, 225 N.W. Adams St. For details or to register, call the Children’s Desk at 503-435-5559.
FRIDAY, JAN. 30
LEGOs: LEGO play is happening from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at the McMinnville Public Library, 225 N.W. Adams St. For details, call the Children’s Desk at 503-435-5559.
On stage: Gallery Theater presents “Almost, Maine,” with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30 to Feb. 15. Tickets are $21 for adults, $19 for seniors and $17 for students. The show is recommended for those 11 and older. For reservations, call the box office, at 503-472-2227, or visit gallerytheater.org.
SATURDAY, JAN. 31
Kids Cursive Class: Children can learn to write in cursive with teacher Amy Brewer at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the McMinnville Public Library, 225 N.W. Adams St. For details, or to register, call the Children’s Desk at 503-435-5559.
Collectibles showcase: The Yamhill County Trading Car and Collectibles Showcase will hold its first event of the year from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at McMinnville Covenant Church, 2155 N.W. Second St., McMinnville. The event is family friendly and free to attend. For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
Cheesy kick-off: Yamhill Community Action Partnership” annual Melt Down fundraiser event will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a kick-off party from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, at Golden Valley Brewery, 311. N.E. Johnson St., McMinnville. There will be specialty sandwich guide stamps and anniversary pins for attendees.
SUNDAY, FEB. 1
Documentary viewing: The Yamhill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution are hosting viewings of Ken Burns “American Revolution” documentary from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through February (skipping Feb. 8), at the First Federal community room, 111 N.E. Third St., McMinnville. This week’s episode is “Conquer by a Drawn Game.” The movie begins at 1:30 p.m. with brief discussion after. No food is allowed, drinks with lids only.
SATURDAY, FEB. 7
Benefit dinner: “A Work of Heart” Dinner and Auction, sponsored by the McMinnville Education Foundation, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Evergreen Reception Hall at the Evergreen Aviation Campus, 610 N.E. Captain Michael Smith Way, McMinnville. The event is a fundraiser to support programs and services for students of the McMinnville School District, including science and art programs, Oregon Battle of the Books and annual grants for teachers. Admission is $150. For details, contact Margie Viall at 206-304-0815, mlviall@comcast.net or visit mac40kids.org/.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
Book club: Linfield University's Nicholson Library will host an AI-themed book club from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, and on the second Friday of the month in the Austin Reading Room. Participants will discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The fall semester book is “Rewiring Your Mind for AI” by David Wood, and the spring semester book is “Co-Intelligence” by Ethan Mollick. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
SUNDAY, FEB. 15
Documentary viewing: The Yamhill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution are hosting viewings of Ken Burns “American Revolution” documentary from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through February (skipping Feb. 8), at the First Federal community room, 111 N.E. Third St., McMinnville. This week’s episode is “The Soul of All America.” The movie begins at 1:30 p.m. with brief discussion after. No food is allowed, drinks with lids only.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
AI talk: Patrick Dempsey of Loyola University Maryland will present “The Future of AI and Education”, and discuss how AI is transforming education, from personalized learning to AI-driven administrative tools, at Linfield University on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The talk is part of Linfield University’s School of Business Artificial Intelligence and I (AIAI) Initiative, designed to help students, faculty and the greater McMinnville community explore the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. The talk is free to attend and open to the public. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
SUNDAY, FEB. 22
Documentary viewing: The Yamhill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution are hosting viewings of Ken Burns “American Revolution” documentary from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through February (skipping Feb. 8), at the First Federal community room, 111 N.E. Third St., McMinnville. This week’s episode is “The Most Sacred Thing.” The movie begins at 1:30 p.m. with brief discussion after. No food is allowed, drinks with lids only.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Book club: Linfield University's Nicholson Library will host an AI-themed book club from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, and on the second Friday of the month in the Austin Reading Room. Participants will discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The spring semester book is “Co-Intelligence” by Ethan Mollick. For details, visit linfield.edu/aiai.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Gardening workshops: This year’s Spring into Gardening is set for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at Keck Science Center, at Linfield University. Registration is $40 and snacks are included. There is a lunch option available for $17.50, or guests can bring their own. For more information, and to register, visit ycmga.org.
