The Community Corner: January 2026 Happenings from Yamhill County to Portland Oregon

The McCreith Team
Jan 22
3 min read

January brings a fresh start, quieter days, and some really great opportunities to reconnect with our communities across the mid-Willamette Valley. Whether you’re easing into the year with cozy indoor events, planning winter outings with friends, or looking for live music, markets, and local experiences, there’s no shortage of weekend excursions or afternoon adventures.

From Yamhill County’s wine country traditions to Marion County’s arts and entertainment scene, here’s a look at what’s happening this January all sourced from reliable local calendars and official event pages so you can plan with confidence.

Portland Highlights Worth the Drive

If you’re up for an elevated evening out this winter, Portland has a few events this January that consistently draw crowds:

Oregon Symphony — January performances

Classical concerts, including Beethoven programs, continue at Portland’s Center for the Arts (the 5 venues in downtown Portland) throughout January, including Oregon's celebration for the Lunar New Year. So many great options for a refined winter evening.

👉 portland5.com/events

St. John and NoPo's Winter Beer Fest

Kicking off Oregon Craft Beer Month in February, this festival is divided into three sessions beginning January 23rd. Celebrate local beers, cideries, cocktail makers, and brewers with all your favorite makers.

👉 travelportland.com/events

Portland Art Museum — rotating exhibitions & film programs

Seasonal exhibits and curated screenings run throughout January.

👉 portlandartmuseum.org/calendar

Yamhill County Happenings

January in Yamhill County is all about savoring the season, fewer crowds, intimate events, and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

Allis-Chalmers Exhibit | McMinnville (January 16 – July 31, 2026)

Hosted by the Yamhill County Historical Society, this new exhibit explores the story of an iconic American industrial brand. A great indoor stop for history lovers and families looking for something educational and engaging during the winter months.

👉 yamhillcountyhistory.org/

Coppola Movie Nights | Newberg (January 16 & 23, 2026)

Settle in for classic films and relaxed evenings at Domaine Lumineux. These movie nights pair perfectly with a glass of wine and a cozy night out.

👉 domainelumineux.com/visit-us/events/coppola-movie-nights/

Wood-Fired Pizza & Wine Pairing | Newberg (January 24, 2026)

Comfort food meets wine country flair with handcrafted pizzas and curated wine pairings, a January favorite.

👉 willamettewines.com/event/wood-fired-pizza-pairing-at-rain-dance-vineyards/30711/

Live Music at Bronco Kelly’s | McMinnville (January 30, 2026)

Wrap up the month with live local music and an easygoing Friday night vibe.

👉 tastenewberg.com/live-music-at-bronco-kellys/

Marion County (Salem Area): Arts, Music &

Winter Energy

Salem continues to be a cultural hub for the region, drawing visitors from Yamhill and Polk counties all month long.

Art Exhibitions & Galleries | Downtown Salem

Charro Attire Exhibition — January 14–23
Sam Marroquin: Inhabit (Reflections of Us) — January 14–February 22

These rotating exhibits highlight cultural storytelling, contemporary art, and regional voices, perfect for a winter afternoon downtown.

Regional Winter Experiences Worth the Drive

Willamette Valley Truffle Foray & Luncheon (January 16, 23 & 30, 2026)

A signature winter experience in the Valley, featuring guided truffle hunts followed by seasonal meals and wine pairings. This event draws visitors from across the region and is a standout January tradition.

👉 exploretock.com/wvv/experience/584526/truffle-foray?date=2026-01-30&size=2&time=12%3A00

Wrapping Up January — We’re Here for What’s Next

January is all about fresh starts, and whether you’re settling into the new year or exploring your community, it’s a great time to stay connected and informed. We love highlighting what makes these Oregon communities such special places to live.

Thanks for reading!

The McCreith Team with Bella Casa Real Estate Group is the number one brokerage in our area. With deep real estate experience and knowledge, Catherine, Amy, and Joni are the right choice for home buyers and sellers.

If buying or selling is on your radar this year (or even just a “maybe”), we’re always happy to talk through your options, timelines, and what the numbers really look like in today’s market.