Exposure to the performing arts helps kids in immeasurable ways. See what local companies and venues have in store this spring.
Portland’s array of fantastic performing arts organizations depend on local families to keep churning out hit seasons. That’s why being a season subscriber makes a big difference. But if you are itching to buy tickets right now, here’s what’s on stage!
April
A Year with Frog and Toad
Northwest Children’s Theater at The Judy
Ages 4+
April 6-28, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am and 2:30 pm
Arnold Lobel’s characters Frog and Toad are absolute treasures and ahead of their time — and now they’re in a musical! Enjoy a jazzy, upbeat score, and celebrate these special amphibians with your children.
Wands & Wizards
Oregon Symphony at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Ages 5-10
Sunday, April 14, 2 pm
This hour-long, family-friendly performance features music from Harry Potter. It’s the perfect way to introduce your children to the symphony.
Paw Patrol LIVE! Heroes Unite
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Ages 1-6
April 20-21, Saturday, 10 am, 2 pm; Sunday 11 am, 3 pm
If Paw Patrol is the reason you’re able to make dinner in peace on a Saturday night, get ready to level up your child’s experience at this unforgettable live event.
Family Matinee Series: Oregon Ballet Theatre OBT2
Sherwood Center for the Arts
All ages
April 28, Sunday, 3 pm
This family matinee performed by top-level student dancers of Oregon Ballet Theatre School costs only $5 to attend.
May
She Persisted: The Musical
Oregon Children’s Theatre at the Newmark Theatre
Ages 6+
April 28 to May 26, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am and 2 pm
Travel through time with fourth-grader Naomi as she encounters incredible women throughout history.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Portland Ballet at Lincoln Hall
All ages
May 11, Saturday, 1 pm, 5 pm
Both amusing and elegant, this adaptation of Shakespeare’s popular comedy will delight the entire family.
Annie
Broadway in Portland at the Keller Auditorium
Ages 6+
May 14-19, Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 2 pm and Sundays at 1 pm; Sunday evening performance at 6:30 pm
Get a much needed dose of sunshine when you share this special musical with your kids for the first time.
Go, Dog. Go!
Northwest Children’s Theater at The Judy
Ages 3+
May 18-June 9, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am and 2:30 pm
Dog lovers of all ages will be delighted by this colorful, energetic show, adapted from the classic picture book by P.D. Eastman.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I in Concert
Oregon Symphony
PG-13
May 24-26, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
Watch your favorite Harry Potter film accompanied by a live symphony! This popular event is part of Oregon Symphony’s Popcorn Series package; it sells out quickly, so don’t wait.
June
Shine the Light: A Community Celebration
The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
All ages
June 1 , Saturday, 11 am
This free performance at The Reser includes art activities and performances by local artists and organizations.
Made in Portland
Oregon Ballet Theatre at the Newmark Theatre
Ages 3+ allowed; most enjoyed by older children, teens and adults
June 6-9, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 pm, Saturday 2 pm, Sunday 12 pm
Celebrate our incredible city with the second installment of OBT’s popular performance. This year’s show features the nationally recognized Portland high school dance troupe, The Jefferson Dancers.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Portland Playhouse
All ages
June 7-30 , select days, 2 pm and 7 pm
Roald Dahl’s brilliant heroine is coming to Portland Playhouse in this musical adaptation. The performance space, a former church, is intimate and beautiful, and concessions and complimentary beer are offered at every performance.
From Oregon to Iberia
Metropolitan Youth Symphony at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
playmys.org
Ages 7+, or any child able to sit quietly
June 16, Sunday, 7:30 pm
MYS’ season finale, “From Oregon to Iberia,” is the first stop on the organization’s summer tour to Spain and Portugal, featuring several pieces the symphony orchestra will perform abroad
Can’t get enough live theater? See our Performing Arts Guide for a comprehensive look at venues across the Portland metro area.
- A Trail for the Reluctant Hiker - April 18, 2024
- This Weekend in PDX - April 16, 2024
- What’s on Stage Now: Portland-Area Live Performances - April 4, 2024
