PDX Parent Reader Favorites: Arts & Entertainment

Drum roll, please! This month we are rolling out the winners of the 2024 Reader Favorites! Here are our readers’ top choices in our Arts & Entertainment category. Find the complete list of winners here.

Art Studio

Winner: SCRAP PDX

PDX Parent readers know that SCRAP Creative Reuse is the place to go for all things crafty. Not only can you find an assortment of creative goodies, from fabric, to paper, to wood and metal supplies, but it’s also a great place to donate extras from previous projects. SCRAP also does great community outreach, including events in schools, teacher training and field trips. Pro tip: Families can even hold their next birthday party here! Visit SCRAP online for information on upcoming classes, workshops and more. 

Top 5

Children’s Healing Art Project (CHAP)
Craft Factory
Owl & Bee Clay Co.
Portland Child Art Studio
Drawn2Art Lake Oswego

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Performing Arts Company

Winner: Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT)

For more than 30 years, Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT) has been engaging kids of all ages with spectacular performances. And if you have a kiddo who can’t get enough of the theater, OCT has fun, hands-on classes and camps offered year round for ages 3 to 18 at different locations around the Portland area. 

Top 5

Northwest Children’s Theater and School (NWCT)
Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT)
Oregon Symphony
Lovegood Performing Arts Company
Echo Theater

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Kindie Musician/Performer

Winner: Red Yarn

If our kids could line up to go to a live concert right now, chances are they’d endure standing in the rain to see folk-rock great Red Yarn. His infectiously positive energy and menagerie of puppet critters have been engaging Portland littles for years. Check out Red Yarn’s article 12 Must-See BIPOC Portland Family Artists.

Top 5

Mr. Ben
Nikki Brown Clown
Mo Phillips
Olive and Dingo Productions
Tallulah’s Daddy

Kid Friendly Movie Theater

Winner: McMenamins Kennedy School

Catching a flick at McMenamins Kennedy School theater is like an upgraded movie experience at home. There are comfortable sofas and armchairs where you can watch both new releases and classics. But perhaps the best perk is the ticket price: Adults and youth are $5, kids 12 and under are $3, and toddlers and babies are free. Plus, McMenamins has a solid food menu that’s kid-friendly to boot. Don’t forget the Cajun tots!

Top 5

The Judy Family Cinema
Academy Theater
McMenamins Bagdad Theater & Pub
Electric Castle’s Wunderland Cinema and Nickel Games
Hollywood Theater