Hello 2026! The new year will start with some quiet reflection for some, but also offers a murder mystery play, Irish dancing, comedy and live music this week. And, if you’re dreaming of summer already, head to the Portland Boat Show for some water fun inspiration.
“Poirot: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” an Agatha Christie Mystery
Lakewood Theatre takes on one of Christie’s most famous novels adapted for the stage by Rick Robinson. This clever story will have you guessing until the end.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, and continues 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, with several 2 p.m. matinees on various days through Feb. 9, Lakewood Center, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego; tickets $43-$45; lakewood-center.org/event/poirot.
First Friday Irish Ceili Mor
Is “moving more” on your list of resolutions this year? Join folk dancers for an evening of traditional Irish music and movement. There’s no experience required and dances are taught and called. Live music by Bob Soper, Eddie Parente and Erik Killops. For ages 13 and older. The night also includes a break for traditional tea and potluck finger foods.
8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, Winona Grange #271, 8340 S.W. Seneca Street, Tualatin; $15 at door; IrishPDX.com/events/classes.
Lutheran Choral Association Christmas/Epiphany concert
Portland’s Lutheran Choral group, a 60-voice choir, presents its annual Epiphany concert promising unique arrangements of familiar carols, joyful Christmas anthems, and an audience sing-along.
4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 N. Rosa Parks Way; free-will offering suggested; lutheranchoral.org/upcoming-events.
Small Works Show (Hillsboro)
View a variety of small works created by area artist during this third annual show. You can buy works directly from the walls or just browse.
Artists’ reception at the gallery 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, Walters Cultural Arts Center, 527 E. Main St., Hillsboro. The show remains on view during gallery hours through Jan. 16; free; Small Works Show #3 | Current Exhibits.

“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical”
True Neil Diamond fans get a late Christmas gift this week as the touring show that tells the true story of the Brooklyn kid who became a chart-busting superstar with songs that captured the world comes to Portland. The show was created in collaboration with Diamond and features some of the most popular of his award-winning songs. The show follow his life through childhood, rise to stardom, life struggles and into the present as the artist deal with jhealth issues.
Opens 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, and continues various times daily through Jan. 11, Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St.; tickets start at $58; portland5.com/keller-auditorium/events.

Portland Boat Show
This winter stalwart at the Expo Center is the premier event for boating enthusiasts and promises all the latest in watercraft, from engine powered to people powered. You can also shop for gear and accessories to trick out the craft you already own. Learn from the experts and let your summertime dreams begin.
11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, Jan. 7-9, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 11, Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive; admission $20, ages 12 and younger free; pdxboatshow.com.
Daniel Tosh Live
Comedian, podcast host, and writer Daniel Tosh is known for a dark style of comedy, often delivering deliberately offensive and controversial material. His current tour titled “My First Farewell Tour” brings him to Portland this week.
8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway; tickets start at $61.50; portland5.com/arlene-schnitzer-concert-hall/events.
Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic
Head to Vancouver for this month’s open mic that features the work of Laura Esther Sciortino and is hosted by Christopher Luna and Morgan Paige. All ages.
7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, Art at the Cave, 108 E. Evergreen Boulevard, Vancouver; $5 suggested donation; printedmattervancouver.com.
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