Portland weekend events guide: WWE Smackdown, Roller Derby season opener and more
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — From drag performances to Japanese New Year celebrations, Portland is offering an array of fun activities the next few days.
Learn more about some of the exciting events planned for this weekend.
WWE Friday Night Smackdown
When: Friday, Jan. 10 at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Moda Center, 1 N Center Ct St., Portland, OR 97227
On the heels of WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” premiere on Netflix, the production company is bringing some of its top talent to Portland. The audiences can expect appearances from Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax and more.
James Brown Tribute
When: Friday, Jan. 10 at 9 p.m.
Where: Alberta Street Pub, 1036 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211
Alberta Street Pub will host a tribute to “Godfather of Soul” James Brown nearly 20 years after his death. PDX Soul has arranged the performance featuring The Othership Connection, Eli Hardy, Alea Loren and Alonzo Chadwick.
Thrift Haven
When: Saturday, Jan. 11 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The North Warehouse, 723 N Tillamook St., Portland, OR 97227
Forty local vendors will bring their best vintage clothing, sneakers, jewelry and other accessories to Thrift Haven. The event will offer $5 bins and $10 to $20 clothing racks for those shopping on a budget. General admission costs $9 online and $10 at the door.
Roller Derby: Season Opener
When: Saturday, Jan. 11 at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202
The Rose City Rollers are kicking off their 2025 season with two matchups: Guns N Rollers vs. Heartless Heathers and Break Neck Betties vs. High Rollers. Tickets for the doubleheader sporting event are $35.
Life Be Lifin’ Starring Monét X Change
When: Saturday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m.
Where: Aladdin Theater, 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, OR 97202
Monet X Change has competed in the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” franchise three times, being crowned the winner one season and placing as runner-up for another. The drag queen’s upcoming autobiographical show was directed by Pacific Northwest native and fellow performer BenDeLaCreme.
Hillsdale Farmers Market
When: Sunday, Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: 1405 S Vermont St., Portland, OR 97219
Head to Rieke Elementary’s parking lot for the first Hillsdale Farmers Market of the year. The participating vendors, based throughout the Pacific Northwest, sell everything from handmade candles to cold-pressed juices.
O-Shogatsu Festival, Japanese New Year
When: Sunday, Jan. 12 from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave., Portland, OR 97205
The Portland Japanese Garden’s New Year festivities will end with its O-Shogatsu celebration. The popular attraction will honor the Year of the Snake with activities including traditional lion dances and ink-wash painting,