February 12th, 2025

Discover McMinnville’s Cultural Calendar This Winter and Spring

The winter and spring is a magical time to visit McMinnville. The town’s cozy ambiance and relaxed pace make it the perfect retreat for unwinding after the holiday rush, and before summer’s busy season. While it offers a serene setting to recharge, McMinnville also has a lively cultural scene with exciting events to keep visitors entertained. Here’s a glimpse of what’s happening soon.

Gallery Theater

Several actors dressed in old fashioned night clothes respond dramatically to a character that is a furious ghost. They are cast in green lighting.
A scene from Fiddler on the Roof at Gallery Theater. Photo credit: Beth Sobo Turk.

A cornerstone of McMinnville’s arts community since 1968, the Gallery Theater continues to showcase outstanding local talent. The theater complex, which occupies a significant portion of a downtown block, features two performance spaces—the 240-seat main stage and the intimate 86-seat black box theater. Don’t miss these exceptional performances:

  • Fiddler on the Roof (Feb. 7–March 2) – A beloved classic gracing the main stage.
  • The Cottage (March 14–30) – A captivating production in the arena theater.
  • Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (May 2-25) – A main stage musical production based off of the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Currents Gallery

A hub for local artistry, Currents Gallery offers an ever-changing collection of creative works. Upcoming exhibitions include:

  • All That’s New (Feb. 11–March 16) – Featuring new artists Richard Laycock, Renee Lorenze, Janet Hickok, and Teal Buehler, this exhibit highlights their distinctive pastel, oil, and mixed media pieces. Join the Opening Reception on Feb. 15.
  • Home is Where the Heart Is (March 18–April 20) – A juried show with Oregon artists exploring the concept of “home.” A portion of sales benefits McMinnville’s Habitat for Humanity. Opening Reception: March 22.

Linfield Art Gallery 

An impressionist painting that appears to feature a person of color amongst
Travis Johnson’s “The Golden Age of Incarnation” acrylic on canvas.

From Feb. 12–March 16, experience Toxic Gods & Black Fairy Tales, an immersive exhibition by artist Travis Johnson at Linfield University’s Miller Fine Arts Center. Through song, painting, and sculpture, Johnson reimagines childhood mythologies in a visually stunning and thought-provoking display. The opening reception on Feb. 12 (5–7 p.m.) features a live performance by the artist.

Keynote Concert Series

A man jumps while playing the violin.

The McMinnville KeyNote Concert Series is dedicated to bringing high-quality live music to the community. Their second season continues with an exciting lineup (each performance is 7-9:30 p.m.):

McMinnville Short Film Festival (Feb. 27–March 2)

A man with a microphone gestures with his hand. Another person looks at him and smiles as she listens.
2024 MSFF Grand Jury Judge, Peter Billingsley. Photo courtesy of McMinnville Short Film Festival.

This internationally recognized McMinnville Short Film Festival presents a diverse selection of short films, spanning genres such as Native American storytelling, LGBTQ narratives, comedy, horror, animation, and documentary. Held at McMinnville Cinema 10, attendees can purchase weekend passes or individual tickets for selected film blocks.

Linfield University Music Events

  • Lovers & Lieder (March 6, 7 p.m.) – A mesmerizing recital of art songs and duets performed by Joycelyn Thomas and Zachary Lenox.
  • Choir Tour Concert (March 20, 7 p.m.) – Featuring the Oregon premiere of Andrea Ramsey’s The Wilderness of You following its Carnegie Hall debut.
  • PUBLIQuartet (April 7, 7 p.m.) – A multi-GRAMMY-nominated string quartet blending improvisation and multicultural influences.

McMinnville Wine + Food Classic (March 7–9)

In the foreground there are two glasses of wine on a table with a black tablecloth. One has red wine, the other has white. There is an orange gerber daisy between them. In the background, there is a large jet plane suspended from the ceiling of a large museum.
The McMinnville Wine + Food Classic offerings are unforgettable against the backdrop of Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum. Photo courtesy of MWFC.

Now in its 32nd year, the McMinnville Wine + Food Classic is a must-visit event celebrating Oregon’s finest wines, gourmet cuisine, craft beverages, and live music. Held at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, guests can opt for a 3-day VIP pass or single-day entry to enjoy a spectacular tasting experience.

Linfield Theatre Performances

The theatre department at Linfield University puts on high quality productions, and you never know what kind of set you’ll find at their black box theater.  If you have a chance to make it to one of their productions, don’t pass it up!

  • The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (April 24–25, 27 & May 1–3) – A dynamic adaptation of Rick Riordan’s beloved novel, offering an exciting mix of Greek mythology and adventure.
  • Shakespeare in the Courtyard (May 15–16) – Enjoy iconic scenes, soliloquies, and songs from Shakespeare’s works in an outdoor setting. Free admission on a first-come basis.

Plan Your Winter Escape

Whether you’re drawn to the arts, film, music, or culinary delights, McMinnville offers something for every visitor this winter. Plan your getaway today and experience the warmth and creativity of this charming Oregon town!

About the Author: James Howe (she/her), Visit McMinnville staff writer, has lived in McMinnville since 2009. Some of her favorite McMinnville memories include playing the flute in Second Winds Community Band, acting on stage at Gallery Theater, and co-founding and annually producing Make Music McMinnville.