Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday at Kennedy School

Photo by Vincent M.A. Janssen from Pexels

Calling all Lord of the Ring lovers! Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday at McMenamins Kennedy School this weekend. 

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was an English writer and poet who is best known for creating the magical world of Middle-earth. Through his world building in the novel The Hobbit and book series The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien brings to life some of our most beloved fantasy characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Frodo Baggins, and, my favorite, the unassuming Eowyn who, *spoiler alert* slays the Witch-King.

Kennedy School is bringing together fellow Tolkienists for a special day of fun and fanfare. The author’s official birthday is January 3. The event is taking place on January 11.

Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday at Kennedy School

Photo by Bence Kondor from Pexels

On Saturday, January 11, head to the Northeast Portland’s historic school for a party fit for hobbits, elves and wizards alike. 

J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday celebration features fun activities, movies, and food and drink specials.

Costumes are welcome and encouraged. I attended this event a few years ago and it was so fun to see everyone dressed in their best LOTR cosplay.

Here are the activities planned for the 2025 event:

Watch the Trilogy

The Kennedy School Theater is showing the director’s cut of all three Lord of the Rings movies. 

Tickets are $6 per adult and $4 for kids 12 and under. I have included the $1 processing fee for online ticket purchases in this price. 50% of ticket sales go to the Oregon Food Bank.

Here are the showtimes for the triology:

The Fellowship of the Ring
Showtime: 11 a.m.

The Two Towers
Showtime: 2:45 p.m.

The Return of the King
Showtime: 7 p.m.

Costume Contest and Discovery Hunt

The Discovery Hunt invites you to go on an adventure to find the one ring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In the gym, the costume contest is at 6:15 p.m. in the theater.

Soak in the Pool

For just $10, relax in Kennedy School’s heated outdoor soaking pool. The ceramic pool is located in a private outdoor courtyard surrounded by lush gardens.

The outdoor oasis welcomes adults and supervised minors from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required and you can easily book an hour time slot online. 

Visiting McMenamins Kennedy School for the event is free and open to all ages. Movie tickets, pool access and food and drinks are available for purchase.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday celebration is taking place Saturday, January 20 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Kennedy School is located at 5736 NE 33rd Ave. in Portland.

For more information about J.R.R. Tolkien’s birthday celebration and to purchase movie tickets, visit the McMenamins Kennedy School web page.

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