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

Photo by Vincent M.A. Janssen

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 10.

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

Photo by Bence Kondor

On Saturday, January 10, head to the Northeast Portland’s historic school for a party fit for hobbits, elves and wizards alike. Activities are held throughout the day. See times for each one below. 

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 2026 event:

Watch the Trilogy

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

Tickets are $8 per person. 50% of ticket sales go to the Oregon Food Bank.

Here are the showtimes:

• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey at noon
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug at 3:30 p.m.
• The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies  7 p.m.

Costume Contest and Discovery Hunt

The Discovery Hunt invites you to go on an adventure to find the one ring from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the gym, the costume contest is at 3 p.m.

Tolkien Trivia

Want to test your knowledge of Middle-earth? Stop by the gym for Tolkien Trivia at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. There are prizes for first and second place. 

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. 

You can also participate in Kennedy School’s History and Art Tour while you’re there. 

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.

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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