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Hillsboro's Walters Cultural Arts Center opens its fall performance season in September with a puppet show about young Frida Kahlo, a Hawaiian jam-rock concert and free classes for qualifying students.
The downtown venue at 527 E. Main St., run by Hillsboro Parks and Recreation, announced the 2026–27 lineup in a programming guide published Aug. 30. The season includes live music, dance, theater and family entertainment, with six free weekend matinees open to walk-up visitors of all ages.
September highlights
The table-top puppet show, geared for all ages, follows a young Frida Kahlo as she draws on her father's creativity and a box of paints to build her own world.
The production is set during the Mexican Revolution and is a reworking of Milagro's earlier play Mijita Fridita.
Five days later, on Friday, Sept. 25, Hawaiian band Kanekoa takes the stage. Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann has called the group "The Hawaiian Grateful Dead," according to the band's social media. Their sound fuses reggae, blues, funk and island music, all built around the electrified Hawaiian ukulele.
Tickets for evening performances are on sale, with early bird discounts on select shows, according to the city's season announcement. Prices were not listed.
Artist talk, classes and scholarships
Photographer Angela Holm, a Hillsboro-based artist affiliated with Tualatin Valley Creates, presents an interactive talk titled "Angela, Why This Camera?" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1. No registration is required.
The Walters also offers fall classes in ceramics, painting, writing, music, theater, wellness and family workshops.
Youth who live in Hillsboro or attend Hillsboro School District schools and qualify for free or reduced lunch can take two free classes per season through a scholarship funded by the Richard B. Siegel Foundation.
Applications are available in English and Spanish and can be emailed to [email protected].
Open calls for artists
Local artists have several opportunities to show work at the Walters.
The Small Works Show #4 runs Dec. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027. Artists may submit up to five pieces in any medium, no larger than 10 by 10 by 10 inches and priced at $250 or less. Priority goes to Hillsboro and Washington County artists.
The Walters is also accepting applications for two-month gallery exhibitions in its 2027–28 season. Artists of all ages and abilities, along with arts and educational organizations, are encouraged to apply.
Separately, Hillsboro's Mural Program invites community members to propose new murals within city limits. Mural artists must live within 200 miles of Hillsboro.
Coming up at the Walters
- Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6 p.m.: Angela Holm artist talk, "Angela, Why This Camera?" No registration required.
- Sunday, Sept. 20: Autoretrato de Fridita puppet show by Teatro Milagro. All ages.
- Friday, Sept. 25: Kanekoa concert. Tickets on sale at the Walters box office or by calling (503) 615-3497.
