Start Fresh 2026-27
We're kicking off our second festival by bookending the first and last weekends of the year!
Weekend 1
We're ending 2026 with some great shows!
Weekend 2
We're starting 2027 with some great shows!
2025-2026
[secret event] Sat 12/26 @ 11-3 PM Writer Social Hour
Sat Dec 26th @ 3-5 PM Self Care Spa Day Sleepunder Party
[secret event] Sat 12/26 @ 11-3 PM Writer Social Hour
[date/time TBD]
[venue TBD]
mind ur business.
invite only.
there will be coffee and treats for authors
Sat Dec 26th @ 11-2 PM Healing Dance
Sat Dec 26th @ 3-5 PM Self Care Spa Day Sleepunder Party
[secret event] Sat 12/26 @ 11-3 PM Writer Social Hour
Performance Works NW
4625 SE 67th Ave, Portland, OR 97206
pay what you can
participation HIGHLY encouraged!
start the year off with a fun little reset to shake off the chaos of 2026. yeesh.
I'd say come "shake it off" but I don't want Taylor Swift-Kelce to sue me :(
(even though MiMi did it, first)
Sat Dec 26th @ 3-5 PM Self Care Spa Day Sleepunder Party
Sat Dec 26th @ 3-5 PM Self Care Spa Day Sleepunder Party
Sat Dec 26th @ 3-5 PM Self Care Spa Day Sleepunder Party
(NOT A TYPO)
Performance Works NW
4625 SE 67th Ave, Portland, OR 97206
FREE! Donations/TIPS encouraged!
just like a sleepover but you can't sleep here (sorry). roll up in your PJs or something comfy!
bring your gals! bring your gays! come relax after the holidays!
press on nail bar, french braid your hair, put on a face mask and make friends!
Sat Dec 26th @ 7 PM ANTICHRISTmas Holiday Special
Sat Dec 26th @ 7 PM ANTICHRISTmas Holiday Special
Sat Dec 26th @ 3-5 PM Self Care Spa Day Sleepunder Party
[venue TBD]
we'll probably bring back ANTICHRISTmas for the fourth year in a row.
Sat Dec 26th @ [TIME TBD] Emma's Special Show
Sat Dec 26th @ 7 PM ANTICHRISTmas Holiday Special
Sat Dec 26th @ [TIME TBD] Emma's Special Show
[venue TBD]
might be improv, might be comedy, might be a game show, we're still hashing it out but it'll be hella fun
Sat Dec 26th @ 7 PM JB Theater Show
Sat Dec 26th @ 7 PM ANTICHRISTmas Holiday Special
Sat Dec 26th @ [TIME TBD] Emma's Special Show
[venue TBA soon]
[it's possible this may be Sun but prob Sat]
[pricing TBD]
Sun Dec 27th @ [TIME TBD] SNACKS on SNACKS on SNACKS
Sun Dec 27th @ [TIME TBD] SNACKS on SNACKS on SNACKS
[venue TBD]
FREE! TIPS encouraged!
healthy snack bar
food prep ideas
Sun Dec 27th @ 6 PM SURPRISE KARAOKE PARTY
Sun Dec 27th @ [TIME TBD] SNACKS on SNACKS on SNACKS
[venue TBD]
(I want this to be free but depends on the venue tbh)
this is a not very surprising surprise party for a friend that loves karaoke. we're gonna open this up to the public. I haven't told her that part, yet, but that's what will makes it a surprise. it's definitely not the result of me getting my Google calendars mixed up :P you don't need to bring her a gift but she deserves all the presents in da world.
I think she'll be v surprised, maybe a little confused. I doubt she'll read this.
come join us and celebrate her actual birthday.
Sun Dec 27th @ 7 PM Author Reading
Sun Dec 27th @ 7 PM Author Reading
Rose City Book Pub
1329 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97212
FREE! Donations encouraged!
we're alternating the poetry reading and author reading dates from last year, the authors went second last time, so they'll go first this year.
Louis White's A.M.P. Art.Music.Poetry [Mid December Edition]
A.M.P. Gallery
1124 NW 13th Ave
$10 suggested donation
Lou hosts a lively music-infused poetry mic every month but he just started adding in a second show at the art gallery. It's the talk amongst young poets in the community and A LOT of fun!
Artist Market Weekend 1
The Get Down
Sat 12/27 and Sun 12/28 10 - 4 PM
Sat and Sun 1 PM Bad Holiday Gift Flip
12/27 2 PM Friendship Bracelets $5
12/27 3 PM Doodle Time $5
12/28 2 PM Paint & Laugh $20 to paint, $10 to laugh
$5 entry fee for the market
FREE entry if you bring a gift for the holiday gift flip OR register for a workshop or event.
Artist Market Weekend 1, Day 2
Sunday December 28th at 2 PM
Paint & Laugh
Hosted by Jocelyne Boyer @justjoshinwithJos
$20 to paint [capped at 10], $10 to laugh
Jocelyne is a local comedian and painter that brings the joy of painting to the comedy scene along with a group of comedians to make a comedic masterpiece. Total Bob Ross vibes... but with better jokes (but just as many happy little trees). This event is very popular and usually sells out, we have limited painting spots but it's still fun just to watch (and laugh)! We will provide canvases, paint, smocks, and bags to take your art home (if you'd like) but bring grubby clothes you don't mind getting paint on JUST IN CASE.
Fri Dec 26th @ 7 PM A Random Ryan Danley Show ™️
[this show is being rescheduled to March, more information soon]
$12-15 online, $20 door
Curious Comedy Annex
Ryan has a few great shows going on in Portland, which one will we showcase at Curious? It's a surprise but he has a few to choose from such as SMASH, Clown Alley with cohost Gabby, and other hit shows!
Lee H. Tillman, Brent Lowrey, Megan Otto and Adam Pasi
Fri Dec 26th @ 10 PM Roast Battle League: Portland
$20
Funhouse Lounge
Cam Strong presents Roast Battle League: Portland, featuring five rounds of comedians going head to head.
Kate Shook vs Nick Altishin
Jess Bushnell vs Tylor Jones
Havana Aladro vs Chris Hudson
Olivia Jokes vs Jeff Epstein (not THAT one)
Kate Easley vs Brandon Wayne Little
Gilley vs Genevieve Church
Joy Weber vs Dan Stucky
Sat Dec 27th @ 7 PM Neon Rainbow
$10 at the door
Funhouse Lounge
Brendan Creecy presents Portland's best queer comedians. This show is pure gold!
Ally J Ward, Imani, Mack, Nick Altishin, Cody Webb, Colin Mattox
Sat Dec 27th @ 10 PM The C*ntsultants: C*ntry Christmas Special
$15 at the door
Funhouse Lounge
Your new favorite daytime nighttime talk show returns for their fourth episode, C*ntry Christmas-themed! Shining a spotlight on queer, femme, and nonbinary talent, riffing on hot topics, and giving away fun prizes from local women and queer owned businesses. A majority of ticket sales are donated to a mutual aid fund!
Hosted by Akasha and special guest panelists!
[Lineup TBD]
Sat Dec 27th @ 7 PM ANTICHRISTmas Holiday Special
$10
Curious Comedy Annex
Michael Garcia presents a show like MST3K where a panel of comics riff on bad holiday movies.
A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Foundation Fighting Blindness and P(eye) day
Hosted by Michael Garcia and Emma Pace Jonas
Carlos Romero, Chris Hudson, Dave Lowery, Heather English, Jess Bushnell, Sean O'Neil, Shadd Foster, Tristian Spillman
Sun Dec 28th @ 6 PM POET TOWN
Chaparral Books
A reading from local poets
Amy Baskin, Douglas Cole, H.G. Dierdorff, Jane Carlsen, Jerrod Bohn, Laura LeHew, Roy Seitz, Ryan Mills
FREE! (donations encouraged)
Sun Dec 28th @ 7:30 PM The Gauntlet
Sun Dec 28th @ 7:30 PM The Gauntlet
$15 online, $20 door
Curious Comedy Annex
Curious Comedy Annex presents: The Gauntlet
15 improvisers, one champion! if Whose Line Is It Anyway and American Ninja Warrior had a hilarious love child—hold on to your seats, it's going to be a wild ride!
Artist Market Weekend 2
The Get Down
Sat Jan 3rd and Sun Jan 4th 10 - 4 PM
Sat and Sun 1 PM Bad Holiday Gift Flip
1/3 2 PM Mini Pottery
1/3 3 PM Mosaics
1/4 2 PM Collage
$5 entry fee for the market
FREE entry if you bring a gift for the holiday gift flip OR register for a workshop or event.
Artist Market Weekend 2, Day 2
Jordan is a local comedian and collage artist and cocreator of LowArtForms, a show where comedians analyze and auction often insane thrift store art. It's a guaranteed good time, unless you're made of paper... then beware the scissors! We will provide a variety of supplies.
*Free to join if you bring your own collage materials with you!
Fri Jan 2nd @ 7 PM Friendship Show with Forest
Great Notion on 28th
2444 NW 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97210
[VENUE CHANGED, NEW TICKET LINK]
$10
Forest Ember presents: Friendship Show, where comics go head-to-head to resolve their beef and become friends [again] with the help of the audience.
Hosted by Forest Ember
Joe John Sanchez, Aimee Sinclair, Zane Thomas, Maeve Connor, Jason Burton, and more!
Fri Jan 2nd @ 9 PM Sexy Talk with Tony Meyer
Great Notion on 28th
2444 NW 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97210
[VENUE CHANGE, NEW TICKET LINK]
$10
Tony Meyer presents: Sexy Talk, a sex positive show where comics can really let loose. We'll have an "after-hours" market or "mark-it" with vendors selling fun, sexy, locally made products.
Hosted by Tony Meyer
Special guest co-host Emma Jonas
Luke Miller, Joe John Sanchez, Aleah Liebenau, Mack Lee
MATURE AUDIENCES, 21+
Sat Jan 3rd 4 - 6 PM YOLO [mixed open] mic
Great Notion on 28th
2444 NW 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97210
Hosted by Josh Henri and Lori Van Deman
We wanted to create a mixed open mic that would encourage people to try comedy, poetry, or music for the first time on stage in front of a supportive audience. Lovingly nicknamed the "YOLO mic" by cohost Josh Henri. We had a great time last year and are eagerly awaiting the return of the mic this year.
Followed by Telltale's Rough Start at 7 PM.
FREE!
Sat Jan 3rd 4 - 6 PM mini-play-a-thon
Echo Theater Company
$10, $15 VIP
A variety of locally written and produced mini-plays that are under half an hour, headlined by Jon Bennett's newest one-man play. (This is a separate ticketed event)
This is the first year trying out this format, but we're excited to bring the Portland theater and writing communities together to put on a fun show!
Sat Jan 3rd @ 6 PM If You Should Leave Before Me
Clinton Street Theater
$15
A locally-made feature film!
PDX Premiere!
If You Should Leave Before Me features Mark and Joshua, a married couple, face a devastating loss that strains their relationship. To escape grief, they focus on their unconventional jobs as guides for the recently deceased, leading them to the afterlife.
MATURE AUDIENCES
Join the writers and directors for the gala presentation of If You Should Leave Before Me at the Start Fresh Festival. The special screening will be followed by an intimate Q&A with the filmmakers, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this acclaimed feature. All ticket holders are warmly invited to continue the celebration at a private afterparty at Dots Cafe, an opportunity to meet the team, connect with fellow film lovers, and toast to this award-winning film.
Sat Jan 3rd @ 6:30 PM Jon Bennett: This Will Only Ever Happen Once
Echo Theater Company
$20, $25 VIP
Headlining the mini-play-a-thon is a NEW one hour* one-man play written and performed by Jon Bennett.
This is the Oregon premiere for this play!
This performance has only ever happened twice... So far!
Jon connects the dots, or spots, rather, between live performance and protecting exotic wildlife in his newest play. Guaranteed to be a roarin' good time! Funny, insightful, and endearing.
SUGGESTED AUDIENCE 18+
Sat Jan 3rd @ 7 PM Rough Start
Great Notion on 28th
2444 NW 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97210
Telltale presents Rough Start, a show where storytellers discuss how they tried to start their year off right, or wrong, in the spirit of resolutions.
Hosted by Jasmine Nothing and Zane Thomas
Liam Kamp, Josh Henri, Jaren George, Ellis Durand, Ryan McAbery
FREE! (donations encouraged)
Sat Jan 3rd 8 - 10 PM Local Author Reading
Rose City Book Pub
We will have a selection of local authors reading their work from a variety of genres.
Aaron Simon, Amy Baskin, Brandon J Custy, Douglas Cole, H.G. Dierdorff, Jane Carlsen, Jeff Alessandrelli, Jennie Bricker, Mari Matthias
Hosted by Lori Van Deman
FREE! (donations encouraged)
Sun Jan 4th 11 - 3 PM Social Hour and Screening
Echo Theater Company
$10*
Join us for coffee, tea, VooDoo doughnuts while you talk shop with film industry professionals, afterwards, we'll sit down and watch and a selection of short films made by local filmmakers
*FREE for the filmmakers
Sun Jan 4th @ 4 PM 3×30 [mins] Films
Clinton Street Theater
$10*
A block of longer shorts, three 30 minute films, Q&A to follow with local filmmakers.
The Ogre by Justin Boswick [34:50]
Carpe Diem by Armen Zilic [26:31]
Invasion of the Free Box Monsters by Peter Grey [30:00]
Q&A with filmmakers
A mini lecture for filmmakers to follow hosted by Jerry Bell Jr. actor/producer/director/local independent film community leader.
*FREE for the filmmakers
Louis White's A.M.P. Art. Music. Poetry [January Edition]
A.M.P. Gallery
1124 NW 13th Ave
$10 suggested donation
Lou hosts a lively music-infused poetry mic once or twice a month at an art gallery. It's A LOT of fun!
Louis White's Coffee Talk
A.M.P. Gallery
1124 NW 13th Ave
FREE
BYOCoffee
Every other Saturday offers a great opportunity to connect with other poets and writers