2026 Portland Motorcycle Film Festival Primer

The Portland (PDX) Motorcycle Film Festival returns to the historic Hollywood Theatre on January 30th and 31st, 2026, showcasing motorcycle-focused storytelling on the big screen.

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More than a typical film series, the PDX Motorcycle Film Festival has become a fixture on the North American motorcycle calendar. Hosted by the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association (OMRRA) and supported by partners like Cascade Moto, the event raises funds for rider safety while showcasing engaging motorcycle stories from around the world.

The Story

Unlike commercial film festivals driven primarily by ticket sales, this event is a community fundraiser. Every dollar raised supports OMRRA’s efforts to purchase Air Fence protective barriers and other safety equipment used during motorcycle race events, particularly at Portland International Raceway. Since its inception, the festival has helped raise over six figures for this cause.

Historic Venue

The choice of venue is part of what makes this festival special. The Hollywood Theatre, constructed in 1926 and recently restored, offers a classic cinematic experience with nearly 400 seats, a 50-foot screen, digital projection, and surround sound. Watching films there is a special experience.

Highlights of the 2026 Lineup

This year’s programming is deliberately diverse. Featuring films from around the world, they touch on themes that will resonate with a wide variety of riders. Over two nights, audiences will see films ranging from endurance rallies to personal quests of redemption and rediscovery. 

Friday, January 30 (6:30 p.m.)

• Rally Kats: A Japanese couple navigates historic bikes in the Transamerica Endurance Rally
• Between the Hedges – Joey Dunlop: A moving tribute to one of the most legendary figures in motorcycle racing
• Southbound Part 2: The continuation of a celebrated journey through South America, celebrating friendship and the road
• LeMans Racing Beyond Limits: Stories from the European Motorcycle Championship for riders with disabilities
• Mountains of Heaven: Two weeks traversing the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan
• Hand Built Brough Superior: A look into the craftsmanship behind an iconic motorcycle
• Malle Moto: The Forgotten Dakar Story — A deep dive into one of the world’s toughest rally challenges

Saturday, January 31 (6:00 p.m.)

• Finding Latitude: A London photographer seeks meaning through Ecuador’s landscapes
• Slowly Going Faster: A builder’s quest to achieve speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats
• Trippers: A chopper club’s road trip from Portland to Nevada’s Virginia City Roundup
• The Drixton: A son’s emotional journey to restore and race a bike that nearly cost his father his life
• Gasoline Dreams: A rediscovered motorcycle reignites long-lost memories
• Not the NC500: A lighter-hearted trail ride through Scotland’s rugged landscapes
• Dirt Track Dickie: A return to racing after half a century

In addition to screenings, the festival typically includes a VIP pre-party and Q&A with filmmakers.

The Impact

For motorcycle enthusiasts, this festival is a cultural touchstone. It brings riders together to celebrate shared experiences in a format that’s rare in the motorcycling world. Many films go beyond the spectacle of speed to explore identity, community, and the transformative power of the road. It’s also a vibrant example of community support in action. 

Daily passes are available (around $20 per night), and full passes with special events can be purchased for a bundled rate. Expect a mix of local riders, filmmakers, and motorcycle fans from across the region

The Portland Motorcycle Film Festival is a reminder that motorcycles inspire people to go to great lengths. In an era where content is often consumed quickly as a solo experience, this event invites riders to gather, share, and reflect together on what it means to ride.