Ed Begley, Jr., chickens and David Wu. What more could you ask for?
Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 28
The Better Living Show, an event focused on green living, is happening all weekend at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Ed Begley, Jr., will speak at 7:00 pm on Friday. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.
Chicken Fest 2008 is taking place all weekend at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information. (from Enviromom)
Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, St. Johns Library, 2:00 pm: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Alison Larkin will talk about her book The English American at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for details.
Book release party and reading: Jaret Ferratusco will talk about his new book Please Don’t Leave Meat Opposable Thumb Gallery & Cafe (3312 SE Belmont Street) at 8:00 pm. DJ Chris Leighty will provide music. For more information, visit the book’s MySpace page. (from PDX Pipeline)
Saturday, March 29
The Better Living Show continues at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Portland Fashion Week is sponsoring a panel discussion and fashion show focused on eco-responsible fashion. In addition to the eco-related events, there’ll be a celebration of Support Women Artists Now (SWAN) Day featuring musical performances, theatre, artwork and workshops by local female artists. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Center grand opening celebration, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm: The celebration will start with a ribbon cutting ceremony with comments from author Richard Louv, visits from David Wu and other local dignitaries, tours of the new Wildlife Center, guided nature walks, and educational activities for everyone. The Wildlife Center is located north of Sherwood. Visit the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge website for details.
Chicken Fest 2008 continues at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information.
Lew Jones will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.
DJs Dave Allen and Ratanski will spin classic hip hop, downtempo trip hop and post punk dance at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Symphony Storytime at Midland Library, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm: Families will enjoy music, storytime and hands-on crafts. A member of the Oregon Symphony will play and discuss orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
The Speakin’ Beacon puppet show, Albina Library, 11:00 am: Bruce Orr of the Mudeye Puppet Company and Penny Walter of Penny’s Puppet Productions will perform a family-friendly puppet show with aliens, forest creatures, and a Yeti. After the show, you’ll be able to get a closer look at the puppets, made entirely from reused materials. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Sunday, March 30
The Better Living Show continues at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.
Chicken Fest 2008 continues at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information.
Russian Film Series at Midland Library will be showing Born in the USSR: 21 Upat noon. The film is in Russian with English subtitles. A brief discussion will follow. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Ann Christensen and Lisa Bergman will play music from their CD American Music: Jazz, Broadway, Hollywood at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Night of the Iguanawill be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Hotel deLuxe will screenHurricane Heroes, a documentary on Katrina animal rescues by Portland filmmaker Mike Shiley. The Screening Room, located off the hotel lobby, opens at 6:00 pm; the movie begins at 6:30 pm. RSVP to 503.219.2093. For more information, visit the Hotel deLuxe website.
If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me
I love eating out, but I hate what it can do to my bank account. Fortunately, Portland has many affordable, worthwhile options, and Willamette Week makes finding them simple with its annual Cheap Eats guide.
The 2008 edition came out last Wednesday and features more than 140 eateries that offer breakfast and lunch for under $10 and dinner for under $15.
This year, there seem to be more food carts on the list, which I think is awesome. We have such a great cart culture, don’t we? (Check out Portland Food Carts for reviews.)
The 2008 Willamette Week Cheap Eats guide is still out on the street, or you can find the online version here.
The round-up is full of Easter-related events in addition to the usual fare. Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
Friday, March 21
Flashlight Egg Hunt in Lake Oswego: Kids aged 11 to 15 are invited to hunt for candy and prizes at Foothills Park (199 Foothills Drive) at 8:00 pm (arrive 10 minutes early). Bring a flashlight and basket. For more information, visit the Lake Oswego Parks website.
Spring Beer & Wine Fest is happening on Friday and Saturday at the Oregon Convention Center. Free admission from noon until 2:00 pm on both days. For more information, visit the festival website.
Frank Blair will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Canoe (indie folk/rock) will perform at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Alpenrose Dairy Easter Egg Hunt, one of the biggest hunts west of the Mississippi, starts at 10:30 am with events catered to kids aged 3–8. Even moms will get their chance to hunt on their own. There will be prizes for all of the children, with the grand prize being seven 6-foot bunnies (one for each age bracket). For more information, visit the Alpenrose Dairy website.
Sellwood-Westmoreland Easter Egg Hunt will take place at 10:00 am at the south end of Westmoreland Park, opposite the parking lot area. Please bring canned goods for the Food Bank.
10th Annual Woodstock Easter Egg Hunt starts at 10:30 am at Woodstock Park. Kids of all ages are invited to hunt for eggs filled with treats and prizes. The Easter Bunny will also be there.
Children’s Egg Hunt in Lake Oswego: Children aged 0 to 10 years and their parents are invited to hunt for eggs in Westlake Park at 9:00 am. Bring your own basket. For more information, visit the Lake Oswego Parks website.
In honor of World Water Day, the Vancouver Water Centeris hosting a variety of activities from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The event includes a 1.5-mile Columbia River Walk, displays, presentations, films, hands-on activities and storytelling for children, and more. For a detailed schedule of events, visit the Water Center website.
Spring Beer & Wine Fest is happening on Friday and Saturday at the Oregon Convention Center. Free admission from noon until 2:00 pm on both days. For more information, visit the festival website.
D.I.Y. Family Day at Museum of Contemporary Craft, 1:00 pm: Kids aged 4–14 will get the chance to make a magnet, button or book. Adults will be able to express their creativity too, using an array of collage materials. For more information, visit the Museum of Contemporary Craft website.
Frank Blair will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Lew Jones will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.
Sig Paulson will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and over. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Neal Donald Walsch will talk about his book Happier Than Godat 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.
Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, North Portland Library, noon: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Bunny on a Bike Ride starts at 2:00 pm. Read more about it here.
The Church of Craft is having its monthly craft class/get-together at the Central Library from 12:30 pm–3:30 pm. This month’s class is Recycled Necktie Crafts. Seating is limited to 70 people, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the list of supplies you’ll need to bring and more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Tim Scott and Joanna Blendulf will perform viol music by Marin Marais at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
The Misfits will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day weekend! As always, admission is free for all of these events.
Friday, March 14
Kells Saint Patrick’s Festival starts today. No cover from 5:30 pm–7:00 pm in the back tent. Live music and a $3 happy-hour food menu will be featured. For details, visit the Kells website.
Bingo’s Dream Band will perform at Kennedy School at 7:00 pm to celebrate the release of their new album. For more information, visit the Kennedy School website.
Tim Ueckerwill perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.
Paul Barkett (folk/rock) will perform at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Twisted will be showing the ’80s flick Raising Arizona at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Twisted website.
Robert Birkby will talk about his book Mountain Madness at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.
Creative Arts Therapy Social Art Night, The 100th Monkey Studio, 6:30 pm–9:00 pm: This event includes open art making and socializing among those who are interested in art and art therapies, as well as networking with art therapists. Bring a potluck dish to share. Visit the 100th Monkey Studio website for more information.
Saturday, March 15
Kells Saint Patrick’s Festivalcontinues. No cover charge until 5:00 pm. Free family/kids activities until 5:00 pm. Entertainment and events include Irish dance lessons and demonstrations, arts, crafts, music, food, Irish cheese samples, face-painting and Irish wolfhounds. Check the Kells website for complete schedule and details.
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Edgefield: The event features live music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, corned beef & cabbage specials and more. All day; music starts at 3:00 pm. For more information and a full schedule of entertainment, visit the Edgefield website.
Ides of March Fiber Festival is happening at Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Larissa and Martin Brown will be there to sign their new book Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together. Also, the event will include exhibitions by fiber vendors, artists, hand-spinners and -dyers, and knitters. For more information, visit the Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks website.
Bagdad Theater will show Birth of a Racer, a Discovery Channel documentary about MotoCzysz. Following the screening will be Q&A with the MotoCzysz team and special guests. Doors open at 6:00 pm; screening starts at 7:00 pm. All ages welcome. For more information, visit the Bagdad Theater website.
Spring Guild Fair, Museum of Contemporary Craft, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm: Local guilds will present work for sale, give demonstrations and distribute informational materials. This is a chance to meet a variety of local artists and view their work. For more information, visit the MCC website.
Alexa Wiley will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Jonathan Garcia will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for details.
Learn how to research African American genealogy at North Portland Library from 1:30 pm–5:30 pm. Registration is required; register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234. For more information on topics to be discussed, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Symphony Storytime at Midland Library, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm: Enjoy music, storytime and hands-on crafts. A member of the Oregon Symphony will play and discuss orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, Gregory Heights Library, 3:00 pm: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Sunday, March 16
Writers Resource Fair, Central Library, noon–3:00 pm. Representatives from about 30 local organizations will be on hand to talk about the services, resources and opportunities they offer to writers. For more information and a complete list of participating organizations, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Kells Saint Patrick’s Festivalcontinues. No cover charge until 5:00 pm. Free family/kids activities until 5:00 pm. Entertainment and events include Irish dance lessons and demonstrations, arts, crafts, music, food, Irish cheese samples, face-painting and Irish wolfhounds. Check the Kells website for complete schedule and details.
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Edgefield: The event features live music, Irish dancers, bagpipers, corned beef & cabbage specials and more. All day; music starts at 3:00 pm. For more information and a full schedule of entertainment, visit the Edgefield website.
Ides of March Fiber Festival continues at Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Larissa and Martin Brown will be there to sign their new book Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together. Also, the event will include exhibitions by fiber vendors, artists, hand-spinners and -dyers, and knitters. For more information, visit the Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks website.
Spring Guild Fair, Museum of Contemporary Craft, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm: Local guilds will present work for sale, give demonstrations and distribute informational materials. This is a chance to meet a variety of local artists and view their work. For more information, visit the MCC website.
Fred Krupp will talk about his book Earth: The Sequelat 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.
If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me.
$10 tickets are currently available for the plays Beard of Avon and Twelfth Night. If you go to the PCS MySpace page and add PCS as a friend, you’ll get access to the secret code that allows you to purchase $10 tickets to any remaining performance of the two plays (which run until March 16). If you don’t have a MySpace account, consider getting one for deals like this if nothing else.
Rush Tickets: All season long, you can buy a $10 ticket to any play when you purchase 15 minutes before show time (cash only).
30 and Under: Next season (starts September 2008), you can get $20 tickets if you are under 30 years old (ID required).
Learn more about current and upcoming performances by visiting the Portland Center Stage website or calling 503.445.3700.
In addition to great plays, PCS sponsors free events including a monthly First Thursday event featuring live music and art exhibitions. To find out about upcoming events, keep your eye on Around the Sun or visit the PCS Community Events page.
What would you call hundreds of people riding through the city on bikes? You’d probably call it a typical day in Portland. What if every one of those people were wearing bunny costumes?
On March 23, you’re invited to join in on a local Easter Sunday tradition. The Bunny on a Bike Ride, now in its fifth year, will once again bring together people who like to wear a costume while riding their bike and people who enjoy cheering them on.
This year’s theme is The “Great” Bunny Convergence. Instead of meeting in one place and taking a loop ride as in years past, riders will meet in five different parks around the city and make their way to a secret location in the center of Portland for a “hoppin-ing” party.
The starting locations are:
SE: Col. Summers Park (SE Belmont & 20th)
SW: Salmon Street Fountain at Waterfront Park (SW Salmon & Naito Pkwy)
NW: Jamison Square (NW Johnson & 10th Ave)
N: Peninsula Park (at the gazebo, N Ainsworth & N Albina Ave)
NE: Grant Park (by Ramona Statue, NE 33rd Ave & US Grant Place)
Meeting time is 2:00 pm.
If you want to participate, show up in bunny ears and tail, as well as clothes suitable for playing in the park. There will also be a potluck picnic.
The ride will take place on regular roads. Lone riders should be 8 years or older, and children must be with an adult. The biking distance will vary per ride, but expect 45 minutes to an hour of ride time to the destination.
The Bunny on a Bike Ride is the brain child of Carye Bye, who is responsible for many other good things in Portland including Red Bat Press and Hidden Portland.
The event is free. For more information, visit the event’s webpage.
Before you spend money on tax preparation software and e-file, be sure you really need to. There are a couple of ways to file both federal and Oregon income tax returns for free.
If you made $54,000 or less in 2007, you may be able to prepare and e-file your taxes for free via the IRS website. The IRS partners with several companies to provide this service. All companies offer free filing for federal returns, but only TurboTax and TaxSlayer allow you to file both federal and Oregon tax returns. Each company has unique requirements:
TurboTax requirements:
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $30,000 or less for 2007
Or you were Active Duty Military in 2007 and earned $54,000 or less
Or you qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC)
TaxSlayer requirements:
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $54,000 for 2007 and
You are 25 years or younger
Or you are 65 years or older
Or you qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC)
Or you are Active Duty Military
Or your AGI is $10,000 or less for 2007
Note that you must go through the IRS website to take advantage of this service.
State Farm customers (regardless of income) can file both federal and Oregon tax returns for free via the State Farm website:
StateFarm.com® registered customers who have at least one product (Bank, Insurance and/or Mutual Funds) displaying on their My Account page will once again have the ability to file their 2007 income tax online for free. This service is being provided by Intuit, the creators of TurboTax.
Once you have created an online account and are logged in, there’ll be a link on the left-hand side of the screen that says ”FREE tax filing.” The link will take you to an introductory screen and then to the TurboTax website. Like the IRS program, you must connect to the TurboTax website through the State Farm link in order to get the deal.
