Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
Friday, February 27
vitaminwater Free Ski Day: Bring an empty bottle of vitaminwater to Timberline Lodge & Ski Area and hit the slopes for free. Offer is valid from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visit www.skiwithvitaminwater.com for details, as well as a chance to win a three-day weekend at Timberline.
Colored Pencils Art Culture Night is a monthly open mic and art show hosted by people from Asian, African, Arab and Latino backgrounds. Contributors from three forms of artistic expression, participants of every age and from everywhere, will perform or exhibit their work. An international variety of food will be offered. Center for Intercultural Organizing office (700 N. Killingsworth), 5:30 pm–9:30 pm. For more information, click here.
Cascade Festival of African Films: “Africa Paradis” will be showing at 7:30 pm at Portland Community College Cascade Campus, Moriarty Bldg. 104 (705 N. Killingsworth St). For more information, visit the event website.
“Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy each Friday night from January 16 through March 10 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:00 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.
Toque Libre (website) will perform at Wine Unwind (1019 NW 11th Ave) at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Miss Michael Jodell (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Brent Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Ida Viper (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.
Author Stephen Mitchell will talk about his book “The Second Book of the Tao” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.
Saturday, February 28
Southeast Portland Area ARTWalk: The ARTWalk offers the opportunity to go on a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and home workspaces, as well as see local artwork in galleries, host homes and businesses within the “walkable/bikeable/busable” boundaries of SE 9th to SE 41st & SE Hawthorne to SE Powell Blvd. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm. Families welcome. For more information and free map, visit the event website.
Black History Month Event: US Historian and Princeton Professor Nell Irvin Painter will give a lecture at Reed College’s Vollum lecture hall (3203 SE Woodstock Blvd) at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival will show four African shorts (“The Fallen Beats,” “Meteni The Lost One,” “Menged” and “Meokgo and the Stick Fighter”) starting at 7:30 pm at Portland Community College Cascade Campus, Moriarty Bldg. 104 (705 N. Killingsworth St). For more information, visit the event website.
March and Rally to Bring Major League Soccer to Portland: If you want to show your support for MLS in Portland, meet at 1:30 pm at the Salmon Street Fountain (SW Salmon St and Front Ave in Waterfront Park) to march to City Hall. For more information, visit the event website.
Raising A Reader Family Day: Enjoy crafts, stories, music, and a puppet show for families with children from birth through age 5. Every preschool child may take home a free book (while supplies last). Older siblings also welcome. Two locations: Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd), 10:00 am–12:30 pm; North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 10:00 am–12:30 pm. For event schedule and more information, visit the event website.
Tales of Japan Puppet Show: Tears of Joy Theatre will present two stories: “Gift” and “Momotaro.” Most appropriate for grades K–8. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 2:00 pm–2:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Eth-Noh-Tec: Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec weaves together music and rhythmic dialogue to inspire the imagination and bring stories to life. Hear “Tricksters in the Family Tree,” a story of Japanese-American internment, identity, struggle and resolution, which illuminates the question: “What is an American?” Most appropriate for grades K–5. Two locations: Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy), 11:00 am–11:45 am; Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave), 2:00 pm–2:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St), 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.
Saturday Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek State Park: Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Today’s theme is “Cones, Cones, Cones.” Appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.
Artist Reception: Meet Alexander Voitsekhovsky from St. Petersburg, Russia, from 4:00 pm–8:00 pm at Forever Art Gallery (828 NW Hoyt St). For more information, visit the event website.
Gavin Wahl-Stephens (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.
Portland Is Burning Dance Party: Portland Is Burning is influenced heavily by New York street fashion, the dance style of “voguing,” gay dance music and of course the groundbreaking movie “Paris Is Burning.” Musical stylings by DJ Girlfriends, Freaky Outty and DJ Nightschool. Art direction by Coco B. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Swing Papillon will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Eric John Kaiser (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Pilar French and Joshua Slampwill perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.
Poets Alli Warren, Brandon Brown and Tom Fisher will read their respective work at Clinton Corner Cafe (2633 21st Ave, 503.230.8035), 7:00 pm.
Writer-activist Samantha Berg will give a lecture titled “Pornstitution: Sexual Capitalism in the 21st Century” at 3:00 pm at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 B NE Killingsworth St). For more information, visit the event website.
Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Two locations: Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
10 Steps to Starting a Business: This seminar covers basic small business startup information in 10 steps. The presentation is designed for individuals in the thinking stage of starting a business. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 12:30 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Happy Birthday, New Seasons: New Seasons Market is celebrating its ninth birthday. Stop by any location for free cake and ice cream on Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Sunday, March 1
Southeast Portland Area ARTWalk: The ARTWalk offers the opportunity to go on a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and home workspaces, as well as see local artwork in galleries, host homes and businesses within the “walkable/bikeable/busable” boundaries of SE 9th to SE 41st & SE Hawthorne to SE Powell Blvd. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm. Families welcome. For more information and free map, visit the event website.
Every Family Reads Event: National Pig Day: Celebrate the kickoff of Every Family Reads 2009 and National Pig Day at Central Library. Enjoy a special storytime full of pigs and a few wolves and be among the first to pledge to read with your family this spring. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm–2:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Artist Reception: Meet Beate Scheller at West Linn Public Library (1595 Burns St, West Linn) from 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Southwest Washington Wind Symphony will perform at 3:00 pm at Union High School (6201 NW Friberg-Strunk St, Camas). For more information, visit the event website.
Chickweed (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
“Punch Drunk Love” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Sunday Cinema Classics: “Lilies of the Field” will be showing at 2:00 pm at St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave). Free tickets for limited seating will be available at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Author G. Pascal Zachary will talk about his book “Married to Africa” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.
Happy Birthday, New Seasons: New Seasons Market is celebrating its ninth birthday. Stop by any location for free cake and ice cream on Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event 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, please contact me.
If you’re planning to go to the 2009 Yard, Garden & Patio Show this weekend (February 27–March 1, 2009), be sure to visit the show’s website to print out a coupon for $2 off admission. Here’s the link.
Admission is $11 for ages 13+. Children 12 and under get in free.
On February 28, 2009, participating Save-A-Lot stores will be giving away the fixings for a spaghetti dinner (pasta, sauce, bread sticks and canned vegetable) between 8:00 am and noon. To get the deal, you will need a voucher, which you can print out here. Call your local store to make sure it is participating.
I don’t think I’ve ever ranted on this site, but there’s a first time for everything:
I’m concerned about TriMet’s proposed service cuts. According to the current plan, 12 bus lines will be discontinued, and schedules for a dozen others will be reduced. My neighborhood bus, 43, will no longer run on weekends.
Fortunately, I don’t depend on the weekend 43 or the other affected bus lines. I have the option to drive to a transit center or my destination. But I’m still concerned for two reasons. First, I wonder how many people have no other options. How will their lives be affected? Second, I don’t want to depend on my car. I was hoping that time would bring more TriMet access to my area, not less. I’m just disappointed.
Do you have something to say about the cuts? TriMet is accepting feedback prior to making its final decision. It will hold a series of open houses starting on February 25, as well as take feedback by phone, email or mail until 5:00 pm on March 31. If you have an opinion, personal story, or idea for how TriMet can avoid cutting services, I encourage you to speak up.
You can read more about the proposed cuts and opportunities to give feedback on TriMet’s website.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, IHOP will give each guest one free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. The offer is valid from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. In exchange for the meal, the company asks that you consider making a donation to support local children’s hospitals. For more information, visit the event website.
Lots of people are looking for information about vitaminwater’s free ski day at Timberline. Here it is:
On Friday, February 27, 2009, bring an empty bottle of vitaminwater to Timberline Lodge & Ski Area and hit the slopes for free. Offer is valid from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visit www.skiwithvitaminwater.com for details, as well as a chance to win a three-day weekend at Timberline.
Portland Center Stage (PCS) invites one and all to its 2009/2010 Season Announcement and Reception on Monday, February 23, at 7:30 pm. Guests will learn what PCS has planned for the upcoming season, as well as enjoy a few surprises including a multimedia extravaganza and visits from surprise mystery artists. The evening will end with dessert.
Today only, February 20, 2009, you can get 20 free 4×6 photo prints from Walgreens.com. No purchase necessary, and no shipping charge if you opt to pick up your order from a Walgreens store. Orders must be placed by February 20, 2009, at 11:59 pm Central Time to qualify.
To order prints, click here. If you haven’t already, you need to create a Walgreens.com account. Then log in, upload your photos and select the ones you want to print. On the “Your photo cart” page, enter ONEDAY in the box labeled “Coupon #” (toward the bottom of the page). On the next screen, choose to pick up your prints at a store to avoid shipping charges.
Reminder: Saturday is Family Day at Oregon Historical Society. Two children get in free with one paying adult. For more information, visit the event website.
Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
Friday, February 20
Portland Jazz Festival Free Events: Visit festival website for schedule.
Cascade Festival of African Films: “Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation” will be showing at 7:00 pm at Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.
“Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy each Friday night from January 16 through March 10 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:00 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.
Yarnia One-Year Anniversary Celebration: Come by for food, drinks, giveaways, and more. 4183 SE Division St, 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Leigh Marble (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Jason Webley Trio (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
The Atonements (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.
Saturday, February 21
Portland Jazz Festival Free Events: Visit festival website for schedule.
Lincoln Remembered: Activities include historical re-enactments, kids’ crafts and games, music, birthday cake, and more. Pearson Air Museum (1115 E. 5th, Vancouver), 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Activist, university professor and author Angela Davis will give a lecture at Reed College’s Kaul Auditorium (3203 SE Woodstock Blvd) at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Health Fair: Event includes free and priced health screenings, snacks, games, and more. Pilgrim Lutheran Church (4244 SE 91st Ave), 8:00 am–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Polar Plunge: Watch people take a dip in the Columbia River, all to support the Special Olympics. Spectators get in free. Broughton Beach. Costume contest for Plunge participants starts at 10:30 am. Plunge begins at 11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.
Cascade Festival of African Films: “Azur and Asmar: The Princess’ Quest,” a family film rated PG, will be showing at 2:00 pm at Portland Community College Cascade Campus, Moriarty Bldg. 104 (705 N. Killingsworth St). For more information, visit the event website. At 7:30 pm, “Bab’Aziz – The Prince who Contemplated his Soul” will be showing in the same venue. For more information, visit the event website.
Chinese New Year Celebration in Vancouver: Learn about Chinese New Year, enjoy a story and riddles, participate in making crafts, and join in a lion parade. Vancouver Mall Community Library (8700 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Suite 285), 3:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Japanese Dance Performance: Enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese dance called “Buyo” by Portland’s Fujinami-Kai School of Dance. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 2:00 pm–2:30 pm. This event is part of Oregon Reads 2009. For more information, visit the event website.
Japanese Traditional Koto Music: Mitsuki Dazai will give an introduction to Japanese traditions and culture through koto music. Her performance will demonstrate techniques on the instrument. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. This event is part of Oregon Reads 2009. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 10:00 am–11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.
Brush Calligraphy Demonstration & Japanese Green Tea Tasting: Watch a calligraphy demonstration and try it yourself on the magical “Buddha” boards. Also, the son of a Japanese Tea Master will tell the stories behind the teas of Sen cha, Joji cha and Genmai cha, and you will get the chance to sample the world’s best blended green tea of 2008. This event is part of Oregon Reads 2009. Graham’s Book & Stationery (460 2nd St, Lake Oswego, 503.636.5676), 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Raising A Reader Family Day: Enjoy crafts, stories, music, and a puppet show for families with children from birth through age 5. Every preschool child may take home a free book (while supplies last). Older siblings also welcome. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham), 10:00 am–1:00 pm. For event schedule and more information, visit the event website.
Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St), 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.
“Who’s in Hare’s House?” Puppet Show: In this East African tale, Sungura the hare returns to find someone inside his house, and it must be a monster. Presented by Tears of Joy Theatre. Stay to enjoy a simple craft after the show. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy), 2:30 pm–3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Saturday Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek State Park: Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Today’s theme is “Magnificent Moss and Lovely Lichen.” Appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.
Chickweed (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.
Ashia (website) will perform at Wine Unwind (1019 NW 11th Ave) at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Dust Bowl Refugees will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Strawberry Rune (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Jack McMahon Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.
Author Carl Kozlowski will talk about his book “Seize the Day Job: The Humor Book Al-Qaeda Kept You From Reading” at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 B NE Killingsworth St), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada will read his poetry, much of it dealing with the internment camp experience of Japanese Americans. This is an Oregon Reads 2009 event. Ledding Library Pond House (2215 SE Harrison, Milwaukie), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Author Chelsea Cain will give a talk at the Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Author Leighton Gage will talk about his book “Buried Strangers” at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd) at 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Renowned garden designers Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd will present their book “Our Life in Gardens” at 1:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton). For more information, visit the event website.
Children’s book author Virginia Euwer Wolff, along with library members, will present a Reader’s Theater based on her book “Bat 6.” Reader’s Theater is a reading, by multiple voices, of a script adaptation of a book. Ideal for families with children ages 8 and up. A book signing will follow. This is an Oregon Reads 2009 event. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.
Children’s book author Deborah Hopkinson will talk about her book “Apples to Oregon” at Sherwood Public Library (22560 SW Pine St, Sherwood), 2:00 pm. This event is part of Oregon Reads 2009. For more information, visit the event website.
Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Two locations: Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Sunday, February 22
Japanese Poetry, Storytelling & Music: Hosted by poet Joan Maiers, the event will feature local poets Ritz Kyoko Mori and Leah Stenson, as well as Michael Whelan, multi-cultural storyteller. Peter Zisa and Yukiko Vossen will collaborate in a koto performance. This event is part of Oregon Reads 2009. Moonstruck Chocolate Café (45 S. State St, Lake Oswego, 503.697.7097), 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band will perform at Lakeridge High School (1235 Overlook Dr, Lake Oswego) at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Quintessential: A Woodwind Quintet: Fun, classical music renditions of folk songs and songs related to Oregon history will be performed. Light refreshments will be served. This is an Oregon Reads 2009 event. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Violinist George Shiolas and Flutist Abigail Mages will perform a program of music by J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Tartini, Bartok, Piazzola, Debussy, and others. Tualatin Public Library (18878 SW Martinazzi, Tualatin), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Progression: Progression is what every other jam session isn’t. Original compositions, odd time signatures, free form improvisation, and no rules. Hosted by Ben Darwish. Someday Lounge, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Jon Koonce (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
“Volver” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Film Screening: “C.E.S. Wood”: Producer Laurence Cotton will screen the film “C.E.S. Wood” and provide a Q&A discussion after the showing. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm–2:30 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Academy Awards at McMenamins: Bagdad Theater and Mission Theater will show the Academy Awards. Doors open at 4:00 pm; show starts at 5:00 pm. At Bagdad, all ages welcome until 9:00 pm. Mission is open to ages 21+. For more information, visit the Bagdad or Mission website.
Poets Jules Boykoff & Alicia Cohen will read from their respective books at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event 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, please contact me.
