Around the Sun: A Blog About Saving Money in Portland, Oregon, and beyond

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: May 29–31

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, May 29

• Zoobomb Public Art Unveiling and Dance Party: The well-known, often-relocated minibike sculpture in downtown Portland has a new, permanent home: an art bike rack created by two local artists at SW 13th and W. Burnside. The celebration includes a parade, Mayor Sam Adams, entertainment and more. The parade meets at 4:00 pm at SW 10th and Oak, and will ride to the site at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit BikePortland.

• Clay Giberson will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Miss Michael Jodell, Matt Brown and Allen Hunter will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Floating Pointe (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Beth Willis (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 Glen David Gold will talk about his book “Sunnyside” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, May 30

• Starlight Parade: Watch sparkling floats, gleaming bands and glowing marching groups wind their way through downtown Portland. The parade begins at 8:30 pm at NW Burnside and 9th Ave. It then travels through downtown Portland and ends at Lincoln High School. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Admission to Washington County Museum: It’s Family Day at the museum. Activities include kite making, pioneer dressup and more. 17677 NW Springville Rd, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Cricket Campus Rail Jam Tour: See the best college snowboarders compete in 20 tons of snow at Pioneer Square. 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Wilsonville Parade Celebrating Oregon’s 150th Birthday: The parade will start at 10:00 am at the Parker Johnstone Honda Dealership and meander along Memorial Drive past the Parks to end up at Wilsonville City Hall. For more information, visit the event website.

• Wilsonville Festival of Arts: The festival features more than 100 artists and performers from Wilsonville and beyond. Music, dance, poetry, and other live events are presented on the stage at Wilsonville’s Town Center Park. Hands-on activities for kids. Town Center Park (29600 SW Park Place, Wilsonville), Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit the event website.

• Sturgeon Festival: Discover the many facets of the Columbia River ecosystem in which we live. Activities include Portland Audubon Birds of Prey, Creature Feature Reptile Zoo, Chinook tribal lore, water and boating safety demos, and more. Water Resources Education Center (4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver), Saturday and Sunday. For schedule and more information, visit the event website.

• Children’s Festival 2009: Free face painting, dance performances, kids’ activities and crafts, and more. Organized by Vancouver Family Magazine. Westfield Vancouver Mall (8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr), 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Kids and Maternity Clothing Swap: Round up clean children’s clothing, accessories, and other wearables your kids don’t use or love anymore and swap them for items they need. This swap also includes maternity clothes. Central Library, 801 SW 10th Ave. Check the event website for times and more information.

• Ed Benedict Skate Plaza Grand Opening Celebration and Skate Jam Invitational: Portland City Commissioners Dan Saltzman and Nick Fish will officially open the skate plaza at 1:15 pm. Enjoy a youth skateboarding competition, DJ, giveaways and more. Ed Benedict Park, SE 104th and Powell Blvd. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lorna Miller’s Little Kids’ Jamboree: Lorna Miller uses music, songs, rhythm, and movement activities to stimulate young imaginations. The Little Kids’ Jamboree is an interactive event for kids of all ages. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Ave), 3:00 pm–4:00 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 “Restoration of the Creek.” 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.

• Green Walks: A guide from Portland Parks & Recreation will lead a tour of Kelley Point Park (N. Marine Dr. and Lombard), 10:00 am–11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Nancy Curtin (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Lisa Forkish Trio (website) will perform at 7:00 pm at Local Lounge (3536 NE MLK, 503.282.1833).

• Massive 7 Party: Special guest DJ Cousin Cole, a fashion show showcasing local designers, a PBR wheel and the official after-party for the Campus Rail Jam tour. Say “LifeisaParty” at the door and get in free before 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. Crown Room, 205 NW Fourth Ave.

• Kaitlyn Ni Donovan and The Brilliant Channel 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. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Poncho Luxurio (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.

Sunday, May 31

• Zumiez Couch Tour (Skate Event): This event features a skateboarding competition and demos, giveaways, live music, food samples and more. Glenhaven Skatepark (NE 82nd Ave & Siskiyou St), noon to 6:00 pm. For schedule and more information, visit the event website.

• Wilsonville Festival of Arts: The festival features more than 100 artists and performers from Wilsonville and beyond. Music, dance, poetry, and other live events are presented on the stage at Wilsonville’s Town Center Park. Hands-on activities for kids. Town Center Park (29600 SW Park Place, Wilsonville), Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit the event website.

• Sturgeon Festival: Discover the many facets of the Columbia River ecosystem in which we live. Activities include Portland Audubon Birds of Prey, Creature Feature Reptile Zoo, Chinook tribal lore, water and boating safety demos, and more. Water Resources Education Center (4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver), Saturday and Sunday. For schedule and more information, visit the event website.

• Kung Fu Film Series: “The Big Boss” will be showing at Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave) at 2:15 pm. The film is in Chinese with English subtitles. A brief discussion and kung fu demonstration with Master Yu, Shaowen will follow the screening. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Snatch” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Cookbook author Ani Phyo will talk about her book “Ani’s Raw Food Desserts” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Acupuncture: The Herb Shoppe will offer free acupuncture from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. 3327 SE Hawthorne Blvd. For more information, visit the event website.

• Adaptive Bike Day: Try your hand at different biking options while cruising the Eastbank Esplanade. Several different types of bikes will be available to try out including two, three, and four-wheels, recumbent, upright, hand or foot-pedals. Helmets required (some will be available at the event). Meet at Vera Katz Festival Plaza parking lot under the east end of the Hawthorne Bridge. 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

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.

Add comment May 28th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: May 22–24

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, May 22

• Rose Festival Waterfront Village: Admission to this carnival at Waterfront Park is free on Friday. For more information, visit the event website.

• Heather Hawkins of the cute and filthy comedy band Cabbage will perform at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 B NE Killingsworth St), 7:00 pm. Free cake for all (including vegan cake). For more information, visit the event website.

• Hunter-Donnaloia Duo will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• 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.

• Vivid Curve 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 Kelly Corrigan will talk about her book “The Middle Place” at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Richard Engeman will talk about his book “The Oregon Companion” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, May 23

• Multnomah County Fair: Tons of fun on Saturday and Sunday at Oaks Amusement Park (7100 SE Oaks Park Way), noon to 7:00 pm. Petting zoo, pony rides, exotic animal exhibits, duck races, crafts, carnival attractions, and more. For more information, visit the event website.

• Art Opening: Gossamer Fiber Arts will unveil a community art project that honors the honeybee. The party includes live music by The Amazing Maelstrom, refreshments, and a raffle. 2418 E Burnside St, 2:00 pm to 4:00 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 “Springing Plants.” 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.

• Lex Browning will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Chris Robley (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Brad Creel (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• T. Ray and the Shades (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 and West Linn mayor Patti Galle will be selling and signing copies of her new book, “For the Love of Dogs” at West Linn Library (1595 Burns St, West Linn) at 1:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. For more information, visit the event website.

• Poets Jen Coleman, Mel Nichols and Rod Smith will read their work at Clinton Corner Café (2633 SE 21st Ave) at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Out for Good: 40 Years After Stonewall”: As part of the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, eight esteemed members of the LGBTQ community will share how this struggle forever shaped their lives. Q Center (4115 N. Mississippi Ave), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, May 24

• Multnomah County Fair: Tons of fun on Saturday and Sunday at Oaks Amusement Park (7100 SE Oaks Park Way), noon to 7:00 pm. Petting zoo, pony rides, exotic animal exhibits, duck races, crafts, carnival attractions, and more. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ryan Vandordrecht, Deepest Darkest, The Romantic & Bombastic, and Jerry Fuentes will perform at Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• John and George (of the Dead Beetles) (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Before Night Falls” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• “Seeds of Chicano Identity”: Diane Rodriguez will lead the discussion on “The Art of El Teatro Campesino,” sharing information on the company’s process for creating work that was highly entertaining, relevant, and contained powerful messages. Milagro Theatre (525 SE Stark St), 4:30 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.

1 comment May 21st, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: May 15–17

In addition to the free events below, Saturday is Family Day at the Oregon Historical Society. Two children admitted free with one paid adult admission.

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

All weekend

• “Telling: Portland, OR”: From Willamette Week: “Drawn from interviews with 21 military veterans and their families and performed by eight of those same veterans, ‘Telling’ seeks to convey … the experience of warfare and the difficulties of readjustment to civilian life—through theater.” First Congregational Church (1126 SW Park Ave). 8:00 pm, Friday–Saturday; 2:00 pm, Sunday. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Yoga Classes: Bodyoga is celebrating the opening of its new location with an open house on Friday and free classes all weekend. 14547 Westlake Drive, Suite A, Lake Oswego. For more information, visit the event website.

Friday, May 15

• The Farmers (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Bridgetown Big Band will play jazz that really cooks at the Tigard Public Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd) from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The eighteen-member band encourages audiences to swing and dance to its Big Band sounds. For more information, visit the event website.

• The Will West Duo will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Matt Tabor will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Jon Garcia will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Pilar French and Joshua Slamp 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 Brenda Miller will talk about her book “Blessing of the Animals” at Looking Glass Bookstore (7983 SE 13th Ave) at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, May 16

• Alberta Art Hop: Seventeen blocks of NE Alberta Street will be closed to car traffic to accommodate artists, craftspeople, music, dance and theater performances, interactive art events, and food and other vendors. 11:00 am–6:00 pm. Parade at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Pittock Mansion Open House: Visitors are invited to enjoy the mansion’s scenic grounds and tour the historic home. 3229 NW Pittock Dr, 11:00 am–4:00 pm. For more information, contact Pittock Mansion.

• Mt. Tabor Art Walk: This juried event showcases the many artists who live in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood and promotes high-quality visual art in a variety of media. May 16 and 17, 11:00 am–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Songbird Festival: All ages are invited, rain or shine, for a day of outdoor activities, guided nature walks, hands-on crafts for kids, exhibits, presentations, entertainment, food and fun. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (19255 SW Pacific Highway, Sherwood), 6:30 am–2:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Fair: Come out for a fun-filled afternoon that includes a safety training, bike rodeo for kids and teens, bike swap, and inspection. Bridlemile Elementary School (4300 SW 47th Dr), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. More information can be found at Neighborhood Notes.

• Guided Walk of Historic Pearl District and Slabtown: Join a tour led by author Laura Foster as we retrace the colorful history and discover some of the changes over time to Portland rail yards and close-in neighborhoods. Meet at Union Station (800 NW 6th Ave), 9:00 am. 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 “Coaling Tryon Creek.” 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.

• Portland Police Historical Society Exhibit Opening Reception: See the exhibit, enjoy a short concert by the Portland Police Highland Band, and meet police horses and dogs. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm–3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Food Art: Using Saxton Freymann’s books for inspiration, artist Addie Boswell will teach kids and parents how to create distinctive characters out of fruits, vegetables and other edibles. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 10:30 am–12:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• African Marimba Recital: Put on your dancing shoes and come hear six marimba bands play high-energy music from Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. All performers are students of MyLinda King, formerly of Boka Marimba. The Evangel Building (2830 NE Flanders St), noon to 4:00 pm. For more information, contact marimba @ teleport dot com.

• Anya Marina (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• James Low and Tahoe Songbird Jackson will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• H Duo (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Gil Reynolds (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Garcia Birthday 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 Jeff Mapes will talk about his new book “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities” at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Bike Tube Recycling: Performance Bicycle is celebrating the grand opening of its downtown store (1736 SW Alder) with a bike tube recycling event. You can get a $5 gift card in exchange for your old tubes until 3:00 pm. The event includes giveaways too. For more information, visit the event website.

• Gay & Grey is Portland’s first Senior Resource Fair specifically for LGBT seniors. The day will be full of dynamic lectures and presentations, focused on preparing for wellness, stability, and health. Q Center (4115 N Mississippi Ave), 10:00 am–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Native Truth Film Project was created to empower American Indian youth to address cigarette smoking, a significant health problem in their communities. Fifteen young adults have created peer-to-peer prevention videos for broad distribution to NPAIHB’s 43 member tribes and beyond. With the filmmakers in attendance, NW Film Center will premiere the films at 5:00 pm; reception at 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “What to Eat: Personal Responsibility vs. Social Responsibility”: Marion Nestle, Professor at New York University, will address the economic and political factors that influence what we eat. Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, Pavilion Ballroom (921 SW Sixth Ave), 9:00 am–12:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, May 17

• Mt. Tabor Art Walk: This juried event showcases the many artists who live in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood and promotes high-quality visual art in a variety of media. May 16 and 17, 11:00 am–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Norwegian Constitution Day Celebration: The celebration features authentic Norwegian foods, music, national costumes, folk dance performance, speakers and a flag parade led by the Benson High School marching band and including Norwegian Fjord horses. Norse Hall (111 NE 11th). Doors open at 1:00 pm. Parade at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Portland Youth Philharmonic Farewell Concert: The PYP presents a free concert featuring highlights from the orchestra’s 85th Season. Lewis & Clark College, Evans Music Building Auditorium (0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jen and Abby (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Doug Theriault, Scott Goodwin and Adam Reese will perform at 10:00 pm at Worksound (820 SE Alder).

• Julie Martin (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Author George Pelecanos will talk about his book “In The Way Home” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Garry Disher will talk about his book “Blood Moon” at 3:00 pm at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Bike Tube Recycling: Performance Bicycle is celebrating the grand opening of its downtown store (1736 SW Alder) with a bike tube recycling event. You can get a $5 gift card in exchange for your old tubes until 3:00 pm. The event includes giveaways too. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Seeds of Chicano Identity”: Jorge Huerta, founder of Teatro de la Esperanza, will lead the discussion on “The Legacy of El Teatro Campesino,” exploring the history and impact of the company. Milagro Theatre (525 SE Stark St), 4:30 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.

4 comments May 14th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: May 8–10

Before we get to the free events, how about some Mother’s Day freebies.

On May 10:

• Moms get in free at the Portland Children’s Museum.
• Moms can drop in to any class for free at Exhale Yoga Studio.
• Moms can take a class for free at Barre3. Contact Barre3 for availability and to make a reservation.
• Participating TCBY stores are giving away free cones to moms.

Free Events

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

All weekend

• “Titanic: Treasures from the Deep”: This traveling exhibit has a collection of more than 50 previously lost items from the Titanic wreckage and provides the history that surrounds them. Washington Square Mall, 9585 SW Washington Square Road. For times, visit the event website.

Friday, May 8

• Global Oneness Project: Since 2006, the Project has traveled to six continents, gathering stories from individuals and organizations working in the fields of sustainability, conflict resolution, social justice, spirituality, indigenous wisdom, and politics. The event includes short films, discussion, and more. Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave), 5:30 pm–9:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Raised By Robots (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Black Market Sunday, Lickity, and Afantomlym will perform at Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• The 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.

• Mirage will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Floating Pointe (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Puddletown Ramblers (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 Emily Chenoweth will talk about her book “Hello Goodbye” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, May 9

• Festival of the Birds: Join the Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of Portland for a celebration of migratory birds. The event includes guided walks, children’s activities, live music and, of course, birds. Sellwood Park, just south of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• St. Johns Bizarre and Parade: The festival known as the St. Johns Bizarre begins at 10:00 am. The event includes vendors, two music stages and a beer garden. The parade starts at noon. For more information on the Bizarre, click here. For the parade, click here.

• Laurelhurst Art Walk: Enjoy the amazing artistic endeavors that the Laurelhurst Neighborhood has to offer. 10:00 am–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• National Train Day: The world’s most famous steam locomotive, Southern Pacific steam locomotive no. 4449 known as the “Daylight,” will be on display. Entertainment by Rose Festival Clown Corps and Two Sisters & a Mr., giveaways and more. Portland Union Station (800 NW 6th Ave), 10:00 am–3:00 pm. Learn more about Train Day here.

• SCRAP Grand Opening Party: The School & Community Reuse Action Project (SCRAP) will celebrate the opening of its new location with live music, food, a fashion show, and more. 2915 NE MLK, 6:00 pm–8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Couponing 101: Dramatically decrease the amount you spend on groceries and household items by using specific couponing strategies, menu planning and budgeting. Taught by Angela Davis, author of the blog www.frugallivingnw.com. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Grow Your Own Organic Summer Veggies” Workshop: Each second Saturday, enjoy a hands-on, family-friendly gardening workshop at Metro’s Natural Techniques Demonstration Garden (6800 SE 57th Ave). Complimentary garden gift, while supplies last. 10:00 am to 11:00 am (presentation) and 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (activity time). For more information, visit the event website.

• Gardening and Wellness Workshops: The American College of Healthcare Sciences will host workshops on organic herb gardening and medicinals. Space is limited; please RSVP to (503) 244-0726 or email admissions @ achs.edu. 5940 SW Hood Ave, 11:00 am–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Cake and Punch Revival: Ecotrust is hosting a modern-day version of a dessert and punch reception in its newest event venue, the Center for Architecture. Come by and sample sweet treats and jazzy punch from Ecotrust’s caterers and take home your favorite punch recipe. 403 NW 11th Ave, 11:00 am–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Beaverton to Tigard Fanno Creek Walking Tour: Join trail advocate Bob Bothman on this 5-mile round trip walk on the Fanno Creek Greenway Trail. Learn about the trail and historic Fanno Farm and Farmhouse as you look for wildlife and view several relocations of the creek. Meet at 8405 SW Creekside Place in Beaverton at 7:45 am. 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 “The Northwest Hiking Essentials.” 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.

• Camas Health and Safety Fair, Plant Fair: Come to downtown Camas to take in one fair or both. For more information, visit these websites: Plant Fair, Health and Safety Fair.

• Concert for Ages 4 and Under: Local songwriter Matt Clark will play songs from his debut album, “Funny Little Fella,” plus some old chestnuts like “Wheels on the Bus” and “Yellow Submarine.” Fun for the whole family. Milagros Boutique (5429 NE 30th Ave), 11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Squid Attack CD Release: Squid Attack will perform at 7:30 pm at Airplay Café. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Failing Records Compilation Release Party: Palo Verde, The Metal Shakespeare Company, Southern Belle, and Bark Hide and Horn will perform at Backspace (115 NW 5th) at 8:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Willamette Week Presents: Best New Band Show: Explode Into Colors, Nurses, and White Fang will perform at 9:00 pm at Berbati’s Pan (231 SW Ankeny St). Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Pete Krebs Jazz Trio (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Mitzi Zilka (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Lincoln Crockett (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.

• Russian Folk Music: Enjoy a presentation of folk songs and romances, presented in Russian, by local artist Natalia Hougen. Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd), 3:30 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Writers Judith Arcana and Leanne Grabel will talk about motherhood at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 B NE Killingsworth St) at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Healthy Living: Bo Rinaldi, author of vegan and raw foods cookbooks, will discuss how to start a path toward healthier living that will reduce the need for expensive healthcare, empower our local and regional farmers, and save money on food costs. 11:00 am, Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

• Poetry Reading and Acoustic Latin Music by Alex & Magu Appella: Come enjoy Alex’s writings and Magu’s singing and acoustic guitar playing inspired by their Latin American travels and Argentine living. 23 Sandy Gallery (623 NE 23rd Ave), 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Social Media in Real Life: Learn what social media is and how to use these free (or nearly free) online tools to connect with potential clients and find like-minded folks. Writing techniques, tags, and stats will be covered. Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St), 3:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, May 10

• Walking With Mom: What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than hearing a presentation from Portland’s beloved “walking” author, followed by a beautiful walk in the park. Tryon Creek Park, 2:00 pm–2:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Seeds of Chicano Identity”: Phil Esparza, World Theatre Operations Manager of El Teatro Campesino, will lead a panel discussion on “Producing Theatre for Social Change,” illuminating the mechanics of arts activism and sharing his experiences with El Teatro Campesino. Milagro Theatre (525 SE Stark St), 4:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Quadraphonnes (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Paula Sinclair (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Kung Fu Film and Demonstration: “Tai Chi Master” will be showing at Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave) at 2:15 pm. The film is in Chinese with English subtitles. A brief discussion and kung fu demonstration with Master Yu, Shaowen will follow the screening. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Living in Oblivion” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Sunday Cinema Classics: “Barefoot in the Park” will be showing at St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave), 2:00 pm. Free tickets for limited seating will be available at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Tony Horwitz will talk about his book “A Voyage Long and Strange” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 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.

1 comment May 7th, 2009