Archive for January, 2010
Here are the weekend’s free events. Enjoy!
Friday, January 29
Author Robin Hobb will talk about her new fantasy series at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 7:00 pm.
Author Nick Flynn will talk about his memoir, which explores the challenges of becoming a father in the age of terror. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.
Saturday, January 30
Fix-It Fair: The Fix-It Fair is a free event where you can learn simple ways to save money and improve your home. Free lunch and childcare provided. Students and families can get free bike tune-ups and flat-tire repair. Parkrose High School, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Tweed Ride: Edifying cultural tidbits, high tea, fancy outfits, and a potluck await you on this group bike ride. Skidmore Fountain, 11:00 am.
Tigard Reads 2010 Kick-Off Event: Help kick off the month-long community reading event with family-friendly entertainment from the local folk duo The Wanderers, who specialize in Woody Guthrie songs from the Dust Bowl era. Tigard Library, 1:00 pm.
William Stafford birthday event: Local poets will read from Stafford’s work. Looking Glass Bookstore, 4:00 pm.
Sunday, January 31
Crystal Ballroom 96th Birthday Free-for-All: This free gala features a full day of entertainment, including music, children’s entertainment, tours of the property, and more.
Portland Unplugged 2010, Acoustic /Folk Showcase: 35 musicians will perform at Hawthorne Theatre starting at 3:45 pm. Ages 21+.
Northwest Children’s Theater & School presents “Don’t Let the Pigeons Drive the Bus!”: The popular book takes flight as audiences get on the bus and move to a Latin groove in this original musical about a little bird with big dreams. Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center, 6:00 pm.
Portland Opera Preview: “Cosi Fan Tutte”: This lecture and concert covers historical background, composer information and musical selections from this opera. Central Library, 2:00 pm.
William Stafford birthday event: Local poets will read Stafford’s work at the Central Library, 2:00 pm.
More free events
For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.
For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.
January 28th, 2010
Admission is free for all events below. Enjoy!
All weekend
Free yoga classes: lululemon is offering free yoga classes every day through January 28.
Friday, January 22
Free night at the Portland Art Museum: Admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Author Randal O’Toole: In his book “Gridlock,” O’Toole offers solutions for improving methods of transportation that will benefit everyone. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.
Lake Oswego documentary: Explore Lake Oswego’s historic evolution through a 30-minute mini-documentary, “A Lake Oswego Retrospective.” Admission is free as is the popcorn. Lake Twin Cinema, noon, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm.
William Stafford birthday event: This event features Portland’s Flash Choir performing “Strangers Together,” a musical interpretation derived from Stafford’s book, “Passwords.” Audience members will also have an opportunity to read aloud one of their favorite poems by William Stafford following the performance. First Unitarian Church, 7:00 pm.
Saturday, January 23
WACIPI Eleventh Annual Traditional Powwow: Drum groups and dancers from across the region will perform at this celebration of Native American culture and ancestry. PCC Sylvania, noon.
Vegan talk and food samples: Vegan food blogger Jess of Get Sconed! will talk about her blog, eating locally, and being a Portland vegan. Samples will be available. Central Library, 1:00 pm.
Lake Oswego documentary: Explore Lake Oswego’s historic evolution through a 30-minute mini-documentary, “A Lake Oswego Retrospective.” Admission is free as is the popcorn. Lake Twin Cinema, noon, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm.
Guided nature walk: 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. 10:00 am.
Home energy efficiency workshop: Learn how your household can save money by saving energy. Wilsonville Library, 2:00 pm.
Sunday, January 24
Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Texting the Sun”: “Texting the Sun” is a relevant, thought-provoking production which spotlights our 21st-century, multi-media reality through the eyes of young adolescents. CoHo Theater, 7:30 pm.
“Hamburger Square” is a modern rock ‘n roll retelling of the Robin Hood myth, with music by Dennis Wilson and the Beach Boys. There will be a discussion session after this workshop reading to continue the working process of bringing this new musical to the stage. Scottish Rite Center, 7:30 pm.
Music and conversation about Japanese-American history: The Minidoka Swing Band will perform, followed by a discussion and first-hand accounts on the period of Japanese internment and the post-WWII experience of Japanese-Americans in the Pacific NW. Central Library, 12:30 pm.
The Soft Pack will perform at Music Millennium at 2:00 pm.
More freebies
For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.
For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.
Check Willamette Week’s Cheapskate column for more freebies.
January 21st, 2010
Hope 2010 is treating you well.
As always, admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
All weekend
Free yoga classes: lululemon is offering free yoga classes every day through January 28.
MLK Weekend of Service: Lend a hand to one or more of the many volunteer projects organized by the United Way and Hands On Greater Portland in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Friday, January 15
Andean Folk Music: Enjoy an evening filled with the rich sounds of traditional Andean folk music performed by the trio Beautiful Flute at Tigard Library. 7:00 pm.
Opening Reception for Architectural Artifact Exhibit: The Architectural Heritage Center celebrates the opening of its exhibit “Artifacts + Archives.” The exhibit includes items that have not been seen by the public, including photographs, architectural drawings, maps, personal papers, and rare books. 6:00 pm.
Author John Perkins: Hear Perkins talk about his book “Hoodwinked” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. According to Powell’s, “John Perkins pulls back the curtains on the double-cross of the American people by the CEOs running the ‘corporatocracy’ and the politicians they manipulate.” 7:30 pm.
Saturday, January 16
J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Celebration: Celebrate the birthday of Tolkien at the Kennedy School. Come dressed as your favorite character and enjoy live music, food specials, movies, and more. Admission to each movie is $3 or free with Oregon Food Bank donation. 11:00 am.
Children’s book author Johanna Wright: Join Wright at the Belmont Library, where she will read from her book “The Secret Circus” and share insights about the life of a writer. 11:15 am.
“Casablanca”: Watch this classic film at Midland Library. 2:00 pm.
Mexican poet David Huerta: This is a bilingual Spanish-English event. Huerta will read his poems in Spanish. Mark Schafer, who translated Huerta’s new book, will read Huerta’s poems in English. 7:00 pm.
Urban Nature Hike: On this guided hike, you’ll take the MAX to Washington Park and explore Hoyt Arboretum, the Wildwood Trail, and Balch Creek in Forest Park (with a pause at the Audubon Society). Bring bus fare ($2.00 one-way or $4.75 for a day pass). 10:00 am.
Sunday, January 17
Palm Tree Bike Ride: The Urban Adventure League will lead this tour of palm trees and other tropical and evergreen vegetation growing in the city. 11:00 am.
Puppet Show: Penny’s Puppet Productions will take you on an underwater adventure with Wanda the Whale at Midland Library. 3:00 pm.
Author Daniel H. Pink: Hear Pink talk about his book “Drive” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. According to Powell’s, “This book of big ideas discusses the surest pathway to high performance, creativity, and well-being.” 7:30 pm.
William Stafford Birthday Event: Kim Stafford of Lewis & Clark College and Jeffrey Selin of the Writers’ Dojo, together with William Stafford Writing Fellows Sara Guest and Jeff Coleman, will host a short writing and sharing activity, followed by an exploration of the digital resources now available at the William Stafford Archives. 7:00 pm.
More free events
For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.
For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.
January 14th, 2010
Hey there! As always, admission is free for the events below. Have a great weekend!
All weekend
Free admission to the Portland Chinese Garden: Admission is free every day through January 11.
Free yoga classes: lululemon is offering free yoga classes every day through January 28.
Friday, January 8
First Friday Art Walk: Go gallery hopping on the East side.
Camas Art Walk: This month’s event promises free massages, health classes, and other spa treats.
Free writing workshop at Ibex Studios: Adventures in Creative Writing: This monthly event starts at 6:00 pm.
Timothy Zahn: Author of the all-time bestselling Star Wars novel “Heir to the Empire,” Zahn will talk about his new book “The Domino Pattern” at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing.
Saturday, January 9
Fix-It Fair: The fair includes advice on saving money, how-to classes on various home and garden topics, and free giveaways.
Slavic New Year Celebration at Midland Library: Celebrate the new year with games, music, dancing, crafts, and a short performance based on Russian fairy tales.
William Stafford Birthday Events: Friends of William Stafford will read from his work at Tigard Library and Ledding Library.
Health Week at the Square: Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Cascade AIDS Project, The AIDS Health Care Foundation, and the American Tinnitus Association will offer freebies and information at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Guided Nature Walk: 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.
Obo Addy: Legendary African drummer Obo Addy will perform at the Ledding Library at 2:00 pm.
Sunday, January 10
Sunday Cinema Classics: “Auntie Mame” will be showing at St. Johns Library.
More free events
Check out Willamette Week’s Cheapskate column. This week’s edition is almost all about freebies.
For even more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap. This week, the POTC crew also reveal their resources for finding cheap stuff to do in Portland.
For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.
January 7th, 2010
