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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
