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

Free Events in Portland: January 14–16

January 13th, 2011

Happy weekend, all! Here’s this week’s list.

Friday, January 14

Author William Hartung presents his book “Prophets of War,” an exposé of America’s largest military contractor, Lockheed Martin. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 15

J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Bash: The celebration features the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, live music, kids activities, costume contest, and more. Bring canned goods for the Oregon Food Bank. Kennedy School, 11:00 am ’til late; music at 7:00 pm.

Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride: See beautiful Sellwood! Meet at Oaks Pioneer Church at 1:45 pm. Ride is just under three miles and will be a loop.

Arch Bridge Celebration: Walk the length of the historic arch bridge between Oregon City and West Linn, and enjoy performances by tribal drummers and storytellers, traditional food, visits by local dignitaries, and more. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Medieval Combat Demo: Knights of Veritas will demonstrate combat techniques from the Middle Ages and give participants an opportunity to handle the weapons and try on the armor. Kenton Library, 4:00 pm.

Snailpeople Kids’ Music Duo: This duo plays a wide variety of instruments and combines musical sophistication, harmony vocals and an exuberant sense of fun. Holgate Library, 4:00 pm.

Cancelled! Mr. Ben: Families are invited to join Mr. Ben on a musical adventure that blends entertainment with education. Gregory Heights Library at noon, and Gresham Library at 2:30 pm.

Kids Day Drawing Party: Join artist Alex Beard for a drawing party to celebrate the release of his book “Monkey See, Monkey Draw.” Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 2:00 pm.

Knit-a-Thon: Spend an hour or the whole day knitting hats and scarves that will be donated to those in need of extra warmth this winter. Patterns, mini-lessons, and free coffee for participants. Flying Cat Coffee Company, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Good ¢ents Series (requires registration): Operation HOPE and Financial Beginnings present a workshop about insurance at Tigard Library at 2:00 pm. Register by calling 503-718-2517.

Sunday, January 16

Palm Tree Bike Ride: Here’s a bicycle ride to prove that winter in PDX ain’t so bad. Tour the multitude of palm trees and other tropical and evergreen vegetation growing in the city. Meet at Bipartisan Cafe at 10:30 am.

“Water House” Community Opening: Portland Water Bureau invites you to visit Water House, a demonstration home that showcases sustainable construction techniques and products. Noon to 4:00 pm, 1616 NE 140th.

Calligraphy Crash Course: Learn the very basics of the beautiful Italian Renaissance script called italic. Pens and paper supplied. Central Library, 2:00 pm.

New York designer Mary Adams presents her book “The Party Dress Book,” in which she shares her secrets to designing and to sewing your own creations. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 4:00 pm.

And beyond

Monday, January 17: Visit the zoo for free!

Tuesday, January 18: The Decemberists will perform at Music Millennium at 7:00 pm.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap, PDX Pipeline, and Dave Knows Portland.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

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