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

Free Events in Portland: April 29–May 1

April 28th, 2011

How is it parade season already? Wasn’t it just Christmas?

Here are the weekend’s free events.

All weekend

Gathering of the Guilds: Art show, sale, and more featuring the Oregon Potters Association, Creative Metal Arts Guild, Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, Oregon Glass Guild, Portland Bead Society, and others at the Oregon Convention Center.

Friday, April 29

“The Taliban Shuffle”: In this book, reporter Kim Barker offers an insider’s account of the “forgotten war” in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

“The Big Shift”: Marc Freedman offers advice to Americans entering their 40s, 50s, and 60s on how to transform their midlife into an opportunity, for themselves as well as for society. Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 7:00 pm.

Taste The Future: The Handmade Prints of Roger Peet: Meet this local artist and view his ecology-focused prints at Land Gallery, 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 30

82nd Avenue of Roses Parade and Community Fair: The parade starts at 10:00 am, followed by a free community fair featuring live music, pony rides, and more.

Tualatin Spring Native Plant Sale and Green Gardening Fair: Learn about composting, native plants, watering, and more. Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Ask the Contractor: Every 4th Saturday of the month beginning April 30, Jesse Pender of Portland Tradesmen will answer your questions at SE Portland Tool Library from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

“The Compass of Pleasure”: In his book, Johns Hopkins neuroscientist David Linden explains the neurobiology of pleasure. Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 4:00 pm.

Sunday May 1

Hillsdale Springfest: Begin with a free beignet at Three Square Grill at 9:00 am and a free coffee tasting at Starbucks at 9:30 am. After that, enjoy activities at stores in the neighborhood, the Hillsdale Farmers Market, the Rieke art fair, live music, and more. 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

May Day Celebration: Enjoy kids’ entertainment, live music, maypole dancers, and more. Kennedy School, 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Nikki McClure, children’s book author and artist, will talk about her latest book “To Market, to Market.” Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 4:00 pm.

“The Edible Front Yard”: In her book, Ivette Soler offers step-by-step advice for creating a garden that’s as beautiful as it is edible. Portland Nursery on Division Street, 3:00 pm.

Design and Create a Children’s Garden: Learn the basics of designing a children’s garden including plant selection and ways to encourage play, curiosity, and stewardship. Capitol Hill Library, 2:00 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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