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

Free Events in Portland: September 9–11

September 8th, 2011

And…we’re back.

Note: These events offer free admission, but might charge for activities or food and drink.

All weekend

PICA Time-Based Art Festival (TBA): It’s time once again for the TBA Festival, 11 days of contemporary performance and visual art from around the world. Some events are free (this, this, this, and more).

Friday, September 9

This! Fest: This two-day festival features entertainment by nearly 20 local bands and more than 20 local writers.

MusicFestNW: Free shows at Dr. Martens and Doug Fir; check links for times.

Movies in the Park: “Toy Story 3″ will be showing at Multnomah Arts Center.

Saturday, September 10

Widmer Brothers Brewing’s Oktoberfest: Celebrating Munich-style ales, German food, and music. Widmer Brothers Brewing Co. (929 N. Russell Street), 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

Belmont Street Fair: Kids activities (bouncy house and mini golf, combined!), artist’s alley, live music, and more. SE Belmont Street between 33rd and 37th will be car-free. Noon to 8:00 pm.

Under the Autumn Moon Festival: Celebrate this Chinese tradition with free acupuncture, shiatsu chair massage, and qigong; lion dance; moon cakes and more. Old Town/Chinatown, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

MusicFestNW: Free shows at Dr. Martens and Doug Fir; check links for times. Almost simultaneous parties at Cravedog and Rontoms (need to RSVP), starting at 2:00 pm.

This! Fest: This two-day festival features entertainment by nearly 20 local bands and more than 20 local writers.

West Linn Arts Festival: About 100 artists, music, kids activities, and more. Willamette Park at 12th Street between Tualatin Avenue and Volpp Street. Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Family Day at the Washington County Museum: Hands-on history and art activities for the whole family. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Festival of Nations: Celebrate Native American heritage and the communities of the Gorge. Cascade Locks Marine Park, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Pow Wow starts at 6:00 pm Saturday night.

Women on Bikes Clinic, Gear Up for Winter: Learn helpful hints on winter gear, riding techniques, and bike upkeep. Bethany Lutheran Church, 10:00 am.

Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrate one of the best-loved holidays in Vietnam and China. Participate in a festive lantern-making craft and enjoy snacks. Gregory Heights Library, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Movies in the Park: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” will be showing at April Hill Park.

Guided Nature Walk: Join a park naturalist for a free, guided nature hike to explore Tryon Creek State Natural Area. 10:00 am.

Sunday, September 11

9/11 remembrance events: Check out this list from KATU.

Fall.ART.Live: Oregon Ballet Theatre and members of the Portland Arts Community invite you to a day of performance, demonstrations, community outreach, and remembrance. Director Park, 11:00 am to 5:30 pm.

West Linn Arts Festival: About 100 artists, music, kids activities, and more. Willamette Park at 12th Street between Tualatin Avenue and Volpp Street. Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Festival of Nations: Celebrates Native American heritage and the beauty, natural resources, and communities of the Gorge. Cascade Locks Marine Park, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Pow Wow starts at 6:00 pm Saturday night.

MusicFest Party: 14 bands, $1 beers. Rontoms, 2:00 pm. Need to RSVP.

The Do-Over: Adidas Originals is hosting a party with secret guests, food and drink, and more. Free admission with RSVP. Produce Row Cafe, 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Get Out! Backpacking: Wilderness expert Erik Soltan will provide an introduction to hiking northwest trails and discuss the tools and skills you need to be self-sufficient in the outdoors. Central Library, 2:00 pm.

Tigard 50th Birthday: Free birthday cake and music at Tigard Library, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

More free events

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

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Entry Filed under: Uncategorized