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

Free Events in Portland: October 6–9

October 5th, 2011

Fingers crossed that the weather report is spot on. Have a great weekend!

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

Events are sorted by start time.

Every day through Halloween

Davis Graveyard: Each October, the Davis’s transform their property into a realistic, haunted graveyard. Get the full experience (sound, fog, ghost effects, and animations) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Halloween from dusk to 11:00 pm (10:00 pm on Sunday). Get the lite version (lights only) every Monday through Thursday from dusk to 10:00 pm. 8703 SE 43rd Ave in Milwaukie.

All weekend (including Thursday)

Oregon Days of Culture: About 30 free events in Portland and surrounding areas, including art shows, readings, family events, and an opportunity to watch a rehearsal at Oregon Ballet Theatre.

Thursday, October 6

First Thursday Art Walk: This month marks the 25th anniversary of First Thursday. Check PADA, PORT, and PDX Pipeline for more information. (Unfortunately, Portland Art Museum is not free.)

Friday, October 7

PCC 50th Anniversary Celebration: Speeches by Senator Jeff Merkley and others, food, music, giveaways, and more. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Portland Children’s Museum: It’s the first Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Milwaukie Art a la Carte: This is Milwaukie’s monthly First Friday event. Businesses in historic downtown Milwaukie host art shows and music. 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event: Music, food, art show, and presentations to honor survivors of domestic violence and highlight ongoing efforts to prevent domestic violence in Clackamas County. 807 Main Street in Oregon City. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Montavilla First Friday: Each month, neighborhood businesses host art shows, music, discounts, and more. SE Stark between 76th and 82nd. Starts at 6:00 pm.

First Friday Art Walk in SE Portland: The galleries open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

“Men Undressed: Women Writers on the Male Sexual Experience”: In this anthology, women writers explore sexuality from the male point of view. Enjoy readings from contributors Lidia Yuknavitch, Kristin Thiel, and Kate Zambreno. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, October 8

Great Onion Festival in Sherwood: Live entertainment, kids activities, onion eating and rolling contests, arts and crafts, and more. Archer Glen Elementary School, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Food Cart Ride by Portland By Cycle: This guided bike ride includes a visit to one of Portland’s food cart pods, views of the Willamette, and maybe a tricycle racetrack. Unthank Park, N. Failing & Haight, 10:00 am.

Washington County Museum Family Day: Admission is free from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Architectural Heritage Center: Admission is free from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Leach Botanical Garden Weekend Guided Walk: Meet in front of the Manor House every Saturday through the end of October for a fun and informative tour of the garden. 11:00 am to noon.

Fresh Hop Tastival: Admission to this beer festival is free, but you will need to purchase a glass and drink tickets to taste the beers. Free root beer for kids. Oaks Amusement Park, noon to 8:00 pm.

Oktoberfest at Kennedy School: Live music, polka, belly dancers, beer, and more. Music starts at 1:00 pm; final performance at 7:00 pm. All ages welcome.

100 Years of Oregon Blue Book: This video and commentary by Darrell Jobin includes information about historic Oregon events including the Capitol building destruction and resurrection, the Columbus Day storm, women’s suffrage, and more. Sellwood-Moreland Library, 2:00 pm.

African Storytelling: Families are invited to join Habiba, a native of Ghana, for an interactive, multi-cultural performance with authentic West African costume, singing, and movement. Capitol Hill Library, 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm.

The Alphabeticians Play the ABCs: This “Kindie Rock” band combines humor, songs, and interactive elements in their shows for young children. Central Library, 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm.

Oktoberfest at St. Johns Pub: Music by The Chancers and Mexican Gunfight starting at 3:00 pm. All ages welcome.

Sunday, October 9

Kids’ Nature Walk at Cooper Mountain (RSVP required): Kids and accompanying adults will learn about the plants and animals that live in our region. Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Advance registration required; call 503-626-0949.

The Crafty Underdog: This monthly event features local bands, art, film, and more. All are welcome. Mission Theater, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Marking Our Territory, How to Read Local Landscapes: Touching on gentrification, the decline of public space, historic preservation, residential segregation, and suburban sprawl, professor Reiko Hillyer will lead a conversation about how to read the history of our communities through the landscapes we build. Central Library, 2:00 pm.

Urban Goat Keeping 101: Meet Kenya Spiegel of Sowing Circle Farm and her goat, Bird. Kenya will share everything you need to know about raising goats in the city. Woodstock 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.

Entry Filed under: Free