Archive for November, 2011
The holidays are in full swing here in PDX. Enjoy!
Note: The following events offer free admission, but might charge for activities or food and drink.
Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.
Friday, December 2
Portland Children’s Museum: It’s the first Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
First Friday Art Walk in SE Portland: The galleries open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Beaverton Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House: At 5:00 pm, head to Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th Street) for the Holiday Open House, featuring Santa, entertainment, a children’s craft workshop, and more. At 6:00 pm, the celebration moves to City Park for more entertainment and the tree lighting.
Troutdale Tree Lighting Event: Starting at 5:45 pm in Mayors Square Park, the ceremony includes entertainment, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and the tree lighting. Stay for the First Friday Art Walk, which runs until 9:00 pm.
West Linn Holiday Tree Lighting Event: Festivities begin at 6:00 pm and include train rides, a movie, the lighting of the tree, and more. West Linn City Hall.
Camas Hometown Holidays Celebration: Festivities include the tree lighting, visit from Santa, art, hayrides, and more. Downtown Camas, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Pick up a map at Cedar and NE 4th Ave.
Multnomah Village Holiday Gala: The tree will be lit at 6:42 pm. Stay around for horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, hot chocolate, and more.
Gasland: See this movie and enjoy bottomless bags of popcorn. Multnomah Arts Center (7688 SW Capitol Hwy). Live music starts at 6:30 pm. Movie starts at 7:30 pm.
Montavilla Frosty Friday: This is the holiday edition of Montavilla’s monthly first Friday event. A lighting of the district will take place at 7:00 pm, and businesses will offer specials and complimentary treats. SE Stark between 76th and 82nd.
DinoBike Art Opening: See dinosaur- and bike-inspired art by printmaker & illustrator Carye Bye of Red Bat Press and Hidden Portland. Field trip at 8:00 pm to see the Red Bat Press studio one block away. Bikesaurus (1337 SE MLK Jr Blvd), 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Saturday, December 3
Gresham Tree Lighting and Holiday Events: Enjoy a full day of activities including a parade, visit from Santa, dog costume and trick contest, tree lighting, and more. Check the website for times and locations.
Adventures with Bugs: Families are invited to hold, pet, and look at tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions, and more. Sellwood-Moreland Library, 10:30 am.
Hillsboro Holly Days: Festivities include a winter marketplace, a free opportunity to explore the indoor playground Outdoors In, a visit from Santa, tree lighting, and more. Check the website for times and locations.
Author Daniel H. Wilson will talk about his latest novel Robopocalypse. The movie version of the book is slated to be released in 2013, with Steven Spielberg directing. Central Library, 1:00 pm.
Read Local, Buy Local: Meet local authors at this bookselling and signing social. Authors include Carmen Bernier-Grand, Mark Bitterman, Gabriel Boehmer, Lucy Brennan, Bill Cameron, Laura Foster, Matt Holm, Jean Johnson, Bart King, Paulann Peterson, David Michael Slater, William Sullivan, Willy Vlautin, David Ward, and Emily Whitman. Hollywood Library, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Mr. Moose’s Winter Walk Puppet Show: Families are invited to join Mr. Moose on a snowy adventure. Presented by Penny’s Puppet Productions. Rockwood Library, 1:00 pm.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Play: Join the Hampstead Stage Company as they bring this story to life through interactive live theatre. Capitol Hill Library, 2:00 pm.
American Indian Symbols and Mask Making: Families are invited to learn about Northwest Coast Native American culture through mask making. Northwest Library, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Sherwood Winter Festival: The event includes a parade that starts at Post Office Plaza at 4:00 pm and winds to old town by the library. Afterward, enjoy free hot dogs and hot cocoa, entertainment, the tree lighting, and more.
Milwaukie Umbrella Parade and Tree Lighting Event: The parade will start at Waldorf School at 4:00 pm. If you’d like to march, decorate an umbrella and meet at the school at 3:30 pm. After the parade, stay for the tree lighting at City Hall (10722 SE Main St).
Oregon City Holiday Tree Lighting: Holiday music, a visit from Santa, and more. Clackamas County Court House Liberty Plaza, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Christmas Ships Parade Preview: At 7:00 pm, this fleet of boats, each one decorated with holiday lights, will assemble in front of the Port of Camas/Washougal and parade in the area of the docks for about an hour. The fleet will then return to Portland on the Washington side.
Sunday, December 4
Choosing an E-reader: Learn about the devices that are on the market today. Central Library, 2:00 pm.
Fruit Cake Redeemed: Cookbook author and food historian Jean Johnson demonstrates how to create a delicious fruit cake and offers samples to taste. Woodstock Library, 2:00 pm.
Happy Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony: Festivities include a visit from Santa, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, the tree lighting, and more. Happy Valley City Hall (16000 SE Misty Dr), 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band will perform at Lakeridge High School Auditorium at 7:30 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.
November 30th, 2011
The Oregon Zoo is offering the following deals in conjunction with Zoolights.
Free fudge and holiday light recycling
To promote use of LED holiday lights, the zoo is collecting old holiday light strings for recycling. Drop off your old lights at the Zoo Store by January 1, and you’ll receive a coupon for a free piece of Zoo Store fudge. For more information, click here.
Zoolights admission deals
Note: If you are a zoo member at the Plus level or higher, ZooLights admission is already free. If you have basic membership or are not a member, read on for admission deals.
Buy one, get one free tickets
On November 30–December 1 and December 4–8, buy one ZooLights admission ticket and get the second ticket free. The second ticket must be of equal or lesser value. This offer is not valid with any other discounts or promotions, and is not valid with ZooLights admission packages (combined admission ticket and train ride). For more information, click here.
Zoolights admission prices can be found here.
Reduced-price admission day
On December 13, ZooLights admission is $4 for any visitor over the age of 2. As always, admission for children 2 and under is free.
Double MAX/bus discount
From now through January 1, each person who rides the MAX or a bus to Zoolights gets $3 off ZooLights admission. This offer is valid for tickets purchased at the gate with proof of ridership. The zoo normally offers a $1.50 discount on admission. For more information, click here.
Photo credit: grant_loy
November 29th, 2011
Energy Trust of Oregon is offering free energy saver kits to qualified households in Oregon and Washington. You qualify if you fall into one of the following categories:
- Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, or Cascade Natural Gas
- Washington customers of NW Natural
Each kit contains items that can help you save electricity and water, including:
- Four compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- A high-performance showerhead.
- A faucet aerator.
You can request your free energy saver kit at the Energy Trust website: click here. After your request is confirmed, you will receive the kit in the mail in four to six weeks.
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November 28th, 2011
This deal is active again!
For $24, you can get a $48 ticket to Oregon Ballet Theatre’s A Holiday Revue. To purchase, go to Portland Perks (if you don’t see the deal on this page, click “All Deals” in the black bar at the top of the page).
Tickets are good for the following performances:
- Saturday, December 10, 7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 11, 2:00 pm
- Thursday, December 15, 7:30 pm
- Friday, December 16, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, December 17, 7:30 pm
- Thursday, December 22, 7:30 pm
Photo credit: Oregon Ballet Theatre
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, you help support Around the Sun.
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Email: click here to receive blog updates via email
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November 25th, 2011
Independently owned Roseway Theater is running a Groupon deal. For $14, get a voucher for two movie tickets and two popcorns of any size (up to $29 value). The deal is available through Sunday. The voucher expires on July 1, 2012.
To purchase, go to Groupon.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, you help support Around the Sun.
November 25th, 2011
On Friday only, you can purchase the following deals by going to the Rose Quarter presale/promotions page and entering the appropriate password in the “Enter Presale or Promotion Code” box at the top of the page. Check this page for more information.
Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: Get a Family 4 Pack for $65 (a savings of up to $43). Password: AGENTP.
Harlem Globetrotters: Save 20% per ticket. Password: FRIDAY.
Professional Bull Riders: Save 20% per ticket. Password: RIDE.
Monster Jam: Buy one ticket and get one ticket free. Password: SMASH.
Nuclear Cowboyz: Save $5 per ticket. Password: NUCLEAR.
November 23rd, 2011
For $24, you can get a $48 ticket to Oregon Ballet Theatre’s A Holiday Revue. The deal is available until Thursday, November 24, at 9:00 am. To purchase, go to Portland Perks (if you don’t see the deal on this page, click “All Deals” in the black bar at the top of the page).
Tickets are good for the following performances:
- Saturday, December 10, 7:30 pm
- Sunday, December 11, 2:00 pm
- Thursday, December 15, 7:30 pm
- Friday, December 16, 7:30 pm
- Saturday, December 17, 7:30 pm
- Thursday, December 22, 7:30 pm
Photo credit: Oregon Ballet Theatre
Get a $48 ticket for $24. You can purchase this deal anytime b
November 23rd, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for reading!
Note: The following events offer free admission, but might charge for activities or food and drink.
Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.
Thursday, November 24
Free Thanksgiving meals and volunteer opportunities (credit: Portland on the Cheap):
- Beaverton Christian Church (register): The church offers this traditional Thanksgiving meal for those who are alone or have nowhere else to go for Thanksgiving. Call to register by November 23. 13600 SW Allen Blvd, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- St. John the Apostle Church and School: Thanksgiving meal, a kids craft table, family clothes closet, dental-care packs, and nonperishable food packages to take home. 417 Washington St in Oregon City, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
- Proper Thanksgiving Day Feast: A full Thanksgiving dinner with vegetarian options and live entertainment. Celebration Tabernacle Church (8131 N. Denver Ave), 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- United States Mission: Free traditional Thanksgiving meal to anyone in need. Transportation to the meal also provided. 4545 NE Garfield Ave, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
- Feast for Southeast: A community event for those who live in the neighborhoods encompassing Mt. Scott/Arleta, Woodstock, Brentwood/Darlington, and Foster/Powell. Mt. Scott Community Center (5530 SE 72nd Ave), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
All weekend (Friday through Sunday)
Vancouver Festival of Trees:
- Community Tree Lighting: Friday, 5:30 pm, Esther Short Park.
- Vancouver Pops Concert: Friday, 6:30 pm, Vancouver Hilton.
- Tree Viewing Plus Santa, Entertainment, and a Family Scavenger Hunt: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. Fifth Street, Vancouver.
- Non-perishable food and financial donations are requested.
Frankenstein, the Little Monster (reserve tickets): Jane Theater Company presents free performances of this family-friendly play filled with songs, music, and dancing. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 18 through December 18. See the website for times and ticket information. Theater! Theatre! (3430 SE Belmont St).
Mississippi Pizza Pub features free music each day. Check the website for performers and times.
Friday, November 25
Macy’s Holiday Parade: Accompanied by Macy’s inflatable floats and costumed characters, Santa will lead the parade from the corner of NW Park and Davis to the downtown Macy’s, starting at 9:00 am.
Portland Art Museum Free Day: Enjoy free admission from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square: Celebrate the official start of the season with the lighting of the tree and a holiday sing-a-long featuring Pink Martini, members of the Oregon Symphony, and the Pacific Youth Choir. 5:30 pm.
Lake Oswego Annual Holiday Tree Lighting: An evening of holiday lights, caroling, music, and refreshments. Gather at the corner of 5th Street and A Avenue to see the lighting of the Bigelow Plaza Holiday Tree, then go to Millennium Plaza Park for the lighting of the Millennium Tree. 5:30 pm.
Saturday, November 26
Guided Nature Walk: Work off that Thanksgiving dinner on this guided hike through Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Appropriate for all ages; parents must accompany kids on all hikes.10:00 am.
Holiday Oasis at Portland Center Stage: Free hot chocolate and coffee, a holiday movie lounge, face painting by professional artist Kim Millen, and holiday crafts for the kids (and the kid in you). Gerding Theater at the Armory (128 NW 11th Ave), 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Adventures with Bugs: Families are invited to explore the world of insects, spiders, and their relatives. Hold, pet, and look at tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions, and more. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave), 3:00 pm.
African Drumming and Dancing Workshop: In this interactive workshop, families explore Ghanaian music, dance, and lifestyle. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 3:30 pm.
Holiday Tree Lighting on Mississippi Avenue: Ring in the holiday season with entertainment, featuring performances from Mr. Ben, Tyleena FairyFunkmother, and The Sugarplum Elves. 3731 N. Mississippi Ave, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Jamison Square: Treats from Whole Foods, cocoa complements of Lovejoy Bakers, carolers, giveaways, and more. 6:00 pm to 8:00 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.
November 22nd, 2011
On November 21 and 22, the Oregon Dental Association will provide free dental care, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and limited treatment partials. The event will take place at the Oregon Convention Center, and patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
Who can receive care: Adults and children who are uninsured, underinsured, or otherwise unable to visit a dental office and do not have a medically-compromising condition that prohibits receiving care. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Interpreters will be available to assist Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese speaking patients.
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLK Jr Blvd in Portland.
Time: Doors open 4:00 am each day. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of 1,000 patients seen each day. The day’s patient quota is typically reached by 10:00 am, so go early!
For more information about this event, click here. If you are not able to attend this event, visit oregondental.org for a list of low-cost dental clinics and other information.
Photo by walknboston
November 20th, 2011
On Friday, November 18, Groupon will offer lunch deals for $1 through Groupon Now
. The event is a benefit for Feeding America, and proceeds will help provide half-a-million meals to families in need this holiday season.
Check out the deals here.
November 18th, 2011
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