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

Free Events in Portland: November 24–27

November 22nd, 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.

• St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: All are welcome. 7600 N. Hereford St, 1:00 pm to 4:00 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.

Entry Filed under: Free