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

Free Events in Portland: December 16–18

December 14th, 2011

Peacock Lane, Christmas Ships, Kidical Mass, just to name a few. Enjoy!

Note: The following events provide 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.

All weekend (Friday through Sunday)

Lights on Peacock Lane: Residents of SE Peacock Lane decorate the outside of their homes with lights and much more each year, a tradition that began in the 1920s. Friday is for pedestrians only; no vehicles allowed. The displays will be up through the end of the month.

Christmas Ship Parade: This parade of boats, each one decorated with holiday lights, sets sail every evening through December 20 on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.

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, December 16

Adventures with Bugs: Families have the opportunity to hold, pet, and look at all sorts of creatures including tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions, and more. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Portland Metro Concert Band will perform at Horner Performing Arts Center at David Douglas High School (1400 SE 130th Ave), 7:30 pm.

Saturday, December 17

Winter Celebration at Beaverton Murray Scholls Library: Fun for the whole family: holiday and winter-themed crafts, carnival-style games, carols, snacks, and prizes.10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Guided Nature Walk: Each Saturday, Tryon Creek Park hosts a guided nature hike. Today’s topic is woodpeckers. 10:00 am.

Yoga and Stories: For toddlers and preschoolers, this class integrates storytelling, yoga poses, movement, and song. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 10:30 am.

Oregon Maritime Museum Family Saturday: Free to families with children under 18. Discover Portland’s maritime history with a craft project to take home. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Portland Gay Men’s Chorus will perform at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm.

Kidical Mass Caroling on N. Mississippi: Gather the family for a guided bike ride and caroling through North Portland. Meet at 1:45 pm under the covered basketball courts in Irving Park (NE 7th Ave & Fremont St).

Movie Viewing: See Take Me Out to the Ball Game, a musical set in 1906 that follows the adventures of a champion baseball team. Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly star. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 3:00 pm.

Milwaukie Winter Solstice Bonfire & Christmas Ships: View the Christmas Ships at around 5:30 pm from Milwaukie Riverfront/Jefferson St. Boat Ramp. Come as early at 4:00 pm to listen to the Dickens Carolers and warm yourself by the bonfire.

Sunday, December 18

Portland Sugarplum Elves will perform at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm.

Fancy Nancy Party (RSVP required): A Children’s Place Bookstore is hosting a Fancy Nancy party to celebrate this Christmas season. Treats, costumes, stories, and more. 1:00 pm. Please RSVP.

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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Entry Filed under: Free