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

Free Events in Portland: December 30–January 1

December 29th, 2011

Happy New Year!

Note: Admission to these events is free, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

Friday, December 30

Tannenbaum Madness: Take a walk down NE Alberta Street and see whimsical, wacky, and artistic trees displayed in the windows of 30 businesses between NE 13th and 31st Avenues.

Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek State Natural Area (registration required): Join a park naturalist for story time and a brief stroll through the park. This program is for families with young children (preferably ages 2–6 but all are welcome). 1:00 pm. Registration required.

Kung Fu Panda 2: Enjoy snacks while you see what Po is up to this time. West Slope Community Library (3678 SW 78th Ave, Portland), 1:30 pm.

Lights on Peacock Lane: Each year, residents of SE Peacock Lane decorate their homes with lights and much more, a tradition that began in the 1920s.

Saturday, December 31

Tannenbaum Madness: Take a walk down NE Alberta Street and see whimsical, wacky, and artistic trees displayed in the windows of 30 businesses between NE 13th and 31st Avenues.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area: Today’s theme is Audubon Christmas Bird Count. 8:30 am.

Stormtroopers vs. Klingons Blood Drive (registration preferred): The Red Cross invites you to give blood, mingle with members of Star Wars and Star Trek costuming organizations, watch movies, and more. Donors will get event-themed buttons, a black Red Cross t-shirt, and a free large, two-topping pizza coupon from Papa Murphy’s. Portland Donor Center (3131 North Vancouver Ave, Portland), 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Please register in advance.

New Year’s Eve Sock Hop: This event for children aged 6 years and younger includes music, games, refreshments, and a New Year’s Eve countdown at noon. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fairview-Columbia Library (1520 NE Village St, Fairview), 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Soul Surfer: Watch and talk about this movie at Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St, Portland) at 3:00 pm.

Lights on Peacock Lane: Each year, residents of SE Peacock Lane decorate their homes with lights and much more, a tradition that began in the 1920s.

New Year’s Eve(ning) Events:

• TriMet: All service is free after 8:00 pm. Buses, Portland Streetcar, and Portland Aerial Tram will run on regular Saturday schedules. MAX will run on regular Saturday schedules with extended late-night service. WES Commuter Rail will not be in service.
• McMenamins Crystal Hotel: Poison Waters & Friends, On the Stairs, and others perform at Al’s Den. 1332 W. Burnside, Portland, 5:00 pm. Ages 21+.
• Edgefield: Sonny Hess Band perform in the Winery at 8:00 pm. The Quick & Easy Boys perform in the Power Station at 9:00 pm. 2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale. Ages 21+.
• McMenamins Old Church: Redwood Son and Guy Dilly and the Twin Powers perform at 8:00 pm. 30340 SW Boones Ferry Rd, Wilsonville. Ages 21+.
• Kennedy School: Freak Mountain Ramblers perform in the Gym at 9:00 pm. 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland. Ages 21+.
• Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Imbrie Hall: The Brothers Jam perform at 9:00 pm. 4045 NW Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro. Ages 21+.
• Rock Creek Tavern: Old Elbows perform at 9:00 pm. 10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro. 9:00 pm. Ages 21+ after 10:00 pm.
• World Famous Kenton Club: And And And, Blood Beach, and This Charming Man perform at 9:00 pm. 2025 N. Kilpatrick St, Portland. Ages 21+.
• The Matador: DJ Drew Groove starts around 10:00 pm. The Satin Chaps start around 11:00 pm. Midnight toast. 1967 W. Burnside, Portland. Ages 21+.
• Dot’s Cafe 20th Anniversary New Year’s Celebration: Free champagne toast at midnight. Prizes, DJ T-1-11, and more. 2521 SE Clinton St, Portland. Ages 21+.
• Check Dave Knows Portland and PDX Pipeline for more events.

Sunday, January 1

Tannenbaum Madness: Take a walk down NE Alberta Street and see whimsical, wacky, and artistic trees displayed in the windows of 30 businesses between NE 13th and 31st Avenues.

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