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

Free Events in Portland: January 27–29

January 26th, 2012

A little bit of everything this weekend: art, music, film, TV, books, lectures, kids events, video game trivia.

Note: Admission is free for the following events, 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.

All weekend

Crystal Hotel & Ballroom Centennial Celebration: Free music every day.

Friday, January 27

Movie Viewing: “The Jackie Robinson Story”: Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player in the 20th century, stars as himself in this biographical film. Troutdale Library (2451 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale), 3:30 pm.

Portland Art Museum Free Day: It’s the fourth Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Funky Fingerstyle Guitarist Brooks Robertson will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside, Portland) at 6:00 pm.

Closing Reception for The 2012 Bicycle Experience: Prototypes, Visions & Dreams: Artist Johhnie Olivan, co-founder of Rejuiced Bikes, presents his 3D installations and pedal-powered pieces. Performance by the Sprockettes. 2156 N. Williams, Portland, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

“Portlandia”: See the latest episode at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland). 5:30 pm doors; 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with parent or guardian. Encore showing at 10:00 pm for ages 21+.

Author Ben Marcus presents his latest book, “The Flame Alphabet,” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 28

Burnt Bridge Creek Bird Walk (Registration Required): Follow the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail through field and forest on a free expert-guided bird walk with naturalist Elaine Murphy. Registration required. 8:00 am.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek Park: Today’s theme is “Magnificent Moss and Lovely Lichen.” 10:00 am.

Puppet Show: Walk, sing, and dance along with Mr. Moose in a playful puppet show performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave, Portland), 11:00 am.

Lunar New Year: Experience Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam. Music, games, food, and crafts. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Crystal Hotel & Ballroom History Presentations and Tour: Presentation by Joe Bianco, Oregonian crime reporter, at 1:00 pm. Tour starts at 2:30 pm. Presentation by Patrick Rosenkranz, photojournalist and former employee, at 4:00 pm. 1332 W. Burnside, Portland.

From Print to Pixels: Reading in the Digital Age: Oregon author Mark Cunningham will lead a conversation about how technology might impact our reading habits. Tigard Public Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard), 2:00 pm.

Sunday, January 29

Portland Opera to Go: “Hansel & Gretel”: This colorful, accessible production is just right to introduce the kids in your life (or yourself?) to the world of opera. Edgefield, Blackberry Hall (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale), 12:00 pm.

National Unpublished Writers’ Day Workshop: The event features a series of “creative stations” and workshops, which offer information, theory, and practice for visitors. Clark County Historical Society and Museum (1511 Main St, Vancouver), noon to 5:00 pm.

Library2Go: Did you know that Multnomah County Library offers free downloadable audiobooks for e-book readers? Find out more or get help during this session. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

Portland Opera Preview of “Madame Butterfly”: Musical selections, historical background, and composer information. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Local author and Holocaust survivor Alter Wiener shares his life story. Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton), 2:00 pm.

William Stafford Birthday Celebration: Readings and presentations commemorating Oregon’s late poet laureate. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Puzzle Celebration: Kids and their families will learn how to make a one-of-a-kind puzzle. Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland), 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

The Black Swans will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside, Portland) at 4:00 pm.

The Video Game Quiz Show: Ground Kontrol’s version of trivia night, complete with lightning rounds, buzzers, and fabulous prizes. 511 NW Couch St, Portland, 7:00 pm.

Sunday Concerts at Rontoms: On Sundays, Rontoms hosts free concerts by local bands. 600 E. Burnside, Portland.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap, PDX Pipeline, Dave Knows Portland, and the Oregonian.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op, Mississippi Pizza, and McMenamins.

And please check out your local library!

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Entry Filed under: Free