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

Free Events in Portland: April 27–29

April 25th, 2012

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

National Park Week: Free admission to Fort Vancouver and the rest of our national parks from April 21–29.

Friday, April 27

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

“Drop Dead Healthy”: In his book “Drop Dead Healthy,” A. J. Jacobs chronicles his quest to become the healthiest man in the world. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, April 28

Energy & Sustainability Fair: Learn about recycling, alternative energy sources, and more. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities and free coloring books, stickers, and prizes. Register for a workshop and get a free $10 electricity gift card (call 503-650-3334). Clackamas County Development Services Building (150 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Spring Paddle Festival Portland: Two days of free paddling clinics and opportunities to test-paddle new kayaks and canoes. Admission is free. Parking is $3. Vancouver Lake, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

82nd Avenue of Roses Parade, Community Fair, Classic Car Cruise-In: The parade begins at 10:00 am at Eastport Plaza (82nd Avenue & Boise St). After the parade, enjoy a community fair, classic car cruise-in, and more.

Muddy Boots Family Trail Day: Forest interpreters will host activities around Tryon Creek State Natural Area (11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please visit the event website to pre-register.

Kids Puppet Show: Penny’s Puppet Productions presents “The Clumsy Ballerina.” Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland), 10:30 am to 11:15 am.

Crown the Eagle Festival: A Polish Heritage Celebration: Family activities, live music, storytelling, food and drink specials, and more. White Eagle Saloon (836 N. Russell St, Portland), 11:00 am ’til late. All ages until 8:00 pm; 21 & over after 8:00 pm.

Legends of Mexico: Families are invited to learn about the geography, history, and languages of Mexico. Presented in English and Spanish. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland), 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm.

Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride: This relaxed family bike ride starts at Hancock Park (NE 88th and Tillamook, Portland) at 2:00 pm. From there, you’ll ride to Glenhaven Park, stop to play, and then loop back to Hancock Park.

“Alabama Studio Sewing and Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe”: In her book, Natalie Chanin presents all of the stenciling, hand-stitching, and beading techniques her company uses to create the award-winning Alabama Chanin line of clothing. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 4:30 pm.

Sunday, April 29

Spring Paddle Festival Portland: Two days of free paddling clinics and opportunities to test paddle new kayaks and canoes. Admission is free. Parking is $3. Vancouver Lake, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Latino Cultural Festival: The festival features a parade, arts village, and a street soccer tournament all in historic downtown Hillsboro. Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza in downtown Hillsboro (150 E. Main St., Hillsboro), 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Women’s Health Fair (Registation Required): This event for women offers health information, free screenings, food samples, shoulder massages, product samples, and more. Adventist Medical Center (10123 SE Market St, Portland), 1:00 pm. Registration is required; call 503-256-4000.

Basic Vegetable Gardening (Registration Required): Learn how to grow a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. Registration required. 1:00 pm.

Telling Secrets: Mary Bowser, Black Civil War Spy: Author Lois Leveen discusses the inspirational true story behind her forthcoming novel “The Secrets of Mary Bowser,” about the African American woman who became a Union spy by posing as a slave in the Confederate White House. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

“Sugar Cube: 50 Deliciously Twisted Treats from the Sweetest Little Food Cart on the Planet”: Portland resident Kir Jensen, owner of the food cart Sugar Cube, presents her latest cookbook. The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel (1022 SW Stark St, Portland), 3:00 pm.

The “We’re-So-Crafty” Event: Join Shawn Bowman (author of “Criminal Crafts”) and Susan Beal (author of “World of Geekcraft”) for a special hands-on craft project. Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne, Portland), 4:00 pm.

Comedian Moshe Kasher presents his memoir “Kasher in the Rye.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

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, McMenamins, and Mississippi Pizza.

And please check out your local library!

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Entry Filed under: Free