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

Free Events in Portland: May 18–20, 2012

May 16th, 2012

Looks like we’re in for another beautiful weekend. Good thing too, lots to do.

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

Tualatin River Bird Festival: Live bird shows, kids activities, music, storytelling, guided walks, and more. Check the festival website for a full list of events; for some events, registration is required or recommended. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood).

Friday, May 18

Free Einstein bagels for bike riders

Saturday, May 19

Ten Toe Walk: A guided hike to the Hollywood Farmers Market via Laurelhurst Park and neighborhood. Meet at Laurelhurst Park (SE 35th & Oak, Portland), 9:00 am.

Women in Trades Career Fair: Dozens of hands-on activities designed to introduce women and girls to the possibility of a future career in the trades. Free parking and childcare. NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center (16021 NE Airport Way, Portland), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free shuttle service from Gateway Transit Center.

Group Bike Ride in Gresham: Explore downtown Gresham by bike with Jeff Corcoran, a member of the Gresham Transportation Subcommittee. Meet at 9:45 am in the parking lot at Main City Park, near the Springwater Trail.

Mount Tabor Art Walk: Thirty-nine artists in the Mount Tabor neighborhood open their homes and studios to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

German Maifest: Live music, kids activities, maypole dancing, folk dancing, German food and beer garden, and more. Oaks Park (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland), 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Children’s Nature Fair: The theme is Amazing Bugs. Meet all kinds of bugs, and enjoy arts and crafts, storytelling, music, and more. Leach Botanical Garden (6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Donations are encouraged.

Women On Bikes Clinic: Learn how to choose the right bike, the best gear for you and your bike, riding techniques, laws, and route planning. All Saints Parish (3847 NE Glisan, Portland), 10:00 am.

Downsize Now (Registration Required): This class is for seniors and baby boomers who want to reduce their belongings, organize, and possibly move. Camas Library, 10:30 am. Register at the library or by calling 360.834.4692.

Oregon Maritime Museum Family Day: Families of up to 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 14 enjoy free admission to the main exhibit space. SW Naito Parkway and SW Pine Street, Portland, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Baby Sign, Say and Play: Learn several signs, sing songs, and hear a story. For babies 6 to 18 months old and their caregivers. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

All Together for Music: K-12 students from Portland Public Schools will sing four songs at Director Park (SW Park & Yamhill, Portland), 1:00 pm.

FUN-O-RAMA Parade and Fair: The parade starts at 1:00 pm at Gateway Park (NE 106th & Halsey St, Portland), followed by a community fair at 111th Square (NE Halsey at 111th, Portland) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Kidical Mass: This guided family-friendly bike ride starts at 2:00 pm at Mt. Scott Park (5530 SE 72nd Ave, Portland, adjacent to the community center and pool), stops at Woodstock Park, and circles back to Mt. Scott Park for a BBQ potluck.

Suminagashi Workshop: Learn about and try your hand at Suminagashi, the oldest method of decorative paper marbling. Albina Library (3605 NE 15th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Japanese Children’s Day: Kids are invited to create a mini origami carp streamer and a wearable paper samurai helmet. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Sunday, May 20

Mount Tabor Art Walk: Thirty-nine artists in the Mount Tabor neighborhood open their homes and studios to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Kenton Street Fair: Music, kids activities, coaster car race, and more. North Denver Ave between Watts and Willis, Portland, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Dealing with Debt: Learn how to address debt obligations effectively, your legal rights when it comes to those obligations, and more. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

BBQ Like a Pro: Learn how to purchase a grill, choose the right coals, create flavorful rubs, and more. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate: Learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare edible wild plants found within walking distance of your own kitchen. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Southwest Washington Wind Symphony will perform at Union High School Performing Arts Center (6201 NW Friberg-Strunk St, Camas), 3:00 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