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

Discount Tickets for James and the Giant Peach

Discount tickets are available for this weekend’s performances of James and the Giant Peach, a play by the Oregon Children’s Theatre.

You can buy two tickets for the price of one, which brings the cost down to $8.00, $9.50 or $12.00, plus service charges.

Performances are at the Newmark Theatre. Show times are:

Friday, 11/21/08, 7:00 pm
Saturday, 11/22/08, 2:00 pm
Saturday, 11/22/08, 5:00 pm
Sunday, 11/23/08, 2:00 pm

You must buy your tickets at the Ticketmaster website or at the PCPA box office and use the password PCPA. Tickets must be purchased in multiples of two. The offer is valid through the performance date or while supplies last.

To buy tickets online, click on this link. Click on the ”Find Tickets” link next to the event of your choice. Look for the “Promotions & Special Offers” box. Enter the password: PCPA. Select the price level and quantity of tickets you would like.

Or go to the PCPA box office and mention the password PCPA.

PCPA Box Office (map)
1111 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
Open Monday–Saturday
10:00 am–5:00 pm

To learn more about James and the Giant Peach, visit the Oregon Children’s Theatre website.

Add comment November 19th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Nov 14–16

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, November 14

• Christmas Tree Arrival at Pioneer Courthouse Square: At noon, a party will be held at Pioneer Courthouse Square to welcome Portland’s 75-foot Christmas tree. Expect Santa Claus, seasonal music and local dignitaries. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lower Fremont 2nd Friday Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale: 40+ local artists and crafters will display and sell their work outside at this monthly event. NE Fremont at 13th & 14th Avenues, 5:00 pm–9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Rock Poster Art Show Opening Reception: Artery will open an exhibit of silkscreened rock posters commemorating some of the most influential bands in the past two decades such as Modest Mouse, Bloc Party, Neko Case, Bright Eyes, Cat Power and more. 4114 N. Vancouver Ave, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Army Navy (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Adam and Kris (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Will West and The Friendly Strangers (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Checkered Present (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Author Benjamin Parzybok will talk about his book “Couch” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

Saturday, November 15

• Gettysburg Address Re-enactment, Talk, Film: From 9:00 am to 11:30 am, Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery (SE 21st and Morrison) will host a re-creation of the Gettysburg Address, including Union soldier re-enactors in full battle gear, authentic military band, Lincoln presenter Steve Holgate, and more. From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Portland State professor Elliott Trommald will explain the meaning of the Gettysburg Address, and a “Battle of Gettysburg” video will be shown at PSU Smith Memorial Student Union, room 333 (1825 SW Broadway). For more information, visit the event website. 

• Oregon Humane Society 140th Birthday Bash: The party includes activities for kids, tours and more. Kids will receive a t-shirt, balloon, and a birthday sticker while supplies last. Presents for the animals are welcome and qualify you to receive a discount on adoptions (see website for details). 1067 NE Columbia Blvd, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. Cake and ice cream will be served from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• J.D. Roth, author of the blog Get Rich Slowly, will speak at the Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave) at 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• BroadArts Theatre Performance and Discussion: Four speakers from the community will talk about issues concerning Portland, supported by songs and monologues performed by BroadArts Theatre. Afterward, BroadArts will invite the audience to discuss how each of us can contribute to a better future for Portland and our world. Jefferson High School (5210 N. Kerby Ave), 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information and list of speakers, visit the event website.

• Lighting of Maddax Woods in West Linn: Enjoy a magical walk down a lit, accessible path through the Woods and to the viewing platform on the Willamette River. Free hot chocolate. 5785 River Street, West Linn, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Bird Walk on Boeckman Road at Coffee Lake Wetlands: The new Boeckman Road extension is an ideal location to view birds such as great blue heron, red-winged black bird, osprey, killdeer and more. Meet Natural Resources Program staff on the bridge (Boeckman Road at Coffee Creek between 95th Ave and 110th Ave, Wilsonville) at 9:00 am. The walk lasts until 11:00 am. Bring your binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather. Kids welcome. For more information, visit the event website. 

• ”Gourdy Pumpernickel’s Harvest Surprise” Puppet Show: Mudeye Puppet Company presents this all-new, all-original, all-ages puppet show about a determined but slightly silly farmer who never gives up. Most suitable for grades K–5. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 10:30 am–11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Children’s Play “Raven Steals the Sun”: In honor of national American Indian Heritage month, the library is hosting “Raven Steals the Sun,” a new play based on a Native American tale. Created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre. Most suitable for grades K–5. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Ave), 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• OMSI’s Teen-Only Night: No parents allowed! OMSI invites teens (ages 13–18) to check out Mindbender Mansion and enjoy music by a live DJ, Segway rides and more. 1945 SE Water Ave, 7:00 pm–10:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Mary Flower (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Miss Michael Jodell, Matt Brown and Allen Hunter (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Lincoln Crockett (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Atonements (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Authors Jessica Morrell, Megan Clark, Delilah Marvelle and Monica Drake will speak at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 NE Killingsworth St) at 4:00 pm. Refreshments and accompaniment music from Vagabond Opera’s Eric Stern. For more information, visit the event website. 

Sunday, November 16

• Locks of Love Benefit (Free Haircuts): Ruby’s Spa at Edgefield will offer free haircuts to guests of all ages who donate 10 or more inches of hair. These special guests will also receive complimentary refreshments, along with 20% off additional spa treatments for the rest of the day. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Appointments are required. Call (503) 665-1357 to make an appointment. For more information, visit the event website. 

• DIY Stories: DIY (Do It Yourself) Stories is an open storytelling forum. Share stories about what brought you to Oregon and what keeps you here. You can just show up to listen to others, but it’s more fun when you participate. Please keep stories to 5 minutes; no reading or performing; think “beginning, middle, end.” Recommended for adults. Space is limited. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• James Low (website) will perform at Edgefield at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Freedomstate” will be playing at Hotel deLuxe. The Screening Room, located off the hotel lobby, opens at 6:00 pm; the movie begins at 6:30 pm. RSVP to 503.219.2093. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Being John Malkovich” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Alicia Paulson, the creator of the blog Posie Gets Cozy, will talk about her book “Stitched in Time” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

Add comment November 14th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Nov 7–9

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, November 7

• Free First Friday Night at Portland Children’s Museum: Admission to the museum is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Bring a gift of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank and create a garland of gratitude and a pinecone turkey to take home. For more information, visit the event website. 

• First Friday Art Shows and Openings:

  • First Friday East Portland Gallery Art Walk: Several galleries on the East side open their doors to the public from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the first Friday of each month. Go to this website for the list of galleries. In addition to those, Bowl of Thistles and Tilde will also host artist receptions.

  • Multnomah Arts Center Faculty Art Show & Concert: From 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, chat with members of MAC’s art faculty and view paintings, prints, drawings, metal arts, clay arts, textile arts and more. The music faculty will perform at 7:15 pm. All are welcome. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Photography Show and Voice Catcher Reading: The 100th Monkey Studio (110 SE 16th Ave) will host a reception for their new exhibit featuring photos by young people. Also, the Voice Catcher community will read from their new anthology. All ages welcome. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; reading begins at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Pattern Art Show: Olio United (1028 SE Water) is celebrating the opening of “Repeat,” featuring pattern work by 10 artists. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

  • Press Club will host a reception for artist Charlie Kraft at 7:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

  • Also, go to PORT for more events.

• First Friday in Multnomah Village: During this monthly event, shops and galleries stay open late and offer special events, sales and complimentary refreshments. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah Village website.

• First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Camas: This month’s theme is “Favorite Recipes from Downtown Camas.” In addition to displays for the holidays, downtown merchants will serve their favorite holiday recipes for customers to enjoy and also hand out the written recipes. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Downtown Camas website.

• New Faces (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 7:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Ehren Ebbage (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• The Old Yellers (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Western Aerial (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Ellen Heltzel & Margo Hammond will talk about “Between the Covers,” their anthology of fiction and nonfiction, at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

Saturday, November 8

• Keep Portland Weird Festival: The Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave) will host a variety of activities and information booths from “weird” organizations in Portland. For more information, visit the festival website. For details on the clothing swaps, click here. 11:00 am–4:00 pm.

• Siren Nation Workshops: In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 NE Killingsworth St) will host three family-friendly workshops: “Zines 101” at 1:15 pm; “What Is Freeschooling?” at 3:00 pm; and “Urban Cycling: How to Ride the Road & Feel Good Doing It” at 4:15 pm. These workshops are part of the Siren Nation Festival, which includes free and not-free events. For more information on the workshops, visit the IOW website.

• Free Events at NW Film & Video Festival: The festival includes two free events:

  • Show and Tell Un-conference: A Barcamp for Filmmakers: This is an opportunity for filmmakers of all levels to share their knowledge, learn from others, inspire and be inspired. Beverages and snacks will be provided. School of Film (934 SW Salmon), 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

  • What’s Wrong With This Picture: Seattle film guru Warren Etheredge will host this talk about films that were not selected for this year’s festival. Open to filmmakers of all experience levels, as well as to film lovers. Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave), 4:00 pm.

  • For more information, visit the event website.

• Marie Black (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Will West (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Ida Viper (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Author Laura Foster will talk about her book “Portland City Walks: Twenty Explorations in and Around Town” at Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Get Me Through the Holidays: 10 Strategies for Coping with Loss and Loneliness on Days That Hold Special Meaning”: Staff from the Community Care Program of Providence Hospital will lead this presentation. Kenilworth Presbyterian Church (corner of SE 34th and Gladstone), 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Coffee and refreshments at 9:45 am. For more information, visit Neighborhood Notes.

Sunday, November 9

• Siren Nation Workshops: Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave) will host a day of free workshops—part of the 2008 Siren Nation Festival—on a wide range of topics of concern and interest to women: writing, music, canning food, sex, health, self-defense, entrepreneurship and more. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. All ages welcome. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”Gourdy Pumpernickel’s Harvest Surprise” Puppet Show: Mudeye Puppet Company presents this all-new, all-original, all-ages puppet show about a determined but slightly silly farmer who never gives up. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website

• Kolvane/Joe McMurrian Quartet will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• “Election” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

Add comment November 7th, 2008

Nov 8: Children’s and Women’s Clothing Swaps at Central Library

On Saturday, November 8, the Central Library is hosting the Keep Portland Weird Festival. It’s free, and there’s lots going on including circus lessons, live music, ukulele lessons, and a chance to talk to representatives from a variety of “weird” organizations that make Portland such an interesting place to live.

In addition, there will be two clothing swaps: one for women’s clothes and another for kids’ and maternity clothes. Both are organized by PDXSwap.

For those who don’t know, a clothing swap is an event where you bring clean, wearable clothes that you don’t need anymore and trade them for clothes that other participants bring. It’s a great excuse to clean out your closet and a great way to restock your closet for free.

Here are the details:

WHO: The women’s clothing swap is for all sizes. Likewise, the kids’ clothing swap is for all children’s sizes, from newborn to teen. If you’re pregnant, you’re welcome to take some baby clothes even if you don’t have any kids’ clothes to swap yet.

WHEN: Saturday, November 8, 2008. The kids’ and maternity clothes swap will run from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. The women’s clothing swap will run from noon to 4:00 pm.

WHERE: Central Library, 801 SW 10th Avenue (at SW Yamhill Street), Portland, OR 97205 (map). The kids’ and maternity clothing swap will be in the Children’s Library Story Theater on the first floor. The women’s swap will take place in the Sterling Writers Room on the second floor.

WHAT TO BRING: Clean clothes in good condition with no rips, tears, visible stains, etc. As mentioned above, all sizes are welcome. There are no minimum requirements for how many items you have to bring or how many you can take, but please be courteous and generous. Don’t forget to bring a bag to carry home your treasures.

• For the kids’ clothing swap, you can also bring lightly used children’s accessories like socks, shoes, boots, hats, scarves, mittens or sunglasses. No toys, please.
• The women’s swap is clothes only, no accessories.

LOGISTICS: These are drop-in swaps, which means you can bring your clothing and swap at any time, as long as the swap is still open. If you like, you can do a little swapping, then check out the other events at Keep Portland Weird, then come back to swap some more.

The clothes will be separated by size. When you arrive, place your clothes in the appropriate piles.

NOTE: The kids’ swap area is child-proofed, but space is very limited. Please leave strollers at home, carry babies in a sling, and bring someone to supervise little ones in the Children’s Library while you swap.

For more information, visit the festival website or PDXSwap.com.

Add comment November 6th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: October 31–November 2

Updated: Check the comments for updates.

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, October 31

• Halloween events: View the list here. And be sure to check the comments for updates.

Saturday, November 1

• Day of the Dead Procession and Altar Build: Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave) will host a series of activities in honor of the Day of the Dead, including a sugar skull decorating session, community altar build, procession through the Pearl and Old Town, movies and more. 3:00 pm–7:00 pm. Visit the Someday Lounge website for all the details.

• Day of the Dead Celebration hosted by the Portland Early Learning Project: This event includes storytelling, crafts, singing, traditional Mexican music and more. Urban Grind Coffeehouse (2214 NE Oregon), 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Day of the Dead Celebration at Capitol Hill Library: Celebrate the Day of the Dead with skeletons, crafts and more. 10723 SW Capitol Hwy, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Hawaiian Holiday Bazaar in Vancouver: This event includes Hawaiian and ethnic foods, hula from Oregon and Washington area halau, Hawaiian music, and arts and crafts on sale from local artisans and distributors. Jefferson Middle School, 3000 NW 119th St, Vancouver, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• GreenWalks: Explore Hoyt Arboretum with a guide from Portland Parks & Recreation. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Appropriate for adults and families. Meet at the Visitor Center at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd. For details, visit the PP&R website.

• Wilsonville-Kitakata Celebration: Wilsonville is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its sister-city relationship with Kitakata, Japan, with a ceremony and reception at City Hall at 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Sidestreet Reny (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Gideon Freudmann (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Dry County Crooks (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• “The Paley’s Place Cookbook”: Chef Vitaly Paley will talk about “The Paley’s Place Cookbook” at 2:00 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Children’s book author David Michael Slater will read “Cheese Louise” and help kids do some writing of their own at the Tigard Library at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, November 2

• Day of the Dead Celebration: Gumbo Gifts and Gallery (3636 N. Mississippi) invites the community to bring photographs, candles, and other items of commemoration to place on a public altar to celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Activities also include making papel picado (“cut paper”) and offerings of pan de muerto, a sweet bread made just for the event. For more information, visit the event website.

• Portland Opera Preview: This lecture/concert will cover historical background, composer information and musical selections from “Fidelio.” Central Library, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Groundation will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 4:30 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Ben Darwish (website) will perform at Someday Lounge at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Someday Lounge website.

• Greg Clarke will perform old-time and bluegrass music at the Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jon Koonce (website) will perform at Edgefield at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Southwest Washington Wind Symphony: The SW Washington Wind Symphony opens its fourth season by showcasing band classics from the early 20th century and the “blues” at the Mountain View High School Auditorium (1500 SE Blairmont Drive, Vancouver) at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Sunday Cinema Classics at St. Johns Library: “On Moonlight Bay” will be showing at 2:00 pm. Free tickets for limited seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the event website. 

• “The Devil’s Backbone” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

1 comment October 31st, 2008

Oct 30: $10 Tickets on Sale for Arthur Live, Playhouse Disney, Harlem Globetrotters and More

On October 30, the Rose Quarter website will be selling $10 tickets for these shows:

• Arthur Live
• Celtic Thunder
• Playhouse Disney Live
• AVP Crocs Pro Beach Volleyball “Hot Winter Nights Tour”
• Harlem Globetrotters

The sale lasts from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm on October 30. The $10 price does not include service charges.

To purchase tickets, go to the Rose Quarter promotions page and enter TREAT in the box labeled “Enter Presale or Promotion Code.” That should take you to a page where you can purchase tickets.  

Just out of curiosity, how popular are the Harlem Globetrotters today? I have this vague memory of them being on Scooby Doo in the ’80s.

Add comment October 30th, 2008

Free Halloween Events for October 31

Updated: See comments for  updates.

Excited that Halloween is on a Friday this year? Me too. So much so that rather than waiting until Friday (when I would normally publish the list of free weekend events), I decided to publish a list of free Halloween events right now.

If you know of any other free fun happening on Halloween (kid-friendly or adult-only), please share by writing a comment.

Free events for the rest of the weekend will be posted on Friday.

Be safe and have fun out there!

Halloween events for October 31:

• Davis Graveyard in Milwaukie: For 10 years, Jeff and Chris Davis have transformed their property into an award-winning spooksville. The house is on the corner of Johnson Creek Boulevard and SE 43rd, and is open daily for viewing. On Halloween, lights and special effects will be on from dusk until 11:00 pm, and the street will be closed to vehicles. For more information, visit the Davis Graveyard website.

• Halloween at Kennedy School: Bring your kids-in-costume and wander the halls for treats. After trick-or-treating, check out two free performances of H.G. Wells’ “The Island of Dr. Moreau.” Trick-or-treating runs from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and the performances will begin at 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Wieden + Kennedy Halloween Party: Every year W+K opens its doors to the public and creates a spooky playland for the kids to explore. Dressing up is not mandatory, but it is encouraged. 224 NW 13th Ave, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the W+K blog or the W+K website.

• 4th Annual Howl-o-ween: Neighborhood Notes invites families to celebrate Howl-o-ween at Isobel’s Clubhouse (300 block of NW 10th Ave) from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Some of the clubhouse’s neighbors will be passing out treats, and each family will receive a complimentary digital photo of their ghoul or goblin courtesy of Kenneth Aaron Photography. For more information, visit the Neighborhood Notes website.

• Trick-or-Treating at Pix: Both Pix Patisserie locations will be giving away free macaroons and chocolates to anyone (of any age) who stops by in costume. For more information, visit the Pix website.

• Mexican Sugar Skull Celebration: In honor of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), decorate Mexican Sugar Skulls at SpielWerk Toy Store (7956 SE 13th) from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. More information can be found at DIY Alert.

• Halloween in the Sumner Neighborhood: Neighbors, parents, grandparents, guardians and of course all young goblins are invited to put on their favorite costumes and enjoy a night of games and treats. Helensview High School (87th & NE Sumner) from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. More information can be found on Neighborhood Notes.

• Not So Spooky Storytelling at Woodstock Library: Families are invited to hear some not-so-scary stories. And, if you’d like, wear a costume and participate in a parade. 6008 SE 49th Ave, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Halloween at Music Millennium: Party includes a performance by Eagles of Death Metal, a costume contest, and treats. 3158 E. Burnside, 6:00 pm. Thanks to PDX Pipeline for the heads up.

• Adult costume party at Airplay Cafe: The party includes live music by Gavin Wahl-Stevens, James Sasser and Quinn Allan. Drink specials when you come in costume. 701 E. Burnside St, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Harvest Festival in Lents: The Harvest Festival is fun, free and open to everyone. Come enjoy food, crafts and games. Free books and clothing closet. Pilgrim Lutheran Church (4244 SE 91st Ave), 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. For more info, call Jean @ 503.774.2497 or 503.777.3541.

• Halloween Movie Night at Architectural Heritage Center: AHC (701 SE Grand) will host a showing of “The Haunting” at 7:00 pm. Treats will be provided. Please register in advance: 503.231.7264 or info@visitahc.org. For more information, visit Neighborhood Notes.

• Safe Trick-or-Treating in Gresham: From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, trick-or-treaters are invited to Main Avenue in Historic Downtown Gresham where merchants will be handing out candy and other treats. For the event, Main Street will be closed to vehicles. For more information, visit the Gresham website.

• Harvest Fest in Lake Oswego: Dress up the kids and head over to Millennium Plaza Park from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm for trick-or-treating, crafts, games and a puppet show. You can also bring your favorite pumpkin dish to be judged by Gert Boyle, Chairman of Columbia Sportswear. Transition Projects will be accepting donations of coats and blankets. For more information, visit the Lake Oswego website.

• Safe Trick-or-Treating in West Linn: At Cascade Summit Shopping Center (22500 Salamo Road), participating businesses will hand out treats to costumed visitors from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the West Linn website.

• Halloween Costume Party at Cornelius Pass Roadhouse: All ages are invited to enjoy live music by Jon Koonce & One More Mile, food and drink specials, spooky holiday fun and more. And sure, you can dress in costume. 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• For more events, both free and not free, check out:

  • PDX Pipeline
  • Neighborhood Notes
  • Around the Sun’s sidebar

8 comments October 30th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: October 24–26

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

Friday, October 24

• Kate Gaffney (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Miss Michael Jodell (website) and the Dim Sons will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Break As We Fall (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Denny Bixby (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Sonny Hess (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.

• Author David Wolman will talk about his book “Righting the Mother Tongue” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Author David Heatley will talk about his book “My Brain is Hanging Upside Down” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Art Opening and Reception for “Un Bijou”: Artist Susan Lake explores themes of nature, balance, and the role of humans in the world through her art. She works in pencils and watercolors, as well as fabric art and needle-felting. Children are welcome at the event. Gossamer (2418 E. Burnside St), 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Steeped,” the first Portland-made narrative film produced by wideshot studios, is making its long-awaited debut, alongside other films and music videos made by the wideshot team. The screening is at Mount Tabor Legacy on SE 48th and Hawthorne at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Molly Gloss will talk about her book “The Hearts of Horses” at the Cedar Mill Community Library (12505 NW Cornell Rd) at 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Haunters,” a high-production, locally produced documentary, profiles the fascinating subculture of the haunted attraction industry and people who produce home-made & backyard “haunted house” events. Featuring an original soundtrack by Portland band, Point Line Plane. Starts at 10:00 pm sharp at Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave). For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, October 25

• ParkFest 2008: Come Play & Have Your Say: The event will include workshops, discussion groups and information tables on the future of Portland’s park, as well as lots of recreational activities and class demonstrations for folks of all ages. University Park Community Center (9009 N. Foss), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lead-Safe Kids Fair: The event includes lead-free toy giveaways, blood lead testing, kids’ activities, toy and dishware/pottery lead screening (up to 4 items per household), lead poisoning prevention workshop and more. Community Room at IRCO (10301 NE Glisan St), 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• East Portland/Montavilla Halloween Carnival: Kids aged 10 years and under, with an accompanying adult, are invited to an evening of carnival games, face painting, crafts and more. Tickets for activities are 4 for $1. Bring 2 cans of food for the Oregon Food Bank and receive a maximum of 4 free tickets per family. Wear a costume and march in the parade at the end of the night. East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106th Ave), 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• St. Johns Spooktacular: Kids aged 3 to 11 years are invited to enjoy carnival games, face painting and more at St. Johns Community Center (8427 N. Central) from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Tickets for activities are 5/$1. Every can of food you donate for the Oregon Food Bank will earn you 1 free bag of popcorn. All children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit the event website.

• Halloween Party at A Children’s Place Bookstore: The festivities will kick off with a reading from local author Dale Bayse followed by activities and ghoulish good times for all. 4807 NE Fremont St, 11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”Gourdy Pumpernickel’s Harvest Surprise”: The Mudeye Puppet Company presents this all-new, all-original, all-ages puppet show about a determined but slightly silly farmer who never gives up. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am–11:45 am and noon–12:45 pm. Free tickets for seating will be available at the reference desk 30 minutes prior to the first program, at 10:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ledding Library’s Halloween Party: Kids of all ages are invited to the library at 2:00 pm for games, crafts, and non-spooky magic by magician Curt Nelson. Costumes are welcome. For more information, visit the library website.

• 5th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Tualatin: Giant 800-pound pumpkin boats will compete in a zany and exciting series of heats. This year’s event will include pumpkin decorating, music, hot food and drinks and more. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Lake at Tualatin Commons (8325 SW Nyberg St). For more information, access the flyer here (PDF file).

• Happy Valley Harvest Fest: Come to Happy Valley Park from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for live jazz music, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, a pumpkin recipe contest and more. About 300 free pumpkins will be given away. More information can be found at the Happy Valley website or OregonLive.

• Happy Valley Volkswalk: Happy Valley will also host a Volkswalking event beginning at 8:00 am at Happy Valley Park. The event includes short, guided walks for families, as well as 5K and 10K walks. More information can be found at the Happy Valley website or OregonLive.

• African American Alliance Homeownership Fair: Home buying and homeownership professionals will lead workshops for future homeowners, current homeowners and seniors. Free ice cream and activities will occupy the kids. Emanuel Hospital Atrium (501 North Graham), 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• World Wide Sketch Crawl: A sketch crawl is a drawing marathon. Think pub crawl without the pub (or with the pub if you desire). Join the Portland group downtown at 10:00 am. Meet at the Starbucks on SW Park (at Clay). We’ll sketch around the South Park Blocks and share our sketches with each other. For more information, visit the event website.

• GreenWalks: Explore University Park with a guide from Portland Parks & Recreation. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Appropriate for adults and families. Meet in front of the Community Center at 9009 N. Foss Ave. For details, visit the PP&R website.

• Ehren Ebbage (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Ali Wesley (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Lisa Stringfield and Lara Michelle (both formerly of Carmina Piranha) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Eric John Kaiser (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Redwood Sons (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Annie Bloom’s Books 30th Anniversary Party: From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, bring the kids for cake, food and fun. From 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, a reception for local authors will be held at O’Connor’s Annex. In the bookstore, local musicians Dick Weissman and Tim Roth will be playing at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, respectively. Food, drink and lively conversation will flow into the late hours. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, October 26

• Portland Zombie Walk 2008: Zombie aficionados are invited to dress up and roam together through the streets of downtown Portland. Meet at Pioneer Courthouse Square at 4:00 pm exactly. For more information, visit the event website.

• Festival of Faith 2008: Join members of 24 different faith groups for a day of music, dance, art and discussion. Talk with followers of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Bahai and other faiths. Portland State University Smith Memorial Student Center, 3rd Floor Ballroom (1825 SW Broadway), 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Moreland Monster March: Kids and their parents will be marching down Milwaukie & Bybee Avenues decked out in their Halloween costumes. The Monster March starts at 3:00 pm from Llewellyn School and ends there. Lots of fun and lots of candy. Neighborhood Notes has a bit more info.

• Spooky Stroll Halloween Parade & Events in West Linn: Costumed moms, dads, kids and on-leash pets are all invited to participate. The approximately three-quarter mile stroll starts and ends at Tanner Creek Park. There will be music, crafts, candies, cookies and hot drinks for everyone to enjoy. 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Who Killed the Electric Car?” will be showing at Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 4:30 pm; film starts at 5:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Children’s book author Addie Boswell will read from her new picture storybook “Rain Stomper” and lead kids in a writing and drawing activity. Tigard Library (13125 SW Hall Blvd), 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Press Club will host the world premiere of Loch Lomond’s new video “Blue Lead Fences” at 8:00 pm, followed by a showing of the Mel Brooks classic “Young Frankenstein” at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Author Alan Cheuse will talk about his book “To Catch the Lightning” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Envisioning America: Jews and the Making of the Broadway Musical: A lively afternoon of conversation and song exploring the Broadway musical and the vivid, pioneering contributions of Jewish artists to the genre. Presented by Portland Center Stage. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave),12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Wonder Woman Day: The all-ages event will include a quartet of comic book creators signing Wonder Woman comics and special art prints, as well as a silent art auction with over 150 of the world’s top artists contributing original art, plus costumed super-heroes on-site, raffles, and more. A benefit for Raphael House, Bradley-Angle House and Portland Women’s Crisis Line. Excalibur Comics (2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd), noon to 6:00 pm. Click here for more information.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

1 comment October 24th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: October 17–19

Update: See Comments for more events.

Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

All weekend (October 17 to 19)

• Portland Nursery Apple Tasting Event: There will be 60 varieties of apples and pears available for tasting, live music, kids’ activities and more. 5050 SE Stark, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

Friday, October 17

• Kidical Mass Family Bike Rides: Wear your Halloween costume or decorate your bike. Blinkies will be handed out while supplies last. Information on different rides:

  • Downtown Ride: Meet at 5:30 pm and leave at 5:45. Meet at the North Park Blocks Playground at NW 8th and Davis. Thanks to Nancy at Central Portland Families you can attend a pizza party at the end of the ride, but you must RSVP to nancy@zcommunitycenter.org. More info can be found here.

  • Outer NE Ride: Meet at 6:00 pm (leaving promptly at 6:15) at Knott Park, near the baseball field (near the corner of NE 112th and NE Sacramento). We will return to the same location.

  • SE Ride: Meet at 6:00 pm at the Sunnyside Environmental School playground. Leaving promptly at 6:15, ending at Sunnyside.

  • Sellwood Ride: Meet at 6:00 pm at the Sellwood Pool, and the ride will leave at 6:15, ending at the Sellwood Pool.

  • For more information, contact Angela Koch, 503-226-0676 x19.

• Fall Family Fun Night at Mt. Scott Community Center: Bouncy castle, face painting, obstacle course, crafts, roller skating, swimming, and indoor park. Admission is free. Activities cost 25 cents, family swim is $1. Bring donations of canned goods and receive 4 free tickets ($1 value). 5530 SE 72nd, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Beta Collide will perform at 8:00 pm in the White Stag Building (70 NW Couch St). Performers include Roger Hayes (live painter), Nicholas Isherwood (bass-baritone), Justin Kagan (cello), Lisa McWhorter (violin), Phillip Patti (percussion), Molly Barth (flute) and Brian McWhorter (trumpet). For more information, visit the Beta Collide website. 

• Tartufi (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Dirty Dozen Brass Band will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Leigh Marble CD Release Party: The evening will include performances by Marble, Teledubgnosis, and Auditory Sculpture featuring Infamous Coatcheck Girl, as well as video by Abstract Machines. Press Club, 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Ashia (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Troublemakers (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.

• Author Shalom Auslander will talk about his memoir “Foreskin’s Lament” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

Saturday, October 18

• Oregon Historical Society Free Day: The theme of the day is archaeology. There will be presentations on rock art and flintknapping, art projects for the kids, an activity that will show you what an excavation is like, and more. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Oregon Bounty Fresh Hop Beer Tastival: Admission is free; glasses/mugs cost $5, and are required for tasting beer. Tastes of the individual beers are $1 each. Hopworks Urban Brewery (2944 SE Powell Blvd), noon to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Learn about Buckminster Fuller from Allegra Fuller Snyder (UCLA professor, founder and board chair of the Buckminster Fuller Institute, and Bucky’s only living child) and D.W. Jacobs (director/playwright of R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE). Gerding Theater (128 NW 11th Ave), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• OMSI’s Teen-Only Night: Plan a date night and send the teens to OMSI from 7:00 pm–10:00 pm. Teens will get to see the new Mindbender Mansion exhibit, and there’ll be Segway rides, a DJ and cheap food. For more information, visit the OMSI website.

• Fiesta con Animales/Party with the Animals: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, some of the Oregon Zoo’s animals will visit St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave) from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Library Appreciation Day at West Linn Library: See juggler Rhys Thomas perform, hear the West Linn Community Chorus sing, and talk about the library with your neighbors. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Family Resource Fair at Beaverton Library: Get information from local family-friendly organizations, make crafts with your kids, learn about home school resources, and find volunteer opportunities right in your back yard. 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Apple Tasting Event at Tigard Library: Games, crafts, apple tasting and more. An “a-peeling” good time for the whole family. 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• GreenWalks: Explore Mt. Tabor with a guide from Portland Parks & Recreation. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Appropriate for adults and families. Meet at the Crater Amphitheater near the playground. For details, visit the PP&R website.

• Ben Weaver will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Sudden Anthem (website) and The Raining (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.

• Will West (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Jimmy Bivens (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Scott Gallegos Band (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

• Children’s pop-up book master David Carter will present his new book at 11:00 am at A Children’s Place Bookstore (4807 NE Fremont St). For more information, visit the event website. 

• Author Clare Langley-Hawthorne will talk about her book “The Serpent and the Scorpion” at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd) at 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

Sunday, October 19

• Fiesta con Animales/Party with the Animals: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, some of the Oregon Zoo’s animals will visit Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd) from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Dead Beetles (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• More History and Mystery of the Blues: Musician-author Steve Cheseborough will present the music of Mississippi. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• “Ed Wood” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Sunday Movie Night at Hotel deLuxe: “Hear and Now” will be playing. The Screening Room, located off the hotel lobby, opens at 6:00 pm, the movie begins at 6:30 pm. RSVP to 503.219.2093. For more information, visit the event website.

• Authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson will talk about “Science Fair,” their new book for young readers, at 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Book Release Party for “HELP! A Bear is Eating Me!” Join author Mykle Hansen for a spoken word show/drinking opportunity to celebrate the release of his new book. PLAN B (1305 SE 8th Ave), 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Ages 21 & older. For more information, visit the event website.

• Moms Night Out/Scrapbook Basics: Join instructor Heidi Brehm for an introductory class on the basics of scrapbooking. Each participant is encouraged to bring personal photos to create a two-page layout, all other materials will be provided. St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

1 comment October 17th, 2008

BodyVox Offers Free Tickets to Kids (Oct 25 Matinee)

Updated: The BodyVox website is www.bodyvox.com. You need the “www” in the address; otherwise, the links on the website will not work. Links in this post have been fixed.

For 10 years, the performers of BodyVox have entertained audiences with shows that combine dance, theater, music and film. From October 22–25, BodyVox will perform their “greatest hits,” as voted on by fans, in a show called ENCORES: The Best of BodyVox.

The October 25 matinee will be a special one. At 2:00 pm, BodyVox will do a version of ENCORES designed specifically for children. The format of the show will be more kid-friendly than the other shows, and during intermission, kids will be invited to come up on stage to learn a dance from the dancers themselves. The dancers will also be available after the show to sign autographs and chat.

What’s more, there’s a special ticket deal. When you buy an adult ticket, you’ll get two free tickets for children aged 12 and younger.

To take advantage of the deal, you must buy your tickets from the BodyVox website, the Ticketmaster website or the PCPA box office. It looks like certain seats can be purchased from Ticketmaster and PCPA, while others can be purchased from BodyVox, so you may want to check out both options. Each option has a different discount password that you need to know.

• For Ticketmaster, go to this website, click on FIND TICKETS, enter the number of tickets you want under “Buy 1 Adult, Get 2 Kids Free” (the quantities are in multiples of three because they include the free kids tickets), select the price level, and enter the password FAMILY.

• At the PCPA box office, mention the password FAMILY when purchasing your tickets. The box office is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The address is 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205.

• At the BodyVox website, click on the red “buy tickets now” box. Follow the prompts on the screens that follow. On the screen that asks you to select your seats, be sure to select three seats, if you’re planning to buy one adult ticket and get two free child tickets. Select six seats if you’re buying two adult tickets and so on. Then later, when you get to the screen called “Who Will Be Attending,” select the adult and child tickets. For example, if you’re buying one adult ticket, pick “adult” in one of the drop-down menus and “child” in the other two drop-down menus. When you get to the “Ticket Purchase” screen, enter the coupon code KIDSDANCE.

For more information, visit the BodyVox website.

This poster also provides some information and includes a picture for kids to color and bring to the show. BodyVox will display kids’ decorated posters in the lobby. There will also be an art table at the show if kids want to color the poster there.

Add comment October 16th, 2008