Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.
Have a great weekend!
All weekend
Lake Oswego Fourth of July Celebration: The City of Lake Oswego is hosting activities all weekend, including a parade, fireworks show, water ski show, wakeboard competition, concerts, and more. For more information, visit the event website.
Friday, July 3
Free Admission Night at Portland Children’s Museum: Admission to the museum is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 4015 SW Canyon Road. For more information, visit the event website.
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, classic cars will line the streets of downtown Camas. 5:00 pm–9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Portland Actors Ensemble will perform “King Lear” at Cathedral Park (under the bridge at N. Edison St and N. Philadelphia Ave) at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Free Writing Workshop: On the first Friday of each month, Ibex Studios (2021 SE Clinton) hosts a free writing workshop from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In these workshops, you will write about things that are free. To register, email becca at ibexstudios dot com or call 971.227.0305. For more information, visit the event website.
Airplay Cafe First Birthday: Free cake, $1 hot dogs, $2 pints. Live music provided by Matt French and the Educated. They’ll be playing lots of tunes we all know. Everyone is invited to bring an instrument or just your voice and join in the jam. All ages. 701 E. Burnside St, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Free Massages and Reflexology: The folks at Holistica Healthcare will be giving free mini-sessions of massage and reflexology by appointment from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Stop by early to sign up, then explore the Lower Burnside Art Walk while waiting for your scheduled session. 811 East Burnside, Suite 124. For more information, visit the event website.
Kate Davis will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.
Sonny Hess & Lisa Mann will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
SLA will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.
Chris Loid Band (website) will perform at Tualatin Commons (8325 SW Nyberg St) at 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” will be showing at Multnomah Arts Center (7688 SW Capitol Hwy) at dusk. Live entertainment starts at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
“Twilight” will be showing at Esther Short Park (W. Columbia St and 8th St, Vancouver) at dusk (approximately 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm). The movie will be canceled or rescheduled if it rains. For more information, visit the event website.
“Speed Racer” will be showing at the corner of 23rd and Main Street in downtown Vancouver. Show time is at 8:45 pm. At about 7:30 pm, the band Jen, Deborah and Kristen will perform. For more information, visit the event website.
Saturday, July 4
Happy Valley Fourth of July Family Festival: Enjoy a full day of fun including a parade, music, children’s activities, and fireworks show. Happy Valley City Park (13770 SE Ridgecrest Road, Happy Valley), noon to 11:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Tigard Fourth of July Celebration: This family-friendly event starts at 6:00 pm at Tigard High School Soccer Field (corner of Hall and Durham Road). Festivities include live music, kids’ games, and more. The fireworks show starts at dusk. For more information, visit the event website.
Bank of America cardholders receive free admission to the Portland Art Museum and Pittock Mansion on July 4 and 5. For more information, visit the BOA website.
Saturday Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek State Park: Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Today’s theme is “The Fish Come Home.” Appropriate for all ages. Parents must accompany kids on all hikes. 10:00 am to 11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.
Free Zumba Class: Zumba is a dance-inspired fitness class that incorporates Latin and international rhythms to create a dynamic, exciting, and effective workout. No experience is necessary to enjoy Zumba. Soma Space (4050 NE Broadway St), 9:00 am to 10:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.
Bryant Allard Quartet (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel (1510 SW Harbor Way), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.
Mood Area 52 will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Kris Deelane (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Emily Herring (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern (10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro) at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.
Sunday, July 5
Bank of America cardholders receive free admission to the Portland Art Museum and Pittock Mansion on July 4 and 5. For more information, visit the BOA website.
Sunday Cinema Classics: “The Black Stallion” will be showing at St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave), 2:00 pm. Free tickets for limited seating will be available at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Whiskey Flats Brass Band will perform at Tryon Creek State Park at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
“The Squid and the Whale” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Chickweed (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield 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.
From January 20–24, BodyVox will offer free dance classes for children, teens and adults.
All levels and abilities are welcome.
Schedule of free classes:
Stackrobats
Teacher: Ramman Turner
Tuesday, 1/20/09, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Recommended for children 8–11 years of age. Stackrobats combines basic gymnastics and tumbling with dance movement and balance.
Grounded Levitation: Freestyle-acrobatic break dance
Teacher: Ramman Turner
Tuesday, 1/20/09, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Recommended for teens. Grounded Levitation is a powerful fusion class that includes elements of break dance, acrobatics, free-style, and martial arts.
Dance Foundations Through Fantasy
Teacher: Sarah Carl
Wednesday, 1/21/09, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Recommended for children 5–7 years of age. Dance Foundations teaches dance basics and includes improvisational activities, controlled movement, stories, games, explosive traveling, music, rhythm, and verbal reflection.
Discovering My Rising Star Teacher: Renee Adams
Thursday, 1/22/09, 1:15 pm–2:00 pm
Recommended for children 3–4 years of age. My Rising Star helps students discover their personal movement power and potential. Stories, songs, games, and concept-focused lessons will help strengthen their bodies, stretch their minds and teach them to interact with music, movement and each other.
Move Together
Teacher: Renee Adams
Saturday, 1/24/09, 9:00 am–9:40 am
Recommended for children 14 months to 2 years of age with a parent. Move Together is a fun and creative way for kids and a parent or caregiver to bond in an exploration of movement and imagination. Children develop brain-body skills, strengthen coordination, and learn social skills and cooperation through moving and playing together.
BodyVox Technique
Teacher: Ashley Roland
Saturday, 1/24/09, 12:00 pm–1:30 pm
Recommended for adults who are at an intermediate dance level. BodyVox Technique stresses the importance of core strength and inner origin of peripheral events. Some yoga is included for centering, flexibility, focus and strength.
If better health is one of your new year’s goals, here’s an easy way to get started:
From January 8–29, Lululemon Athletica will host a free yoga class each day from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. All levels of experience are welcome.
In addition to providing a free workout, these classes will offer an efficient way to find a new yoga teacher, if you’re so inclined. Lululemon will bring in a different instructor for each class, which means you’ll get to test drive 21 teachers in 21 days and possibly find a new yoga mentor.
To inspire you even more, you’ll get free stuff for being consistent. If you go to all 21 classes, you’ll receive a free one-month membership at Barre3 and three free Pilates machine classes at Studio Blue.
According to Joshua at Lululemon, RSVPs are not being taken for the free yoga classes, but you should arrive at least 15 to 20 minutes before the start of each class to get a spot. Expect this to be a popular event.
Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
All weekend (September 26–28)
Portland Art Open: Portland Art Open is a three-day art event & party showcasing the range of talents and styles of Portland’s artists. It’s your chance to experience art on the most personal level possible—see how each artist envisions their work in their own setting. Visit the event website for more information.
Friday, September 26
American Indian Day Celebration: Local area American Indian organizations will host a celebration of American Indian cultures at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Northwest tribal leaders, drum groups, dancers, and arts and crafts vendors will share their talents and experiences. Visit the event website for more information.
ActivSpace Open House: Artists, jewelers, crafters, designers, and small business owners open their doors. Meet artists in their workspaces. Local bands will perform. Craft/bead/art supply rummage sale. Friday (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) and Saturday (11:00 am to 5:00 pm), 833 SE Main St. See comments below for more information.
Bar 12 will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.
Emily Herring (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.
Pete Krebs 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. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.
John Bunzow Trio (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.
Author John Elder Robison will talk about his book “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.
Saturday, September 27
Polish Festival: This two-day event includes performances by Polish dance groups and music bands, a polka contest, Polish food and more. Last year’s festival was lots of fun; read about it and see pictures here. Saturday and Sunday, 3900 N. Interstate Ave. Visit the event website for more information.
Museum Day: Get a free admission pass for you and a guest redeemable at participating museums. For more information, visit the Smithsonian magazine website.
Welcome the Rain: Celebrate our abundant rainfall and learn about rain-related issues such as bike commuting in the rain, rain gardens, and more. Art and science activities as well as a story teller will keep the kids entertained. Sunnyside Environmental School (3421 SE Salmon St), 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. www.welcometherain.org
SoEaPo Summer’s Last Rockin’ Outdoor Fest: At Plan B Bar (21+), artisan booths will be set up outside, live music on two stages (one stage outside, the other stage inside), BBQ. 1305 SE 8th, 4:00 pm to midnight. Visit the event website for more information.
ActivSpace Open House: Artists, jewelers, crafters, designers, and small business owners open their doors. Meet artists in their workspaces. Local bands will perform. Craft/bead/art supply rummage sale. Friday (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm) and Saturday (11:00 am to 5:00 pm), 833 SE Main St. See comments below for more information.
Harvest Fun Day and Extreme Scarecrow Makeover (Vancouver): Join the Clark County Historical Museum for a free family-friendly day of hands-on crafts and autumn events such as pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, blacksmith demonstrations, pie-eating contests and more. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
GreenWalks: Explore Oaks Bottom with a guide from Portland Parks & Recreation. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Appropriate for adults and families. Park staff will lead this tour from the North parking lot of Oaks Bottom located across the street from 5120 SE Milwaukie Ave. Visit the PP&R website for details.
Ten Toe Guided Walk: Take a free Tram ride to OHSU and hike the trails of Marquam Nature Park as we climb to Council Crest Park and back. Meeting place: Tram stop, north of SW Whitaker and River Parkway. 9:00 am. Distance: 4 miles. Time: 2.5 hours. Visit the event website for more information.
Cold War Kids (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.
Kotogoto (website) will perform at East Burn (1800 E. Burnside) at 10:00 pm. Visit the East Burn website for more information.
The Hunter Donnaloia Duo 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. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.
Lincoln Crockett & Enemies (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.
Children’s book author Amber Keyser will bring camping equipment and her picture book “An Algonquin Heart Song: Paddle My Own Canoe” to share what it’s like to go on a canoe trip. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Fiesta con Animales/Party with the Animals: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Oregon Zoo’s animals will be visiting libraries. Hands-on discovery stations will let visitors experience feathers, fur and scales of a few of Latin America’s animals. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 3:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
SCRAP Art Activity: Kids and their families are invited to work with artist Emily Weisbard of SCRAP to create a unique piece of art from reused and reclaimed materials. Presenter is bilingual, Spanish/English. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Vietnamese Film at Midland Library: “Journey From the Fall” is about a family’s experience in the Vietnam War and their immigration to America. The film will be presented in Vietnamese with English subtitles. A short discussion will follow. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 3:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Oregon Encyclopedia Project Community Meeting: Oregonians who are interested in our history and culture are encouraged to research and write authoritative articles for the Oregon Encyclopedia Project. Learn more about this project at the Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Meet Leigh Radford, author of “AlterKNITS Felt,” from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at CloseKnit (2140 NE Alberta St). Visit the event website for more information.
Sunday, September 28
Polish Festival: This two-day event includes performances by Polish dance groups and music bands, a polka contest, Polish food and more. Last year’s festival was lots of fun; read about it and see pictures here. Saturday and Sunday, 3900 N. Interstate Ave. Visit the event website for more information.
Family Discovery Sunday at Museum of Contemporary Craft: Using discarded color strips from the edges of printed books, participants will divert paper headed to the recyclery and create paper vessels and other art objects. 724 NW Davis St, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. Visit the museum’s website for more information.
Natural Cycles Exhibit Family Day: Join in a community celebration of the new art exhibit featuring local examples of natural art. Enjoy special hands-on art activities for adults and children along the Trillium Trail. Tryon Creek State Park, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visit the event website for more information.
Oktoberfest at Edgefield: The celebration includes live music, bellydancers, balloon twisting, plant sale and more. Wander about the entire property, beer and bratwurst in hand, to check out the fun. Music starts at 11:00 am and runs through the evening. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.
Meiko (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 3:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.
“Blazing Saddles” will be showing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.
Tigard Guitar Festival at Tigard Library: Cascadia Guitar Duo will perform an outdoor concert of Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Contemporary and Latin pieces from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.
Author Stanley Plumly will talk about his book “Posthumous Keats: A Personal Biography” at 4:00 pm at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.
Author Floyd Skloot will talk about his book “The Wink of the Zenith” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.
Ann Littlewood, author of “Night Kill,” and Sheila Simonson, author of “Buffalo Bill’s Defunct” will speak at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd) at 5:00 pm. Visit the MBTB website for more information.
Author Clyde W. Ford will talk about his book “Precious Cargo” at 3:00 pm at Barnes & Noble, Clackamas Town Center Mall. Visit the B&N website for more information.
Puppet Theater “The Green Bird”: The Oregon Shadow Theater presents a puppet show inspired by Mexican folktales. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 2:00 pm to 2:45 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Vote 2008: Join Dr. Jim Moore, Professor of Political Science at Pacific University, for a discussion about the presidential hopefuls and the race to date. Bring questions for the group and prepare to get involved in the debate. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Someday Lounge 2-Year Anniversary Party: “Pig Roast & Tank of Fish,” a documentary about Portland’s Chinatown, will be showing at 7:00 pm. 125 NW 5th Avenue. Visit the Someday Lounge website 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.
For one week each year, dancers from the Oregon Ballet Theatre show us what it’s like to be them. The event is called OBT Exposed, and this year it will take place outdoors on Portland’s South Park Blocks from August 25 to 30.
Throughout the week, the dancers will go about their daily routine of classes and rehearsals for all to observe. OBT will also offer free drop-in classes for children and adults. (There’s no pre-registration, so get there early to secure your spot.)
Some days will end with a performance:
Wednesday: “White Swan pas de deux” from Christopher Stowell’s “Swan Lake.”
Thursday: Performance with the Oregon Symphony at Waterfront Park (part of Portland Riverfest).
Saturday: “Heartbreaks ‘n’ Hotcakes,” a performance choreographed by Principal Dancer Anne Mueller to the music of Patsy Cline.
Friday will end with a showing of the movie “Billy Elliot.”
Snow in Portland on Friday! Well, in Pioneer Courthouse Square anyway.
Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
Friday, May 23
Cricket Campus Rail Jam Tour: Professional and amateur snowboarders will perform tricks on snow and rails in Pioneer Courthouse Square, 3:00 pm–6:00 pm. Visit the tour website.
Mates Of State (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.
Amelia (website) will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.
Shelly Rudolph (website) will perform at RiverPlace Hotel at 8:00 pm. Visit the PDX Jazz website for more information.
The Old Yellers (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Edgefield website.
Strawberry Roan (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.
Miss Michael Jodell, Matt Brown and Allen Hunter will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. (Michael’s website, Matt’s website) Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Author Steven Saylor will talk about his book The Triumph of Caesar at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.
Saturday, May 24
Multnomah County Fair: Running May 24–26, the fair features a petting zoo, pony rides, a rabbit show, wiener dog races, and special events each day. Oaks Amusement Park, noon to 7:00 pm. More information can be found here or at the Oaks Park website.
Rose Festival RC Regatta: Radio-controlled model hydroplanes will be racing at the casting pond in Westmoreland Park. Event runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; racing starts around 10:30 am. For more information, visit www.e-rcu.org.
GrazeFest at Portland Farmers Market: At this celebration of meat, chefs from Toro Bravo, Fife and Meriwether’s will give cooking demos and samples, ranchers will talk about their practices, and Henry Weinhard’s Brewery will provide beer samples. Downtown in the South Park Blocks between SW Harrison & Montgomery, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. For details, visit the PFM website.
Portland Chamber Orchestra “Beethoven Underground”: Families and children are invited to a free dress rehearsal for PCO’s presentation of Beethoven’s The Creatures of Prometheus, with narration by David Robinson and images by Liz Gill Neilson. Kaul Auditorium, Reed College, 10:00 am. For more information, visit the Portland Chamber Orchestra website.
Women on Bikes Clinic: Learn about choosing the right bike and gear, recreational riding and commuting, riding techniques, use of the TriMet rack, and route planning. Multnomah Arts Center, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the Portland Transportation website.
Tim Uecker (website) will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.
Sean Garcia (website) will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.
Dan Balmer will perform at RiverPlace Hotel at 8:00 pm. Visit the PDX Jazz website for more information.
The Harmonica Pocket (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Edgefield website.
Mood Area 52 (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Buggy Puppet Show:Penny’s Puppets will perform Where Is Lilly the Catapilly? at the Belmont Library from 3:00 pm–3:45 pm. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Artist Reza Antoszewska will give a talk and demonstration of Ebru, a Turkish printmaking technique, at the MuseRoom from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Reservations are encouraged, 503-231-8704. For more information, visit the Muse Art website.
Sunday, May 25
Multnomah County Fair: Running May 24–26, the fair features a petting zoo, pony rides, a rabbit show, wiener dog races, and special events each day. Oaks Amusement Park, noon to 7:00 pm. More information can be found here or at the Oaks Park website.
Jeffrey Halford (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.
Billy Kennedy (website) will perform at Edgefield at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Kurosawa’s Stray Dogwill be playing 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, feel free to contact me.
Admission is free for all events below. Stay cool!
Friday, May 16
Designers Denyse Schmidt and Heather Ross (www.dsquilts.com, www.heatherrossdesigns.com) will be at Bolt Fabric Boutique from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for a “casual meet-and-greet, see-new-fabrics-event.” Visit the Bolt website for details.
30 Rooms Art Exhibit Opening Reception: More than 30 local artists will show their work in the loft building of art refuge Milepost 5. DJs such as Jellyfish & Bubbles will perform. 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. For more information, visit the Milepost 5 website.
Pete Krebs Jazz Trio (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Mary Kadderly and Dan Gildea (Mary’s site) will perform at RiverPlace Hotel at 8:00 pm. Visit the PDX Jazz website for more information.
Author Nicole Mones will talk about her book The Last Chinese Chef at Tigard Library, 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Tigard Library website.
Author John Straley will present his book The Big Both Ways at Murder by the Book at 6:30 pm. Visit the MBTB website for details.
Author Garth Stein will talk about his book The Art of Racing in the Rain at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing. Visit the Powell’s website for details.
Author Will Durst will talk about his book The All-American Sport of Bipartisan Bashing at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for details.
Saturday, May 17
Alberta Art Hop: This annual arts festival includes a parade, music and activities for the whole family. In addition, local artists will line the street to show and sell their work. 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visit the Art Hop website for details.
Mt. Tabor Art Walk: On May 17 and 18, 40 artists will show their work from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information and a map of participating locations, visit the Art Walk website.
Gateway Fun-O-Rama Parade and Community Fair: Parade starts at 10:30 am at NE Halsey from 132nd to 106th, followed by a fair from noon to 3:00 pm at NE Halsey and 111th. Visit the Gateway Area Business Association website for details.
Children’s/Maternity Clothing Swap: Visit the Milagro’s website for information.
Chinese Lion Dance and Storytelling: Tigard Library will host a lion dancing performance by Lee’s Association Dance Team, followed by Chinese stories told by Margaret Eng. 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Tigard Library website.
Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 5:00 pm. For details, visit the Music Millennium website.
Carlyle (website) will perform at Borders in Tigard, 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
2 Licks 2 Many Bluegrass Band (website) will perform at Borders in Gresham, 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Sky in the Road (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.
Swing Papillon (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Mitzi Zilka & French Café (website) will perform at RiverPlace Hotel at 8:00 pm. Visit the PDX Jazz website for more information.
Sharon Wood Wortman will present her book Walking Bridges Using Poetry as a Compass: Poems About Bridges Real and Imagined by 70 Poets, with Directions for Five Self-Guided Explorations at 1:00 pm at Sellwood-Moreland Library. The event will be followed by an optional walk to the Sellwood Bridge (weather permitting). For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
What’s Hot in Comics!?! Find out from the owners of Guapo Comics, Bridge City Comics, Cosmic Monkey Comics and Floating World Comics. Central Library, 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Author Jill Kelly will talk about her book The Making of an Honest Woman at In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources at 2:00 pm. Visit the In Other Words website for more information.
Sunday, May 18
Mt. Tabor Art Walk: On May 17 and 18, 40 artists will show their work from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information and a map of participating locations, visit the Art Walk website.
Learn about TriMet’s Westside Express Service (WES) commuter rail. TriMet staff will be at the Tigard Library to talk about WES, 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the City of Tigard website.
Paul Manousos and the East Bay Wrecking Crew (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 3:00 pm. For details, visit the Music Millennium website.
Makana (website) will perform at Borders in Beaverton, 1:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.
Sonny Hess (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for details.
Church of Craft is having its monthly craft class/get-together at the Central Library from 12:30 pm–3:30 pm. This month’s class is Button Pendants. Seating is limited to 70 people, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the list of supplies you’ll need to bring and more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
LeAnn Locher, author of the Portland blog LeLo in NoPo, will talk about her experiences with blogging over the last three years at Hollywood Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
The film Solving Immigration will be showing at Hotel deLuxe. 6:30 pm. Contact the hotel to RSVP, 503.219.2093. For more information, visit the Hotel deLuxe website.
Akira Kurasawa’s Rashomon will be playing at Press Club at 9:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Children’s and YA authors Joni Sensel, Thatcher Heldring and Sundee T. Frazier will talk about their respective books at 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing. Visit the Powell’s website for details.
Ursula K. Le Guin and Kim Stafford will join editors of In the Blast Zone: Catastrophe and Renewal on Mount St. Helens to talk about the book at this Mt. St. Helens anniversary event. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 4:00 pm. Visit the Powell’s website for details.
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, feel free to contact me.
Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers out there. A few Portland attractions are offering free admission to moms on their special day; see Sunday’s summary for details. If you know of any other Mother’s Day freebies, please let everyone know by writing a comment.
Admission is free for all events below. Have a good one!
Friday, May 9
Marty Willson-Piper of The Church (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.
Paul Brainard (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm.Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Author Jim Sheelerwill talk about his book Final Salute at 7:00 pm at Barnes & Noble, Lloyd Center. For more information, visit the Barnes & Noble website.
Romance Author Event: If you like romance novels, head to Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing for an event featuring a variety of Pacific Northwest romance authors: Shirley Karr, Stephanie Rowe, Lucy Monroe, Alexis Morgan, Delle Jacobs, Minnette Meador, Megan Clark, Samantha James, Paty Jager, Karen Duvall, and more. 7:00 pm. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.
Authors Ashraf Ghani and Clare Lockhart will talk about their book Fixing Failed States at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.
Saturday, May 10
St. Johns Parade, Bizarre Street Fair and More: Downtown St. Johns will welcome a variety of events including a parade from noon until 2:00 pm, an all-day street fair dedicated to “Keeping Portland Weird and St. Johns Bizarre,” a hula dancing exhibition, and much more. Click here for a full schedule of events.
Laurelhurst Art Walk: Stroll the Laurelhurst neighborhood and view the artwork of more than 80 artists. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information and a map of participating locations, visit the Art Walk website.
Festival of the Birds: Come down to Sellwood Park, just south of Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. The festival runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and includes children’s activities, live music and the chance to meet birds from the Audubon Society of Portland’s Wildlife Care Center. There’ll also be guided bird walks from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Audubon Society of Portland website.
Wetland Watchers Birding Hike/Class: Tigard Library is sponsoring a bird class and hike in Tigard’s Fanno Creek wetlands. The class will meet at 1:00 pm in the library’s Community Room. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Tigard Library website.
Second Saturday Event at Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver: This month’s theme is Mother Nature’s Gifts. Kids and their families will explore this topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Water Resources Center website.
Kids “Bike Rodeo” in Tigard: Tigard Youth Advisory Council is sponsoring a bike education event including a skills course, free helmets, food, bike safety checks, entertainment and prizes. Tigard Police Department parking lot, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Visit the City of Tigard website for more information.
Bear Fair: To celebrate the acquisition of a bear-themed sculpture, Lake Oswego Public Library is hosting a family-friendly event featuring a puppet show, music, crafts, and more. 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Lake Oswego Library website.
The History and Mystery of the Blues: Local bluesman Steve Cheseborough will present a live performance, lecture, old recordings, readings and discussion at Rockwood Library, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Acoustic Minds (website) will perform at 7:00 pm at Borders in Gresham. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Lincoln Crockett (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website. He will also play at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for details.
A Cup of Comfort for Single Mothers: Contributors and editor Colleen Sell will talk about this new anthology at Borders in Beaverton, 2:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.
Swing Dancing Lesson:Learn the basic steps of swing with instructor Joan Ormsby at the Central Library from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Sunday, May 11
Moms Get Free Admission to Pittock Mansion: All mothers are invited to visit this Portland landmark for free in honor of Mother’s Day. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the Pittock Mansion website.
Free Admission for Moms to Portland Children’s Museum: Visit the museum website for more information.
Free Ride for Moms on Willamette Shore Trolley: Willamette Shore Trolley is offering free rides to moms of all ages when accompanied by a paying child (over age 3). For more information, visit the Willamette Shore Trolley website.
The History and Mystery of the Blues: Local bluesman Steve Cheseborough will present a live performance, lecture, old recordings, readings and discussion at Gregory Heights Library, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Finn Riggins (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.
Beth Willis (website) will perform at Edgefield at 5:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for details.
Author Ken Kolsbun will talk about his book Peace: The Biography of the Symbol at 4:00 pm at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.
Author William J. Bernstein will present his book A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.
The film Philadelphia Story 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, feel free to contact me.
To celebrate the balmy weather we’ll be having (fingers crossed), this weekend’s round-up has a few outdoor events, a solar energy workshop, and a chef from Maui.
Admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!
Friday, April 11
Courtney Jones (alternative/pop/acoustic) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For details, visit the Edgefield website.
Pearl District (jazz) will perform at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.
Will Coca will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
Miss Michael Jodell (country/jazz/pop) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.
Author Gary Moore will talk about his book Playing With the Enemy at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.
Author Peter F. Hamilton will talk about his book The Dreaming Void at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.
Saturday, April 12
Green Week Kick-off Event: The Tualatin Youth Advisory Council is sponsoring a week-long event starting with this opening celebration at The Pointe at Bridgeport (across from Bridgeport Village) from noon to 3:00 pm. Community organizations and businesses will share information on how to reduce our impact on the environment. There will also be food, music, games and recycled crafts. Area businesses will be handing out coupons and freebies. The Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition will be giving free bike inspections. For more information, visit the City of Tualatin website.
Critter Count: The Water Resource Education Center in Vancouver will teach you how to identify reptiles and amphibians, and then send you out with an experienced biologist to help find and document these creatures. The information will be fed into a statewide internet database, NatureMapping, maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of Washington. Bring boots, warm clothes, your lunch and binoculars (if you have them). Snacks, drinks, field guides and equipment will be provided. 9:00 am. Visit the Water Resource Center website for more information on the expedition.
Tualatin Hills Nature Park is hosting an Earth Day celebration. The theme is Wildflowers: Backyard and Beyond. Go for a walk in the wildflowers and learn about native plants and gardening through activities and displays. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, click here.
Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros: A Celebration of Bilingual Literacy: Midland Library is hosting this event featuring a visit by author Pat Mora, as well as food, music and special activities. 1:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Columbia Children’s Arboretum is celebrating the addition of new bridges and 1,780 new trees. There’ll be tours, children’s activities, giveaways, and speeches by local leaders. 10:00 am to noon. Details here.
Healthy Kids Day and Open House at the Clark County Family YMCA: Admission will be free all day, with special activities from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm including an underwater Easter egg hunt, obstacle courses, crafts, family games, vendors and demonstrations. For more information, visit the YMCA website.
It’s Second Saturday at the Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver. This month’s theme is Reptiles as Pets – What You Need to Know. Kids and their families will explore this topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Water Resources Center website.
Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, Central Library, 2:00 pm: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Guitarist Ronnie Robins (Brazilian, samba) will perform at Woodstock Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Canoe(indie folk/rock) will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.
Courtney Jones (alternative/pop/acoustic) will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.
Lincoln Crockett (folk rock/bluegrass/acoustic)will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.
Basics of Going Solar Workshop: Learn how even Puddletown residents can benefit from solar energy. Tryon State Park (Kraft Room), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Visit the Solar Oregon website for more information.
Hip Drip Cafe’s 2nd Sunday Sustainability Fair is happening from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Swing Papillion (gypsy, jazz trio) will be performing. Local artisans will show off art made from recycled or renewable resources, and representatives from businesses that use sustainable practices will be on hand to talk about what they do. This event happens every second Sunday of the month. Visit the Hip Drip Cafe website for more information.
Crafty Wonderful, Portland’s monthly art and craft fair, is celebrating its second birthday. There’ll be cupcake decorating for all to enjoy, prizes and 40 vendors. Doug Fir Lounge, 11:00 am–4:00 pm. Visit the Crafty Wonderful website for more information.
Guitarist Bryan Johanson will perform at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.
Ken Kesey and Other Great Notions—A Book Discussion: David Sumner, director of Linfield College’s Writing program, and Wendy Willis, Social Sustainability program manager at Oregon Solutions, will lead a discussion of Ken Kesey’s novel Sometimes A Great Notion. Central Library, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Author William Sullivan is giving two presentations today. First, he will talk about his book Oregon’s Greatest Natural Disasters at the World Forestry Center, Cheatham Hall, at 12:00 pm. For details, visit the WFC website. Then he will present a slide show of some of the best hikes in Northwest Oregon at St. Johns Library, 3:30 pm. Sullivan is the author of 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.
Maui chef Brian Igarta will be dishing up recipes from his book The Maui Vegetarian: Cooking with Aloha at Borders in Beaverton, 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.
The film Double Indemnitywill be showing at Press Club at 8:00 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, feel free to contact me.
In April and May, published authors will be teaching writing workshops for beginning writers at the Central Library. Registration is required for all classes. Be sure to jump on them if you’re interested. These workshops tend to reach full capacity faster than you can say haiku.
Anyone’s Domain: A Basic Poetry Writing Workshop Paulann Petersen
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm
Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
Registration begins on April 5. Register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234
Writing What Matters (fiction, memoir and personal essays) Monica Drake
Saturday, May 3, 2:00 pm–4:15 pm
Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
Registration begins on April 12; register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234
Making Friends the Old Fashioned Way: Through Self Publishing! Nicole J. Georges
Saturday, May 31, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
Registration begins on May 10; register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234
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