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

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

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

2-for-1 Tickets for “La Carpa del Maestro” (Oct 31 Show Only)

Looking for something different to do on Halloween?

Miracle Theatre is offering a 2-for-1 ticket deal for their Day of the Dead show “La Carpa del Maestro.” When you purchase one regular adult ticket online, you will get a second regular adult ticket free. The offer is good only for the October 31 performance at 8:00 pm.

To buy tickets, go to www.boxofficetickets.com/milagro and use the coupon code CALAVERA.

“La Carpa del Maestro” is an original bilingual (Spanish-English) production. As Tim Krause, Marketing Director of Miracle Theatre, describes: “This is not a Halloween show, but a warm and sentimental show to celebrate el Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, when we welcome back the spirits of those who have gone before us.”

The show is suitable for families with children 5 and up (children under 5 are not admitted to the theatre).

For more information about the show, visit the Miracle Theatre website.

Add comment October 29th, 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

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: October 3–5

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

All weekend (October 3 to 5)

• Greek Festival: The festival will feature Greek food, entertainment, children’s activities and more. $2 admission for children’s area. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (3131 NE Glisan). For more information, visit the event website.

• Local 14 Art Show & Sale: More than 90 women artists will show their work at the World Forestry Center (4033 SW Canyon Rd). For more information, visit the event website. 

Friday, October 3

• First Friday Art Shows and Openings:

  • Opening for photographer John Henry Angell: Angell specializes in close-up, macro images of flowers and ferns. Ugly Mug Coffee Shop (8017 SE 13th Ave), 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • MAC Kids Art Show: Paintings, prints, drawings, clay from Multnomah Arts Center Youth Art Classes. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • “Tribute” at 100th Monkey Studio: See a wedding dress made out of ironed plastic Oregonian bags and other artwork from 13 artists. Live music by Stump Town Jug Thumpers. 110 SE 16th Ave, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Also, go to PORT for more events.

• Artist Lucinda Parker will give a lecture at 6:00 pm at Pacific Northwest College of Art. Selections of Parker’s artwork from the past 20 years will also be on display. 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’s theme is Pumpkin Pageant. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Downtown Camas website.

• Artistery 7th Anniversary Party: The Artistery is celebrating with live music (Point Juncture, WA; Nick Delffs; Rob Walmart; Juice Team DJ’s; Cexfucx; Owl Dudes; White Fang; Why I Must Be Careful; American Dork Scene) and BBQ. BBQ starts at 7:00 pm, and music will follow soon after. For more information, visit the event website. 

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

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

• “The Golden Compass” will be showing at West Linn Library at 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the library website . 

Saturday, October 4

• West Linn’s Oktoberfest: Live music (including an authentic OmmPah band) and the smells of German cuisine will fill Hammerle Park from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, read this news story. 

• 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. Visit the PP&R website for details.

• DJ Cheb i Sabbah will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 4:30 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.

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

• Kaitlyn ni Donovan (website) and Super XX Man (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• History and Mystery of the Blues: Musician-author Steve Cheseborough will present the music and mystique of Mississippi. Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

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

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

• Author T. A. Barron will talk about his book “Merlin’s Dragon” at 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

• Author Steven T. Wax will talk about his book “Kafka Comes to America: Fighting for Justice in the War on Terror — A Public Defender’s Inside Account” at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave) at 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Children’s book author Eric Kimmel will read from two of his books, “The Mysterious Guests” and “Anansi’s Party Time,” at 11:00 am at A Children’s Place Bookstore. For more information, visit the event website.

• Legends of Mexico/Leyendas de Mexico: Kids and their families are invited to learn about the geography, history and different languages spoken in Mexico through legends and music. Bilingual (English/Spanish). Two shows: North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St) from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, and St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave) from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. 

• Pinot and Pooch: Urban Wineworks (407 NW 16th Ave) invites dog owners and their dogs to an afternoon of doggie sketch artists, wine, raffles, and musical entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will go to DoveLewis. 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

• Bike Donation Drive: All Portland-area REI stores will be accepting used bikes to be donated to the Community Cycling Center for their annual Holiday Bike Drive. Bikes in good condition, especially kids’ bikes, will be accepted. Donations are tax-deductible. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visit the REI website for more information.

• Plastics Recycling: Master Recycler Program will collect many hard-to-recycle plastics at two locations: 3325 N. Interstate in Portland, and 5400 Meadows Road in Lake Oswego. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, October 5

• Envisioning America: Jews and the Making of Broadway Musical: Mittelman Jewish Community Center and Portland Center Stage will provide a lively afternoon of conversation and song exploring the Broadway musical and the pioneering contributions of Jewish artists to the genre. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 12:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Dandy Warhols Pre-Show Party: Zia McCabe will DJ. Free refreshments. Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside), 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

• Americana Music: Kids and their families are invited to a performance of multiple genres of Americana music, from Appalachian to bluegrass, from cowboy to the Kingston Trio, and many points in between, with the Stumptown Stars. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

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

• Children’s book author Graeme Base will talk about “Enigma: A Magical Mystery” at 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

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

• Sunday Cinema Classics at St. Johns Library: “To Kill a Mockingbird” will be showing at 2:00 pm. Free tickets for limited seating will be available at 1:30 pm. 7510 N. Charleston Ave. For more information, visit the event website.

• Pinot and Pooch: Urban Wineworks (407 NW 16th Ave) invites dog owners and their dogs to an afternoon of doggie sketch artists, wine, raffles, and musical entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will go to DoveLewis. 12:00 pm to 6:00 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.

Add comment October 3rd, 2008

First Thursday Recommendation

First Thursday is here again, and I have a personal recommendation for you. Be sure to stop by the Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC) for the opening of “Small Press: The Art and Business of Loaded Hips Press and Red Bat Press” featuring artwork by Shannon Buck and Carye Bye.

The show’s name “Small Press” has two meanings: both women own small businesses and both make small-size prints. At the opening, you’ll get a chance to meet both artists and hear about how they create their art and run their businesses.

Here are the details:

What:
First Thursday Art Opening
Small Press: The Art and Business of Loaded Hips Press and Red Bat Press

Where:
The Independent Publishing Resource Center (IPRC)
917 SW Oak St. #218, Portland, OR 97205
www.iprc.org

When:
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Thursday, October 2, 2008
(Art show open to the public during IPRC open hours through January 30, 2009)

Shannon Buck of Loaded Hips Press and Carye Bye of Red Bat Press present a joint show of small prints (lino-cut, woodblock, letterpress, and mixed media). Both printers met at the Independent Publishing Resource Center (which has a full letterpress print shop) around 2002-2003 and launched their own small businesses making and selling prints. This show will tell their story, process, and show a collection of prints from each press.

Loaded Hips Press: www.loadedhipspress.com
Red Bat Press: www.redbatpress.com

Add comment October 2nd, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: September 26–28

Update: See comments for more events.

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.

• Someday Lounge 2-Year Anniversary Party: Copy, Ohmega Watts, Fleshtone, Ben Darwish Trio, Synchronicity Frequency, Polly High, DJ Hanukkah Miracle and more. 8:00 pm. 125 NW 5th Avenue. Visit the Someday Lounge website 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.

• Someday Lounge 2-Year Anniversary Party: Opera Theater Oregon, Mortified, Classical Revolution, Action Adventure Theater, Hexasion, Pivot Dance Company. 7:00 pm. 125 NW 5th Avenue. Visit the Someday Lounge 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.

2 comments September 26th, 2008