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

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Apr 24–26

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

All weekend

• Carnival Days at Eastport Plaza: Enjoy live music, children’s activities, carnival rides, classic car show, and more. On Saturday, come early to watch the start of the 82nd Avenue of Roses parade. For more information, visit the event website.

• Art Shows/Sales at Oregon Convention Center: View the work of artists from the Creative Metal Arts Guild, Oregon Potters Association, Portland Handweavers Guild, Oregon Glass Guild, Portland Bead Society, Northwest Fine Woodworkers, and Guild of Oregon Woodworkers. For more information, visit the event website.

Friday, April 24

• Asian Heritage Night: This event is free for all to enjoy culturally specific performances, arts and crafts, and food. East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106th), 6:00 pm–8:00 pm. For more information, click here.

• Colored Pencils Art & Culture Night: This is a monthly open mic and art show hosted by people from Asian, African, Arab, Slavic and Latino backgrounds. Center for Intercultural Organizing (700 N. Killingsworth St), 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. For more information, click here.

• Weinland will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Carmina Luna will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Dan McCoy will perform at Sellwood Public House (8132 SE 13th Ave) at 8:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mary Kadderly (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.

• Jack McMahon (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Oregon State Poetry Association Reading: Created in 1956, the Oregon State Poetry Association seeks to bring together and nurture the widest possible community of Oregon poets. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 5:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Jane Hamilton will talk about her book “Laura Rider’s Masterpiece” at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Jackpot Records Film Festival: “TV Carnage” and “Totally for Teens” will be showing at Hollywood Theater (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, April 25

• Earth Day 2009 Festival: Join fellow Portlanders in a city-wide celebration of Earth Day 2009 at Wallace Park (NW 25th and NW Raleigh) from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The event includes live music, food, and a showcase of local non-profit organizations and businesses that support sustainable practices. Information from Neighborhood Notes.

• 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade: This year’s parade features the first public appearance of the full 2009 Rose Court Princesses and over 40 other groups. Starts at 9:00 am at Eastport Plaza (4000 SE 82nd Ave), heads north to SE Yamhill St and disbands in the Montavilla area. For more information, visit Neighborhood Notes.

• Ultimate Open House: This year’s tour includes nearly 60 new homes in a selection of styles and range of neighborhoods that are priced for every budget. 10:00 am–6:00 pm, April 25 and 26. For more information, visit the event website.

• Nez Perce Chief Redheart Memorial: A traditional memorial to remember Chief Redheart’s band, including singing in honor of the ancestors, the Riderless Horse (Empty Saddle) Ceremony, the Sacred Pipe Ceremony, and recognition of veterans. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (5th St and Park Access Rd), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Tigard Celebrates “A Century of Curtis Tigard”: Drop in for cake, toasts and big band music to celebrate the life of a man who has meant so much to this community. Tigard Public Library, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Acupuncture Day: Brooklyn Community Acupuncture (1212 SE Powell Blvd) will offer free treatments between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. No appointments, walk-in only. For more information, visit the event 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 “Springing Plants.” 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.

• Looking for Papito, Family Stories from Latin America: Join award-winning solo performer, storyteller and author Antonio Sacre for a special family performance. Sacre’s repertoire, tailored to his audience, includes his own stories of growing up biculturally in a Cuban and Irish-American household. Presented in both English and Spanish. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Music for Toddlers: Join award-winning singer/songwriter and Gentle Wind recording artist Pam Donkin for fun with music. She will perform at different Portland-area libraries throughout the day. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mexican Folk Dance: Ballet Papalotl will perform at North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St) at 12:00 pm and Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St) at 3:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Oregon Symphonic Band will perform at the auditorium at Jackson Middle School at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mariachi Viva Mexico will perform at Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St), 2:30 pm–3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Curtis Peoples, Josh Hoge and Tony Lucca will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Chris Margolin & Friends (website) will perform at Sellwood Public House (8132 SE 13th Ave) at 8:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Eddie Parente 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.

• Massive 6: Crème de la Crème with Dr. Adam, Demetre Baca and Pandemonium Jones: This monthly benefit is a dance party, fashion show, and more. Say “LifeisaParty” at the door and get in free before 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. Crown Room, 205 NW Fourth Ave.

• Eric John Kaiser (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Whose Your Mama? The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers”: Portland authors Kelly Jeske, Mary Foulk, Sonali Balajee, and Liz Prato will share stories about open adoption, queer family-making, the clash between traditional cultures and personal desire, and the decision to remain childfree. In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 B NE Killingsworth St), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Erin Hunter will talk about her book “Sunrise” at 2:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Comics Artists Dylan Meconis and Erika Moen will present their respective books, “Bite Me!” and “DAR: Volume One,” at Sequential Art Gallery (328 NW Broadway, No. 113), 5:00 pm–8:00 pm. Ages 18+. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”Oregon at Work” Launch Party: The Portland launch for the book “Oregon at Work” will be at the Oregon Historical Society (1200 SW Park Ave) from 10:00 am–12:00 pm. For more information on the book, click here.

• Slideluck Potshow: This is a potluck and art show. Bring a dish to share and watch local photographers present slides of their work. Sandbox Studio (420 NE 9th Ave), 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ecoroof Vendors Fair: The event will provide designers, developers, homeowners and building owners with information and technical assistance about ecoroofs. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Doubletree Hotel at Lloyd Center, Exhibition Hall (1000 NE Multnomah St). For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, April 26

• Earth Day Celebration at Tryon Creek Park: Bring the whole family to learn about beavers through arts and crafts, games, stories and more. Come dressed as your favorite animal for an afternoon parade. Refreshments served. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ultimate Open House: This year’s tour includes nearly 60 new homes in a selection of styles and range of neighborhoods that are priced for every budget. 10:00 am–6:00 pm, April 25 and 26. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mexican Folk Dance: Ballet Papalotl will perform at Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• In Mulieribus (website) will perform at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “The Harder They Come” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Progression is what every other jam session isn’t. Original compositions, odd time signatures, free form improvisation, and no rules. Hosted by Ben Darwish. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Journalist Michelle Goldberg will talk about her book “The Means of Reproduction” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Becoming Oregon: A Printed History: Robert Hamm will share newspapers, woodcuts, accurate and inaccurate maps, and early photographs from the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Lewis and Clark Exposition. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning: Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives with attorney and author Richard Schneider. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Vegan Cookbook Author Isa Chandra Moskowitz will talk about her work at Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St), 2:00 pm. Cooking demonstration included. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Mark Rudd will talk about his book “Underground” at 4:00 pm at Looking Glass Bookstore (7983 SE 13th Ave). For more information, visit the event website.

• Poets Paulann Petersen, John Blackard, Ana Callan, Kirstin Rian and David Hill will read their work at Ink & Paper Group (1825 SE 7th Ave). The event will begin at 3:30 pm with an hour of open mic poetry followed by a half-hour of conversation and dessert on the veranda. The first featured poet will begin reading at 5:00 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.

2 comments April 23rd, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Apr 17–19

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

In addition, Saturday is Family Day at the Oregon Historical Society. Up to two children (age 18 & under) get in free with each paid adult admission.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, April 17

• Focus the Nation’s Town Hall on the Clean Energy Future: More than 180 Congressional Districts across the country will hold town halls to help educate people on clean energy issues. In Portland, the town hall will take place at Portland State University, Hoffman Hall (1833 SW 11th Ave), 6:00 pm–9:00 pm. Congressman Earl Bluemanuer, Rep. Jules Bailey, Rep. Ben Cannon, Mayor Sam Adams, and Commissioner Jeff Cogen will discuss the city and state’s role in the transition to the new energy economy. For more information, visit the event website.

• Portland is Burning is influenced heavily by New York street fashion, the dance style of “voguing,” gay dance music and the groundbreaking movie “Paris Is Burning.” Musical stylings brought by local DJs well known in the queer community as well as in Portland’s nightlife scene. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Pete Krebs will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Michelle Medler Trio (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.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• New Old Friends (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.

• Shakespeare Authorship Panel: Shakespeare scholars will lead a lively, provocative discussion about the possibility that Will Shakespeare, a butcher’s apprentice from Stratford-upon-Avon, was the author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Storytellers Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang will share folk tales and myths of Asian traditions, as well as share personal and family histories that address the immigrant’s tale. This program is designed for adults and children ages 10 and above. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 NE Brookwood Parkway), 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, April 18

• SOLV Earth Day Volunteer Projects: Celebrate Earth Day by helping clean up Portland. SOLV has organized cleanup projects at about 100 locations. 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Spring Greening Day on Mississippi Ave: Stores will be hosting blowout sales along with activities such as clothing swaps, demonstrations on reusing recyclable products, sustainable food systems, live music and more. 11:00 am–7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• YMCA Healthy Kids Day: Enjoy fun, engaging and creative activities for children and families at participating YMCAs. To find a participating YMCA near you, visit the event website.

• EcoFair at Salmon Creek Greenway: This event includes children’s activities, bird walk, wildlife show and more. 8:30 am–1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Community Health & Safety Fair in Tualatin: This event includes health screenings and presentations on stretching your food dollars, heart health and more. 10:00 am–3:00 pm at the Senior Center Building in Tualatin Community Park. For more information, visit the event website (PDF file).

• East Portland Homeownership Fair: This event includes workshops on home ownership and preventing foreclosure, “Ask the Experts” panels, free Burgerville lunch, and more. Open to anyone interested in buying their own home, and homeowners who are interested in finding ways to maintain and preserve their home. Kelly Elementary School (9030 SE Cooper St), 10:00 am–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ultimate Open House: This year’s tour includes nearly 60 new homes in a selection of styles and range of neighborhoods that are priced for every budget. 10:00 am–6:00 pm, April 18 and 19. For more information, visit the event 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 “Coaling Tryon Creek.” 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.

• Oregon Zoo at the Library: Meet a cast of animals from the Oregon Zoo such as a kind snake, a silent owl and a squeaky-clean cockroach. Oregon Zoo employees will share animal facts and introduce each species. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 10:30 am–11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Gresham Recycle Event: Gresham and Wood Village citizens and businesses are invited to recycle electronics, paper, and more from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at City Hall. For more information, visit the event website.

• Record Store Day: At Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside), meet Queensryche and get your copy of their new album signed at 12:00 noon. At 2:00 pm, listen to the new Bob Dylan album before it comes out. Mary Flower and Lloyd Jones will perform at 3:00 pm, and Paula Sinclair will perform at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mariachi Viva Mexico will perform at Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd) at 3:30 pm. This six-piece Mariachi band includes trumpets, violins, guitars, guitaron and vihuelas to create lively, spirited music. For more information, visit the event website.

• Here Comes Everybody will perform at Burdigala Wine (8317 SE 13th) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the band’s website.

• Lindsey Stormo and Ben Darwish 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.

• Sean Flynn will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Kate Mann (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Garcia Birthday Band (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.

• Em Space Book Arts Center Open House: The event will include tours of the space and its historic, fully operational letterpress and bookbinding equipment; silent auction; raffle; libations and food; and the opportunity to pull a print on a big old press to take home. 407 SE Ivon St, 6:00 pm–10:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Writer and editor Matt Love will discuss his unique approach to writing about Oregon, share some excerpts from his work, and talk about the challenge of being an independent Oregon publisher. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Storyteller Nancy Wang will share stories of early Chinese immigration to America. This program is designed for adults and children ages 10 and above. Beaverton City Library (12375 SW Fifth St), 10:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Storytelling Finale: The Immigrant Experience: Opening remarks will be made by Joan Yasui Emerson, the eldest Sansei (third generation) grandchild in the Yasui family, who is featured in the Oregon Reads selection “Stubborn Twig.” Storytellers Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo, Nancy Wang and Alton Takiyama-Chung will tell personal family stories. Refreshments provided by the Japanese-American Citizen’s League (JACL). Tigard Public Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd), 6:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “A Heart for Any Fate” Book Launch Party: Meet author Linda Crew and celebrate the release of “A Heart for Any Fate,” a young adult historical fiction novel about the Oregon Trail. The event will include a slideshow presentation by the author, a reading, and a book signing. McLoughlin House (713 Center Street Oregon City), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Artist David Paul Bayles will give a lecture at 23 Sandy Gallery (623 NE 23rd Ave) at 5:00 pm. David Paul Bayles is the featured artist in the gallery in April, showing photographs from his Falling Trees series. For more information, visit the event website.

• Panel Discussion at Portland Center Stage: Radio host Thom Hartmann, The Oregonian’s David Sarasohn and Jack Ohman, and journalism professor Al Stavitsky will discuss how politics and entertainment, power and truth, media, and public memory have been transformed in the intervening years since Watergate. Presented in conjunction with the opening weekend of “Frost/Nixon” at Portland Center Stage. Gerding Theater at the Armory (128 NW Eleventh Ave), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the PCS website.

Sunday, April 19

• Ultimate Open House: This year’s tour includes nearly 60 new homes in a selection of styles and range of neighborhoods that are priced for every budget. 10:00 am–6:00 pm, April 18 and 19. For more information, visit the event website.

• Pirate Treasure Hunt: The Dollar Scholar (3279 SE Hawthorne) invites all ages to a treasure hunt on Hawthorne. 11:00 am–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Generation Green: An Earth Day Celebration: This event includes information and resources from earth-friendly organizations, repurposed crafts, seed giveaway and more. Creative Science School (1231 SE 92nd Ave), 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For additional information, email kathryn.schwartz @ comcast dot net.

• Concert for Babies and Toddlers: Local musician Matt Clark will play songs from his CD for kids called “Funny Little Fella.” Milagros Boutique (5433 NE 30th Ave), 1:30 pm–2:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Neah-Kah-Nie Project String Quartet Concert and Film Screening: Neah-Kah-Nie will perform at 2:00 pm at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave). This concert will be followed by a screening of the documentary “Susie Fennell Pipes and the Neah-Kah-Nie String Quartet” and a short documentary about the composer Ferdinand Sorenson at 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Japanese Traditional Koto Music: Mitsuki Dazai will give an introduction to Japanese traditions and culture through koto music. Her performance will demonstrate techniques on the instrument. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Paula Sinclair (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Bottle Rocket” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Astrophysicist and author Evalyn Gates will talk about her book “Einstein’s Telescope” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Poets Michael Dickman and Michael McGriff will talk about their respective work at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Robert Dugoni will talk about his book “Wrongful Death” at 4:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Lecture: Where Have All the Frogs Gone? Dr. Kerry Krieger, international research scientist, will talk about the impacts of disease, climate change and over-harvesting on different amphibian groups. Find out what you can do to help frogs. Water Resources Education Center (4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver), 4:00 pm to 5:00 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.

2 comments April 16th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Apr 10–12

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

All weekend

• Easter Egg Hunts and Free Meals: Click here to read the Oregonian’s roundup of Easter egg hunts; many are free. The article also includes a couple of free Easter meals for those in need. A few more egg hunts are listed in Saturday’s roundup below.

Friday, April 10

• Spring Beer & Wine Fest: The festival takes place at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd) on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free from noon to 2:00 pm each day. For more information, visit the event website.

• Megan Callahan (website) will perform at Good Neighbor Pizza (800 NE Dekum St) at 9:00 pm.

• The Dust Bowl Refugees will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Lars Campbell Trio 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.

• Jessica Stiles (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• SweetJuice (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.

• Author John Law will talk about his book “The Space Between” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, April 11

• Spring Beer & Wine Fest: The festival takes place at the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd) on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free from noon to 2:00 pm each day. For more information, visit the event website.

• Healthy Kids’ Fair: The event includes egg hunts for kids aged 1–8, bike helmets for sale for $5, child passenger seat safety check, tours of emergency vehicles, fingerprinting, and more. Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center (501 N. Graham), 10:00 am–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt: Children, bring your basket and hunt for egg-filled treasures at the Overlook House (3839 N. Melrose Dr) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Concordia Spring Egg Hunt: The Annual Concordia Spring Egg Hunt will be held near the playground along NE 37th Ave & NE Ainsworth. 10:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Egg Hunt in Lake Oswego: The Lake Oswego community is having an egg hunt for youngsters 10 years and younger at 9:00 am at Westlake Park. For more information, visit the event website.

• Easter Egg Hunt in Wilsonville: Kids aged 1–11 and their families are invited to an egg hunt in Memorial Park (8100 SW Wilsonville Rd), 10:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Critter Count 2009: Field biologist and author, Char Corkran, will train you to identify frogs, snakes, salamanders and lizards at the Vancouver Water Center. Then you’ll choose one of four sites in Clark County to count critters for two hours. Bring boots, warm clothes, your lunch and optional binoculars. Snacks, drinks, field guides and equipment will be provided. Meet at Vancouver Water Center (4600 SE Columbia Way) at 9:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Second Saturday at the Vancouver Water Center: Kids and their families are invited to explore the dry and wet worlds of amphibians and the ground-level habitat of snakes. 4600 SE Columbia Way, 1:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event 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 Northwest Hiking Essentials.” 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.

• Build a Bird House: The Rebuilding Center will provide tools, reclaimed house materials and all the instruction your child needs to build a bird house. Most appropriate for grades K–5. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 11:00 am–1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ben Darwish (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.

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

• HaléLupé (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Brothers Jam (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.

• Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Two locations: Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Bright Neighbor founder and Lawns to Gardens editor Randy White shows ways to thrive during times of economic and ecological duress. Learn about profitable startups that are perfect for urban entrepreneurs looking to start an earth-friendly business while helping the local economy. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Storyteller Alton Takiyama-Chung will present history-based stories about the complex Japanese-American World War II experience focusing on the US-based Internment Camps, the front lines in Europe, and the return of the Japanese to the West Coast. This program is designed for adults and children ages 10 and above. Tualatin Public Library (18878 SW Martinazzi Ave), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Poets Dan Fisher & Rodney Koeneke will read their respective work at The Waypost (3120 N. Williams Ave) at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, April 12

• Bunny on a Bike Ride: Wear your best bunny costume and meet at one of eight locations. Everyone will ride to the Eastbank Esplanade by the Hawthorne Bridge and form one parade to a secret destination for a potluck and egg hunt. Bring a dish to share and your own plates/utensils. Rides start between 10:30 am and 11:00 am. For information on locations, visit the Shift to Bikes website.

• Horse Feathers (website) will perform at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jon Koonce (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Down By Law” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Poor Claudia is a Portland-based literary and arts review that publishes prose, poetry, interviews, comics, translations, and visual art. Editors Marshall Walker Lee and Drew Swenhaugen invite you to hear readings from some of your favorite Portland writers. Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Carola Dunn, author of the Daisy Dalrymple series, will do a book signing at Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd) at 3:00 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.

3 comments April 9th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Apr 3–5

Wow, can you believe it’s the first weekend of April? On Sunday, admission to OMSI is just $2.

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, April 3

• Free Admission All Day at Portland Children’s Museum: Admission to the museum is free from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. 4015 SW Canyon Road. For more information, visit the event website.

• First Friday Art Openings: Check the Central Eastside Arts District website for a list of open galleries. In addition, Artful Goods, Tilde, and Press Club will host artist receptions.

• 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 “Who will pick the golden egg?” Every merchant you visit will provide you with an opportunity to pick the golden egg. 5:00 pm–8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Downtown Troutdale First Friday Art Walk: On the first Friday of each month, Historic Downtown Troutdale businesses host dozens of local artists exhibiting their works of art. 5:00 pm–9:00 pm. For more information, contact the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce at 503.669.7473 or visit their website.

• Staver Locomotive: At this family-friendly event, watch miniature trains run their course in a 10,000 sq ft warehouse and enjoy hot popcorn. Kids can draw their favorite train in the Children’s Craft Area. Dress warm. Staver Locomotive (2537 NW 29th Ave), 6:00 pm–8:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Gordon Lee (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.

• Chickweed (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Old Elbows (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.

• Author Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson will talk about his book “The Face on Your Plate” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, April 4

• Trillium Festival: The event includes a native plant sale, guided nature hikes, children’s crafts and activities, local vendors, live music performances and more. Tryon Creek State Park, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Pearl District Bunny Hop: Bring your basket and follow the bunny trail to participating stores in the Pearl District. Participate in craft activities, gather goodies, and enjoy sweet treats. This is fun for children of all ages. 10:00 am–6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Art Materials Swap: Bring art materials that have been collecting dust around the house and trade them for some new inspiration. Paints, (clean) fabrics, yarn, beads, buttons, pens, pencils and paper are welcome. 12:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Art Opening: Q Center and Focus on Youth Photography present a new collaborative art exhibit entitled “Through Their Eyes.” All youth displaying works identify as either gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Q Center (4115 N. Mississippi Ave), 4:00 pm–6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: Enjoy music, hands-on crafts and fun for all ages. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 11:00 am–12:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Concert for Toddlers: Hear local songwriter Matt Clark play songs for toddlers from his debut album, “Funny Little Fella.” Mississippi Pizza Pub (3552 N. Mississippi Ave), 4:00 pm–5:00 pm. Visit www.mattclarkmusic.com to hear samples.

• Green River Ordinance (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Dan Balmer (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 (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Will West (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Two locations: Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Start Your Creative Business” Workshop: Let the Independent Publishing Resource Center show you the basic ins and outs of starting your own creative business. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Crochet-a-thon: Museum of Contemporary Craft exhibiting artist Mandy Greer will show participants how to crochet, then she’ll make a sculpture out of the raw materials created. Bring yarn and fabric, new or reused, in all shades of blue, from very light to dark (but no navy, please!). The Lab at Museum of Contemporary Craft (724 NW Davis St), 4:00 pm–6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Beats for Peace ‘Zine Release Party: Presented by United Voices/Beats for Peace and featuring live music by Thavius Beck, Cancer the Kid, Spamtron, DJ Grimmrock and The GummykubKrew, this is a free, all-ages event celebrating the release of the United Voices ‘zine. Donations accepted. AudioCinema (226 SE Madison), 5:00 pm–8:00 pm. For more information, contact Mireaya at 503.230.9427 or mmedina @ afsc.org.

• Author and PBS NewsHour anchor Jim Lehrer will talk about his book “Oh, Johnny” at 2:00 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, April 5

• Trillium Festival: The event includes a native plant sale, guided nature hikes, children’s crafts and activities, local vendors, live music performances and more. Tryon Creek State Park, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• The Joy of Censorship: MAD Senior Editor Joe Raiola takes an illuminating, satiric and at times disturbing look at America’s most hotly debated First Amendment issues. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 12:30 pm–1:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Portland Cello Project (website) will perform at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Nurses and Inside Voices will perform at Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mary Flower (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “The Man Who Wasn’t There” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• “Singin’ in the Rain” will be showing at St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave) at 2:00 pm. Free tickets for limited seating will be available at 1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Poets Kathryn Cowles and Ely Shipley will talk about their respective work at 4:00 pm at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne Blvd). 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 April 2nd, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Mar 27–29

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

All weekend

• Energy Trust Better Living Show: This event is packed with activities focused on sustainable living. Workshops, music, kids activities, theatre, cooking demonstrations, and more. Portland Expo Center (2060 North Marine Dr). For more information, visit the event website.

• Chicken Fest: Twenty breeds will be on display. Activities include live music, egg toss contest and workshops. Workshops cost $5; all other activities are free. Livingscape Nursery (3926 N. Vancouver Ave). For more information, visit the event website.

Friday, March 27

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

• Patterns, Dramady, and Root Beer and French Fry will perform at 9:00 pm at Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave). For more information, visit the event website.

• Robert Moore 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.

• James Low and MBilly will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Sonny Hess and Lisa Mann will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Will West & The Friendly Strangers (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.

• Author Anne Easter Smith will talk about her book “In The King’s Grace” at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Author Susan Jane Gilman will talk about her book “Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, March 28

• Family Walks With Metro Councilors: Carlotta Collette, District 2 Councilor, will lead a 2.5-mile walk through the Tideman-Johnson Natural Area and quiet residential streets of Milwaukie’s Ardenwald neighborhood. Meet at 10:00 am at the Springwater Corridor Trailhead (SE Johnson Creek Blvd and the Springwater Corridor at 45th). For more information, visit the event website or contact Carl Larson at larson @ bta4bikes.org or 503.226.0676 x16.

• 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 “Restoration of the Creek.” 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.

• Oregon Zoo at the Library: Meet a cast of animals from the Oregon Zoo such as a kind snake, a silent owl and a squeaky-clean cockroach. Oregon Zoo employees will share animal facts and introduce each species. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 3:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Fairly Stupid Tales: This play was inspired by the book “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. It’s brought to you by Book-It Repertory Theatre from Seattle, WA, a production company that focuses on bringing books to life for children. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Two performances at North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website (information near bottom of page).

• Massive 5: Get in free before 10:00 pm by saying “Life is a Party” at the door. Massive 5 is a dance party and benefit that includes a fashion show, raffle, clothing sales, tattoo work giveaways, and plenty of other goodies. The fun takes place at Crown Room, 205 NW 4th Ave. Ages 21+.

• Ben Medler Trio 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.

• Kaitlyn ni Donovan and the Brilliant Channel will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Redwood Son (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Justin Jude & The Open Road (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.

• Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Two locations: Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• VoiceCatcher Authors Reading: VoiceCatcher presents prose and poetry from its third women writers anthology. The work of six contributing authors will be highlighted. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Simple Healthy Cooking Saves Time and Money: Jean Johnson will present no-fuss recipes from her book, “Cooking Beyond Measure: How to Eat Well without Formal Recipes.” She will show how quickly and deliciously food comes together when we forget about measuring. Fairview-Columbia Library (1520 NE Village St, Fairview), 3:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Writers’ Dojo Day of Literary Celebration: The day includes poetry performances, writing workshops, and a panel discussion on publishing. 7518 N. Chicago Ave, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Please RSVP. For more information, visit the event website.

• Craft Project and Book Signing: Author and crafter Susan Beal will talk about her book “Button It Up” and help folks make button magnets and pushpins. Supplies will be provided. The afternoon will also include sweet treats and a crafty giveaway. Bolt Fabric Boutique (2136 NE Alberta St), 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.  

Sunday, March 29

• Trillium Story: Join Stephanie Wagner, Executive Director of the Friends of Tryon Creek, for a lecture on this woodland plant. Ages 12 and older. Tryon Creek State Park, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Build a Bird House: The Rebuilding Center will provide you with the tools, reclaimed house materials and all the instruction you’ll need to build your own bird house. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Thumbelina: In this Oregon Shadow Theatre production, Thumbelina journeys through a series of natural habitats to discover her home in the land of the flower fairies. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 2:30 pm–3:15 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jack McMahon (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Sweet and Lowdown” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Author Catherine Clinton will talk about her book “Mrs. Lincoln: A Life” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). 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 March 26th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Mar 20–22

In addition to the free events, here are two other deals:

• Click here to print out a coupon for a free breakfast and coffee at IKEA, good from March 20–22.
• Saturday is Family Day at the Oregon Historical Society. Two children will be admitted free of charge per one adult paid admission.

Admission is free for all events below. For more concerts, visit Concert Co-op.

Have a great weekend!

Friday, March 20

• Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride: There are three rides this month. All rides meet at 5:30 pm; rides start at 6:00 pm. For ride locations and more information on what makes this month’s events special, visit the event website

• Celtic Music: The Muses will perform at Tigard Public Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd) at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mia Nicholson & Steve Christofferson 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.

• Rachel Taylor Brown (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Mark Alan (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• The Old Yellers (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.

• “Taking Root,” a film about Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai, will be showing at Harriet Tubman Leadership Academy Cafeteria (2231 N. Flint). Film is from 7:00 pm–8:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm). Panel question and answer from 8:00 pm–9:00 pm. More information can be found here.

• Author and crafter Susan Beal will talk about her book “Button It Up” and help folks make button hairclips (supplies provided) at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). For more information, visit the event website.

• Looking Glass Bookstore Anniversary Party: Looking Glass Bookstore is celebrating its second year in Sellwood with live music, refreshments and 10% off all purchases. 7983 SE 13th Ave, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, March 21

• Oregon Maritime Museum Grand Reopening: The celebration will take place from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Oregon Maritime Museum is located aboard the Sternwheeler Portland docked at Naito Parkway at Oak Street. For more information, click here or visit www.oregonmaritimemuseum.org.

• Pooches on the Green: Bring your dog to Beaverton’s City Park and enjoy entertainment, costume contest and parade, art projects for the kids, and more. 5th St at Hall Blvd (across from the Beaverton City Library), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “24/7” Concerts: By mid-March, the United States will have been at war in Afghanistan and Iraq for seven years. To mark this important, if tragic, anniversary, over 150 of the Portland area’s best classical, contemporary and world musicians are uniting to make a giant musical gift to the city and beyond. “24/7” is a series of 24 dramatic concerts, each starting upon the hour, from 7:00 pm Saturday, March 21, and continuing through to 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 22, in the W+K Atrium (224 NW 13th Ave). For more information, visit the event website.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: Enjoy music, hands-on crafts and fun for all ages. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 11:00 am–12:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Family Walks With Metro Councilors: David Bragdon, Metro council president, will lead a multi-modal adventure which includes 3.9 miles of walking up Council Crest, a tram ride, a streetcar ride, and a MAX ride. MAX fare required ($2 for adults; $1.50 under 17; free under 7). Meet at the World Forestry Center steps (4033 SW Canyon Rd), 10:00 am. For more information, visit the event website or contact Carl Larson at larson @ bta4bikes.org or 503.226.0676 x16.

• Mt. Tabor Meander: This is a hike hosted by the Urban Adventure League. Meet at Seven Virtues Coffeehouse, SE Glisan at 60th Ave, at 11:00 am. The group will ascend Mt. Tabor using the lesser-known north slope and meander along the top to check out the action on the “back side.” For more information, visit the event 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 “Springing Plants.” 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.

• Community Wellness Open House: Organic Gardening Workshop & Seed Swap: The Australasian College of Health Sciences will host a seed swap, as well as workshops on seed starting and organic gardening. 11:00 am–3:00 pm. For more information, click here or visit www.achs.edu .

• Free Rolfing for Children: Children ages 0–10 are invited to experience a free 30-minute Rolfing session. People’s Food Co-op Community Room (SE 21st and Tibbets), 9:00 am–11:00 am. To reserve a spot, email portlandrolfer @ gmail.com. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mark Hanson will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 3:30 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• John Stowell (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.

• The Pete Krebs Jazz Trio (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Jim the Bad Goat (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Floating Glass Balls (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.

• Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Two locations: Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Marc Acito, noted humorist, author, singer and raconteur, will talk about his work. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, March 22

• Portland Art Museum Free Day: Visitors will be able to tour the galleries, play with paint, enjoy music and dance (including performances from Oregon Ballet Theatre), dress in period costumes, savor French pastries, and hear tales inspired by “La volupté du goût: French Painting in the Age of Madame de Pompadour.” For more information, visit the event website.

• World Water Day at Tryon Creek Park: Activities include a 4.5-mile Hydro Hike, kid-friendly water activities, and a talk led by a representative of the Portland Water Bureau. 11:00 am–3:00 pm. For more information and schedule of activities, visit the event website.

• World Water Day in Downtown Portland: Commissioner Amanda Fritz will kick off the World Water Day Celebration at 3:00 pm at the World Trade Center Plaza (121 SW Salmon St), with live music by Creme Tangerine and education-rich exhibits capturing the worldwide water crisis. For more information and schedule of activities, visit the event website.

• World Water Day in Vancouver: Activities include a 1.5-mile Walk for Water. The walk begins at Pearson Air Museum, 1115 E. 5th Street in Vancouver, and continues over the Land Bridge. At the museum, there will be a variety of water-related activities and exhibits on display. Noon to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “24/7” Concerts: By mid-March, the United States will have been at war in Afghanistan and Iraq for seven years. To mark this important, if tragic, anniversary, over 150 of the Portland area’s best classical, contemporary and world musicians are uniting to make a giant musical gift to the city and beyond. “24/7” is a series of 24 dramatic concerts, each starting upon the hour, from 7:00 pm Saturday, March 21, and continuing through to 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 22, in the W+K Atrium (224 NW 13th Ave). For more information, visit the event website.

• Family Walks With Metro Councilors: Join District 6 Councilor, Robert Liberty, for a 3.2-mile walking tour of a seldom-explored corner of industrial Southeast Portland. Meet at Brooklyn Park (SE 10th Ave and SE Haig St) at 10:00 am. For more information, visit the event website or contact Carl Larson at larson @ bta4bikes.org or 503.226.0676 x16.

• Simple Healthy Cooking Saves Time and Money: Jean Johnson will present no-fuss recipes from her book, “Cooking Beyond Measure: How to Eat Well without Formal Recipes.” She will show how quickly and deliciously food comes together when we forget about measuring. Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Progression: Progression is what every other jam session isn’t. Original compositions, odd time signatures, free form improvisation, and no rules. Hosted by Ben Darwish. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Vinny D. (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “El Crimen Perfecto” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Author Robert Sullivan will talk about his book “The Thoreau You Don’t Know” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). 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 March 19th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Mar 13–15

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

All weekend

• Super Kids Resale: I tend to shy away from publicizing shopping-focused events in these weekly event posts, but I thought this would interest some of you. Super Kids Resale is a bi-annual consignment event specializing in baby and kid clothing, maternity clothing, and anything else related to kids. In addition, attendees will get the chance to meet and talk about grocery deals with one of the gals from Frugal Living Northwest. Gresham Armory (544 NE Division St, Gresham). For more information, visit the event website.

Friday, March 13

• Rally to Support Oregon Historical Society Research Library: On March 13, the last day of work for the staff of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, the Northwest History Network invites the public to join them in showing their support for the staff and holdings of this superb Oregon institution. From 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm in the park block opposite the library (1200 SW Park Ave in Portland), supporters of the library will give personal testimonials and thank staff for their work in preserving Oregon’s history and making it accessible. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lower Fremont 2nd Friday Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale: Local artists and crafters will display and sell their work outside at this monthly event. Also, stores will be hosting sales and giveaways. For example, SOFIA’s European Boutique (1313 NE Fremont) will give complimentary skin and color consults using botanical-based, organic product lines from 4:00 pm–8:00 pm. Lower Fremont 2nd Friday event is on NE Fremont between 12th & 14th Avenues, 4:00 pm–9:00 pm.

• “Conflict in the Congo” Panel Discussion: Amnesty International USA Group 48 and the Congolese Community of Oregon (CCO) will present a panel discussion about the conflict in the Congo at 7:30 pm at the First Unitarian Church (1011 SW 12th Ave). The presentation launches a campaign of the CCO and Group 48 to raise awareness of the human suffering in the Congo and to educate Portlanders about how they can help bring peace to the region. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy each Friday night from January 16 through March 13 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:00 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.

• Shoshana Bean (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 7:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Tony Pacini (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

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

• Stephen Ashbrook (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• James Faretheewell (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Lincoln Crockett (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.

• “Under the Bombs” will be showing at 7:00 pm at the Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy). Informal discussion will follow. Movie snacks provided. This event is open to adults 18 and older. For more information, visit the event website.

• BodyVox Movie Night: Join lululemon and BodyVox artistic directors Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland for a special screening of BodyVox’s award-winning short films. BodyVox uses dance, humor and heavy machinery to create some of the most amazing and amusing dance scenes ever seen on film. 1231 NW Couch St, 7:30 pm–8:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• TV wardrobe stylist Kami Gray will talk about her book “The Denim Diet” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). Nolita has teamed up with Powell’s for a Denim Drive to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Bring in a pair of new or used (clean, in good condition) men’s, women’s, or children’s jeans to the event. As a thank you, those who donate jeans will be given a coupon good for a 20% discount on new jeans at Nolita. For more information, visit the event website.

Saturday, March 14

• St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Festivities include live music, bagpipers, Irish dancers, food and drink specials, and more. Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale). All day; music starts at 3:00 pm. All ages welcome; 21 and over in the Winery. For more information, visit the event website.

• Murphy St. Patrick’s Parade in Hillsboro: The parade will start at 11:00 am from Hare Field. The parade route continues east to Cornell Road, south on Main Street, west on Main to Second Avenue, north on Second to Grant Street and east back to Hare Field. For more information, read this article or call Murphy’s Furniture at 503.640.1124.

• Make a Bird House: The Rebuilding Center will provide you with the tools, reclaimed house materials and all the instruction you’ll need to build your own bird house. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Ave), 3:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: Enjoy music, hands-on crafts and fun for all ages. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St), 1:00 pm–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Second Saturday at Vancouver Water Center: Learn fascinating facts about the earth’s water and the many ways it’s used. As always, there will be fun and educational activities for the entire family. Activities include making cool water bottles, coloring, storytime, a movie and more. Water Resources Education Center (4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver), 1:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event 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 “Coaling Tryon Creek.” 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.

• Yoga Class: Whole Foods Fremont Store (3535 NE 15th Ave) will host a yoga class taught by Jeffrey Levin from 4:00 pm–6:00 pm. No prior yoga experience necessary, but please arrive ready for movement. For more information, visit Jeffrey’s blog.

• Asylum Street Spankers (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 2:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Brooklyn Street Jazz (website) will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Paris Can Wait (website) will perform at Wine Unwind (1019 NW 11th Ave) at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Tyler Stenson (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lisa Stringfield and Lara Michelle will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Garcia Birthday Band (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.

• Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave), 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. Sign-up for same-day appointments starts at 10:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, March 15

• NE Neighborhood St. Paddy’s Day Parade: Don your best Sunday green as families, friends and neighbors celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the beginning of Spring by promenading through the Irvington Neighborhood. The parade starts at 11:00 am at Fernwood/Cleary School on NE Hancock and NE 33rd. Revelers head West on Hancock to NE 17th, jog one block North to Tillamook, then head East on Tillamook back to Fernwood/Cleary School on a 1.2-mile circuitous route. For more information, visit the event website or call Steve O’Slavik at 503.282.6370.

• Writers Resource Fair: Writers and potential writers are invited to meet representatives of organizations offering support and opportunities for writers. Light refreshments provided. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 12:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Move Together: Parent/Toddler Creative Movement Class: Bring your little ones to lululemon to jump, bounce, and move together. lululemon athletica’s first family-friendly class is brought to you by BodyVox. Move Together will be taught by Renee Adams, BodyVox dancer and teaching artist. 1231 NW Couch St, 11:00 am to noon. For more information, visit the event website.

• Computer Lab for Job Seekers: Update your resume, file for unemployment, or apply for your dream job in this special computer lab just for job seekers. Microsoft Office software, high-speed internet, USB ports, CD and floppy disc drives, black & white printing available. Limited technical support provided. Space is limited so come early. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), Computer Lab (3rd floor), 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Simple Healthy Cooking Saves Time and Money: Jean Johnson will present no-fuss recipes from her book, “Cooking Beyond Measure: How to Eat Well without Formal Recipes.” She will show how quickly and deliciously food comes together when we forget about measuring. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St), 2:00 pm–3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Guided Musical Tour of Oregon: The Quintessential Wood Wind Quartet will perform a guided musical tour of Oregon. Refreshments will be provided. Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Irish Music: Innisfree (website) will perform at Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mary Flower (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• ”Welcome to the Dollhouse” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Calyx’s 33rd Anniversary Reading: Independent publisher Calyx Books celebrates its 33rd anniversary with “Humming the Blues,” Cass Dalglish’s translation of the cuneiform of Enheduanna, a powerful Sumerian princess in 2350 BCE. 7:30 pm, Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside). 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 March 12th, 2009

3/7: OwlFest 2009 (RSVP Required)

Since this event requires an RSVP, I wanted to make sure you knew about it before the weekend roundup:

On Saturday, March 7, Tryon Creek State Park will host OwlFest 2009. The event features activities for the whole family including owl pellet dissection, book reading and signing by local author Keith Harary, snacks, guided hikes and a chance to meet Hazel and Julio, the Audubon Portland Education Owls. Hours are 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Admission is free.

To attend, you must RSVP to Christal Florin at 503.636.9886 ext. 225 or christal.florin @ state.or.us.

Tryon Creek State Park is located at 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219. For more information, visit the event website.

Add comment March 3rd, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Feb 13–15

Great list this week, thanks mainly to our state turning the big 1-5-0. A few V-day events too. Please write a comment about any events I missed. 

Freebies

Before we get to the events, a few freebies:

• Free Cookie: Hotlips Pizza will give a free heart-shaped cookie to the first 3,000 visitors on February 14. No purchase necessary. Open at 11:00 am. For more information, visit the Hotlips website.

• Free Breakfast: Get a free breakfast and coffee at IKEA with this coupon (scroll to the bottom of the screen to see the coupon). Valid February 13–16.

• Free 10-Minute Phone Call: 1-800-FREE411 is offering free 10-minute phone calls on Valentine’s Day from any landline or mobile phone in the US to any phone number in the US. If you call from your mobile, your provider will likely count those minutes. For more information, visit free411.com.

Free Events

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

Friday, February 13

• Portland Jazz Festival Free Events: Visit festival website for schedule.

• Cascade Festival of African Films: “Clouds over Conakry” will be showing at 7:30 pm at Portland Community College Cascade Campus, Moriarty Bldg. 104 (705 N. Killingsworth St). For more information, visit the event website.

• Portland Love Show (Art): This show features the work of more than 200 artists, as well as live music by Stumptown Sawyers. All ages. Please bring a canned food item to donate to the Oregon Food Bank. Olympic Mills Commerce Center (107 SE Washington St), 7:00 pm–12:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Battlestar Galactica” Final Season: Join KUFO’s Cort and Fatboy each Friday night from January 16 through March 10 to watch the final 10 episodes of “Battlestar Galactica.” Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd). Doors open at 9:00 pm; show at 10:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, contact the Bagdad Theater or KUFO.

• Johnny and the Distractions will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 4:30 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the event website.

• Joe Wrabek, Frank Salo, Metropolitan Farms, and The Cut and Run will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• North Head (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 9:30 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Richie Young, singer and songwriter for Loch Lomond, will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Special appearance by cellist and songstress Ashia. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• James Faretheewell (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Cicada Omega (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.

• Poetry Reading: Ana Callan will read from “Duet With Hummingbird,” and Daniel Skach-Mills will read from “The Tao of Now.” Essex House, Community Room (1330 SW 3rd Ave), 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Citadel of the Spirit: Oregon’s Sesquicentennial Anthology”: In commemoration of Oregon’s 150th birthday, Nestucca Spit Press is proud to present its latest release, “Citadel of the Spirit: Oregon’s Sesquicentennial Anthology,” edited by Matt Love. Come to this once-in-a-lifetime birthday party featuring editor Love, who will be joined by Gina Ochsner, Brian Doyle, Bart King, Kaia Sand, David Horowitz, Katrine Barber, and others. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lincoln Movie Night: Screening of 1938 “Young Mr. Lincoln” starring Henry Fonda. 6:00 pm, Portland State University, Cramer Hall Room 494 (1721 SW Broadway). For more information, visit the Lincoln Bicentennial website.

Saturday, February 14

• Portland Jazz Festival Free Events: Visit festival website for schedule.

• Oregon Birthday Celebration at Oregon Historical Society: To celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday, admission to OHS will be free on Saturday and Sunday. Festivities include educational family fun, cake, guest speakers, music and more. Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Sunday noon–5:00 pm. 1200 SW Park Ave. For more information, visit the event website.

• Free Admission to Oregon City Museums and Attractions: To celebrate Oregon’s birthday, admission will be free at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Museum of the Oregon Territory & Clackamas County Family History Society, Stevens-Crawford Heritage House, Ermatinger House, McLoughlin House, and William Holmes House aka the “Rose Farm.” Visitors will be able to use the free Oregon City Trolleys throughout the day to and from these museums and other attractions. For more information, visit the event website.

• Everything Green Oregon Expo: The Everything Green Oregon Expo is about making good choices, using less energy, shifting away from nonrenewable sources, and generally reducing the associated environmental impacts to our air, water, and land. The Expo will share ideas and concepts to begin and further a green lifestyle. Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Zwickelmania: Oregon Brewers Guild Open House: To celebrate Oregon’s Sesquicentennial, more than 15 Portland-area breweries and brewpubs will offer tours, a chance to meet the brewers, and beer samples. 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information and a list of participating breweries, visit the event website.

• Oregon Birthday Event at Tryon Creek State Park: Come to the park for exciting craft projects, guided hikes about Tryon Creek’s part in Oregon history, and birthday cake. 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• I Love Oregon: A Birthday Celebration: Come to Hillsdale Library for reflections and refreshments to celebrate Oregon’s birthday. Library staff will help you upload your Oregon story (print or audio) to the Oregon 150 website, to be archived for future generations. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• This Oregon Life: Stories About Your Oregon Experience: Do you have a memorable Oregonian moment to share? Whether you are new to Oregon or your family has lived here for generations, come and tell your story. Staff at the Central Library will be recording people’s stories for the Oregon 150 celebration. Please keep stories to five minutes. Light refreshments will be served. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:30 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• 150 Years of Portland Architecture: In honor of Oregon’s 150th birthday, the Architectural Heritage Center is putting together a program illustrating 150 years of architecture in the Portland area. 701 SE Grand Ave, 10:00 am–4:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Beaverton’s Oregon Birthday Event: The Whiskey Flats Brass Band will celebrate Oregon’s birthday with a concert of late 19th century band music on authentic period instruments. Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Oregon Birthday Party in Hillsboro: Come eat birthday cake and learn more about your beautiful state at Shute Park Branch Library (775 SE 10th Ave, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Cascade Festival of African Films: “Abeni” will be showing at 7:30 pm at Portland Community College Cascade Campus, Moriarty Bldg. 104 (705 N. Killingsworth St). For more information, visit the event website.

• “26 Ways I Love You”: The Working Theatre Collective will perform “26 Ways I Love You” in 14 different locations in Portland. The play is 30 minutes long. For the schedule and more information, visit the event website.

• Artist Reception and Valentine’s Celebration at Gossamer: Meet artist Lisi Belz-McCarthy and view her Valentine-inspired art. Gossamer (2418 E. Burnside St), 3:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Valentine’s Day and Birthday Celebration at A Children’s Place Bookstore: Celebrate Oregon’s birthday, Lincoln’s birthday and Valentine’s Day at ACP. Author Deborah Hopkinson will present her books “Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek” and “Apples to Oregon.” After the book talk, the festivities will continue with Valentine’s Day card making and cake. 4807 NE Fremont St, 11:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

• Valentine’s Day Pirate and Sea Turtle Spectacular: Portland authors and wildlife filmmakers Laura and Robert Sams will be at Captain Henry’s Pirate Store (in the Lloyd Center) from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. They will be sharing songs and stories from their new children’s book, “A Pirate’s Quest,” as well as scenes from their new underwater movie “The Riddle in a Bottle.” Free posters for all children who attend. For more information, contact Laura and Robert Sams or Captain Henry’s Pirate Store.

• Chocolate Dessert Tasting and Sneak Peek of “The Vegan Scoop” Cookbook: Chef and consummate romantic Wheeler del Toro will be hosting a free chocolate dessert sampling at The Hungry Tiger Too. Desserts will be created from recipes featured in his new cookbook “The Vegan Scoop.” The Hungry Tiger Too (207 SE 12th Ave, 238-4321), 2:00 pm. For more information, visit Neighborhood Notes.

• Anti-Valentine Write-Off: For Valentine’s Day, the Independent Publishing Resource Center is hosting a Write-Off. The theme is Love, but not as you have ever experienced it before. In each competitive round, a new genre will be picked from a hat (e.g., an ode, a movie script, how-to, obituary), and contestants will write their brains out about love in the given genre under a time limit. Cool prizes go to the contestants who demonstrate the most versatility and originality. 917 SW Oak St #218, 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St), 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• “Who’s in Hare’s House?” Puppet Show: In this East African tale, Sungura the hare returns to find someone inside his house, and it must be a monster. Presented by Tears of Joy Theatre. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd), 12:00 pm–12:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Treetarantula, The Get Off, and Accidental Intoxication will perform at Red Room (2530 NE 82nd Ave) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Will West (website) will perform with cellist Skip von Kuske at Press Club at 8:30 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• HaléLupé (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Garcia Birthday Band (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.

• Kimono Workshop: There are many rules to wearing a kimono. A member of the Wakai Tea Association will model how to choose and wear a kimono. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 12:00 pm–1:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ikebana Demonstration: Keiko Kodachi, a teacher at the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in Portland, will present a demonstration of Ikebana. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. West Linn Public Library (1595 Burns St, West Linn), 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Tax Help: Trained tax preparers will volunteer their time and expertise to help you with your tax forms. Bring last year’s return and this year’s paperwork. This program is sponsored by AARP. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 10:00 am–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Ooligan Author Readings: Tom Fuller will read from his and Art Ayre’s upcoming book, “Oregon at Work.” Michael Cooper, author of “42,” and Michael Munk, author of “The Portland Red Guide,” will also read their works. Oregon Historical Society (1200 SW Park Ave), 10:00 am. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, February 15

• Portland Jazz Festival Free Events: Visit festival website for schedule.

• Oregon Birthday Celebration at Oregon Historical Society: To celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday, admission to OHS will be free on Saturday and Sunday. Festivities include educational family fun, cake, guest speakers, music and more. Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Sunday noon–5:00 pm. 1200 SW Park Ave. For more information, visit the event website.

• Everything Green Oregon Expo: The Everything Green Oregon Expo is about making good choices, using less energy, shifting away from nonrenewable sources, and generally reducing the associated environmental impacts to our air, water, and land. The Expo will share ideas and concepts to begin and further a green lifestyle. Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK, Jr. Blvd). For more information, visit the event website.

• Chinese New Year Celebration in Vancouver: Learn about Chinese New Year customs and fun facts. Watch Portland Lee’s Association Lion Dance Team’s performance. Enjoy entertainment from students of Portland Chinese Art & Cultural Center and Salmon Creek Chinese School. See demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy. Participate in making fun and beautiful Chinese crafts. Firstenburg Community Center (700 NE 136th Ave), 2:00 pm–3:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Japanese Dance Performance: Enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese dance called “Buyo” by Portland’s Fujinami-Kai School of Dance. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St), 1:30 pm–2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Portland Taiko (website) will perform at the Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 1:00 pm–1:45 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Come to Your Senses Day: Celebrate Come to Your Senses Day with Courtenay Hameister, Chelsea Cain, Karen Karbo, Erin Ergenbright, McKinley (from Dirty Martini), and Michele Gendelman, the contributors to “What Was I Thinking?: 58 Bad Boyfriend Stories.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Kirk Duncan & the Localized Juice Embargo (website) will perform at Kay’s Bar (6903 SE Milwaukie) at 8:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Mary Flower (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• “Il Postino” will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. All ages. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• World Travel 101: This workshop is geared toward the first-time traveler planning a trip abroad. Veteran travelers will offer tips on everything from budgeting, packing, finding accommodations, managing health issues, cultural behavior, transportation, language barriers, getting the most out of your trip and more. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd), 2:00 pm–3:00 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.

4 comments February 12th, 2009

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Jan 2–4

Happy New Year, all!

Admission is free for all events below.

In addition, admission to OMSI is only $2 on Sunday. For more information, visit the OMSI website.

Friday, January 2

• Free First Friday 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.

• Family Events at Airplay Café: Duo Rosa will perform at lunchtime. This interactive duo wants to share classical music with the whole family. At 3:00 pm, Liz Kelly will lead a family drum circle. Bring a drum or something like a drum that you can beat, or borrow an instrument from the cafe, or just beat on your table. At 5:00 pm, Andy Simon will perform. Food and drink specials for all ages. 701 E. Burnside. For more information, visit the event website.

• First Friday Artist’s Reception at Press Club: Photographer Shy Alot with the musical accompaniment of DJ Jr. Private Detective. 7:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• First Friday in Downtown Camas: This month’s theme is “Discover Camas.” Pick up a “Discover Camas” trivia sheet from one of the downtown stores and visit each store for clues. Turn in your completed sheet for great prizes. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Camas website.

• First Friday Art Walk in Troutdale: On the First Friday of each month, Historic Downtown Troutdale businesses host dozens of local artists exhibiting their works of art. For more information, please contact the West Columbia Gorge Chamber of Commerce at 503-669-7473.

• In Music We Trust at Doug Fir: The Family Gun (featuring Michael Maker), Western Aerial, and The Slants will perform. Ages 21+. Doors open at 8:00 pm, show starts at 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Lars Campbell & Dan Gaynor will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• James Low Band (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House at 6:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Vinny D. (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Boy’s Club (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.

Saturday, January 3

• Oregon Symphony Storytime: This series focuses on books, music, instruments, sound and fun musical crafts. Each week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to his or her instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd), 11:00 am–noon. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

• ”Raven Steals the Sun” Children’s Puppet Show: Created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre, this show tells how Raven the trickster brought light and warmth to the world. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Most appropriate for grades K–5. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the event website.

• Animal Collective Listening Party: You’ll be able to preview and preorder Animal Collective’s new album, “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” as well as get exclusive goodies and participate in giveaways. The band will not be present. Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside), 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Robert Moore will perform at Three Degrees Lounge at the RiverPlace Hotel, 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the PDX Jazz website.

• Mood Area 52 (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

• Lynn Conover & Little Sue (website) will perform at LaurelThirst Public House at 6:00 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• First Saturday Concert Series at Ledding Library: Joe Powers and Lewis Childs will perform. 10660 SE 21st Ave, Milwaukie, 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• Matt Meighan (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

• Sonny Hess (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.

• William Stafford and the Poetry of Place: Poets Bill Siverly, Michael McDowell, Sean Patrick Hill, Shelley Kirk-Rudeen, and Katy McKinney will read, starting at 2:00 pm. Tigard Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd. For more information, visit the event 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 “Magnificent Moss and Lovely Lichen.” 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.

Sunday, January 4

• Willamette Week Presents Portland Makes Music: A monthly concert and interview series every first Sunday at The Someday Lounge. Today’s performers are Alialujah Choir (members of Weinland and Norfolk & Western) and Old Growth. 125 NW 5th Ave, 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

• The Golden Hours, The Honeys, and Some Weird Sin will perform at Valentine’s (232 SW Ankeny St) at 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Music at LaurelThirst Public House: Freak Mountain Ramblers will perform at 6:00 pm. Billy Kennedy and Tim Acott will perform at 9:30 pm. NE Glisan and 30th. For more information, visit the event website.

• Purple Heart (website) will perform at Satyricon (125 NW 6th Ave) at 8:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the event website.

• Jimmy Bivens (website) will perform at Edgefield (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale) at 5:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

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

• Sunday Cinema Classics at St. Johns Library: “Ninotchka” will be showing. Free tickets for limited seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. 7510 N. Charleston Ave, 2:00 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 January 1st, 2009