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

Free Events in Portland: February 3–5

Going to watch the Superbowl? If so, where?

Note: Admission is free for the following events, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

All weekend

Cascade Festival of African Films runs from February 3 through March 3.

Friday, February 3

Family Martial Arts Night: Watch “Kung-Fu Panda” at 4:00 pm, followed by demonstrations from local martial arts groups. Fulton Park Community Center (68 SW Miles St, Portland), 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Portland Children’s Museum: It’s the first Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Camas First Friday: Businesses will be serving and selling chocolate delights and other romantic gifts. Downtown Camas, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

First Friday Art Walk in SE Portland: The galleries open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Other galleries hosting openings: GalleryHomeland (2505 SE 11th Ave #136, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm), Architectural Heritage Center (701 SE Grand Ave, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm), and Land (3925 North Mississippi Ave, 6:00 pm).

The River Project will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E Burnside St, Portland) at 6:00 pm.

“Portlandia”: Watch the latest episode at Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland). 5:30 pm doors; 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with parent or guardian. Encore showing at 10:00 pm for ages 21+.

Marty Marquis (of Blitzen Trapper), Thousands, and Tom Bevitori will perform at Al’s Den in the Crystal Hotel & Ballroom (1332 W. Burnside, Portland). 7:00 pm. Ages 21+.

Saturday, February 4

Kids Event at Multnomah County Libraries:

• Rainy Day Idea Cards: Join artist Sarah Fagan in making an activity game to stay busy during the wet Oregon winter. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland), 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
• Hand-Made Valentines: Make a one-of-a-kind valentine using copper wire, pipe cleaners, decorative papers and colorful beads and ornaments. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham), 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
• Can You Hear Me Now? Explore the science of sound with.hands-on science activities. For ages 4 and up. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland), 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Tax Help: Get help from trained tax preparers. Bring your photo ID, Social Security card, last year’s return, and this year’s paperwork. Signup for same-day appointments starts at 10:00 am. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave, Portland), 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Author Kevin Renner presents his book “In Search of Fatherhood: A Mother Lode of Wisdom from the World of Daughterhood.” Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.

Year-Round Gardening: Learn how to expand your vegetable and herb gardening throughout the year by using row covers, cloches, and cold frames. Seed saving, composting, and cover crops will also be discussed. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Gadget Petting Zoo: Curious about e-readers, iPads and other tech devices? Staff will demonstrate how some popular devices function and how they work with library services. Tigard Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

A Literary Look at Parenting a Child with Autism: Two Portland writers, both mothers of children on the autism spectrum, share their experiences through fiction and poetry. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm.

Sip and Savor Oregon: Celebrate the Lake Oswego Reads 2012 novel, “Mink River,” with an afternoon of wine tasting and local cuisine. West End Building (4101 Kruse Way, Lake Oswego), 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Kid/Teen Book Swap in Camas (PDF): Trade your used books (or CDs or movies) with others. Take home as many as you bring. Camas Public Library (625 NE 4th Ave, Camas), 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Marty Marquis (of Blitzen Trapper), John Totten, and Mike Coykendall will perform at Al’s Den in the Crystal Hotel & Ballroom (1332 W. Burnside, Portland). 7:00 pm. Ages 21+.

Museums on Us: Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can enjoy free admission to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Portland Art Museum.

Sunday, February 5

Black Composers of Oregon Past and Present: Join Aszemar Glenn, noted composer, pianist and conductor, for a lecture and performance that celebrates black musicians. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Be Happy: Learn exercises to change your thought habits and become fearless, appreciative, busy, and outgoing. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Museums on Us: Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can enjoy free admission to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Pittock Mansion, and Portland Art Museum.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap, PDX Pipeline, Dave Knows Portland, and the Oregonian.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op, Mississippi Pizza, and McMenamins.

And please check out your local library!

–

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Add comment February 2nd, 2012

Free Events in Portland: January 27–29

A little bit of everything this weekend: art, music, film, TV, books, lectures, kids events, video game trivia.

Note: Admission is free for the following events, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

All weekend

Crystal Hotel & Ballroom Centennial Celebration: Free music every day.

Friday, January 27

Movie Viewing: “The Jackie Robinson Story”: Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player in the 20th century, stars as himself in this biographical film. Troutdale Library (2451 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale), 3:30 pm.

Portland Art Museum Free Day: It’s the fourth Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Funky Fingerstyle Guitarist Brooks Robertson will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside, Portland) at 6:00 pm.

Closing Reception for The 2012 Bicycle Experience: Prototypes, Visions & Dreams: Artist Johhnie Olivan, co-founder of Rejuiced Bikes, presents his 3D installations and pedal-powered pieces. Performance by the Sprockettes. 2156 N. Williams, Portland, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

“Portlandia”: See the latest episode at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland). 5:30 pm doors; 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with parent or guardian. Encore showing at 10:00 pm for ages 21+.

Author Ben Marcus presents his latest book, “The Flame Alphabet,” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 28

Burnt Bridge Creek Bird Walk (Registration Required): Follow the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail through field and forest on a free expert-guided bird walk with naturalist Elaine Murphy. Registration required. 8:00 am.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek Park: Today’s theme is “Magnificent Moss and Lovely Lichen.” 10:00 am.

Puppet Show: Walk, sing, and dance along with Mr. Moose in a playful puppet show performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. St. Johns Library (7510 N. Charleston Ave, Portland), 11:00 am.

Lunar New Year: Experience Lunar New Year traditions of China and Vietnam. Music, games, food, and crafts. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Crystal Hotel & Ballroom History Presentations and Tour: Presentation by Joe Bianco, Oregonian crime reporter, at 1:00 pm. Tour starts at 2:30 pm. Presentation by Patrick Rosenkranz, photojournalist and former employee, at 4:00 pm. 1332 W. Burnside, Portland.

From Print to Pixels: Reading in the Digital Age: Oregon author Mark Cunningham will lead a conversation about how technology might impact our reading habits. Tigard Public Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard), 2:00 pm.

Sunday, January 29

Portland Opera to Go: “Hansel & Gretel”: This colorful, accessible production is just right to introduce the kids in your life (or yourself?) to the world of opera. Edgefield, Blackberry Hall (2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale), 12:00 pm.

National Unpublished Writers’ Day Workshop: The event features a series of “creative stations” and workshops, which offer information, theory, and practice for visitors. Clark County Historical Society and Museum (1511 Main St, Vancouver), noon to 5:00 pm.

Library2Go: Did you know that Multnomah County Library offers free downloadable audiobooks for e-book readers? Find out more or get help during this session. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.

Portland Opera Preview of “Madame Butterfly”: Musical selections, historical background, and composer information. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Local author and Holocaust survivor Alter Wiener shares his life story. Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton), 2:00 pm.

William Stafford Birthday Celebration: Readings and presentations commemorating Oregon’s late poet laureate. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Puzzle Celebration: Kids and their families will learn how to make a one-of-a-kind puzzle. Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland), 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

The Black Swans will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside, Portland) at 4:00 pm.

The Video Game Quiz Show: Ground Kontrol’s version of trivia night, complete with lightning rounds, buzzers, and fabulous prizes. 511 NW Couch St, Portland, 7:00 pm.

Sunday Concerts at Rontoms: On Sundays, Rontoms hosts free concerts by local bands. 600 E. Burnside, Portland.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap, PDX Pipeline, Dave Knows Portland, and the Oregonian.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op, Mississippi Pizza, and McMenamins.

And please check out your local library!

–

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Add comment January 26th, 2012

Free Events in Portland: January 20–22

Note: Admission is free for the following events, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

Friday, January 20

Flight 19 will perform at Burgerville (1122 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland), 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 10% of all food & beverage sales benefit Oregon Music Hall of Fame Education Programs.

Art Reception: The Architectural Heritage Center invites you to “A Glaze of Glory—the Artistry of Art Tile,” a new exhibit showcasing the center’s collection of historic art tile. 701 SE Grand Ave, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

“Portlandia”: See the latest episode at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland), 5:30 pm doors; 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with parent or guardian.

“Pity the Billionaire”: Author Thomas Frank talks about his latest book, which examines how dire economic circumstances have delivered unexpected political results. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 21

Fix-It Fair: Free lunch, free on-site childcare, free bike tuneups, and workshops on home improvement, money management, healthy living, and more. Rosa Parks Elementary School (8960 N. Woolsey Ave, Portland), 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek Park: Today’s theme is “The Art of Owling.” 10:00 am.

Kids Chinese New Year Celebration: Crafts, games, face painting, and more. Child’s Play Toys (NW 23rd and Kearney), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Kids Events at Multnomah County Libraries:

• Puppet Show: Walk, sing, and dance along with Mr. Moose in a playful puppet show performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 10:30 am.
• Can You Hear Me Now? Learn about the science of sound through hands-on activities. For ages 4 and up. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland), 1:30 pm.
• Hand-Made Valentines: Create a valentine using copper wire, pipe cleaners, decorative papers and colorful beads and ornaments. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm.

Oregon Maritime Museum Family Saturday: Free to families with children under 18. Discover Portland’s maritime history with a craft project to take home. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Author Richard Meltzer: Hear him talk about his career as a rock writer. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.

Kids Events at Washington County Libraries:

• Chinese and Vietnamese New Year Party: Crafts, coloring, snacks and more. Ages 5 and up. Tigard Public Library, 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
• Chinese New Year: Learn about and celebrate Chinese New Year by making a craft and hearing a story. Grades 1-5 with their families. Beaverton City Library, 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.
• Pirate Reading Party: Join Rick Huddle for singing and storytelling to answer the question, “What Would You Do with a Grumpy Sailor?” Tualatin Library, 2:00 pm.

William Stafford Birthday Events: Readings at the following locations:

• Milwaukie Ledding Library, Pond House (2215 SE Harrison, Milwaukie), 2:00 pm.
• Holy Names Heritage Center (17425 Holy Names Drive, Lake Oswego), 3:00 pm.
• Cover to Cover Books (6300 NE St. James Road, Suite 104B, Vancouver), 4:00 pm.

No-Sew Recycled T-Shirts: Turn an old T-shirt into a useful shopping bag, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, wrist cuffs or hats. For teens and adults. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland), 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Art Opening: Pioneer Place Mall has a gallery on the third floor called Place, where resident artists workshop new ideas. Take a look at the exhibits opening tonight. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Sunday, January 22

Bird Walk With Backyard Birdshop (Registration Required): Take a free expert-guided bird walk to seek ducks, mergansers, herons and kingfishers at Crystal Springs. 8:00 am. Registration required.

Historic Preservation 101: Learn about the basic principles of historic preservation to honor, preserve and revitalize communities. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.

“$1.09 an Hour and Glad to Have it: Conversations with Crown Zellerbach Millworkers”: West Linn author Sandra Hickson Carter talks about the men and women who worked for Crown Zellerbach International at Willamette Falls between 1928 and 1986. Tigard Public Library, 1:00 pm.

Why Aren’t There More Black People in Oregon? Portland State University adjunct professor Walidah Imarisha will lead participants through an interactive timeline of Black history in Oregon. Hollywood Library (4040 NE Tillamook St, Portland), 2:00 pm.

William Stafford Birthday Events: Readings at the following locations:

• Blackfish Gallery (420 NW 9th, Portland), 2:00 pm.
• Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton), 2:00 pm.

Sunday Concerts at Rontoms: On Sundays, Rontoms hosts free concerts by local bands.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap, PDX Pipeline, and Dave Knows Portland.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op, Mississippi Pizza, and McMenamins.

And please check out your local library!

–

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Twitter: @aroundthesun

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthesunblog

Email: click here to receive blog updates via email

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Add comment January 18th, 2012

Free Events in Portland: January 13–15

Mid-January already?

Note: Admission is free for the following events, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

All Weekend

Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service: Make a difference in your community by volunteering. Search for volunteer opportunities under “Find a Project”: click here. Or plant trees with Friends of Trees on Saturday. Or contact your favorite local charity to see if they have a project planned.

Mississippi Pizza hosts live music each day.

Friday, January 13

Kids Can Make Bread: Learn to bake bread and take home your own mini round of bread to bake. Suitable for all ages, with children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 4:00 pm.

“Portlandia“: See the latest episode at the Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan, Portland), 5:30 pm doors, 7:00 pm show. Minors admitted with a parent or guardian.

Architecture Art Show and Artist Reception: Concordia University presents a new art show called “Avoir un Don Architecture.” Meet the artists and see their work at F.W.J. Sylwester Library (2800 NE Liberty, Portland), 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Big Ass Boombox, A Loud Pop Festival: 20 local up-and-coming pop bands spread across four venues: Backspace, Someday Lounge, SoHiTek Records, and Floating World Comics. Someday Lounge is for those 21+; the other venues welcome all ages.

Oregon’s First (and Only) Female Governor, Barbara Roberts, will talk about her memoir “Up the Capitol Steps” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 14

Bird Walk With Backyard Birdshop (registration required): Join wildlife expert Elaine Murphy for a morning jaunt along one of Vancouver’s Greenway trails to look for wintering waterfowl and songbirds. 8:00 am. Registration required.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: Free admission on January 14, 15, and 16. (All national parks are free.)

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area: Today’s theme is Conifers of the Creek. 10:00 am.

Family Day at the Washington County Museum: Admission is free today from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 17677 NW Springville Road on the Portland Community College Rock Creek Campus.

Kids Events at Multnomah County Libraries:

• Do You See What I See? An AKA Science instructor will engage kids in hands-on science activities to show how mirrors can be used to bounce light all over the place. For ages 4 and up. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland), 10:00 am to noon.
• Get Up and Dance: Families are invited to learn about West African culture through dance and music. Albina Library (3605 NE 15th Ave, Portland), 10:30 am.
• Kids Can Make Bread: Learn to bake bread and take home your own mini round of bread to bake. Suitable for all ages, with children under 10 accompanied by an adult. North Portland Library (512 N. Killingsworth St, Portland), 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
• Kids Puppet Show: Come walk, sing, and dance along with Mr. Moose in a playful puppet show performed by Penny’s Puppet Productions. Troutdale Library (2451 SW Cherry Park Rd, Troutdale) at 11:00 am and Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham), 2:00 pm.

J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Bash: Enjoy live music, the entire “Lord of the Rings” trilogy in the Theater, kids fun, and more. Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland), 11:00 am ’til late. Free admission; please bring a canned good for OR Food Bank.

Portland Old-Time Music Gathering: Take a clogging lesson, try out the archaic Sacred Harp singing style, enjoy wonderful concerts, have fun with your kids in the family dance. Scottish Rite Center (1512 SW Morrison, Portland), noon to 5:00 pm.

Year-Round Gardening: Learn tricks and techniques to extend your harvest. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Geocaching 101: Tualatin Public Library (18878 SW Martinazzi, Tualatin), 2:00 pm.

William Stafford Birthday Event: Tim Applegate, Margaret Chula, Liz Nakazawa, Lars Nordstrom and others will read Stafford’s work at Hillsboro Main Library (2850 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro), 2:00 pm.

Chinese New Year Crafts for Kids: For children in grades K-5. Hillsboro Main Library (2850 Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro), 2:30 pm.

Throwback Suburbia will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside St, Portland) at 3:00 pm.

Sunday, January 15

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site: Free admission on January 14, 15, and 16. (All national parks are free.)

Palm Tree Bike Ride: Join Urban Adventure League on a guided bike tour of the multitude of palm trees and other tropical vegetation growing in Portland. Meet at Coffee Division (3551 SE Division St, Portland), 11:00 am.

Portland Art Museum Free Family Day: Make woodblock prints, create mini-ikebana flower arrangements and transform into fantastical Kabuki characters. 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Raise Chickens in Your Backyard: Learn the basics of raising happy, healthy chickens. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.

The Crescendo Show will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside St, Portland) at 5:00 pm.

William Stafford Birthday Event: Readings by Geranna Fleming, James Fleming, Jon Seaman, and others at 6:30 pm, Moonstruck Chocolate Café (45 S. State Street, Lake Oswego).

“The Orphan Master’s Son, A Novel of North Korea”: Author Adam Johnson will talk about his latest book at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

–

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Add comment January 12th, 2012

Free Events in Portland: January 6–8

Hope the new year is treating you well so far. Here’s this week’s list.

Note: Admission to these events is free, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

Now Through January 9

Visit Lan Su Chinese Garden free!

Friday, January 6

Portland Children’s Museum: It’s the first Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Camas First Friday: This month’s theme is “Game, Craft & Cocoa Night.” Enjoy family-friendly games and crafts at participating merchants in downtown Camas. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

“Portlandia” 2012 Season Premiere: Where can you watch it? Dave Knows!

First Friday Art Walk in SE Portland: The galleries open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

VoiceCatcher Art Show and Reading: Celebrate the release of this anthology featuring women authors and artists. Space Monkey (5511 SE 72nd Ave, Portland), 7:00 pm.

Science Fiction Author Greg Bear will read from his latest book at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing.

Babel No More: Michael Erard will present his book, an exploration of the world’s most extraordinary language learners. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 7

Electronics and Appliance Recycling: Free recycling of computers, printers, ink cartridges, TVs, VCRs, washers/dryers, and more. Lake Oswego Jr High School Parking Lot (2500 Country Club Road, Lake Oswego), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Bank of America Museums on Us: Bank of America customers receive free admission to the Pittock Mansion and the Portland Art Museum today.

Fitness Fair: Check out the fitness programs at the East Portland Community Center. Raffle prizes, discounts, and more. East Portland Community Center (740 SE 106 Ave, Portland), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Children’s Puppet Theatre at Multnomah County Library: Several shows by different theatre groups:

• Raven Steals the Sun, 10:00 am, Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland)
• Mr. Moose’s Winter Walk, 11:00 am, Fairview-Columbia Library (1520 NE Village St, Fairview)
• Raven Steals the Sun, 11:15 am, Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland)
• Bob Rabbit in the Deep Woods, 2:30 pm, Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland)
• Mr. Moose’s Winter Walk, 3:00 pm, Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland)

William Stafford Birthday Event: A discussion of Stafford’s poetry at Tigard Library, 2:00 pm.

Sunday, January 8

Bank of America Museums on Us: Bank of America customers receive free admission to the Pittock Mansion and the Portland Art Museum today

Tracing Your House History: Learn how to research the history of your neighborhood and your house in this hands-on workshop. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm.

Slavic New Year Celebration: Celebrate the new year with music, dancing, crafts, and authentic Russian treats. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham), 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

Crown Point and Goldenboy will perform at Al’s Den in the Crystal Hotel & Ballroom. 7:00 pm. Ages 21+.

William Stafford Birthday Event: Readings of Stafford’s poetry in Spanish and Norwegian. Discussion of Stafford’s work as a translator of Spanish. Stonehenge Studios (3508 SW Corbett Ave, Portland), 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band will perform at 7:30 pm at Lakeridge High School Auditorium (1235 Overlook Drive, Lake Oswego).

–

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Add comment January 5th, 2012

8 Free Days at Lan Su Chinese Garden, January 2–9, 2012

Admission to Lan Su Chinese Garden is free from January 2–9, 2012. The garden is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. For more information, visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden website.

Photo credit: Darin Barry

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Add comment January 2nd, 2012

Free Admission to Oregon Zoo on January 2, 2012

The Oregon Zoo is offering free admission on January 2, 2012, to thank the community for a successful 2011. Achievements include record-breaking ZooLights attendance.

From the press release:

“We’re so thankful for the community’s continued support of the zoo and its mission, especially in this challenging economy,” said Kim Smith, zoo director. “Offering a free day is one way to show our appreciation.”

The zoo will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for the day.

I don’t see information about the event on the Oregon Zoo website quite yet. If you have questions, please call the zoo at 503.226.1561, extension 0.

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Add comment December 30th, 2011

Free Events in Portland: December 30–January 1

Happy New Year!

Note: Admission to these events is free, but you might be charged for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

Friday, December 30

Tannenbaum Madness: Take a walk down NE Alberta Street and see whimsical, wacky, and artistic trees displayed in the windows of 30 businesses between NE 13th and 31st Avenues.

Story and Stroll at Tryon Creek State Natural Area (registration required): Join a park naturalist for story time and a brief stroll through the park. This program is for families with young children (preferably ages 2–6 but all are welcome). 1:00 pm. Registration required.

Kung Fu Panda 2: Enjoy snacks while you see what Po is up to this time. West Slope Community Library (3678 SW 78th Ave, Portland), 1:30 pm.

Lights on Peacock Lane: Each year, residents of SE Peacock Lane decorate their homes with lights and much more, a tradition that began in the 1920s.

Saturday, December 31

Tannenbaum Madness: Take a walk down NE Alberta Street and see whimsical, wacky, and artistic trees displayed in the windows of 30 businesses between NE 13th and 31st Avenues.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area: Today’s theme is Audubon Christmas Bird Count. 8:30 am.

Stormtroopers vs. Klingons Blood Drive (registration preferred): The Red Cross invites you to give blood, mingle with members of Star Wars and Star Trek costuming organizations, watch movies, and more. Donors will get event-themed buttons, a black Red Cross t-shirt, and a free large, two-topping pizza coupon from Papa Murphy’s. Portland Donor Center (3131 North Vancouver Ave, Portland), 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Please register in advance.

New Year’s Eve Sock Hop: This event for children aged 6 years and younger includes music, games, refreshments, and a New Year’s Eve countdown at noon. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fairview-Columbia Library (1520 NE Village St, Fairview), 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Soul Surfer: Watch and talk about this movie at Rockwood Library (17917 SE Stark St, Portland) at 3:00 pm.

Lights on Peacock Lane: Each year, residents of SE Peacock Lane decorate their homes with lights and much more, a tradition that began in the 1920s.

New Year’s Eve(ning) Events:

• TriMet: All service is free after 8:00 pm. Buses, Portland Streetcar, and Portland Aerial Tram will run on regular Saturday schedules. MAX will run on regular Saturday schedules with extended late-night service. WES Commuter Rail will not be in service.
• McMenamins Crystal Hotel: Poison Waters & Friends, On the Stairs, and others perform at Al’s Den. 1332 W. Burnside, Portland, 5:00 pm. Ages 21+.
• Edgefield: Sonny Hess Band perform in the Winery at 8:00 pm. The Quick & Easy Boys perform in the Power Station at 9:00 pm. 2126 SW Halsey St, Troutdale. Ages 21+.
• McMenamins Old Church: Redwood Son and Guy Dilly and the Twin Powers perform at 8:00 pm. 30340 SW Boones Ferry Rd, Wilsonville. Ages 21+.
• Kennedy School: Freak Mountain Ramblers perform in the Gym at 9:00 pm. 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland. Ages 21+.
• Cornelius Pass Roadhouse & Imbrie Hall: The Brothers Jam perform at 9:00 pm. 4045 NW Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro. Ages 21+.
• Rock Creek Tavern: Old Elbows perform at 9:00 pm. 10000 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro. 9:00 pm. Ages 21+ after 10:00 pm.
• World Famous Kenton Club: And And And, Blood Beach, and This Charming Man perform at 9:00 pm. 2025 N. Kilpatrick St, Portland. Ages 21+.
• The Matador: DJ Drew Groove starts around 10:00 pm. The Satin Chaps start around 11:00 pm. Midnight toast. 1967 W. Burnside, Portland. Ages 21+.
• Dot’s Cafe 20th Anniversary New Year’s Celebration: Free champagne toast at midnight. Prizes, DJ T-1-11, and more. 2521 SE Clinton St, Portland. Ages 21+.
• Check Dave Knows Portland and PDX Pipeline for more events.

Sunday, January 1

Tannenbaum Madness: Take a walk down NE Alberta Street and see whimsical, wacky, and artistic trees displayed in the windows of 30 businesses between NE 13th and 31st Avenues.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap, PDX Pipeline, and Dave Knows Portland.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

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Add comment December 29th, 2011

Free Events in Portland: December 23–25

Photo credit: Photos by Mavis

I just want to take this opportunity to wish you all lots of love and happiness this holiday season. Thank you so much for reading!

Note: The following events provide free admission, but might charge for activities or food and drink.

Events are sorted by start time. If I missed anything, please leave a comment.

All Weekend (Friday through Sunday)

Tannenbaum Madness: Take a walk down NE Alberta Street and see whimsical, wacky, and artistic trees displayed in the windows of 30 businesses between NE 13th and 31st Avenues.

Lights on Peacock Lane: Each year, residents of SE Peacock Lane decorate their homes with lights and much more, a tradition that began in the 1920s.

Friday, December 23

Holiday Movies: Academy Theater is hosting three free holiday screenings:

• 2:00 pm: A Chipmunk Christmas, Claymation Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• 3:45 pm: Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
• 5:15 pm: A Charlie Brown Christmas and Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas

Portland Art Museum Free Day: Enjoy free admission from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Saturday, December 24

Free Coffee and Tea at Peet’s: To thank customers for supporting the annual charity drive, Peet’s Coffee & Tea stores will serve complimentary brewed coffee and tea all day.

Chris Margolin will perform at Edgefield Winery at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and over.

Ray Tarantino, Chris Boone, and Robert Whitfield will perform at Al’s Den (Crystal Hotel & Ballroom) at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and over.

Sunday, December 25

“Things to Do in Portland on Christmas Day” by Dave Knows Portland: Not a list of free events, but a good list of places that are open on Christmas.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap, PDX Pipeline, and Dave Knows Portland.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

—

Subscribe to Around the Sun

Twitter: @aroundthesun

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthesunblog

Email: click here to receive blog updates via email

RSS: click here to receive blog updates via RSS