If you’re interested in seeing the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (September 15–18 at the Rose Garden), go to PDX Kids Calendar to find out how you can get the following discount:
Discount Prices:
VIP Floor – $42 (Reg. $46)
100 Level – $20* (Reg. $25)
200 Level – $10 (Reg. $15)
*$10 for Sept 15th – Tickets going fast!!!
Go to PDX Kids Calendar for information on how to order.
Add comment August 30th, 2011
Update (8/29/2011): This offer is good through September 1.
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Portland Center Stage is offering a $10 discount on adult-priced tickets to “A Christmas Story.”
Yes, it’s a play based on the 1983 movie! The show runs from November 20 to December 24, 2011.
Use the code word bunny to receive your discount.
There are three ways to order tickets.
Online:
By phone: Call 503.445.3700 from noon to 5:30 pm, seven days a week.
In person: Purchase in person at the Armory box office (128 NW 11th Ave, Portland) from noon to 5:30 pm, seven days a week.
For more information, contact Portland Center Stage.
Add comment August 29th, 2011
Want to give a massage? Want to get a massage? Want to break a world record?
This event offers all of that, plus live music, prizes, and more.
From the press release posted on PDX Pipeline:
Portland Celebration & World Massage Chain Record
Common Ground Wellness Center Celebration
Saturday, August 27 · 10:30am – 5:30pm
5010 NE 33rd Ave PDXPortland Kneads You!
The big weekend is upon us and we really need your help to pull it off! Please show up and help us beat the record! Then stay and have some fun and some fabulous food. The bathhouse will be closed so that we can give tours to new folks.
The Common Ground Wellness Center is celebrating its recent change to a worker/member owned cooperative. We’re excited about it and we want to invite you to our celebration August 27th. Music with DJ Anjali and the Incredible kid and more, awesome food, dancing, and Guinness Record Breaking!! Yes that right!
Show up at 10:30 to check in and help us break the Worlds Record for the Longest Massage Chain at Noon. Music and merriment to follow all day until 5:30pm.
Music Line Up:
10:30 – 11:30 am Maria Damaris
11:30 – 12:10 BREAK the WORLD RECORD!
12:15 – 1:45pm DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid
2:00 – 3:00pm Sunrise Review
3:15 – 4:15pm Stereovision
4:30 – 5:30pm Glitter FruitThere will be food available to purchase: pizza, Venezuelan, and Thai! There will also be Kombucha and Cold Mate drinks available.
We will also be having a free drawing for fabulous prizes!
Add comment August 25th, 2011
Summer is the season of free. Use this guide to help you plan your next two months of free entertainment: movies, concerts, theatrical performances, festivals, and more. But first an announcement.
ANNOUNCEMENT
After much thought, I have decided to discontinue my weekly “free event” posts. I will continue to write about awesome deals and freebies in Portland, but I’ll do so in a less scheduled way for the near future.
On Twitter, I will be just as active as I have been @aroundthesun.
Thank you so much for reading, and may you enjoy every moment of summer!
Fairs and festivals
Fourth of July fireworks displays, compiled by Dave Knows Portland
Sunday Parkways: July 24, August 28
Mississippi Street Fair: July 9
Sherwood Robin Hood Festival: July 15 and 16
West Linn Old Time Fair: July 15–17
Bastille Day Block Party at Pix Patisserie: July 16
Milwaukie Daze: July 22 and 23
Washington County Fair: July 28–31
Oregon Brewers Festival: July 28–31
Ho’ike and Hawaiian Festival: July 28–30
Obonfest: August 6
Portland Twilight Criterium: August 12
Alberta Street Fair: August 13
Portland Adult Soapbox Derby: August 13
India Festival: August 21
Festa Italiana: August 25–27
Hawthorne Street Fair: August 28
Movies
Portland parks: Assorted evenings through September 10.
“Flicks on the Bricks” at Pioneer Courthouse Square: Friday evenings from July 22 to August 19.
Multnomah Arts Center: “The Social Network” on July 1.
Beaverton City Park: August 12 and 19 in the evening.
Vancouver parks: Friday evenings in July.
Mary S. Young Park in West Linn: Saturday evenings in August.
Memorial Park in Wilsonville (check under “Annual City Events”): July 8 & 29; August 5 & 19.
Tualatin Commons: Saturday evenings from July 2 to August 27.
North Clackamas Parks: Friday evenings from July 1 to August 12 (except August 5).
Gresham Center for the Arts Square: Friday evenings in August.
Concerts
Portland Neighborhood Concerts: Assorted days in July and August.
Washington Park Summer Festival: August 4 to 13 at 6:00 pm.
Portland Festival Symphony: July 30, 31; August 6, 7, 14.
Tryon Creek State Park: Sundays, July 31 to August 28, 2:00 pm.
Noon Tunes in Pioneer Courthouse Square: Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5 to August 18, noon.
Music on Main Street Sponsored by Portland Center for the Performing Arts: Wednesdays, June 29 to August 31, 5:00 pm.
Lunchbox Concerts at the Oregon Square Courtyard (in NE Portland): Wednesdays at noon through August 24.
Cathedral Park Jazz Festival: July 15, 16, and 17.
PDX Pop Now: July 22 to 24.
Ecotrust: Thursdays, June 30 to July 28, 5:30 pm.
Doug Fir: Sundays, July 10 to August 28, 3:00 pm. Ages 21+.
Happy Valley Park: Thursdays, July 14 to August 25, 7:00 pm.
Lake Oswego parks: Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, Fridays at noon, and Sundays at 6:00 pm from July 6 to August 26; assorted parks.
Stella Olsen Park in Sherwood: Wednesdays, July 6 to August 17, 6:30 pm.
Tualatin Hills Park District: Assorted days in July and August.
Tualatin Commons: Fridays, July 1 to August 26, 6:30 pm.
Vancouver parks: Assorted days in July and August.
Tanner Creek Park in West Linn: Thursdays, July 21 to August 25, 6:30 pm.
Bridgeport Village: Thursdays, July 7 to August 25, 6:30 pm.
Ardenwald Park in Milwaukie: Thursdays in August, 7:00 pm.
Carnegie Park in Oregon City: Thursdays, July 7 to August 25, 6:30 pm.
The Round Fountain Plaza in Beaverton: June 28, July 26, and August 30, 5:00 pm.
Theatre
“The Tempest” by Portland Actors Ensemble: Lovejoy Fountain Park on most Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through July 16. Also, Meinig Memorial Park on July 3.
“Much Ado About Nothing” by Portland Actors Ensemble: Most Saturdays and Sundays from July 30 to September 5, assorted outdoor locations.
Opera in the Park: ”Carmen,” August 5 and 7.
JAW: A Playwrights Festival: Portland Center Stage’s festival of new plays and works-in-progress. July 11 to 25, Gerding Theater at the Armory.
Star Trek in the Park: A live performance of the classic Star Trek episode, “Mirror, Mirror.” Saturdays and Sundays in July at Woodlawn Park, 5:00 pm.
Need more ideas?
Visit these fine websites:
4 comments June 27th, 2011
Happy Father’s Day weekend!
Note: These events provide free admission, but might charge for activities or food and drink.
All weekend
Pedalpalooza: This bike festival runs from June 9 to 26. Nearly all of the 239 events are free.
Friday, June 17
Art Reception: The 100th Monkey Studio celebrates its summer group exhibition, featuring national artists. Complimentary vodka tasting by DECO distillery. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Ann Patchett will talk about her latest book, “State of Wonder,” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.
Saturday, June 18
Oregon Maritime Museum Family Day: Families with children under 17 enjoy free admission. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Ten Toe Express Walk: Take a guided walk through the Rose City neighborhood and around the Rose City Golf Course. Meet at the NE corner of NE 45th and Hancock at 9:00 am.
Mr. Lizard’s Mobile Reptile Zoo: Families are invited to an interactive and educational program about amazing, though often misunderstood, animals. Hollywood Library, 4:00 pm.
Sunday, June 19
Portland Pride Parade: The annual LGBTQ parade starts at 11:30 am at 13th and Burnside. The route runs east through Chinatown and then south along Waterfront Park to the Portland Pride Festival at SW Pine.
“Twelfe Night”: The Original Practice Shakespeare Festival performs this play using the performance techniques of Shakespeare’s time: limited rehearsal; an onstage prompter; fast-paced, energetic acting; and lots of audience interaction. Mt Tabor Park, 2:00 pm.
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.
Add comment June 16th, 2011
Big, exciting outdoor events! Cheers!
Note: These events provide free admission, but might charge for activities or food and drink.
All weekend
Rose Festival: Fleet Week (Friday through Sunday), Grand Floral Parade (Saturday), Dragon Boat Races (Saturday and Sunday), and more.
Pedalpalooza: This bike festival runs from June 9 to 26. Nearly all of the 239 events are free.
Saturday, June 11
Portland Fruit Beer Festival: This first annual homage to fruity beers takes place at Burnside Brewing. Admission is free. Pours and pints available for purchase. Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Women on Bikes Clinic: Bring your bike and tools to this hands-on clinic. Learn about basic bike maintenance, flat tire repair, and cleaning techniques. Peninsula Park Community Center, 10:00 am.
Family Walks and Bike Rides in Gresham: Guided, family-friendly walks and bike rides on selected Saturdays throughout summer.
Sunday, June 12
Cirque du Cycling: Bike parade, criterium, kids activities, family bike ride, entertainment, and more. Mississippi Avenue between Shaver and Fremont, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Milk Carton Boat Race: Watch the fierce competition on the Westmoreland Park casting pond, 11:00 am.
Raleigh Hills Community Fair: Entertainment, kids activities, and more. Executive Building at 6500 Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Portland Fruit Beer Festival: This first annual homage to fruity beers takes place at Burnside Brewing. Admission is free. Pours and pints available for purchase. Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.
More free events
For more free and low-cost events, check PDX Pipeline and Dave Knows Portland.
For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.
For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.
Add comment June 9th, 2011
Well, not quite yet. But soon. I’ll be back next week. In the meantime, please visit our good friends:
For 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.
Photo by lrargerich
Add comment June 2nd, 2011
The moment I say the weather is improving, rain-mageddon. This week, I’ll leave the weather reports to the professionals and focus only on the free events. And on wishing you a happy Memorial Day weekend. Cheers!
Note: These events offer free admission, but might charge for activities or items, such as food and drink.
All weekend
Village Building Convergence 2011: From May 27 to June 5, people all over Portland will take part in planned public art, building, and gardening projects. Be one of them! Watch the “invitation” video on the website to see what beautiful places people have created at past events.
Rose Festival Carnival (military only): Free admission for veterans, reservists, and active military personnel and their legal dependents with valid military ID. Waterfront Park, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Friday, May 27
Rose Festival Carnival (everyone): Free admission for everyone on Friday only. Festivities include Curtis Salgado in concert followed by fireworks. Waterfront Park, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Campus Rail Jam Tour: Head to Pioneer Courthouse Square between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to watch the finals of this snowboard and ski competition. Yes, snow in the Square!
Portland Art Museum: It’s the fourth Friday of the month, which means admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Saturday, May 28
Multnomah County Fair: Live music, rides, petting zoo, and more. May 28–30, Oaks Amusement Park, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Sunday, May 29
Portland Youth Philharmonic: A free concert featuring music by Giuseppe Verdi, John Caughman, and Howard Hanson. Lewis & Clark College Evans Auditorium, 4:00 pm.
Multnomah County Fair: Live music, rides, petting zoo, and more. May 28–30, Oaks Amusement Park, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Monday, May 30
Multnomah County Fair: Live music, rides, petting zoo, and more. May 28–30, Oaks Amusement Park, 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
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.
3 comments May 26th, 2011
The weather is getting better and so are the free events. Summer, here we come!
Friday, May 20
Yogurt Shack Store Opening: Yogurt Shack will offer all customers free frozen yogurt from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at its new location in Tualatin (19245 SW Martinazzi Ave in Martinazzi Square).
East County Community Orchestra will perform at David Douglas High School Horner Performing Arts Center, 7:30 pm.
Saturday, May 21
Mount Tabor Art Walk: On Saturday and Sunday, visit 40 artists in their homes and studios. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Family Saturday at the Oregon Maritime Museum: Families with children younger than 17 get in free. Tour the museum and take a knot kit home with you. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Sustainability Day at Tryon Creek Park: The event offers ideas for eating seasonally and locally, creative ways to reuse and recycle more efficiently, and items you can make and take home to help reduce your carbon footprint. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Gateway Fun-o-Rama Fair: Classic car show, games, art show, $5 bike helmets, and more. NE Halsey at 111th Avenue, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
McMenamins Bagdad 20th Anniversary: Free cake all day and a free showing of “Back to the Future” at 2:00 pm. All ages welcome until 7:00 pm.
3-Creeks Natural Area Guided Walk: Tour this 89-acre site including the threatened old growth white oaks and the wetlands and streams that they protect. Meet at the picnic tables at the North Clackamas Aquatic Center at 10:00 am.
What’s It Like to Be Homeless: Terris Harned has been houseless off and on for 9 years. He’ll tell his story at Central Library at 1:00 pm.
Taming Your Food Budget: Kati Neville shares practical savings strategies to help you evaluate your spending and find a place to start cutting. Food demonstration, recipes, and resources included. Sherwood Public Library, 10:30 am.
Taming Tantrums: Understanding and Prevention: Parent educator and psychotherapist Deborah Kass-Ray shares practical strategies for preventing and helping children through tantrums. Troutdale Library, 10:30 am.
Build a Terrarium: Children in grades K–5 are invited to make a miniature garden inside a glass container. Learn how to take care of your plants and watch them grow. Gregory Heights Library, 2:00 pm.
Sunday, May 22
Sunday Parkways: It’s back! The first Sunday Parkways of the year connects Lents, Bloomington, Ed Benedict, and Gilbert Heights parks with a 7-mile traffic-free route. Live music, activities, and more at the parks and in between. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Mount Tabor Art Walk: On Saturday and Sunday, visit 40 artists in their homes and studios. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Kenton Street Fair: Coaster car race, kids activities, street yoga, and more. 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on N. Denver Avenue between N. Schofield and N. Willis.
Southwest Washington Wind Symphony will perform at Union High School Auditorium in Camas at 3:00 pm.
Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band will perform at Lakeridge High School Auditorium, 7:30 pm.
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.
May 19th, 2011
All weekend
Tualatin River Bird Festival: Workshops, guided walks, art, live music, hands-on activities, and more. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, May 14
St. Johns Bizarre and Parade: The bizarre features local music, street performers, a vendor’s market, delicious food, kids crafts, and a beer garden. Downtown St. Johns, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Parade starts at noon.
International Migratory Bird Day: Guided hikes for adults and children from 10:00 am to noon. From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, learn about owl pellets, bird feeders, and more. Tryon Creek Park.
Ten Toe Express Walk: This fun series of walking tours is back. This week, tour the Irvington neighborhood, stopping to learn about classic architectural styles and some of our oldest trees. Meet at 9:00 am at the NE corner of NE 15th & Broadway.
Women on Bikes Clinic: Bring your bike and tools to this hands-on clinic. The class covers basic bike maintenance, flat tire repair, and cleaning techniques. Peninsula Park Community Center, 10:00 am.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation Head-Shaving Event: See Mayor Sam Adams and about 300 others get their head shaved to raise money for childhood cancer research. Oaks Park, 1:00 pm.
Washington County Museum Family Day: Kites, fish, and stories about Washington County. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Nikki McClure will talk about her latest children’s book “To Market, To Market” at A Children’s Place Bookstore, 1:00 pm.
Sunday, May 15
3-Creeks Natural Area Guided Walk: Tour this 89-acre site including the threatened old growth white oaks and the wetlands and streams that they protect. Meet at the picnic tables at the North Clackamas Aquatic Center at 10:00 am.
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.
1 comment May 12th, 2011
