Posts filed under 'Workshops'

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Dec 12–14

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

All weekend

  • Christmas Ship Parade will be cruising the Willamette and Columbia Rivers each evening. For more information, visit the event website.

Friday, December 12

  • Annual Winter Solstice in Milwaukie: Come warm by the bonfire and watch the Christmas Ship Parade cruise the Willamette River at the Jefferson Street Boat Ramp at Milwaukie’s Riverfront Park. The ships are scheduled to come by around 7:00 pm, and the Dickens Carolers will perform from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. All ages are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Lower Fremont Winterfest Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale: 40+ local artists and crafters, discounts, live music, and more. Sales will help support local neighborhood families in need. NE Fremont at 13th & 14th Avenues, 4:00 pm–9:00 pm. Find more information here.

  • Multnomah Arts Center Fall Theatre Showcase presents an adaptation of “The Stinky Cheese Man” by Jon Scieszka at 7:00 pm on Friday and 2:00 pm on Saturday. Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Pink Slip Holiday Office Party: Holocene is hosting a party featuring DJ Hoop Dreams, Dr. Rev. Adam, and Freaky Outy behind the decks. 1001 SE Morrison, 9:00 pm. Ages 21+. 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.

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

  • ‘Couv Fest Concert: Aleen, Silversafe, Throwback Suburbia and The Reds will perform. All ages. Westfield Vancouver Mall (8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr), 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Lauren Sheehan (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • The Naysayers (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

Saturday, December 13

  • Tuba Christmas: Nearly 200 tuba players will converge on Pioneer Courthouse Square and treat the public to a festive holiday concert. Audience members are encouraged to sing along to familiar carols. 1:30 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Mortgage and Foreclosure Summit: The event offers workshops on how to avoid foreclosure and lending scams, as well as an opportunity for attendees to share their stories, network with legislators, and access civic and state agencies. 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at PCC Southeast Center at 82nd and Division. More information can be found here.

  • Lower Fremont Winterfest Artwalk and Sidewalk Sale: 40+ local artists and crafters, discounts, live music, and more. Sales will help support local neighborhood families in need. NE Fremont at 13th & 14th Avenues, 11:00 am–4:00 pm. Find more information here.

  • Kanawaksooma Celebration (Quiet Thunder): This event offers authentic music, dance, crafts, food, and entertainment for the whole family. Activities for children include dancing, face painting, and craft tables. Mt. Hood Community College (26000 SE Stark St, Gresham), noon to 10:00 pm. A free salmon and buffalo feed including a native blessing will begin at 5:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • West Linn Holiday Parade: The parade starts at 10:00 am and runs along Willamette Falls Drive in the historic Willamette area. After the parade, stop by the Firte Station to donate a new unwrapped toy for TVF&R Toy & Joy Program, visit with Santa, stay for a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit all the local shops for discounts. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Multnomah Arts Center Fall Theatre Showcase presents an adaptation of “The Stinky Cheese Man” by Jon Scieszka at 7:00 pm on Friday and 2:00 pm on Saturday. Admission is free with donations gratefully accepted. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Children’s Play “Raven Steals the Sun”: Created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre, based on a Native American tale. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Most suitable for grades K–5. Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Highway), 11:00 am–11:30 am. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Penny’s Puppet Productions will treat families to a spinoff of “The Mitten,” a traditional Ukrainian tale. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Belmont Library (1038 SE 39th Ave), 3:00 pm–3:45 pm. Most appropriate for preschool-age children. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Second Saturday at the Water Center in Vancouver: Families are invited to participate in craft activities: decorate a frame, make snowflakes from coffee filters, and transform last year’s calendar into beads and gift boxes. 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

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

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

  • Reina Collins (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • The Chapman Swifts (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • “Private Space” Live Video Performance and Interactive Installation: Attendees will create and experience visual jazz. Other exhibits include a multi-touch table, a body painting session and a light display titled Exhibit 2. Someday Lounge (125 NW 5th Ave), 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

Sunday, December 14

  • Peacock Lane Car-Free Night: The street will be closed to allow foot and bike traffic only from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Information can be found at OregonLive and the Peacock Lane website. (see comments for this post)

  • Posada Milagro: Miracle Theatre Group invites the whole family to enjoy the Posada Milagro, a holiday celebration filled with Latin American theatre, music, dance, arts and crafts workshops, traditional foods, and more. All activities will be conducted in Spanish. El Centro Milagro (525 SE Stark St), 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Gresham Community Choir Holiday Concert: The concert features a variety of holiday music. Last year over 600 lbs of food for the hungry was collected. This year, the choir’s goal is 1000 lbs. Reynolds District Arts and Communication Center (1698 SW Cherry Park Road, Troutdale), 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

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

  • Murder by the Book Open House: Appearances by local authors Carola Dunn, Larry Karp, and Kate Kingsbury, with special guest appearances by Chelsea Cain, Bill Cameron, Phil Margolin, and Sharan Newman. Snacks too. 3210 SE Hawthorne Blvd, noon to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

4 comments December 12th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Nov 7–9

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

Friday, November 7

  • Free First Friday Night at Portland Children’s Museum: Admission to the museum is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Bring a gift of canned food for the Oregon Food Bank and create a garland of gratitude and a pinecone turkey to take home. For more information, visit the event website. 

  • First Friday Art Shows and Openings:

    • First Friday East Portland Gallery Art Walk: Several galleries on the East side open their doors to the public from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on the first Friday of each month. Go to this website for the list of galleries. In addition to those, Bowl of Thistles and Tilde will also host artist receptions.

    • Multnomah Arts Center Faculty Art Show & Concert: From 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, chat with members of MAC’s art faculty and view paintings, prints, drawings, metal arts, clay arts, textile arts and more. The music faculty will perform at 7:15 pm. All are welcome. 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. For more information, visit the event website.

    • Photography Show and Voice Catcher Reading: The 100th Monkey Studio (110 SE 16th Ave) will host a reception for their new exhibit featuring photos by young people. Also, the Voice Catcher community will read from their new anthology. All ages welcome. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; reading begins at 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

    • Pattern Art Show: Olio United (1028 SE Water) is celebrating the opening of “Repeat,” featuring pattern work by 10 artists. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website. 

    • Press Club will host a reception for artist Charlie Kraft at 7:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St, 503.233.5656.

    • Also, go to PORT for more events.

  • First Friday in Multnomah Village: During this monthly event, shops and galleries stay open late and offer special events, sales and complimentary refreshments. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah Village website.

  • First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Camas: This month’s theme is “Favorite Recipes from Downtown Camas.” In addition to displays for the holidays, downtown merchants will serve their favorite holiday recipes for customers to enjoy and also hand out the written recipes. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Downtown Camas website.

  • New Faces (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 7:00 pm. All ages. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

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

  • The Old Yellers (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21+. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • Western Aerial (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Ellen Heltzel & Margo Hammond will talk about “Between the Covers,” their anthology of fiction and nonfiction, at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside (1005 W. Burnside), 7:30 pm. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

Saturday, November 8

  • Keep Portland Weird Festival: The Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave) will host a variety of activities and information booths from “weird” organizations in Portland. For more information, visit the festival website. For details on the clothing swaps, click here. 11:00 am–4:00 pm.

  • Siren Nation Workshops: In Other Words Women’s Books and Resources (8 NE Killingsworth St) will host three family-friendly workshops: “Zines 101” at 1:15 pm; “What Is Freeschooling?” at 3:00 pm; and “Urban Cycling: How to Ride the Road & Feel Good Doing It” at 4:15 pm. These workshops are part of the Siren Nation Festival, which includes free and not-free events. For more information on the workshops, visit the IOW website.

  • Free Events at NW Film & Video Festival: The festival includes two free events:

    • Show and Tell Un-conference: A Barcamp for Filmmakers: This is an opportunity for filmmakers of all levels to share their knowledge, learn from others, inspire and be inspired. Beverages and snacks will be provided. School of Film (934 SW Salmon), 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

    • What’s Wrong With This Picture: Seattle film guru Warren Etheredge will host this talk about films that were not selected for this year’s festival. Open to filmmakers of all experience levels, as well as to film lovers. Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave), 4:00 pm.

    • For more information, visit the event website.

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

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

  • Ida Viper (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Author Laura Foster will talk about her book “Portland City Walks: Twenty Explorations in and Around Town” at Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • “Get Me Through the Holidays: 10 Strategies for Coping with Loss and Loneliness on Days That Hold Special Meaning”: Staff from the Community Care Program of Providence Hospital will lead this presentation. Kenilworth Presbyterian Church (corner of SE 34th and Gladstone), 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Coffee and refreshments at 9:45 am. For more information, visit Neighborhood Notes.

Sunday, November 9

  • Siren Nation Workshops: Kennedy School (5736 NE 33rd Ave) will host a day of free workshops—part of the 2008 Siren Nation Festival—on a wide range of topics of concern and interest to women: writing, music, canning food, sex, health, self-defense, entrepreneurship and more. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. All ages welcome. For more information, visit the event website.

  • ”Gourdy Pumpernickel’s Harvest Surprise” Puppet Show: Mudeye Puppet Company presents this all-new, all-original, all-ages puppet show about a determined but slightly silly farmer who never gives up. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website

  • Kolvane/Joe McMurrian Quartet will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

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

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

Add comment November 7th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: September 12–14

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

All weekend (September 12–14)

  • PICA’s Time-Based Art Festival: Willamette Week has a list of free TBA events at the end of this article. For more information, visit the TBA website.

Friday, September 12

  • Artery Grand Opening and Art Show: Artery, Portland’s first finish-it-yourself frame shop and gallery, will celebrate its opening with an art show featuring artists from the traveling exhibit Beautiful Losers. The night will also include food, drinks, music, and the opportunity to do framing-related craft projects. 4114 N. Vancouver Ave, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. www.arterypdx.com

  • 17th Annual Pearl Party: At this neighborhood event, the New Iberians will perform and restaurants will provide free samplings of food. NW 13th Ave, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • Stein Barn Grand Opening in Wilsonville: This event includes nature walks, bluegrass band, horse and carriage rides, and activities that will give kids a taste of what it was like to live in the pioneer days. The public is encouraged to bring a picnic dinner to the event. 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Memorial Park. More information can be found in the Oregonian.

  • “From Side Project to Startup”: On September 12 and 13, “From Side Project to Startup” will focus on the resources, planning, and above all initiative needed to make idle thoughts, plots, plans, and what-ifs come to fruition. The conference will be at CubeSpace, 622 SE Grand Ave. Visit the event website for more information.

  • Linda Hornbuckle and Janice Scroggins (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 6:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information. 

  • 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.

  • Liberty Plaza Concert Series: Norman Sylvester and Curtis Salgado will perform at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, respectively. Liberty Plaza is located in downtown Oregon City next to the Clackamas County Courthouse (807 Main St). Visit the event website for more information.

  • John Bunzow (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

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

  • Author Stuart Archer Cohen will talk about his book “The Army of the Republic” at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books, Cedar Hills Crossing. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

  • Author James E. McWilliams will talk about his book “American Pests: The Losing War on Insects from Colonial Times to DDT” at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. For more information, visit the Powell’s website. 

Saturday, September 13

  • Alberta Street Fair: The fair offers live music, kids’ activities, a parade and more. NE Alberta Street from 12th to 30th, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Parade starts at 2:30 pm. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • Slabtown Community Festival: This event includes live music and theater, kids’ activities, Slabtown history exhibits and more. Con-way lot at NW 23rd & Savier, noon to 6:00 pm. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • SCRAP’s Iron Artist: Teams will compete in an on-site sculpture competition that is “one part Iron Chef and two parts Junkyard Wars.” While that’s happening, there’ll be live music, kids’ entertainment and more for the crowd to enjoy. SE 2nd at Main and Salmon, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • Fun on Foster & Foster Art Walk: This event includes live music, craft and artisan vendors, farmer’s market, kids’ activities, free trolley rides and more. SE Foster and SE 50th to SE 93rd, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. More information can be found at The Support Group website, Fun on Foster MySpace page or Foster Art Walk MySpace page. 

  • 9th Annual Mid Autumn Fest: This celebration of Chinese culture and the Mid Autumn Moon will treat guests to live performances of Chinese folk dance, martial arts, classical Chinese music, and more. The event also includes the Asian & Pacific Islander Home Buying Fair. Eastport Plaza parking lot (4000 SE 82nd), 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the KATU website. 

  • Aquifer Adventure: This pirate-themed event includes canoe rides, treasure hunting, music and games, all meant to teach kids and adults how to protect and conserve our groundwater. Portland Water Bureau Canoe Launch (16650 NE Airport Way), 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • Hollywood Burger Battle and Bun Fest: Kids are invited to participate in the largest Simon Says contest in town. The event also includes an old-fashioned cake walk, followed by wiener dog and all-breed dog costume contests. Wells Fargo Bank parking lot (4233 NE Sandy Boulevard), 1:30 pm. Visit Neighborhood Notes for more information. 

  • GreenWalks: Explore Peninsula Park with a guide from Portland Parks & Recreation. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Appropriate for adults and families. Meet at the bandstand facing the Rose Garden at N. Albina & Ainsworth. Visit the PP&R website for details. 

  • Heifer International Workshop: Come learn how Heifer International is providing a sustainable solution to hunger and poverty and teaching communities how to restore and enhance local ecosystems. Learn how you can be a part of the solution. REI Portland (1405 NW Johnson St), 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • Lock Fest 2008 in West Linn: The annual Lock Fest celebrates the 131-year-old river “elevator” with educational exhibits, tours and children’s activities. 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Willamette Falls Locks Park at the end of Mill Street in West Linn. There will be a free shuttle to the West Linn Arts Festival (see below). More information can be found in the West Linn Tidings. 

  • West Linn Arts Festival: The event will showcase the artwork of about 100 artists from the Pacific Northwest, live music, kids’ activities and more. September 13–14 at Willamette Park in West Linn. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • Beaverton Celebration Parade and Old Town Festival 2008: The parade starts at 10:00 am and will include the Roloff family from TV’s “Little People, Big World.” Free family entertainment and fun will follow the parade from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the 2008 Old Town Festival. For parade route and more information, visit the event website. 

  • One-Stop Kids’ Health Fair in Gresham: Children aged 2–12 and their families are invited to this event, which includes car seat recycling and safety checks, $5 bike helmets, Teddy Bear Clinic, low-cost immunizations, animals from the Oregon Zoo, and more. Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center (24800 SE Stark Street), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Visit the Gresham website for more information.

  • Kite Festival at Blue Lake Park: All fliers welcome. This event includes instruction on how to fly a kite, interactive kite play, mass ascension, Rok battles and fighter kites. Children’s events include teddy bear and candy drops. Cost: Free with park admission: $4 per car, $7 per bus. 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visit the Gresham website for more information. 

  • Tigard Family Fest: The celebration includes a 5K Run/Walk, treasure hunt, concert, fireworks, night skate and more. Visit the Tigard website for more information. 

  • “From Side Project to Startup”: On September 12 and 13, “From Side Project to Startup” will focus on the resources, planning, and above all initiative needed to make idle thoughts, plots, plans, and what-ifs come to fruition. The conference will be at CubeSpace, 622 SE Grand Ave. Visit the event website for more information.

  • Brian Head Welch (website) will perform at Music Millennium (3158 E. Burnside) at 4:30 pm. Visit the Music Millennium for more information. 

  • Lincoln Crockett (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

  • X-Angels (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.

  • Children’s author Brian Lies will make two appearances to talk about his new book “Bats at the Library.” He will be at A Children’s Place Bookstore (4807 NE Fremont St) at 11:00 am, and then at Powell’s Books (Cedar Hills Crossing) at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Children’s Place website and the Powell’s website. 

Sunday, September 14

  • West Linn Arts Festival: The event will showcase the artwork of about 100 artists from the Pacific Northwest, live music, kids’ activities and more. September 13–14 at Willamette Park in West Linn. Visit the event website for more information. 

  • Lents Folk Festival—Woody Guthrie Tribute: Carl Allen will perform at 1:00 pm at the Lents Farmers Market (92nd & Foster). The Wanderers and The Renegade Minstrels will follow at Lents Park (SE 92nd Ave and Holgate) at 3:00 pm.

  • More History and Mystery of the Blues: Mississippi: Musician-author Steve Cheseborough will talk about and perform the music of Mississippi. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

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

  • Tigard Guitar Festival at Tigard Library: This month-long festival includes a variety of events such as concerts, films and workshops. Today, Nuestro Canto will play an outdoor concert of traditional Mexican and Latin American music from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the event website.

  • Darrin Craig and Jon Neufeld of Jackstraw (website) will perform at Edgefield at 5:00 pm. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

  • Jewelry designer Susan Beal will give a free solo earring-making workshop at the Crafty Wonderland DIY table. Doug Fir Lounge (830 E. Burnside St), 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Visit West Coast Crafty for more information.

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, please contact me.

1 comment September 12th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: April 25–27

Lots of art and lampreys this weekend. 

Admission is free for all events below. Have a good one!

Friday, April 25

Saturday, April 26

  • Northwest National Park Family Day: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is hosting an event showcasing the region’s national parks. Guests will get the chance to speak with park rangers; interact with animals; learn about camping and other topics through displays and presentations; and sample camp cuisine. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Fort Vancouver website.

  • Oregon Guild Fair—Glass, Potters, Metal Arts, Beads, and Weaving: All weekend, artists from several craft guilds will be showing and selling their work at the Oregon Convention Center. Participants include the Oregon Glass Guild, Oregon Potters Association, Creative Metal Arts Guild, Portland Handweavers Guild, Portland Bead Society, Northwest Fine Woodworkers and Guild of Oregon Woodworkers. Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

  • GreenWalks in Lair Hill and Duniway Parks: Park Horticultrist Lance Wright will guide you around these two parks and talk about the plant life including a hundred year old purple beech. 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Meet in front of the old Carnegie Library at 2909 SW Second Avenue. For more information, visit the Portland Parks website.

  • Mike Doughty (website) will perform at Music Millennium at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website. 

  • Eric John Kaiser (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and over. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • The Old Yellers (website) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Debra Arlyn (website) will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.

  • Mt. Hood String Quartet will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.

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

  • Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros: A celebration of bilingual literacy with food, music and special activities. North Portland Library from 11:00 am–1:00 pm, or Rockwood Library from 2:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website. 

  • Author William Sullivan will talk about his book Oregon’s Greatest Natural Disasters at the Hillsdale Library from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.  

  • Book Release Party: Judy Norsigian, contributing editor of Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth, will talk about the book and the challenges women face in pregnancy and childbirth. In Other Words Women’s Books and Resource, 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the In Other Words website.

Sunday, April 27

  • Earth Day Celebration at Tryon Creek State Park: This family-friendly event provides the opportunity to learn about lampreys through arts and crafts, games, stories and more. Guests are invited to come dressed as their favorite animal and participate in a parade. Winners of the 2008 Daryle Seil Tall Tale Contest will tell their stories. Refreshments served. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; parade begins at 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the Tryon Creek Park website.

  • Oregon Guild Fair—Glass, Potters, Metal Arts, Beads, and Weaving: All weekend, artists from several craft guilds will be showing and selling their work at the Oregon Convention Center. Participants include the Oregon Glass Guild, Oregon Potters Association, Creative Metal Arts Guild, Portland Handweavers Guild, Portland Bead Society, Northwest Fine Woodworkers and Guild of Oregon Woodworkers. Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

  • Family Discovery Sunday at the Museum of Contemporary Craft: This month’s theme is Feathered Extravagance. Families will get the opportunity to create art that combines everyday objects with feathers. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit the Museum of Contemporary Craft website.

  • Power of County, Lael Alderman (website) and Amelia (website) will perform at Towne Lounge at 9:30 pm (doors open at 9:00 pm). Visit the Towne Lounge website for more information.

  • Connie Bieberach and Armonia Latina will perform at the Central Library from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

  • Poet Floyd Skloot will talk about his book Selected Poems at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for more information.

  • Author William Sullivan will talk about his book Oregon’s Greatest Natural Disasters at the Central Library from 12:30 pm–1:30 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.  

  • National Poetry Month Celebration: Authors Kate Moses, Leanne Grabel, Paulann Petersen, Anita Helle and Kathleen Worley will read works by and about Sylvia Plath. Looking Glass Bookstore, 4:00 pm. Visit the Looking Glass Bookstore website for more information.

  • The film Purple Noon will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.  

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me.

Add comment April 25th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: April 18–20

In addition to the great swaps, there’s tons to do to celebrate Earth Day weekend.

Admission is free for all events below. Have a good one!

Friday, April 18

Saturday, April 19

  • Earth Day 2008 Celebration—Dance of the Dinosaur: Organized by the City Repair Project, this event features more than 150 businesses and organizations offering information on sustainability, entertainment on three solar-powered stages, a kids village, parades, food and more. Overlook Park, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (rain or shine). For more information, visit the City Repair website.

  • 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade kicks off Rose Festival season with marching bands, floats, and the young women of the 2008 Portland Rose Festival Court. 9:00 am, 82nd Avenue from SE Foster to SE Division. For more information, call 503.484.6225 or visit the Rose Festival website.

  • Record Store Day at Music Millennium: Free live music, giveaways, and prizes. The celebration begins at 10:00 am. Chris Margolin is performing at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, and Dylan May is performing at 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Visit the Music Millennium website for more information.

  • SOLV IT Earth Day Volunteer Projects: Celebrate Earth Day by helping to clean up a green space in your community. There are approximately 100 clean-up projects to choose from, spanning all five Portland-area counties. Tasks include litter pickup, ivy pulls, riverbank restoration, tree planting and more. 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the SOLV website.

  • Gresham Earth Day Celebration includes live music, food, kids activities, workshops, prize giveaways, and loads of information on outdoor recreational activities, green living, environmental volunteer opportunities and more. Gresham City Hall, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For details, visit the City of Gresham website.

  • Earth Day Celebration in Vancouver: This event includes a free pancake breakfast, slide presentation on global warming, earth-friendly crafts, interactive booths, games, face painting, and demonstrations on gardening and green living. Marshall Community Center, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the City of Vancouver website.

  • Earth Day Environmental Fair at Salmon Creek Park: More than 10 local organizations will provide environmental information and children’s activities. 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the City of Vancouver website.

  • 11th Annual Nez Perce Chief Redheart Ceremony: Members of the Nez Perce Indian Nation will present a traditional ceremony in memory of the Nez Perce War of 1877. Ceremony includes singing, speeches, Riderless Horse ceremony, and peace pipe ceremony. 10:00 am, Fort Vancouver National Historic Reserve, 5th Street, just north of Fort Vancouver. Other events will follow at various locations. For more information, visit the City of Vancouver website.

  • Thai New Year (Songkran) Celebration: This family-oriented celebration includes a performance by the Thai Association of Oregon Dancers and a family water blessing beginning at 2:00 pm. The Monkey & the Rat (131 NW Second Avenue), 1:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit The Monkey & the Rat website.

  • Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros: A celebration of bilingual literacy with food, music and special activities. Gregory Heights Library, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website. 

  • Tim Uecker (website) will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.

  • Debra Arlyn (website) will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Jimmy Bivens (website) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

  • The Bittersweet Trio (website) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.

  • Author Sharon Wood Wortman will talk about her book Walking Bridges Using Poetry as a Compass: Poems About Bridges Real and Imagined by 70 Poets, with Directions for Five Self-Guided Explorations. The reading will be followed by an optional walk to Balch Gulch Bridge (weather permitting). Northwest Library, 2:00 pm–3:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

  • Poetry Reading: Paulann Petersen, Mark Thalman and Barbara Drake will be reading selections from the poetry anthology Deer Drink the Moon: Poems of Oregon. Central Library, 3:30 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Author and photographer Rosanne Olson will present her book This is Who I Am: Our Beauty in All Shapes and Sizes at In Other Words Bookstore at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the In Other Words website. 

  • Russian Film Series at Midland Library will be showing Dersu Uzala/Derusu Uzara directed by Akira Kurosawa. 2:00 pm. The film is in Russian with English subtitles. A brief discussion will follow. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website. 

  • Dance Uncovered—Contact Improvisation Demonstration: Internationally renowned teacher and practitioner Carolyn Stuart will give an overview of Contact Improvisation, followed by a live demonstration. Conduit Dance Studio, 1:00 pm. Visit the Conduit website for more information.

Sunday, April 20

  • Bagdad Theater will show The End of Suburbia: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of the American Dream, followed by a Portland Peak Oil Panel Q&A. Doors at 4:15 pm; event at 5:00 pm. All ages welcome. Visit the Bagdad Theater website for more information. 

  • Pirate Treasure Hunt: Dress up in pirate attire and pick up a treasure map at The Dollar Scholar on Hawthorne. From there, visit several businesses, answer questions and collect pirate coins. Head back to The Dollar Scholar to exchange your coins for a prize. The hunt takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. All ages are welcome. 11:00 am–3:00 pm. For details, visit the Hawthorne neighborhood website.

  • The Church of Craft is having its monthly craft class/get-together at the Central Library from 12:30 pm–3:30 pm. This month’s class is Coil Basketry. Seating is limited to 70 people, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the list of supplies you’ll need to bring and more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Bonnie Garrett will perform harpsichord music of 17th and 18th century Europe at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website. 

  • It’s Sunday Movie Night at Hotel deLuxe. Contact the hotel to find out what is showing and to RSVP, 503.219.2093. For more information, visit the Hotel deLuxe website.  

  • The Hitchcock film Rope will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.  

  • Authors Nina Revoyr (The Age of Dreaming), Abraham Rodriguez (South by South Bronx) and Elizabeth Crane (You Must Be This Happy to Enter) will speak at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. For more information, visit the Powell’s website. 

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me.

2 comments April 18th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: April 11–13

To celebrate the balmy weather we’ll be having (fingers crossed), this weekend’s round-up has a few outdoor events, a solar energy workshop, and a chef from Maui.

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

Friday, April 11

  • Courtney Jones (alternative/pop/acoustic) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For details, visit the Edgefield website. 

  • Cowboy Heroes will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Pearl District (jazz) will perform at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.

  • Will Coca will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Miss Michael Jodell (country/jazz/pop) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.     

  • Author Gary Moore will talk about his book Playing With the Enemy at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

  • Author Peter F. Hamilton will talk about his book The Dreaming Void at 7:00 pm at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing. For more information, visit the Powell’s website.

Saturday, April 12

  • Green Week Kick-off Event: The Tualatin Youth Advisory Council is sponsoring a week-long event starting with this opening celebration at The Pointe at Bridgeport (across from Bridgeport Village) from noon to 3:00 pm. Community organizations and businesses will share information on how to reduce our impact on the environment. There will also be food, music, games and recycled crafts. Area businesses will be handing out coupons and freebies. The Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition will be giving free bike inspections. For more information, visit the City of Tualatin website.

  • Critter Count: The Water Resource Education Center in Vancouver will teach you how to identify reptiles and amphibians, and then send you out with an experienced biologist to help find and document these creatures. The information will be fed into a statewide internet database, NatureMapping, maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the University of Washington. Bring boots, warm clothes, your lunch and binoculars (if you have them). Snacks, drinks, field guides and equipment will be provided. 9:00 am. Visit the Water Resource Center website for more information on the expedition.

  • Tualatin Hills Nature Park is hosting an Earth Day celebration. The theme is Wildflowers: Backyard and Beyond. Go for a walk in the wildflowers and learn about native plants and gardening through activities and displays. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, click here.

  • Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros: A Celebration of Bilingual Literacy: Midland Library is hosting this event featuring a visit by author Pat Mora, as well as food, music and special activities. 1:00 pm–5:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website. 

  • Columbia Children’s Arboretum is celebrating the addition of new bridges and 1,780 new trees. There’ll be tours, children’s activities, giveaways, and speeches by local leaders. 10:00 am to noon. Details here.

  • Healthy Kids Day and Open House at the Clark County Family YMCA: Admission will be free all day, with special activities from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm including an underwater Easter egg hunt, obstacle courses, crafts, family games, vendors and demonstrations. For more information, visit the YMCA website.  

  • It’s Second Saturday at the Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver. This month’s theme is Reptiles as Pets - What You Need to Know. Kids and their families will explore this topic through hands-on activities, games and stories. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Water Resources Center website.  

  • Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, Central Library, 2:00 pm: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Guitarist Ronnie Robins (Brazilian, samba) will perform at Woodstock Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Canoe (indie folk/rock) will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for more information.

  • Courtney Jones (alternative/pop/acoustic) will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.

  • Lincoln Crockett (folk rock/bluegrass/acoustic) will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • Red Rubber Band (jam band/nu-jazz/rock) will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for details.

  • Pete Krebs Gypsy Jazz Trio will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.      

  • The Shackeltons will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

Sunday, April 13

  • Basics of Going Solar Workshop: Learn how even Puddletown residents can benefit from solar energy. Tryon State Park (Kraft Room), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Visit the Solar Oregon website for more information.

  • Hip Drip Cafe’s 2nd Sunday Sustainability Fair is happening from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Swing Papillion (gypsy, jazz trio) will be performing. Local artisans will show off art made from recycled or renewable resources, and representatives from businesses that use sustainable practices will be on hand to talk about what they do. This event happens every second Sunday of the month. Visit the Hip Drip Cafe website for more information.    

  • Crafty Wonderful, Portland’s monthly art and craft fair, is celebrating its second birthday. There’ll be cupcake decorating for all to enjoy, prizes and 40 vendors. Doug Fir Lounge, 11:00 am–4:00 pm. Visit the Crafty Wonderful website for more information.

  • Guitarist Bryan Johanson will perform at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

  • Ken Kesey and Other Great Notions—A Book Discussion: David Sumner, director of Linfield College’s Writing program, and Wendy Willis, Social Sustainability program manager at Oregon Solutions, will lead a discussion of Ken Kesey’s novel Sometimes A Great Notion. Central Library, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Author William Sullivan is giving two presentations today. First, he will talk about his book Oregon’s Greatest Natural Disasters at the World Forestry Center, Cheatham Hall, at 12:00 pm. For details, visit the WFC website. Then he will present a slide show of some of the best hikes in Northwest Oregon at St. Johns Library, 3:30 pm. Sullivan is the author of 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Maui chef Brian Igarta will be dishing up recipes from his book The Maui Vegetarian: Cooking with Aloha at Borders in Beaverton, 1:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website. 

  • The film Double Indemnity will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.      

If you know of any other free events happening this weekend, please write a comment about it. If you’d like me to include an event in a future round-up, feel free to contact me.

1 comment April 11th, 2008

Free Writing Workshops at Portland’s Central Library

In April and May, published authors will be teaching writing workshops for beginning writers at the Central Library. Registration is required for all classes. Be sure to jump on them if you’re interested. These workshops tend to reach full capacity faster than you can say haiku.

Anyone’s Domain: A Basic Poetry Writing Workshop
Paulann Petersen
Saturday, April 26, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm
Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
Registration begins on April 5. Register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234

Writing What Matters (fiction, memoir and personal essays)
Monica Drake
Saturday, May 3, 2:00 pm–4:15 pm
Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
Registration begins on April 12; register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234

Making Friends the Old Fashioned Way: Through Self Publishing!
Nicole J. Georges
Saturday, May 31, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Central Library, U.S. Bank Room
Registration begins on May 10; register online, in the library or by calling 503.988.5234

For full class descriptions, check the Multnomah County Library website.

Add comment April 3rd, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Mar 28–30

Ed Begley, Jr., chickens and David Wu. What more could you ask for? 

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

Friday, March 28

  • The Better Living Show, an event focused on green living, is happening all weekend at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Ed Begley, Jr., will speak at 7:00 pm on Friday. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.

  • Chicken Fest 2008 is taking place all weekend at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information. (from Enviromom)

  • The Victoria will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For details, visit the Music Millennium website.

  • Frank Blair will perform at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Rogue Bluegrass will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Lauren Sheehan will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. Visit the Edgefield website for more information.

  • Sweet City Slang will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For details, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Allen Hunter and A.G. Donnaloia (soul jazz) will perform at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.  

  • Say Anything will be showing at Twisted at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Twisted website.

  • Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, St. Johns Library, 2:00 pm: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Alison Larkin will talk about her book The English American at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. Visit the Powell’s website for details.

  • Book release party and reading: Jaret Ferratusco will talk about his new book Please Don’t Leave Me at Opposable Thumb Gallery & Cafe (3312 SE Belmont Street) at 8:00 pm. DJ Chris Leighty will provide music. For more information, visit the book’s MySpace page. (from PDX Pipeline)

Saturday, March 29

  • The Better Living Show continues at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Portland Fashion Week is sponsoring a panel discussion and fashion show focused on eco-responsible fashion. In addition to the eco-related events, there’ll be a celebration of Support Women Artists Now (SWAN) Day featuring musical performances, theatre, artwork and workshops by local female artists. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.

  • Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Center grand opening celebration, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm: The celebration will start with a ribbon cutting ceremony with comments from author Richard Louv, visits from David Wu and other local dignitaries, tours of the new Wildlife Center, guided nature walks, and educational activities for everyone. The Wildlife Center is located north of Sherwood. Visit the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge website for details. 

  • Chicken Fest 2008 continues at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information.

  • Jimmy Lott will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For details, visit the Music Millennium website.

  • Eddie Parente will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and over. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • Conroy-DeBrie Trio will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more information, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Courtney Jones will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Lew Jones will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.

  • DJs Dave Allen and Ratanski will spin classic hip hop, downtempo trip hop and post punk dance at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.  

  • Symphony Storytime at Midland Library, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm: Families will enjoy music, storytime and hands-on crafts. A member of the Oregon Symphony will play and discuss orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Local writer Kristin Thiel and five other contributors to the VoiceCatcher women writers anthology will read their work at 2:00 pm at the Central Library. Visit the Multnomah County Library website for more information.

  • The Speakin’ Beacon puppet show, Albina Library, 11:00 am: Bruce Orr of the Mudeye Puppet Company and Penny Walter of Penny’s Puppet Productions will perform a family-friendly puppet show with aliens, forest creatures, and a Yeti. After the show, you’ll be able to get a closer look at the puppets, made entirely from reused materials. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

Sunday, March 30 

  • The Better Living Show continues at the Portland Expo Center. The event is packed with presentations, music, kids activities, food, and more. Event hours are: Friday, noon to 9:00 pm; Saturday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Better Living Show website.

  • Chicken Fest 2008 continues at Livingscape Nursery. You’ll get the chance to see 20 different breeds of live chickens (who knew there were so many?), and there’ll be games and activities for the kids. On Saturday from 10:00 am until noon, an “Eggspert” will be on hand to answer your chicken-related questions. And on Sunday, there will be a free workshop on how to build a chicken coop. The event also features several workshops and cooking classes for $5 to $10. Visit the Livingscape Nursery website for more information. 

  • Laura Gibson, Per Se and Meyercord will perform at Towne Lounge at 9:30 pm (doors open at 9:00 pm). For more information, visit the Towne Lounge website.

  • Russian Film Series at Midland Library will be showing Born in the USSR: 21 Up at noon. The film is in Russian with English subtitles. A brief discussion will follow. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.  

  • Ann Christensen and Lisa Bergman will play music from their CD American Music: Jazz, Broadway, Hollywood at the Central Library at 2:00 pm. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Night of the Iguana will be showing at Press Club at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.   

  • Hotel deLuxe will screen Hurricane Heroes, a documentary on Katrina animal rescues by Portland filmmaker Mike Shiley. The Screening Room, located off the hotel lobby, opens at 6:00 pm; the movie begins at 6:30 pm. RSVP to 503.219.2093. For more information, visit the Hotel deLuxe 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, feel free to contact me

Add comment March 28th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Mar 7–9

A variety of cool things happening this weekend, including a Spanish-language event on Sunday. 

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

Friday, March 7

  • The 2008 Electronic Book Education and Outreach Event will take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Portland State University’s Smith Memorial Union Ballroom (third floor of the Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway). A panel of e-book professionals will discuss the publishing, writing, production, and reading technologies of e-books. A variety of electronic book readers, including Amazon’s new e-book reader, the Kindle, will be demonstrated. Refreshments will be provided. Visit PSU’s Ooligan Press website for more information.

  • It’s First Friday in downtown Camas from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Downtown Camas website.

  • Paul Barkett (folk/rock) will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Ruby Hill will perform at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. Visit the Borders website for details.

  • Dolorean, Matt Sheehy, Mbilly and Adam + Kris will perform a tribute to Neil Young at Mississippi Studios at 8:00 pm. For more information, visit the Mississippi Studios website.

  • Alexa Wiley will perform at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For details, visit the Music Millennium website.

  • John Bunzow will perform at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • SLA will be playing at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For more, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Twisted, a yarn and craft shop on NE Broadway, will be showing the ’80s flick Revenge of the Nerds at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Twisted website.

  • Michael Patrick MacDonald will talk about his new book Easter Rising at 7:30 pm at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. For details, visit the Powell’s website. 

  • Press Club will host an art reception for Justin Barner with music provided by DJ Santo at 7:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.        

  • Artist Lisa Congdon’s Little Souvenirs show opens tonight at Redux with a reception from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Next door at Grass Hut, the Balls Out! art show is also making its debut with a reception from 6:00 pm–9:00 pm.

Saturday, March 8

  • There’ll be live music and swing dancing at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This event is part of the Portland Lindy Exchange. 

  • EnviroMom.com is hosting a kids’ clothing swap. Visit the website for details.  

  • The children’s book Tomás and the Library Lady will come to life in two free performances at the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, Brunish Hall. Performances are at noon and 2:00 pm. Free tickets for both performances will be released on a first come, first served basis beginning at 11:00 am. Maximum six tickets per person. The performance and materials are most appropriate for children in grades K–5. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Water Resources Education Center in Vancouver is hosting its monthly Second Saturday family event. This month, learn about the amazing properties of water through hands-on activities. 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the Water Center website. 

  • Delectable Designs with Cupcake Jones, Capitol Hill Library, 1:30 pm–2:30 pm: Learn about the origins of foods like vanilla and chocolate found in this year’s Every Family Reads book, Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico!, by Pat Mora. Then you’ll get the chance to decorate your own cupcake. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Space at this program is limited. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Symphony Storytime at Midland Library, 2:30 pm–3:30 pm: Enjoy music, storytime and hands-on crafts. A member of the Oregon Symphony will play and discuss orchestral music. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Canoe (indie folk/rock) will perform at Borders in Tigard at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Legally Insane (’60s and ’70s covers) will perform at Borders in Gresham at 7:00 pm. For details, visit the Borders website.

  • Red Rubber Band will perform at 5:00 pm at Music Millennium. Visit the MM website for more information.

  • Lincoln Crockett will be playing at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • John Bunzow Trio will perform at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. Visit the Rock Creek Tavern website for more information.

  • The Bittersweet Trio will perform at Press Club at 8:30 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.           

  • Amy Goodpaster Strebe, author of Flying for Her Country: The American and Soviet Women Military Pilots of World War II, will be at Borders in Beaverton at 2:00 pm. A few local veteran pilots have been invited to attend this event that is being held in honor of International Women’s Day. Visit the Borders website for details.  

  • Storytelling workshop for adults, Hillsdale Library, 2:00 pm–3:30 pm: In this fun and easygoing workshop, learn basic storytelling techniques by professional storyteller Courtney Campbell. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website.

  • Artist Laurie Hall will discuss her art jewelry and techniques at the Museum of Contemporary Craft at noon. Admission to the museum is always free. For details, visit the MCC website. 

Sunday, March 9

  • CRAFT Magazine is throwing a party to celebrate the release of its latest issue. Moxie will demonstrate how she makes her felted monsters, and there’ll be a craft table where you can try your hand at making pantyhose flowers. The party is happening at Twisted from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Visit organizer CraftyPod’s website for more information.

  • Hip Drip Cafe’s 2nd Sunday Sustainability Fair is happening from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Swing Papillion (gypsy, jazz trio) will be performing. Local artisans will show off art made from recycled or renewable resources, and representatives from businesses that use sustainable practices will be on hand to talk about what they do. This event happens every second Sunday of the month. Visit the Hip Drip Cafe website for more information.    

  • Wills, trusts and estate planning workshop, Midland Library, 2:00 pm–3:30 pm. Learn the basics of wills, living trusts, powers of attorney and healthcare directives with attorney and author Richard Schneider. For more information, visit the Multnomah County Library website. 

  • Discussion: “Mid-Century Modernism Now,” Museum of Contemporary Craft, 2:00 pm: Randy Gragg, editor of Portland Spaces magazine, and Curator Namita Gupta Wiggers will discuss The Living Room exhibition and the convergence of art and design in the context of living spaces and current trends that reflect Modernist influences. Admission to the museum is always free. For more information, visit the Museum of Contemporary Craft website.

  • Jon Koonce will perform at Edgefield at 5:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • Press Club will show the movie Blow-Up at 8:00 pm. Press Club is located at 2621 SE Clinton St., 503.233.5656.          

  • Milagro Theatre presents Mujeres de arena: Testimony of Women from Ciudad Juárez, a dramatization in Spanish addressing the issue of feminicide in Ciudad Juárez. This presentation of short readings will be followed by an open forum with community representatives to discuss domestic violence against women. 2:00 pm. Childcare provided. For more information, visit the Milagro Theatre 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, feel free to contact me.

5 comments March 7th, 2008

Free Events This Weekend in Portland: Feb 22–24

Admission is free for all of these events. I highly recommend catching the Dimes at Music Millennium on Friday night. Have a great weekend!

Friday, February 22

  • Ski for free at Timberline courtesy of vitaminwater. Click here for details.

  • Portland Jazz Festival is offering a ton of free jazz shows around the city. Too many to list. Go to the Portland Jazz Festival website to see the complete schedule. Unless otherwise noted, performances are free and open to the public. 

  • The Dimes will be performing at Music Millennium at 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the Music Millennium website.

  • The Rainy States are celebrating the release of their debut album. They’ll perform at Kelly’s Olympian with The Morals and Church. For more information, visit Kelly’s Olympian.

  • Paul Barkett (folk/rock singer) will perform at Borders in Beaverton at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website. 

  • Lew Jones will be playing at Borders in Vancouver at 7:00 pm. For more information, visit the Borders website.

  • Mark Alan will be performing at Edgefield at 7:00 pm. Ages 21 and older. For more information, visit the Edgefield website.

  • Scotland Barr & the Slow Drags will be performing at Rock Creek Tavern at 9:00 pm. All ages until 10:00 pm. For details, visit the Rock Creek Tavern website.

  • Nigerian film The Narrow Path will be showing at 7:30 pm at PCC Cascade Moriarty Bldg. 104. This event is part of the