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

Tualatin River Bird Festival: Live bird shows, kids activities, music, storytelling, guided walks, and more. Check the festival website for a full list of events; for some events, registration is required or recommended. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (19255 SW Pacific Hwy, Sherwood).

Friday, May 18

Free Einstein bagels for bike riders

Saturday, May 19

Ten Toe Walk: A guided hike to the Hollywood Farmers Market via Laurelhurst Park and neighborhood. Meet at Laurelhurst Park (SE 35th & Oak, Portland), 9:00 am.

Women in Trades Career Fair: Dozens of hands-on activities designed to introduce women and girls to the possibility of a future career in the trades. Free parking and childcare. NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center (16021 NE Airport Way, Portland), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Free shuttle service from Gateway Transit Center.

Group Bike Ride in Gresham: Explore downtown Gresham by bike with Jeff Corcoran, a member of the Gresham Transportation Subcommittee. Meet at 9:45 am in the parking lot at Main City Park, near the Springwater Trail.

Mount Tabor Art Walk: Thirty-nine artists in the Mount Tabor neighborhood open their homes and studios to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

German Maifest: Live music, kids activities, maypole dancing, folk dancing, German food and beer garden, and more. Oaks Park (7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland), 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Children’s Nature Fair: The theme is Amazing Bugs. Meet all kinds of bugs, and enjoy arts and crafts, storytelling, music, and more. Leach Botanical Garden (6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Donations are encouraged.

Women On Bikes Clinic: Learn how to choose the right bike, the best gear for you and your bike, riding techniques, laws, and route planning. All Saints Parish (3847 NE Glisan, Portland), 10:00 am.

Downsize Now (Registration Required): This class is for seniors and baby boomers who want to reduce their belongings, organize, and possibly move. Camas Library, 10:30 am. Register at the library or by calling 360.834.4692.

Oregon Maritime Museum Family Day: Families of up to 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 14 enjoy free admission to the main exhibit space. SW Naito Parkway and SW Pine Street, Portland, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Baby Sign, Say and Play: Learn several signs, sing songs, and hear a story. For babies 6 to 18 months old and their caregivers. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

All Together for Music: K-12 students from Portland Public Schools will sing four songs at Director Park (SW Park & Yamhill, Portland), 1:00 pm.

FUN-O-RAMA Parade and Fair: The parade starts at 1:00 pm at Gateway Park (NE 106th & Halsey St, Portland), followed by a community fair at 111th Square (NE Halsey at 111th, Portland) from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Kidical Mass: This guided family-friendly bike ride starts at 2:00 pm at Mt. Scott Park (5530 SE 72nd Ave, Portland, adjacent to the community center and pool), stops at Woodstock Park, and circles back to Mt. Scott Park for a BBQ potluck.

Suminagashi Workshop: Learn about and try your hand at Suminagashi, the oldest method of decorative paper marbling. Albina Library (3605 NE 15th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Japanese Children’s Day: Kids are invited to create a mini origami carp streamer and a wearable paper samurai helmet. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Sunday, May 20

Mount Tabor Art Walk: Thirty-nine artists in the Mount Tabor neighborhood open their homes and studios to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Kenton Street Fair: Music, kids activities, coaster car race, and more. North Denver Ave between Watts and Willis, Portland, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Dealing with Debt: Learn how to address debt obligations effectively, your legal rights when it comes to those obligations, and more. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

BBQ Like a Pro: Learn how to purchase a grill, choose the right coals, create flavorful rubs, and more. Woodstock Library (6008 SE 49th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate: Learn how to identify, harvest, and prepare edible wild plants found within walking distance of your own kitchen. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Southwest Washington Wind Symphony will perform at Union High School Performing Arts Center (6201 NW Friberg-Strunk St, Camas), 3:00 pm.

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, McMenamins, and Mississippi Pizza.

And please check out your local library!

–

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Twitter: @aroundthesun

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Munchkin Playland is offering a deal through LivingSocial now through May 20, 2012.

Pay $5 and get a play pass for one child and $4 to spend on in-house food, toys, or a play pass for a second child (a $10 value). To purchase the deal, go to LivingSocial. As with all deals, be sure to read the fine print before purchasing.

About Munchkin Playland

Voted “Best Kid Friendly Coffee Shop” by Red Tricycle and Metro Parent Magazine, Munchkin Playland offers a café atmosphere with free Wi-Fi for adults and a play area for children 42 inches and shorter. Having been there many times, I can say it’s a great place for toddlers and younger preschoolers.

Munchkin Playland is located at 18335 NW West Union Road, Portland, OR 97229.

Website

Facebook

LivingSocial deal

(Note: This post contains affiliate links.)

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Twitter: @aroundthesun

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Portland Center Stage has announced a one-day sale for its upcoming production of the Tony-nominated musical “It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues.”

On Wednesday, May 16, tickets for all May performances of “It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues” will be just $30 each (a savings of up to $39 per ticket).

To get this special price, purchase your tickets on May 16 using the code word GUITAR:

• Online: Go to www.pcs.org/blues, pick a show in May, and enter GUITAR in the “Promotional code” box. The offer is available from 12:01 am to midnight on May 16.
• By phone: Call the box office at 503-445-3700 between noon and 5:30 pm. Mention GUITAR.
• In person: Go to the box office, located at 128 NW Eleventh Avenue in Portland, between 10:00 am and 7:30 pm. Be sure to mention GUITAR.

About “It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues”

From African chants and Delta spirituals to the urban electricity of a Chicago nightclub, “It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues” is a stirring retrospective of blues classics that summons the soul of American music. Over two dozen musical numbers are included, among them “I’m Your Hoochie-Coochie Man,” “Goodnight, Irene,” “Fever,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “The Thrill Is Gone” and “Let the Good Times Roll.” “It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues” was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical, and has played to rave reviews all over the country. Through the music that is cherished as an original American art form, the standout group of musicians and singers on stage share a moving American story of troubles and triumph.

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Twitter: @aroundthesun

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Email: click here to receive blog updates via email

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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, May 11

Leach Botanical Garden celebrates National Public Garden Day with extended hours (9:00 am to 7:00 pm) and special guided tours (11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm). 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland.

Saturday, May 12

Festival of the Birds: Meet a variety of birds from the Audubon Society and enjoy guided bird walks, hands-on activities, live music, storytelling, and more. Sellwood Park (SE 7th Ave and Miller St, Portland), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

St. Johns Parade and Bizarre: The Bizarre is a neighborhood festival featuring live music, street performers, vendors, kids activities, and more from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. The parade, celebrating its 50th anniversary, starts at noon.

Washington County Museum Free Family Day: Enjoy spring-inspired craft projects and performances by storyteller Emmy Blue. 17677 NW Springville Rd, Portland, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Jubilation Celebration with Penny’s Puppet Productions: See old and new puppet friends in a singing and dancing extravaganza. Lake Oswego Library (706 4th St, Lake Oswego), 11:00 am.

Adventures with Bugs: Explore the world of insects, spiders, and their relatives. You’ll get the chance to hold, pet and look at tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions and more. Albina Library (3605 NE 15th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

A Dinosaur Birthday: Children are sure to enjoy this dinosaur-themed art-making party. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

“Pure Beef: An Essential Guide to Artisan Meat with Recipes for Every Cut”: Lynne Curry presents her guide to selecting and cooking artisan beef. Pastaworks (3735 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland), 2:00 pm.

“Just Ride: A Radically Practical Guide to Riding Your Bike”: In his book, Grant Petersen (owner of Rivendell Bicycle Works) “shares a lifetime of unexpected facts, controversial opinions, expert techniques, and his own maverick philosophy.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 2:00 pm.

It’s a Stitch: Beginning Embroidery: You’ll learn the basics of embroidery as you stitch up a summer-themed eyeglass or cell phone case using fabric scraps. Belmont Library (1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd, Portland), 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Sunday, May 13

Sunday Parkways in Northeast Portland: The first Sunday Parkways of the season features an 8-mile car-free loop connecting Woodlawn, Alberta, and Fernhill Parks. At each park, enjoy activities, food, vendors, music, and more. 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Portland Children’s Museum: Free admission to mothers and grandmothers with paid child’s admission. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Tualatin Valley Community Band will perform at Oswego Hills Winery (450 S. Rosemont Rd, West Linn) at 2:00 pm.

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, McMenamins, and Mississippi Pizza.

And please check out your local library!

–

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

–

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

The Gathering of the Guilds: Exhibitions by the Oregon Potters Association, Creative Metal Arts Guild, Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, Northwest Fine Woodworkers, Oregon Glass Guild, Portland Bead Society, and Portland Handweavers Guild at the Oregon Convention Center. Friday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (9:00 pm for the Potters). Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Friday, May 4

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Waterfront Park: Admission is free on Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 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.

First Friday Art Walks and Gallery Openings:

• First Friday Art Walk in SE Portland
• Vancouver First Friday Art Walk

Camas First Friday: This month’s theme is Camas Poker Tour. Downtown Camas, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Benjamin Busch, an actor on “The Wire” and son of novelist Frederick Busch, presents his memoir, “Dust to Dust.” Busch is also a U.S. Marine who served two combat tours in Iraq. Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 7:00 pm.

Jon Raymond (screenwriter of “Wendy and Lucy”) presents his new novel, “Rain Dragon.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, May 5

Free Comic Book Day: Participating comic book shops across North America and around the world will give away comic books. Visit the event website for a list of local stores.

Free Creative Writing Workshops (Registration Required): Write Around Portland is offering four free creative writing workshops from 10:00 am to noon. Registration required.

Japanese Children’s Day: Learn how to make a mini origami carp streamer and a wearable paper samurai helmet. For ages 5 and up. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland), 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Gresham Library (385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

Banfield Pet Hospital Grand Opening: Banfield will host a dance competition for dogs. Judges will be Drew Lachey (98 Degrees) and Anna Trebunskaya (“Dancing with the Stars”). 7535 SW Barnes Road, Suite 109, Portland, 11:00 am.

Marylhurst Heights Park Grand Opening (West Linn): Nacho bar and take-aways of seed packets, bubbles, and frisbees. Activities include a dedication ceremony, lawn games, and face painting. 1800 Valleyview Dr, West Linn, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Blogging Basics: Sara Tetreault, creator of the lifestyle blog  GoGingham.com, will cover topics including keywords, naming pictures, linking, and social media. Belmont Library (1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Ping Pong’s Pint Size Puppet Museum Grand Opening: Guided tours, hands-on activities for kids, and more. 906 SE Umatilla St, Portland, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Peninsula Park Community Center: Dancing, food, family activities, and more. 700 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Adventures in Jazz: Enjoy jazz performances at these downtown Gresham businesses: Jazzy Bagel, Café Delirium, Bochelli’s, Asian Thai Bistro, and Local Cow/Hoppy Brewer. No cover. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Museums on Us: Those with a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card can visit free the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion, or Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Sunday, May 6

Art Cubby Open House and Kids Art Show: Enjoy an afternoon of art and entertainment with your kids. Wear clothes that are suitable for getting messy. 1500 NW 18th Ave #115, Portland, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Kidopolis PDX Open House: Take your kids to try Portland’s newest indoor play center. 6925 SE Foster Rd, Portland, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Portland Opera Preview: Enjoy musical selections from Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide.” Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

“Forks Over Knives”: See this documentary at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Ping Pong’s Pint Size Puppet Museum Grand Opening: Guided tours, hands-on activities for kids, and more. 906 SE Umatilla St, Portland, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Pretty Dress Bike Ride: Meet at Pettygrove Park at 2:30 pm for this annual guided bike ride. You must wear a pretty dress. Pettygrove Park is an “inside park” only accessible via path. SW 1st to 4th Ave – Market to Harrison St.

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

Museums on Us: Those with a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card can visit free the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion, or Lan Su Chinese Garden.

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, McMenamins, and Mississippi Pizza.

And please check out your local library!

–

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

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

All weekend

National Park Week: Free admission to Fort Vancouver and the rest of our national parks from April 21–29.

Friday, April 27

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

“Drop Dead Healthy”: In his book “Drop Dead Healthy,” A. J. Jacobs chronicles his quest to become the healthiest man in the world. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, April 28

Energy & Sustainability Fair: Learn about recycling, alternative energy sources, and more. Kids will enjoy hands-on activities and free coloring books, stickers, and prizes. Register for a workshop and get a free $10 electricity gift card (call 503-650-3334). Clackamas County Development Services Building (150 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Spring Paddle Festival Portland: Two days of free paddling clinics and opportunities to test-paddle new kayaks and canoes. Admission is free. Parking is $3. Vancouver Lake, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

82nd Avenue of Roses Parade, Community Fair, Classic Car Cruise-In: The parade begins at 10:00 am at Eastport Plaza (82nd Avenue & Boise St). After the parade, enjoy a community fair, classic car cruise-in, and more.

Muddy Boots Family Trail Day: Forest interpreters will host activities around Tryon Creek State Natural Area (11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please visit the event website to pre-register.

Kids Puppet Show: Penny’s Puppet Productions presents “The Clumsy Ballerina.” Capitol Hill Library (10723 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland), 10:30 am to 11:15 am.

Crown the Eagle Festival: A Polish Heritage Celebration: Family activities, live music, storytelling, food and drink specials, and more. White Eagle Saloon (836 N. Russell St, Portland), 11:00 am ’til late. All ages until 8:00 pm; 21 & over after 8:00 pm.

Legends of Mexico: Families are invited to learn about the geography, history, and languages of Mexico. Presented in English and Spanish. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland), 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm.

Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride: This relaxed family bike ride starts at Hancock Park (NE 88th and Tillamook, Portland) at 2:00 pm. From there, you’ll ride to Glenhaven Park, stop to play, and then loop back to Hancock Park.

“Alabama Studio Sewing and Design: A Guide to Hand-Sewing an Alabama Chanin Wardrobe”: In her book, Natalie Chanin presents all of the stenciling, hand-stitching, and beading techniques her company uses to create the award-winning Alabama Chanin line of clothing. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 4:30 pm.

Sunday, April 29

Spring Paddle Festival Portland: Two days of free paddling clinics and opportunities to test paddle new kayaks and canoes. Admission is free. Parking is $3. Vancouver Lake, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Latino Cultural Festival: The festival features a parade, arts village, and a street soccer tournament all in historic downtown Hillsboro. Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza in downtown Hillsboro (150 E. Main St., Hillsboro), 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Women’s Health Fair (Registation Required): This event for women offers health information, free screenings, food samples, shoulder massages, product samples, and more. Adventist Medical Center (10123 SE Market St, Portland), 1:00 pm. Registration is required; call 503-256-4000.

Basic Vegetable Gardening (Registration Required): Learn how to grow a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. Registration required. 1:00 pm.

Telling Secrets: Mary Bowser, Black Civil War Spy: Author Lois Leveen discusses the inspirational true story behind her forthcoming novel “The Secrets of Mary Bowser,” about the African American woman who became a Union spy by posing as a slave in the Confederate White House. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

“Sugar Cube: 50 Deliciously Twisted Treats from the Sweetest Little Food Cart on the Planet”: Portland resident Kir Jensen, owner of the food cart Sugar Cube, presents her latest cookbook. The Cleaners at the Ace Hotel (1022 SW Stark St, Portland), 3:00 pm.

The “We’re-So-Crafty” Event: Join Shawn Bowman (author of “Criminal Crafts”) and Susan Beal (author of “World of Geekcraft”) for a special hands-on craft project. Murder by the Book (3210 SE Hawthorne, Portland), 4:00 pm.

Comedian Moshe Kasher presents his memoir “Kasher in the Rye.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

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, McMenamins, and Mississippi Pizza.

And please check out your local library!

–

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

–

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, April 20

Party for the Planet: Demonstrations of sustainable technology, non-profit organization booths, food and art vendors, live music, fashion show, and more. South Park Blocks in Downtown Portland, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Saturday, April 21

SOLVE IT Earth Day Cleanup Events: Volunteer to help clean up sites in and around Portland. Click on the link and scroll all the way down the page to view a list of more than 50 events.

Record Store Day: Check with your local record store to see what they are planning for this event. Examples: Everyday Music Portland stores will host live music. Music Millennium will give away gift bags, donuts, and coupons. Jackpot Records will host music and giveaways.

National Park Week: Free admission to Fort Vancouver and the rest of our national parks from April 21–29.

StreamTeam Earth Day Celebration: Enjoy the EcoFair, a family-friendly event with live entertainment and activities for all ages from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Salmon Creek Greenway in Vancouver.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area: This week’s theme is Amphibians and Snakes. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, 10:00 am.

Oregon Maritime Museum Family Day: Families of up to 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 14 enjoy free admission to the main exhibit space. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Dance the Hula: Learn basic hula steps and participate in a group dance. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.

Blame It on the Bossa Nova: A feast of Brazilian rhythms by guitarist, singer and percussionist Ronnie Robins. Hillsdale Library (1525 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland), 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

You and Me Yoga: Learn simple and fun yoga partner poses with your toddler or preschooler. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Get Out! Backpacking: Learn about hiking northwest trails and the personal tools and skills you need to be self-sufficient in the outdoors. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Sunday, April 22

City Repair Earth Day Celebration: Live music, entertainment for kids, workshops, more than 70 local exhibitors, battery recycling, and more. PCC Cascade Campus (705 N. Killingsworth St, Portland), 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Hawthorne Pirate Treasure Hunt: Go to The Dollar Scholar, wearing pirate gear, and pick up a map of 30 participating businesses. Go into each business, answer a question, and get a pirate coin. Return to The Dollar Scholar to exchange the coins for a prize valued from $1 to $100. The Dollar Scholar (3343 SE Hawthorne, Portland), noon to 2:00 pm.

A Celebration of Crows: Visit Tryon Creek State Natural Area for activities featuring these industrious inhabitants of the forest. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Pre-registration is appreciated.

National Park Week: Free admission to Fort Vancouver and the rest of our national parks from April 21–29.

Earth Day freebies

Target: Get a free reusable tote bag. Available on April 22.

Origins: Trade one of your existing skincare products for a free full-size Origins moisturizer. (See the Origins website for details.) Available on April 22.

Pottery Barn Kids: Receive a free packet of sunflower seeds. Available on April 21 and 22.

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, McMenamins, and Mississippi Pizza.

And please check out your local library!

–

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

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

Friday, April 13

Latino Family Day: A free afternoon filled with recreational and cultural activities, presentations, performances, and more. Mt Scott Community Center (5530 SE 72nd Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Saturday, April 14

Beaverton Living Greener Neighborhood Summit: Free gift for the first 50 people. Presentations about clean water and recycling, kids activities, refreshments, exhibitors, and more. Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton), 9:00 am.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area: This week’s theme is Urban Coyotes. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, 10:00 am.

Love Your Library Fest: Crafts, carnival-style games, prizes, stories, and snacks. Special guests: Clifford the Big Red Dog and Benny the Beaverton Beaver. Beaverton Murray Scholls Library (11200 SW Murray Scholls Place, Suite 102, Beaverton), 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Reptile Meet-and-Greet Adoption Event: Meet and learn more about exotic pets. Best Western PLUS Vancouver Mall (9420 NE Vancouver Mall Drive, Vancouver), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Washington County Museum Free Family Day: This month’s event features Native American games. 17677 NW Springville Rd, Portland, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Curtis Salgado will perform at Music Millennium (3158 East Burnside St, Portland) at 2:00 pm.

Kids Rock Band The Alphabeticians will perform at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland) at 2:00 pm.

Sunday, April 15

Reading Fair: Children receive a free book. Activities include arts and crafts, an obstacle course, and more. University of Portland Chiles Center (5000 N. Willamette Blvd, Portland), 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Jump for Joy Farm Open House and Barn Dance: Live music, pony rides, tours, and more. 15898 S. Spring Water Rd, Oregon City, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

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, McMenamins, and Mississippi Pizza.

And please check out your local library!

–

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

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

Friday, April 6

Spring Beer and Wine Fest: Free admission to the first 1,000 people. April 6 and 7, noon to 11:00 pm. Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland).

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

First Friday Art Walks and Gallery Openings:

• First Friday Art Walk in SE Portland
• Vancouver First Friday Art Walk
• Sue Lau at the Architectural Heritage Center

Camas First Friday: Participating businesses will have a basket of eggs filled with goodies. Pull out the golden egg and win a big prize. Downtown Camas, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

“The Muppets”: Enjoy live music, bottomless bags of popcorn, a screening of “The Muppets,” and more. Multnomah Arts Center (7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland). Music starts at 6:30 pm; movie starts at 7:30 pm.

Belden Piano Quartet will perform at Portland State University, Lincoln Hall 75, at 7:00 pm.

Saturday, April 7

Egg Hunt at Fernhill Park: The hunt begins at 10:00 am. Near the playground along NE 37th Avenue, Portland.

Oregon City Egg Hunt at Rivercrest Park, 10:00 am.

Wilsonville Easter Egg Hunt: For ages 1 to 11. Memorial Park, 10:00 am.

Portland Safe Routes Spring Kick-Off (registration required): Learn about walking and biking to school. Information and activities for parents and children, including lunch, community bike ride, and more. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Please RSVP.

Baby Sign, Say and Play: Learn how to communicate with your pre-verbal baby. The class is geared toward caregivers and babies 6-18 months old. Gregory Heights Library (7921 NE Sandy Boulevard, Portland), 10:15 am to 11:00 am.

Spring Beer and Wine Fest: Free admission to the first 1,000 people. April 6 and 7, noon to 11:00 pm. Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland).

Gardens of Eatin’: Basic Vegetable Gardening (registration required): Learn how to grow a bountiful garden without toxic chemicals. The class includes complimentary coupons and publications. 12:30 pm. Advance registration required.

Egg Hunt at Kruger Farm: The egg hunt is all-ages and starts at 1:00 pm. Hay rides, chicks, and (possibly) baby pigs too.17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland, 12 noon to 3:00 pm.

Easter Egg Hunt at A Children’s Place Bookstore (4807 NE Fremont St, Portland), 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Hearing Voices: 2012 Storytelling Festival: Enjoy performances by local professional storytellers Habiba Addo and Leslie Slape. Tigard Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard), 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Nature Hike with Tualatin Riverkeepers: For families: Learn all about beavers, make your own nature journal, and join the Tualatin Riverkeepers for a wetlands hike behind the Library. Tigard Library (13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard), 1:30 pm.

Tualatin Easter Egg Hunt: For children aged 8 years and younger. Tualatin Community Park, 3:00 pm.

Act It Out: 3-D Stories: Audience members will participate as actors, sound effects, and scenery in staging world folktales told by master storyteller Anne Rutherford. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St, Portland), 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Museums on Us: Those with a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card can visit free the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion, or Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Sunday, April 8

Easter Egg Hunt at Crown Park: Join Camas Parks and Recreation for their annual Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30 pm for children ages 2 to 12 years. The Traditional Easter Bonnet and Contemporary Hat contest will take place immediately following the egg hunt.

Bunny on a Bike Ride: Two-hour group bike ride. Bunny attire expected. Laurelhurst Park Annex Playground (SE Oak Street and 39th/Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland), 2:00 pm.

Poet Carlos Reyes presents his fifth collection, “Pomegranate, Sister of the Heart,” Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, 4:00 pm.

Museums on Us: Those with a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card can visit free the Portland Art Museum, Pittock Mansion, or Lan Su Chinese Garden.

More Easter events

Go to PDX Kids Calendar.

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 and McMenamins.

And please check out your local library!

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On April 3, 2012, from noon to 8:00 pm, get a free scoop of ice cream at participating Ben & Jerry’s shops.

For more information and to find a shop near you, visit Ben & Jerry’s website.

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