Saturday, March 20

Pooches on the Green: Dogs and their friends are invited to celebrate St. Paw-trick’s day at Beaverton City Park from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Live music, Irish dancing, contests, and more.

Jeff Garlin of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” will talk about his book “My Footprint,” which documents his year-long journey to reduce his physical footprint and his carbon footprint. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 2:00 pm.

Sunday, March 21

Kids Reading Fair: This event for pre-kindergarten to middle school kids includes crafts, games, an obstacle course, a puppeteer, and storytelling performances. Every student will receive a free, new book. University of Portland, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

World Water Day 2010: Musicians, speakers, and nonprofit organizations come together to raise awareness for the worldwide need for safe drinking water. World Trade Center, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Portland Opera Preview: “Trouble in Tahiti”: This lecture/concert includes historical background, composer information, and musical selections. Central Library, 2:00 pm.

More free events

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

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• March 4, 2010 — Taking a break this week
• February 25, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 26–28
• February 4, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 5–7

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

All weekend

Imago Theatre’s “Tick Tack Type”: “Five men and four women are dropped from a chute into a stark empty room to discover themselves as participants in a strange typing academy.” March 12 and 13 at 8:00 pm; March 14 at 3:00 pm. All tickets are free and can be reserved by emailing imagotheatre@gmail.com.

Friday, March 12

Ecoroof Portland: Come learn how ecoroofs work, why they’re important, and what’s next for Portland’s rooftops and skyline. Left Bank Annex, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Saturday, March 13

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Edgefield: An all-day party featuring live music, bagpipers, Irish dancers, food and drink specials, and more.

Kell’s St. Patrick’s Irish Festival: Free family activities on Saturday and Sunday until 5:00 pm.

Free Family Day at Washington County Museum: Art and history activities from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Kenton Library Grand Opening Celebration: Enjoy activities for adults and kids at this new library on North Denver Avenue, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Ecoroof Portland: Come learn how ecoroofs work, why they’re important, and what’s next for Portland’s rooftops and skyline. Left Bank Annex, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Portland Urban Iditarod: Watch teams of “dogs” (barking humans) pull “sleds” (shopping carts) through the streets of Portland. The race is full, but spectator information will be posted on the event website on Friday.

One Eskimo will perform at Music Millennium at 7:00 pm.

Sunday, March 14

Free admission at the Portland Art Museum: Enjoy free admission from noon to 5:00 pm and family activities presented by the Northwest Film Center.

Kell’s St. Patrick’s Irish Festival: Free family activities on Saturday and Sunday until 5:00 pm.

NE Portland St. Paddy’s Day Parade: Starts at 11:00 am at Fernwood/Cleary School.

Indian music: The Swaranjali Academy of Indian Music will be performing different forms of north Indian classical music, including sargam, lakshangeet, tarana and dhrupad. Central Library, 2:00 pm.

Sunday Cinema Classics: Watch “Easter Parade” at St. Johns Library, 2:00 pm.

Temper Trap will perform at Music Millennium at 1:00 pm.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• December 28, 2008 — How to Get a Discount From Comcast: Ask for It
• August 20, 2009 — Taking a Break
• August 14, 2007 — “…making a big fuss out of an adult shopping in a junior’s section”

To find free and low-cost events, visit Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• March 18, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Mar 19–21
• February 25, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 26–28
• February 4, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 5–7

All weekend

Portland Jazz Festival: Several free jazz shows each day.

New Seasons 10-year anniversary celebration: Live music on Friday. Kids activities on Saturday. Free cake and ice cream on Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, February 26

Portland Art Museum free night: Admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through March 6. All films are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday, February 27

Portland Japanese Garden free day: Free admission and special events from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Horse show/jumper night: The Lake Oswego Hunt Equestrian Center invites the public to a free horse show of a “Jumper” competition held in an indoor arena with heated grandstand seating at 5:30 pm.

Depression-era double-feature films and musical shorts: Watch “Sullivan’s Travels” and “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” at the Tigard Library. During intermission, enjoy musical jazz shorts from the 1920s and ’30s. Noon to 4:00 pm.

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through March 6. All films are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sunday, February 28

Writers Resource Fair: Meet representatives of organizations offering support and opportunities for writers. Central Library, noon to 3:00 pm.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• March 18, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Mar 19–21
• March 4, 2010 — Taking a break this week
• February 4, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 5–7

Friday, February 19

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through March 6. All films are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dance Off Depression: Learn 1930s-era dances (like the Charleston, Foxtrot and the Lindy Hop) from a professional dance instructor. Tigard Library, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Saturday, February 20

Portland International Raceway Opening Day Celebration: The event includes some free activities including a guided nature walk, track walk, and bike ride. Free lunch (donations suggested).

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through March 6. All films are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Horse-drawn carriage rides with a historian: Hear a docent for the Oregon Historical Society describe the olden days of Lake Oswego as the carriage trots around the downtown area. Board at Graham’s Book & Stationery, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Black History Month celebration: Food, art, music, and entertainment for everyone. Matt Dishman Community Center, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

Old-fashioned hoedown: In the spirit of its Centennial Celebration, Lake Oswego will host this walk back in time. Professional callers will be on hand to teach the basics and a few fancy turns too. West End Building, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Baby Boomer Lifestyle Expo: Live entertainment, speakers, and exhibitors catering to those who are retired or thinking of retiring. Portland Expo Center, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Brazilian music: Guitarist Ronnie Robins will perform spirited music fueled by bossa nova and samba rhythms. Woodstock Library, 2:00 pm.

Sunday, February 21

Craft supply exchange: Bring your unwanted arts and crafts supplies to In Other Words at 1:00 pm and pick out some new ones to take home.

Baby Boomer Lifestyle Expo: Live entertainment, speakers, and exhibitors catering to those who are retired or thinking of retiring. Portland Expo Center, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Millennium Concert Band: Enjoy the music of John Philip Sousa and other composers contemporary to the early part of the century. Lakeridge High School Auditorium, 7:30 pm.

Beekeeping 101: Learn about beekeeping in the city from Glen Andresen. Hollywood Library, 2:00 pm.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• December 28, 2008 — How to Get a Discount From Comcast: Ask for It
• August 20, 2009 — Taking a Break
• August 14, 2007 — “…making a big fuss out of an adult shopping in a junior’s section”

Friday, February 12

Winter celebration at the Square: Enjoy a free showing of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, live music, warm drinks, interviews with Oregon Olympians, and a hockey goal-scoring challenge. Pioneer Courthouse Square, 5:00 pm to midnight.

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through March 6. All films are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Portland Love Show: This art show features the work of more than 350 artists, inspired by the topic of love. Olympic Mills Commerce Center, 7:00 pm to midnight.

Saturday, February 13

Oregon Brewers Guild Brewery Open House: Dozens of Oregon breweries and brewpubs will open their doors to visitors for the state’s 2nd annual Zwickelmania. This free event offers visitors a chance to tour Oregon breweries, meet the brewers, and sample their favorite beers. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Mardi Gras on Mississippi Ave: Enjoy a day filled with family fun, including a mask-making workshop, parade, puppet show, and more. Noon to 5:00 pm.

Free Family Day at the Washington County Museum: Make Valentine-themed magnets, bookmarks, and cards. See a demonstration of the Mobile Museum program on the Native American tribes of this area. 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through March 6. All films are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

John Steinbeck double-feature films: “The Grapes of Wrath” and “Of Mice and Men” will be playing at Tigard Library, noon.

Dave Rawlings Machine will perform at Music Millennium at 5:00 pm.

Sunday, February 14

Oregon statehood celebration at the Oregon Historical Society: OHS celebrates Oregon statehood with free admission, live entertainment, and cake. Noon to 5:00 pm.

Lunar New Year celebration: Enjoy crafts, music, food, and ping pong at Gregory Heights Library at 1:00 pm.

Renaissance and baroque music: Wildwood Consort will play music of Hotteterre, Naudot, Heudelinne and others, plus selections from the Clerambault cantata Orphée. Central Library, 2:00 pm.

Sunday Cinema Classics: “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” will be playing at St. Johns Library, 2:00 pm.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• December 28, 2008 — How to Get a Discount From Comcast: Ask for It
• August 20, 2009 — Taking a Break
• August 14, 2007 — “…making a big fuss out of an adult shopping in a junior’s section”

Friday, February 5

Free night at the Children’s Museum: Admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

First Friday Art Walk: Go gallery hopping on the East side.

Camas Art Walk: This month’s theme is A Chocolate Affair to Remember.

Free writing workshop at Ibex Studios: Adventures in Creative Writing: This monthly event starts at 6:00 pm.

Multnomah Indoor Cinema: “Star Trek” will be playing at the Multnomah Arts Center at 7:30 pm. Live music starts at 6:30 pm.

Bike contests and art show: NEMO will host Bridgetown Hustle, a night of art and assorted bike-related contests. Events include a bike art show, bunny hop contest, stationary bike race, and bike trick contest. 6:00 pm.

Saturday, February 6

“Food, Inc.”: See the documentary that’s generating lots of buzz about the way we eat. Hillsboro Main Library, 1:00 pm.

Museums by bike: This guided bike tour will head to the Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum for the exhibit “Savor the Flavors of Greece” (food samples!), then make a couple other stops including a brewery tour. Meet at Voodoo Doughnuts Too, 12:45 pm.

Opening reception for 2010 Visual Arts Showcase: Head to Beaverton City Library to view more than 100 works of art from Oregon artists. 7:00 pm.

Museums on Us: Bank of America customers can visit the Portland Art Museum and Pittock Mansion for free today.

Sunday, February 7

African American Read-In: Local celebrities, community leaders, and students will read from works by their favorite African American writers. Fiction and non-fiction for children and adults will be featured. North Portland Library, 2:30 pm.

Author Kaia Sand will talk about her book “Remember to Wave,” a poetic investigation into Portland history, particularly North Portland, by way of essays, poetry, images, and maps. Powell’s Books on Hawthorne, 4:00 pm.

Museums on Us: Bank of America customers can visit the Portland Art Museum and Pittock Mansion for free today.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• March 18, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Mar 19–21
• March 4, 2010 — Taking a break this week
• February 25, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 26–28

Friday, January 29

Author Robin Hobb will talk about her new fantasy series at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 7:00 pm.

Author Nick Flynn will talk about his memoir, which explores the challenges of becoming a father in the age of terror. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 30

Fix-It Fair: The Fix-It Fair is a free event where you can learn simple ways to save money and improve your home. Free lunch and childcare provided. Students and families can get free bike tune-ups and flat-tire repair. Parkrose High School, 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Tweed Ride: Edifying cultural tidbits, high tea, fancy outfits, and a potluck await you on this group bike ride. Skidmore Fountain, 11:00 am.

Tigard Reads 2010 Kick-Off Event: Help kick off the month-long community reading event with family-friendly entertainment from the local folk duo The Wanderers, who specialize in Woody Guthrie songs from the Dust Bowl era. Tigard Library, 1:00 pm.

William Stafford birthday event: Local poets will read from Stafford’s work. Looking Glass Bookstore, 4:00 pm.

Sunday, January 31

Crystal Ballroom 96th Birthday Free-for-All: This free gala features a full day of entertainment, including music, children’s entertainment, tours of the property, and more.

Portland Unplugged 2010, Acoustic /Folk Showcase: 35 musicians will perform at Hawthorne Theatre starting at 3:45 pm. Ages 21+.

Northwest Children’s Theater & School presents “Don’t Let the Pigeons Drive the Bus!”: The popular book takes flight as audiences get on the bus and move to a Latin groove in this original musical about a little bird with big dreams. Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center, 6:00 pm.

Portland Opera Preview: “Cosi Fan Tutte”: This lecture and concert covers historical background, composer information and musical selections from this opera. Central Library, 2:00 pm.

William Stafford birthday event: Local poets will read Stafford’s work at the Central Library, 2:00 pm.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• March 18, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Mar 19–21
• March 4, 2010 — Taking a break this week
• February 25, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 26–28

All weekend

Free yoga classes: lululemon is offering free yoga classes every day through January 28.

Friday, January 22

Free night at the Portland Art Museum: Admission is free from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Author Randal O’Toole: In his book “Gridlock,” O’Toole offers solutions for improving methods of transportation that will benefit everyone. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Lake Oswego documentary: Explore Lake Oswego’s historic evolution through a 30-minute mini-documentary, “A Lake Oswego Retrospective.” Admission is free as is the popcorn. Lake Twin Cinema, noon, 1:30 pm and 3:00 pm.

William Stafford birthday event: This event features Portland’s Flash Choir performing “Strangers Together,” a musical interpretation derived from Stafford’s book, “Passwords.” Audience members will also have an opportunity to read aloud one of their favorite poems by William Stafford following the performance. First Unitarian Church, 7:00 pm.

Saturday, January 23

WACIPI Eleventh Annual Traditional Powwow: Drum groups and dancers from across the region will perform at this celebration of Native American culture and ancestry. PCC Sylvania, noon.

Vegan talk and food samples: Vegan food blogger Jess of Get Sconed! will talk about her blog, eating locally, and being a Portland vegan. Samples will be available. Central Library, 1:00 pm.

Lake Oswego documentary: Explore Lake Oswego’s historic evolution through a 30-minute mini-documentary, “A Lake Oswego Retrospective.” Admission is free as is the popcorn. Lake Twin Cinema, noon, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm.

Guided nature walk: Join a park ranger for a free, guided nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. 10:00 am.

Home energy efficiency workshop: Learn how your household can save money by saving energy. Wilsonville Library, 2:00 pm.

Sunday, January 24

Oregon Children’s Theatre presents “Texting the Sun”: “Texting the Sun” is a relevant, thought-provoking production which spotlights our 21st-century, multi-media reality through the eyes of young adolescents. CoHo Theater, 7:30 pm.

“Hamburger Square” is a modern rock ‘n roll retelling of the Robin Hood myth, with music by Dennis Wilson and the Beach Boys. There will be a discussion session after this workshop reading to continue the working process of bringing this new musical to the stage. Scottish Rite Center, 7:30 pm.

Music and conversation about Japanese-American history: The Minidoka Swing Band will perform, followed by a discussion and first-hand accounts on the period of Japanese internment and the post-WWII experience of Japanese-Americans in the Pacific NW. Central Library, 12:30 pm.  

The Soft Pack will perform at Music Millennium at 2:00 pm.

More freebies

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Check Willamette Week’s Cheapskate column for more freebies.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• March 18, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Mar 19–21
• March 4, 2010 — Taking a break this week
• February 25, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 26–28

As always, admission is free for all events below. Have a great weekend!

All weekend

Free yoga classes: lululemon is offering free yoga classes every day through January 28.

MLK Weekend of Service: Lend a hand to one or more of the many volunteer projects organized by the United Way and Hands On Greater Portland in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday, January 15

Andean Folk Music: Enjoy an evening filled with the rich sounds of traditional Andean folk music performed by the trio Beautiful Flute at Tigard Library. 7:00 pm.

Opening Reception for Architectural Artifact Exhibit: The Architectural Heritage Center celebrates the opening of its exhibit “Artifacts + Archives.” The exhibit includes items that have not been seen by the public, including photographs, architectural drawings, maps, personal papers, and rare books. 6:00 pm.

Author John Perkins: Hear Perkins talk about his book “Hoodwinked” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. According to Powell’s, “John Perkins pulls back the curtains on the double-cross of the American people by the CEOs running the ‘corporatocracy’ and the politicians they manipulate.” 7:30 pm.

Saturday, January 16

J.R.R. Tolkien Birthday Celebration: Celebrate the birthday of Tolkien at the Kennedy School. Come dressed as your favorite character and enjoy live music, food specials, movies, and more. Admission to each movie is $3 or free with Oregon Food Bank donation. 11:00 am.

Children’s book author Johanna Wright: Join Wright at the Belmont Library, where she will read from her book “The Secret Circus” and share insights about the life of a writer. 11:15 am.

“Casablanca”: Watch this classic film at Midland Library. 2:00 pm.

Mexican poet David Huerta: This is a bilingual Spanish-English event. Huerta will read his poems in Spanish. Mark Schafer, who translated Huerta’s new book, will read Huerta’s poems in English. 7:00 pm.

Urban Nature Hike: On this guided hike, you’ll take the MAX to Washington Park and explore Hoyt Arboretum, the Wildwood Trail, and Balch Creek in Forest Park (with a pause at the Audubon Society). Bring bus fare ($2.00 one-way or $4.75 for a day pass). 10:00 am.

Sunday, January 17

Palm Tree Bike Ride: The Urban Adventure League will lead this tour of palm trees and other tropical and evergreen vegetation growing in the city. 11:00 am.

Puppet Show: Penny’s Puppet Productions will take you on an underwater adventure with Wanda the Whale at Midland Library. 3:00 pm.

Author Daniel H. Pink: Hear Pink talk about his book “Drive” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside. According to Powell’s, “This book of big ideas discusses the surest pathway to high performance, creativity, and well-being.” 7:30 pm.

William Stafford Birthday Event: Kim Stafford of Lewis & Clark College and Jeffrey Selin of the Writers’ Dojo, together with William Stafford Writing Fellows Sara Guest and Jeff Coleman, will host a short writing and sharing activity, followed by an exploration of the digital resources now available at the William Stafford Archives. 7:00 pm.

More free events

For more free and low-cost events, check Portland on the Cheap.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

Other articles from Around the Sun:

• March 18, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Mar 19–21
• March 4, 2010 — Taking a break this week
• February 25, 2010 — Free Events in Portland: Feb 26–28