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.

Saturday, April 20

SOLVE IT Volunteer Events: To celebrate Earth Day, volunteer at one of the many events happening in the Portland area from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Activities include picking up litter, pulling invasive weeds, and planting trees. Visit the event website to sign up.

Break It Down: Exploring Hip Hop’s Musical and Cultural Odyssey: This conversation, led by Portland State University adjunct professor Walidah Imarisha, is an interactive multimedia exploration of the world’s top-selling musical genre. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride: The theme is April Kites and Bubbles. The event will start with playtime at Harper’s Playground, at Arbor Lodge Park (N Bryant St & Delaware Ave, Portland). Then the group will ride to Peninsula Park to fly kites and blow bubbles. 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Holocaust survivor Alter Wiener will talk about his autobiography “64735: From a Name to a Number.” Wiener survived 5 camps before being liberated by the Russian Army in May 1945. Cedar Mill Community Library (12505 NW Cornell), 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

Mariachi Viva Mexico: This six-piece Mariachi band includes trumpets, violins, guitars, guitaron and vihuelas to create lively, spirited music. North Portland Library (512 N Killingsworth St, Portland), 2:15 to 3:15.

New Belgium Street Fest: Music, video booth, beer garden, and more. SE Clinton Street, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

“Minimalist Parenting” Launch Party: Celebrate the release of this book and meet author Asha Dornfest. Asha is also the founder of the website Parent Hacks. A Children’s Place Bookstore (4807 NE Fremont St, Portland), 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

Sunday, April 21

Latino Cultural Festival in Hillsboro: Enjoy an afternoon of food, entertainment, art, culture and sports for the entire family. Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza (150 E. Main St, Hillsboro), noon to 5:00 pm.

It’s Not Just About the Piggy Bank: Teaching Your Kids About Money (Registration required): Learn ways to save and manage your money, and teach your kids to do the same. Midland Library (805 SE 122nd Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

More events

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

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

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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.

Friday, April 12

Wool Day:  Wool-crafting demonstrations, crochet lesson, entertainment, and more. Museum of the Oregon Territory (211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

“Clean: Overcoming Addiction and Ending America’s Greatest Tragedy”: David Sheff will talk about his latest book, “a powerful rethinking of the greatest public health challenge of our time.” Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 7:00 pm.

Saturday, April 13

Vancouver Critter Count: The Water Resources Education Center invites residents to assist with field surveys of amphibians and reptiles at 9:00 am, followed by a reptile presentation from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 4600 SE Columbia Way.

Northwest Pet & Companion Fair: Walk-through aviary, reptile and alpaca exhibits, petting zoo, pet fashion show, pet adoptions, and more. Pets are welcome. Portland Expo Center, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Washington County Museum Family Day: Celebrate Earth Day with crafts and music. Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza Building (120 E Main Street, Hillsboro),10:00 am to 1:00 p.m.

Newberg Camellia Festival: A celebration of Newberg’s city flower and Japanese culture. Taiko, tea ceremony, ikebana, and more. Chehalem Cultural Center (415 E Sheridan, Newberg), 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Write Around Portland is hosting free writing workshops for adults and young people (age 13+). Registration is required; visit the event website for more information.

Sunday, April 14

Northwest Pet & Companion Fair: Walk-through aviary, reptile and alpaca exhibits, petting zoo, pet fashion show, pet adoptions, and more. Pets are welcome. Portland Expo Center, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Traditional Uses of Native Plants of Western Oregon: Learn traditional Native American uses for native plants found in Western Oregon, including for food and medicine. Tryon Creek Park (11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland), 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Classical Indian Dance: Dancers will demonstrate Bharatha Natyam, a classical form of expressive dance from southern India. Tigard Library, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

“Japanese Farm Food”: Nancy Singleton Hachisu will talk about her book, which “offers a unique window into life on a Japanese farm through the simple, clear-flavored recipes.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

More events

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

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

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Photo by burstingwithcolors/Flickr

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Twitter: @aroundthesun

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthesunblog

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.

Friday, April 5

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

Camas First Friday: This month’s theme is a photo scavenger hunt. Downtown Camas, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

First Friday Art Walk in SE Portland: Here’s a map of participating galleries. Friend and photographer David Ashman will show his work at Splendorporium. Check it out! 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Saturday, April 6

Trillium Festival: Tryon Creek Park invites you to enjoy guided hikes, activities for children, native and hardy plant sale, and more. 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Safe Routes Spring Kick-off: A family-fun event that celebrates health, safety, and physical fitness. Bike activities, free bike repair, free lunch, and more. Cesar Chavez School (5103 N. Willis Blvd, Portland), 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

You and Me Yoga: Great for toddlers and preschoolers, learn simple and fun yoga partner poses. Kenton Library (8226 N Denver Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Indian Dance Performance: Dancers from Natya Dance Academy will perform Indian classical dances and discuss the history and stories behind the dances. Beaverton City Library, 3:00 pm.

Sunday, April 7

Arbor Week Kick-Off Festival (Lake Oswego): Tree climbing demonstration, live music, free cake, and loads of prizes. Millennium Plaza Park (1st and Evergreen, Lake Oswego), 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

East County Community Orchestra will perform at 2:00 pm at David Douglas Performing Arts Center (1400 SE 130th Ave, Portland).

Indian Dance Performance: Dancers from Natya Dance Academy will perform Indian classical dances and discuss the history and stories behind the dances. Hillsboro Main Library, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

“More Peas, Thank You”: Sarah Matheny, creator of the popular blog and the New York Times bestselling book “Peas and Thank You,” returns with more vegetarian recipes that are guaranteed to please the whole family. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

More events

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

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

And please check out your local library!

–

Photo by Ian Sane/Flickr

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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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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.

Saturday, March 30

Gresham Firefighters Easter Egg Hunt: The Easter Bunny invites children ages 0–12 to search for 10,000 eggs filled with chocolate and prizes. West Gresham Grade School (330 W. Powell Blvd), 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Dirt to Dinner: From the Farm to Your Table: OMSI will host a free health and wellness event in its auditorium. Cooking demos, kids entertainment and activities, and more. 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area: This week’s theme is “The Miracles of Moss.” 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, 10:00 am.

Vancouver Easter Egg Hunt: The hunt will include three heats: 10:00 am for children ages 3 and younger, 10:10 am for ages 4-8, and 10:20 am for ages 9-12. Esther Short Park Pavilion Stage.

Wilsonville Egg Hunt: Children ages 1–11 are invited to hunt for the perfect egg at the Wilsonville Memorial Park Ball Fields, 10:00 am.

The Great Westside Family Easter Event: Free admission (some activities charge a nominal fee). Egg hunts, bounce houses, petting zoo, and more. Washington County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 9:00 am. Event begins at 10:00 am. Check the event website for the schedule of egg hunts by age group.

Alpenrose Easter Egg Hunt: One of the biggest hunts west of the Mississippi. The hunt begins at 10:30 am for ages 3–5. Ages 6–8 get their turn at 12:00 pm. Alpenrose Dairy (6149 SW Shattuck Road, Portland).

Pearl District Bunny Hop: Visit Pearl District businesses and fill your kids’ baskets with treats. Plus enjoy fun activities at each location. Noon to 3:00 pm.

Adventures with Bugs: Hold, pet and look at all sorts of crazy creatures including tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions and more. Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Comedian Demetri Martin will talk about his latest book, “Point Your Face at This,” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 2:00 pm.

Pink Martini Singin’ in the Square: Pink Martini will perform at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Free songbooks, too, while supplies last. 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Sunday, March 31

10th Annual Bunny on a Bike Ride: Dress up like a bunny, hop on your bike, and meet at Abernethy School Park (SE Elliott & Birch, Portland) at 2:30 pm for a meet and greet. At 3:00 pm, you’ll go on a guided 45-minute loop ride in Ladd’s Addition, followed by a potluck.

“The God Problem: How a Godless Cosmos Creates“: Author Howard Bloom will talk about his latest book, which delves into the origins of the universe, the history of science and ideas, and the workings of creative consciousness. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

More events

For many more Easter events, check PDX Kids Calendar.

And the usual crew: PDX Pipeline, Portland on the Cheap, and the Oregonian.

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Photo by danxoneil/Flickr

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Twitter: @aroundthesun

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthesunblog

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.

All weekend

Better Living Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show: An earth-friendly event featuring kids activities, gardening workshops, fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, and more. Portland Expo Center. (Note: On-site parking is $8.)

Friday, March 22

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.

James Beard Award-winning writer Elissa Altman will talk about her book  ”Poor Man’s Feast: A Love Story of Comfort, Desire, and the Art of Simple Cooking” at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, March 23

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

Fancy Nancy Tea Party: Children ages 3-6 years and their families are invited to enjoy fun activities and yummy treats. Dress fancy! Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St, Portland), 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The Toy Trains: This kids rock band will perform at Hillsboro Main Library (2850 NE Brookwood Parkway, Hillsboro), 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Richard Hell, writer and musician, will talk about his memoir, “I Dreamed I Was a Very Clean Tramp.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 4:00 pm.

Sunday, March 24

Author David Shields will talk about his book, ”How Literature Saved My Life.” Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

More events

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

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

And please check out your local library!

–

Photo by Ian Sane/Flickr

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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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Happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend!

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.

Friday, March 15

“Big Data”: Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier present their book, an exploration of the effects of our newfound ability to gather and interpret vast amounts of information. Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

Saturday, March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Beaverton Farmer’s Market: Enjoy musical and dance performances from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in Beaverton City Park.

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

Sellwood-Moreland St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade: At noon, join hundreds of people and parade through the main streets of the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood beginning and ending at St. Agatha Catholic School. If you want to ride your bike in the parade, join Kidical Mass PDX for bike decorating and fun at the Sellwood Park Playground between 10:30 am and 11:30 am.

It’s Not Just About the Piggy Bank: Teaching Your Kids About Money: Learn about activities and tips for teaching your kids about money and ways to save for all the extra expenses that are part of being a parent. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland), 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations at McMenamins: A few McMenamins locations will host free musical performances. Just look for the word “Free.”

Tualatin Community Resource Fair: Connect with local organizations, while the kids enjoy crafts and face painting. Tualatin Library (18878 SW Martinazzi Ave, Tualatin), 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

“The Mantis and the Moon” Puppet Show: Tears of Joy Theater presents the story of a proud praying mantis who wants to capture the moon. Holgate Library (7905 SE Holgate Blvd, Portland), 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

Adventures with Bugs: Hold, pet, look at, and learn about tarantulas, cockroaches, scorpions and more. Kenton Library (8226 N. Denver Ave, Portland), 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Sunday, March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations at McMenamins: A few McMenamins locations will host free musical performances. Just look for the word “Free.”

Northeast Portland St. Paddy’s Day Parade: Fernwood/Cleary School (NE 33rd and Hancock) at noon.

Enso String Quartet will perform at 12:30 pm at Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland). Encore performance at Beaverton Library at 3:30 pm.

“In the Kitchen with the Pike Place Fish Guys”: Pike Place head fishmonger Anders Miller will talk about this seafood cookbook at Powell’s City of Books on Burnside, 7:30 pm.

More St. Patrick’s weekend events

Check PDX Pipeline, Portland on the Cheap, and the Oregonian.

For kids events, check UrbanMamas and PDX Kids Calendar.

For free concerts, see Concert Co-op.

And please check out your local library!

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Photo by McD22

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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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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.

Saturday, March 9

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

Dark Days Tour: Meet YA authors Dan Wells, Lauren Oliver, Claudia Gray, Debra Driza, and Kiersten White. Talk about their books and get advice on how to get published. Tualatin Public Library (18878 SW Martinazzi Ave, Tualatin), 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Vancouver Children’s Festival: Dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, face painting, and more. Westfield Vancouver Mall, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Washington County Museum Free Family Day: A puppet show by Tears of Joy Theatre, crafts, games, and more. Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza Building (120 E Main St, Hillsboro), 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Batik for Kids: Try your hand at the traditional art of batik and bring home your own beautiful creation. Sellwood-Moreland Library (7860 SE 13th Ave, Portland), 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

“Dinolandia” Puppet Show: Penny’s Puppet Productions tells the story of how one dinosaur family learned to put down their gadgets and spend quality time together. Northwest Library (2300 NW Thurman St, Portland), 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm.

Women in 20th Century Folk, Roots and Blues: American Roots musician Lauren Sheehan weaves songs and stories that celebrate women folk musicians throughout 20th century America. Belmont Library (1038 SE César E. Chávez Blvd, Portland), 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Sunday, March 10

Portland Opera Preview: “Rinaldo”: This event presents historical background, composer information, and musical selections from Handel’s “Rinaldo.” Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave, Portland), 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

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

“Cascadia Clash”: Sports journalist Geoffrey Arnold talks about his book, a history of the soccer rivalry between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers. 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.

And please check out your local library!

–

Photo by frozenchipmunk/Flickr

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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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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.

Friday, March 1

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

Camas First Friday: This month’s theme is “Find the Lucky Leprechaun and Go Green.” Downtown Camas, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Architectural Heritage Center is hosting a fiber show. 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Cascade Festival of African Films: All films are free. See the event website for schedule information.

“Portlandia” Season Finale: Mission Theater will host two screenings (7:00 pm and 10:00 pm).

Saturday, March 2

SE Portland Area ArtWalk: Local artists will open their studios to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. SE 9th Ave to SE 41st and SE Powell to SE Hawthorne Blvd.

A Visit from the Cat in the Hat: Powell’s Burnside location will host a special Dr. Seuss storytime with an appearance by the Cat in the Hat. 10:00 am.

Chinese New Year Celebration: Chinese American International School students will perform songs, poetry, and dance at the Lake Oswego Library, 11:00 am.

Portland Lindy Society Spring Dance: Dance the afternoon away to live music by The Midnight Serenaders. Director Park (SW Park & Yamhill, Portland), 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Mundo de las Mujeres: To celebrate International Women’s Day, Miracle Theatre Group will host a resource fair and a performance of “Las Methichis,” a short play written by Ana Consuelo Matiella. 525 SE Stark St, Portland, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Hey Marseilles will perform at Music Millennium at 3:00 pm.

Owl Fest: If you love owls, head to Tryon Creek State Natural Area for guided hikes, crafts, up-close encounters with the Audubon Education Owls, and more. 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Registration required for the hikes.

Cascade Festival of African Films: The last day of the festival. See the event website for schedule information.

Sunday, March 3

SE Portland Area ArtWalk: Local artists will open their studios to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. SE 9th Ave to SE 41st and SE Powell to SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Documentary Film: “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead”: Overweight and suffering from a debilitating autoimmune disease, Joe Cross vows to only drink fresh fruit and vegetable juice for 60 days. Hollywood Library, 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.

And please check out your local library!

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Subscribe to Around the Sun

Twitter: @aroundthesun

Facebook: facebook.com/aroundthesunblog

Email: click here to receive blog updates via email

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Photo by Ian Sane/Flickr

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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.

All weekend

Portland Jazz Festival: Several free performances and events throughout the weekend.

Friday, February 22

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

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs now through March 2. All films are free. See the event website for schedule information.

East Asian Musical Performance: Three artists will perform on East Asian zithers: Korean gayageum, Japanese koto, and Chinese guzheng. Portland State University, Lincoln Recital Hall, room 75 (1620 SW Park Ave, Portland), 7:30 pm.

Saturday, February 23

Fix-It Fair: Learn simple ways to save money. Free lunch, free childcare, free lead blood testing, and free bike tune-ups for students and families. Ron Russell Middle School (3955 SE 112th Ave, Portland), 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Guided Nature Walk at Tryon Creek State Natural Area: This week’s theme is “Lichen: The Odd Couple.” 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, 10:00 am.

Dental Information, Freebies for Kids: A local dentist will host a dental-related storytime, and all children will receive a free dental care kit with a complimentary exam. A Children’s Place Bookstore (4807 NE Fremont St, Portland), 1:00 pm.

Cascade Festival of African Films: The festival runs now through March 2. All films are free. See the event website for schedule information.

Sunday, February 24

90-Second Newbery Film Festival: The Newbery Medal is the most prestigious award in children’s literature. This festival features videos that compress the story of a Newbery award-winning book into 90 seconds or less. Central Library, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm. Encore showing at 3:00 pm.

Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band will perform at the Lakeridge High School Auditorium at 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.

And please check out your local library!

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Twitter: @aroundthesun

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Photo by SubZeroConsciousness/Flickr

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Enjoy free admission to the Portland Japanese Garden on Monday, February 18, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For more information, go to the garden website.

Photo by kaoruokumura/Flickr