Weekend on the Cheap:
– Friday, November 19th, Daily Deal site Groupon is offering $25 for $50 worth of shoes, clothing and more from Nordstrom Rack. Limit 1 per person, $50 minimum purchase and redeemable in-store only (choose from three Portland area locations). Expires December 31st, 2010.
– The OSU Food Innovation Center has another upcoming consumer opinion opportunity that they are currently recruiting participants for:
“The Sensory and Consumer Group at the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center is looking for participants for focus groups to take place on Tuesday, November 30th and Wednesday December 1st. Each focus group will be about 1 hour and 45 minutes and the compensation is $90. Test times run at 10:30am, 2pm and 5:30pm on the 30th and 10:30am, 2pm and 4:30pm on the 1st. If you are interested, please click on this link to submit a questionnaire. If you are selected to participate, we will contact you via email by Tuesday, November 23rd, where you must confirm your intent to participate. We only contact those who were selected to participate and will be sending out those confirmation emails by November 23rd. Photo ID will be required to participate in this test.”
– Widmer Big Chill at Grand Central Bowl this Friday night beginning at 9:00pm. This free event celebrates local craft beer, music, art and fashion. Check out the latest winter fashions from US Outdoor Store and local NW designers, participate in a silent auction for winter-themed works of art from Portland-area artist, and win great prizes including snowboard, outdoor gear and Mt. Hood Meadows lift tickets.
– 24th Annual Fix-It Fair this Saturday at Ron Russell Middle School (3955 SE 112th Avenue) from 8:30am – 2:00pm. The Fix-It Fairs are free events designed to save you money and connect you to resources and includes workshops, exhibits and a free lunch.
– Oregon Maritime Museum Family Day this Saturday from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Free admission to families with children under 17. Bring the whole crew aboard for an afternoon of hands-on fun and educational activities!
– Healing Arts Resource Project Community Outreach Event and Harvest Festival this Saturday at Common Ground Wellness Center Flanders House. There will be a homemade pancake breakfast, vegetarian dinner, live music for a portion of the day, an auction, collaborative art projects, classes and more. Tickets at the door are $5-15 sliding scale per person.
– Audobon Society of Portland Wild Arts Festival this Saturday and Sunday at the Montgomery Park Atrium and Ballroom. $5 general admission, features over 70 artists and 35 authors in a festive atmosphere. Hours will be 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday.
– 11th Annual German Holiday Market this Saturday and Sunday at the German American School of Portland.
– SCRAP’s Holiday Bazaar 2010 this Saturday and Sunday at SCRAP (2915 NE MLK Jr. Boulevard). The bazaar features craft vendors, live music, food carts, raffle and gift wrapping by SCRAP.
– Free performance of “Raven Steals the Sun,” created and performed by Emily Alexander of Tears of Joy Theatre this Sunday, 1:00pm at the Holgate Library as part of National American Indian Heritage Month. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the first program.
– Kidical Mass Tour de Pie family bicycle ride this Sunday afternoon at Ladd’s Circle Park in SE Portland. The ride will visit pie establishments in close-in SE Portland. Stops are not yet finalized, but will likely include pizza pie, fried pie, and of course the traditional baked-in-a-flaky-crust pumpkin pie. Bring a few dollars for pies; ride goes on rain or shine.
– Beaverton Community Band Fall Concert this Sunday 3:00pm at Cedar Hills United Church of Christ. Free admission.
– For more great things to do this weekend, please visit Aroundthesunblog or PDXPipeline!
SPOTLIGHT: DOWNTOWN PORTLAND SAVINGS AND DISCOUNTS
The next time you head to downtown Portland, take a look at this official web site which was created by the Downtown Portland Marketing Initiative. The organization is a public / private partnership dedicated to promoting the vitality of downtown Portland. On the web site you’ll find information on where to shop, eat, sleep and park, as well as information on events and happenings.
Earlier this summer the organization launched ‘Compassion Coupons’ on their web site; shoppers just needed to print out the coupon to save at various downtown businesses and a donation would be made to the New Avenues for Youth. Although this discount coupon program ended September 30th, the web site still offers plenty of information on additional deals and discounts including the upcoming ‘Holidates.’
Beginning on Thursday, December 2nd, take advantage of “Holidate Free Parking” every Thursday evening in December; complimentary parking is offered between at any SmartPark garage when you enter between 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Holidates also features live music on the streets, special events in stores and food and drink savings at select restaurants.
If your shopping or weekend getaway requires an overnight stay, consider Travel Portland’s ‘Portland Perks’ hotel package. The package includes free overnight parking, complimentary continental breakfast for two, the discount-packed Portland Perks coupon book, PLUS — for a limited time at select hotels — $50 cold hard cash to get you started on your tax-free holiday shopping (two-night minimum).
Additionally, if you are planning visits to the Lan Su Chinese Garden, Oregon History Museum and Portland Art Museum, consider the ‘Downtown Attractions Pass’ and save 30 percent off regular adult admission for $22.05.
The Pearl District maintains their own official web site with a listing of special events, shows, art openings and more. This holiday season kicks off with the Holiday Big Reveal and tree lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 27th. Over 75 merchants will participate in the “Holidays in the Pearl” promotion, keep on eye on the web site in the next few weeks to come.
