Monday, February 6th:
- Check out some snow sculptures in downtown Portland as artists make their creations from 11:00am – 2:00pm at SW 6th & Oak.
- Powell’s Books on Burnside book event, 7:30pm with “All There Is: Love Stories from StoryCorps.”
- OMSI Science Pub at McMenamins Bagdad Theatre presents “Lust, Chocolate and Prairie Voles: The Neuroscience of Pleasure and Love,” 7:00pm. $5 suggested donation, all ages.
- Beer and Movie Film Fest all week at the Academy Theatre (with classics such as ‘The Untouchables,’ ‘Star Trek II’, ‘Conan the Barbarian’ and more) plus 1982′s ‘The Thing,’ playing 9:45pm all week at the Laurelhurst Theatre.

Tuesday, February 7th:
- Multnomah County Library program “Leap Into Science: Do You See What I See?,” 10:00am – 12:00pm at the Central library in downtown Portland, free.
- Charles Dickens Birthday Party, 3:00pm – 5:30pm in the Watzek Library at Lewis and Clark College. There will be readings, music and birthday cake.
- Hillsboro’s First Tuesday art receptions at the Sequoia Gallery and the Cultural Arts Center, 6:00pm – 8:00pm in downtown Hillsboro.
- Lake Oswego’s First Tuesday Music Series features traditional Celtic music performed by Hanz Araki and his band, 7:00pm at the Lake Oswego Library, free.
- Broadway Books welcomes author Gary Geddes for his book “Drink the Bitter Root: A Search for Justice and Healing in Africa,” 7:00pm, free and open to the public.

Wednesday, February 8th:
- City Club of Portland Film Series presents “Schools Making A Difference: Portraits of Excellence, Engagement and Equity,” 5:45pm – 8:45pm at McMenamins Mission Theatre. Free and open to the public, this is a series of films, panel discussions and participant dialogues.

Thursday, February 9th:
- Grand re-opening of Beaverton’s Griffith Drive Goodwill beginning at 7:00am.
- The 22nd annual Cascade Festival of African Films continues with three films playing at 12:00pm, 1:45pm and 7:30pm. Free admission and open to the public.
- Ignite Portland returns to McMenamins Bagdad Theater, 5:00pm doors open and 7:00pm show time — free as always, all ages welcome, come early for best seating! Check out our previous blog about the event here.

Monday, January 30th:
- Ka Lei Maile Ali’i: The Queen’s Women, an interactive reenactment depicting the 1897 signature-gathering meeting of the women’s branch of the Hawaiian Patriotic League (Hui Aloha ‘Aina) beginning at 6:30pm at the Midland Library. Free.
- OMSI Science Pub visits Hillsboro’s Venetian Theater with “The Science and Art of Permaculture,” 7:00pm – 9:00pm. No RSVP or tickets are required and the event is for all ages.
- John’s Incredible Pizza Company lunch deal all week — get their pizza buffet and unlimited drinks for just $5.00, valid 11:00am – 3:00pm Monday – Friday.
- Free debut film “Outside the Frame,” created by youth from Outside In, 7:00pm start time at Gerding Theater at the Armory. There will be a reception beginning at 6:30pm and a question and answer session with the filmmakers will follow the screening.
- History Pub Monday at McMenamins Kennedy School presents “Julia Ruuttila: The Proudest Moment in an Oregon Activist’s Life,” 7:00pm. Free for all ages, please bring a canned good to donate to the Oregon Food Bank.

Tuesday, January 31st:
- Ballots are due to elect the representative for Oregon’s 1st Congressional District:, find your closest ballot drop off site here.
- Portland Opera Studio Artist Recital: Soprano Lindsay Ohse, 7:00pm at the Portland Art Museum Whitsell Auditorium. The recital is free (reserved ticket required here), with a voluntary suggested donation of $10 to support the Portland Opera Studio Artist program.
- Free public presentation: “A River of Stories, Two Historical Perspectives of the Willamette River in Portland,” 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the Oregon Historical Society Pavilion. From web site: “Portland Harbor Partnership is launching On the Waterfront, a new education series of lectures that will highlight and discuss the critical role the Willamette River plays in the environmental, economic, cultural and recreational life of Oregonians.”
- History Pub at McMenamins Edgefield inside the Power Station Theater, 6:30pm with the topic “Logging in the Gorge: History of the Bridal Veil Lumbering Co.” Free for the public, all ages welcome.

Wednesday, February 1st:
- Opening reception the for the new Multnomah County Central Library Collins Gallery exhibition “Votes for Women! The Oregon Story,” 6:00pm – 7:30pm, free. From web site: “Join us for refreshments and remarks from Secretary of State Kate Brown, the Honorable Avel Gordly, Professor Kimberly Jensen, and special guests. Margie Boule will provide the singing.”
- Portland Comics Comedy Show, 9:45pm at Mississippi Pizza, just $5 admission.

Thursday, February 2nd:
- First Thursday monthly art gallery event in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl. Click here for a printable walking map.
- Ecotrust and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) present “Slippery When Wet,” a free all weather bike workshop beginning at 6:00pm. Register online.
- Book event at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing with Rachel Bertsche and her book “MWF Seeking BFF,” 7:00pm, free.

Monday, January 23rd:
- The first 100 customers at the Gateway Jamba Juice location will receive one free can of Jamba Energy Drink.
- 2012 National Pie Day with special pricing and offers at area pie hot spots.
- Panda Express is giving away a free single serving of firecracker chicken breast with this coupon, while supplies last.
- Back Fence PDX “I Didn’t Think This Through” 8:00pm storytelling show at the Gerding Theater at The Armory; free tickets are sold out, but try this suggestion from the Oregonian: “sometimes people reserve free tickets and don’t come, so if you feel lucky, you can show up and give it a shot.”

Tuesday, January 24th:
- Log on to PF Chang’s Facebook to score a virtual red envelope to celebrate the year of the Dragon, good for a mystery discount when you dine at PF Chang’s from now until February 6th.
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year customs of China and Vietnam with a puppet show, food and crafts at the Midland Library from 5:30pm – 7:00pm, free.
- Dr. Cris Hein is the featured guest for Stumptown Stories at the Jack London Bar with his free 7:30pm presentation “The Biology, Behavior & Benefits of Bats.”
- Book event at Powell’s City of Books on Burnisde, 7:30pm with the author of “Honey Badger Don’t Care,” free. Come learn about “a dozen crazy, badass animals of the wild kingdom.”

Wednesday, January 25th:
- Ground Kontrol’s Last Wednesday Free Play Party, 5:00pm – late night, just $5 cover to play all the classic arcade and pinball games you want!
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year customs of China and Vietnam with lion dance, a puppet show, singing, food and crafts at the Holgate Library from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, free.
- Ever wanted to hike the Pacific Crest National Trail? Get your questions answered with this free presentation by thru-hiker Erin ‘Wired’ Saver, 7:30pm at the Mazama Mountaineering Center off of 43rd and SE Stark Street. Open to the general public.
- The Helium Comedy Club presents an evening of free Trivia and Comedy beginning at 8:00pm. No cost for admission, but each person is required to purchase a minimum of two items from the menu (food and/or drink).

Thursday, January 26th:
- Celebrate Community Outreach of Our United Villages with a public open house from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. From web site: “Enjoy warm refreshments, bump elbows with others in the community and start the New Year with a little positive inspiration. Children are welcome.”
- Portland International Auto Show opens at 10:00am, general adult admission is $12 but you can find a $3 off coupon in the Portland Tribune that is good all day on Thursday.

Article of the Week:
- “12 smart savings tips for 2012,” by Greg McBride, CFA for Bankrate.com.

Monday, January 2nd:
- Free admission at the Oregon Zoo, 9:00am – 4:00pm!
- Free admission at the Lan Su Chinese Garden now until next Monday, January 9th. Open 10:00am – 5:00pm.
- Rose Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs Wisconsin Badgers, kick off at 2:10pm. Catch the game at McMenamins theaters, Grand Central Bowl or at home on ABC.
- In honor of the Oregon Ducks, Burgerville presents a ‘Quack Attack’ offer valid all day long: 5 original cheeseburgers for $5 or 5 double cheeseburgers for $10.

Tuesday, January 3rd:
- Lake Oswego’s First Tuesday Music Series features the music styling of the Double Reed Divas, 7:00pm at the Lake Oswego Library, free.
- Snowshoeing Basics at Hillsboro REI, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, free registration spots are still available.
- Oregon Archaeological Society general meeting features the free presentation “Native American Architecture of the Lower Columbia, Oregon Coast, and Willamette Valley: the Vernacular Style.” 7:45pm at OMSI, open to the public.

Wednesday, January 4th:
- Free presentation: “Moving Towards A Low Carbon Economy: Brown bag with Rex Burkholder,” 12:00pm inside the council chambers at Metro Regional Center.
- First Wednesday Chamber Jam with Classical Revolution PDX, 7:00pm at the Waypost in North Portland. $5 suggested donation.

Thursday, January 5th:
- First Thursday monthly art gallery event in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl. Click here for a printable walking map.

Monday, December 12th:
- The Volunteers of Portland Center for the Performing Arts presents PCPA Noontime Showcase: Sally Harmon & Frank Gruner, a holiday piano and bass duo playing at 12:00pm. Free admission, located in the Rotunda of Antoinette Hatfield Hall.

Tuesday, December 13th:
- Second Tuesday at the Oregon Zoo, admission is just $4 per person. Show proof of fare that you rode the MAX and get an additional $1.50 off. Bonus: this offer also applies for the evening Zoo Lights event!
- 11th Annual Jefferson High School Multicultural Film Festival screens the movie “Good Hair” at the North Portland Library. 5:00pm start time, free and includes a discussion following the show.
- Independent Lens Community Cinema “Lioness,” 6:00pm at the George S. Turnbull Portland Center inside the White Stag Block in Old Town/Chinatown. Free admission for all ages.
- One of our favorite movies of all time is up on the big screen at McMenamins Bagdad Theater: the First Rule of Book Club Presents The Princess Bride, open to the public for all ages with the film starting at 7:00pm. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children, all profits will be donated to Street Books.
- The Oregon Encyclopedia’s Stumptown Stories presents “The Portland of A.E. Doyle,” free lecture beginning at 7:30pm in downtown Portland’s Rialto Pool Room (go to the basement for the Jack London Bar). 21 and over only.

Wednesday, December 14th:
- Lake Oswego Public Library annual Open House, 1:00pm – 4:00pm with holiday music by the Stafford Singers performing at 2:00pm. Free.

Thursday, December 15th:
- Play in Hillsdale Third Thursday with December’s theme “Holiday Dog Day.” From web site: “Hillsdale shops are open late with Great Deals, Events and Live Music! Local artists, musicians and home-based businesses will also join the fun. Look for the trail of balloons leading you to each participating business.” Businesses located near the Hillsdale Shopping Center.
- Peacock Lane opens and tonight and Friday is ‘Pedestrian-only Night,’ no motor vehicles allowed! Check out the light displays 6:00pm – 11:00pm.
- Drink Deck Portland 1st Year Anniversary Party, 7:00pm at Vendetta. Free admission, but you must RSVP here.

Monday, December 5th:
- “Holiday Shopping on a Budget,” free Smart Saving program at the Midland Library starting at 6:30pm.
- OMSI Science Pub at McMenamins Bagdad Theater presents “Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter,” 7:00pm start time. Science Pub is open to ages 21+, or minor with adult. $5 suggested cover charge, no RSVP or tickets required.
- History Pub at McMenamins Mission Theater presents “The Civil War in the Northwest,” beginning at 7:00pm and featuring Fort Vancouver Chief Ranger and Historian Greg Shine. Free for all ages (minor with parent or guardian).
- All month: December is Customer Appreciation Month at Subway, and as a special thanks they are offering a regular 6″ Meatball Marinara or a regular 6″ Cold Cut Combo for just $2 each, now through December 31st at participating locations.

Tuesday, December 6th:
- Free Sweet Jim Beam Bacon Swiss Burger at Red Robin…the catch? You have to be named Jim, James or Jimbo (and have valid proof of ID) and you must RSVP on their Facebook page.
- Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Multnomah County Library’s presentation of “The Beginnings of the Kalapuya People,” with storyteller and history keeper Esther Stutzman. 6:30pm start time at the Albina Library, free.
- Another night of History Pub at McMenamins Mission Theater, this one features a book release and history presentation by author Jane Comerford and her “A History of Northwest Portland: From the River to the Hills,” 7:00pm, free. Minor with parent or guardian.
- Hillsboro’s First Tuesday art receptions at the Sequoia Gallery and the Cultural Arts Center, 6:00pm – 8:00pm in downtown Hillsboro. There will be a house concert in the Arts Center lobby and refreshments provided by Claeys Catering. In addition, students and teachers from MIR Music will perform a winter recital at 6:30pm.
- Lake Oswego’s First Tuesday Music Series features the music styling of Kansas City Rhythm Kings, 7:00pm at the Lake Oswego Library, free.

Wednesday, December 7th:
- Free sack lunch concert at the Old Church, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Today’s music features the Heartstrings Duo.
- Free holiday concert “Cherished Christmas Favorites” performed by the Vancouver Community Concert Band, 6:30pm at First United Methodist Church, free for all ages.
- More holiday music will be performed by the Clark College Orchestra with their performance of “Buried Treasures,” 7:30pm at Royal Durst Theater at Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. Admission is free, though donations will be gladly accepted.
- Free Christmas Concert series at Portland’s St. Andrews Chapel beginning at 7:00pm with the Ascension Catholic Church Choir. Each hour-long program is free and open to the public by calling (503) 257-7946 to reserve a seat.

Thursday, December 8th:
- Opening night for the 57th edition of the Christmas Ship Parade on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. Tonight’s run begins at 7:00pm with the Willamette fleet parading from OMSI to Fremont Bridge, and the Columbia fleet parading around the I-5 Bridge area and Hayden Bay.
- Holidate with Downtown Portland continues with free parking at SmartPark garages until midnight (enter between 4:00pm – 6:00pm), live music and special activities from participating retailers. Sponsored by Portland Mall Management, Inc. Tonight’s specials include two-for-one admission to the Portland Art Museum and the Ben & Jerry’s BOGO holiday menu.

Monday, November 21st:
- Oregon Mission of Mercy, free dental clinic and care at the Oregon Convention Center, doors open at 4:00am! See web site for further details. (credit: Aroundthesunblog)
- The Oregon Encyclopedia History Night at McMenamins Mission Theater, 7:00pm with the presentation ” “Politics and Crime in Portland: Drug Enforcement in the 1980s, ” presented by Ray Tercek. Free.

Tuesday, November 22nd:
- Day 2 of Oregon Mission of Mercy, free dental clinic and care at the Oregon Convention Center, doors open at 4:00am! See web site for further details. (credit: Aroundthesunblog)
- Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Multnomah County Midland Library’s performance of “Raven Steals the Sun,” beginning at 4:15pm, free.

Wednesday, November 23rd:
- Free sack lunch concert at downtown Portland’s Old Church features Fleur-de-lis Trio performing Dvorak’s “Dumky” Piano Trio, 12:00pm.

Thursday, November 24th:
- PROPER 9th Annual Thanksgiving Feast, 12:00pm – 4:00pm at Celebration Tabernacle (8131 North Denver Avenue) offers a free Thanksgiving dinner with vegetarian options and live entertainment. Volunteers and donations welcome.
- Feast for Southeast, 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Mt. Scott Community Center, a grassroots event for the community put on by the community of neighborhoods encompassing Mt. Scott/Arleta, Woodstock, Brentwood/Darlington and Foster/Powell. Come attend or volunteer and meet your neighbors. Free.
- For other volunteer opportunities, please check out Hands on Portland.
- For other Thanksgiving related events for today and this week, take a look at these listings offered up by Oregonlive.com.
- Watch football, 9:30am with Green Bay vs. Detroit, 1:15pm with Miami vs. Dallas, and 5:20pm with San Francisco taking on Baltimore. Get the Oregonian and go through all the Black Friday ads. Enjoy the food, the company, give thanks and enjoy the day. Happy Thanksgiving!