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.

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 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, October 31st:
- The Used Book Sale put on by the Friends of the Library Multnomah County offers their final day of savings with a 50% extra discount. 9:00am – 3:00pm at the Doubletree Exhibit Hall at Lloyd Center.
- Submission from Jason: “OMSI Science Pub Hillsboro presents Spider Venoms: Tools of Tiny Predators, with Greta Binford, PhD. 7:00pm – 9:00pm at the Venetian Theater and Bistro. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Come early for food and drinks! Spiders (all 42,000 species) play key roles in our ecosystems as predators of insects. Without spiders there would be many more insects and thus fewer plants. Evolution over the last 400 million years has created enormous diversity of predatory tactics, including web and venom use, which has resulted in a phenomenal diversity of silk and venom chemistry. This talk will highlight some of the beautiful biological diversity of spiders’ feeding biology, silks, and venoms with a special emphasis on species native to the Pacific Northwest. We’ll also discuss and clarify some of the misconceptions associated with spider bites in this region.” $5 suggested cover charge, No RSVP or tickets required.
- Willamette Radio Workshop performs works by Edgar Allen Poe at 4:00pm and 6:00pm at McMenamins Kennedy School Community Room, free. There will also be trick-or-treating for kids and a free performance by the Freak Mountain Ramblers beginning at 7:00pm.

Tuesday, November 1st:
- First Tuesday in downtown Hillsboro, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Stop by the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center for the First Tuesday opening reception with house concert and light refreshments provided by Claeys Catering. Features Gerald Sticka in the main gallery and Miniature Artists of America in the lower exhibition space.
- Book event at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 7:00pm with authors Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François and their cookbook “Artisan Pizza and Flatbread in Five Minutes a Day.”

Wednesday, November 2nd:
- Wondrous Wednesday special admission offer at the World Forestry Center, admission is just $3 for person. Open 10:00am – 5:00pm. There is an extra fee of $2 for parking.

Thursday, November 3rd:
- Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a free performance of “Raven Steals the Sun,” 3:30pm – 4:15pm at the Belmont Library. Free tickets for seating will be available 30 minutes prior to the program.
- Siren Nation Festival Kickoff Party art show, 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Albina Press (SE 50th & Hawthorne), free for all ages.
- Free presentation “Backpacking our National Parks,” 7:00pm at REI Streets of Tanasbourne.
- First Thursday Portland, the monthly art gallery event celebrates 25 years in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl. Click here for a printable walking map.

Monday, October 3rd:
- Oregon Days of Culture all week long, check out the web site for numerous free and low cost events to partake in around the metro area.
- PCPA Noontime Showcase: “Liberty & Union: Presidential campaign songs of the 1860 & 1864 elections.” Free, 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Located in the Hatfield Hall rotunda at Portland Center for the Performing Arts, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland.
- OMSI Science Pub at McMenamins Bagdad Theater begins at 7:00pm with the presentation “Brainstorm: Exploring the Genesis of Innovation.” Science Pub is open to ages 21+, or minor with adult. $5 suggested donation.

Tuesday, October 4th:
- PCPA Noontime Showcase: ‘Portland Open Studios.’ Free artist talk and demonstration by ceramic artist Careen Stoll, 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
- First Tuesday Music Series at Lake Oswego Library, 7:00pm – 8:30pm featuring 2jazzguitars, free.
- First Tuesday in downtown Hillsboro, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Stop by the Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center for the First Tuesday opening reception with house concert and light refreshments provided by Claeys Catering. Features ‘Nuestra Comida/Our Food’ a traveling exhibition of photographs organized by the Chiapas Photography Project and the Archivo Fotografico Indigena.
- Piano recital by Adam Aleksander, 7:30pm at Mago Hunt Recital Hall on the campus of the University of Portland. From web site: “In this free performance, the pianist plays Liszt’s Transcendental Etudes, plus music by Schubert and Schubert song transcriptions by Liszt.”

Wednesday, October 5th:
- PCPA Noontime Showcase: ‘Northwest Children’s Theatre.’ Free, 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
- Free benefit concert “PCSO Dissected,” by ensembles made up of musicians from the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra, performing at downtown Portland’s First United Methodist Church. 7:30pm start time, donations accepted.

Thursday, October 6th:
- PCPA Noontime Showcase: ‘The Spitfires Swing Jazz Group.’ Free, 12:00pm – 1:00pm.
- First Thursday Portland, the monthly art gallery event celebrates 25 years in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl. Click here for a printable walking map.

Monday, May 2nd:
- OMSI Science Pub at McMenamins Bagdad Theater presents “The Mystique of Terroir: Geology, Soils, Climate and Wines in the Northern Willamette Valley, ” 7:00pm. Science Pub is open to ages 21+, or minor with adult with $3 suggested cover charge.

Tuesday, May 3rd:
- McMenamins Crystal Hotel Grand Opening events, Tuesday – Thursday beginning at 4:00pm, see web site for schedule.
- Free presentation Nature After Hours: “Birding Adventures: An Introduction to Bird Watching,” 6:00pm at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Free wine, beer and refreshments will be served.
- Hillsboro First Tuesday Art Walk, 6:00pm – 8:00pm in downtown Hillsboro. The Glenn & Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center will also host the opening reception of Print Arts Northwest 30th Anniversary All-Member Show with music and refreshments beginning at 6:00pm, free.
- Free book reading event at Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing featuring “Girl Wonder,” by Alexa Martin. 7:00pm, free.
- Lake Oswego Public Library hosts the First Tuesday Music Series beginning at 7:00pm with guitarist Dan Balmer, free.

Wednesday, May 4th:
- Community Cinema Independent Lens Series at the Turnbull Center in downtown Portland. The free screening begins at 6:00pm with the film “Welcome To Shelbyville.”

Thursday, May 5th:
- 27th annual Cinco de Mayo festival with free gate admission from 11:00am – 2:00pm at Waterfront Park. There will be $5 lunch specials, free kids activities, performances and much more.
- Portland First Thursday monthly art gallery receptions and openings in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl, generally from 6:00pm – 8:30pm. Click here for a printable walking map.
- City of Portland “Ten Toe Express” Neighborhood Walks, a free guided walk beginning at 6:00pm and ending at 7:00pm. Meet at the Paul Bunyan statue, across from the MAX station on the corner of North Interstate and Denver to “enjoy a stroll through Kenton and Arbor Lodge neighborhoods and see Kenton, Gammons, and Arbor Lodge Parks and the Omaha Parkway.”
- Submission from Tim: “Get 2 tickets for the price of 1 regular adult admission to see the world premiere of LAZARILLO at Miracle Theatre May 5, 6, 7 or 8, 2011! This offer is valid for performances May 5, 6, 7, or 8; subject to availability. Use coupon code CHEAP to order tickets online anytime from www.milagro.org or by calling 503-236-7253 M-F, 8:30-5pm. FYI: The best deal would be our Thursday May 5 preview at 7:30 when
you can get 2 tickets for just $17!”

Monday, April 4th:
- It’s Portland Arbor Week with many free events planned throughout the city with walks, talks, bicycle rides and more.
- OMSI Science Pub, 7:00pm at McMenamins Bagdad Theater. Tonight’s topic is “Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite,” and presented by author and associate professor Robert Kurzban, PhD. Science Pub is open to ages 21+, or minor with adult with a $3 suggested cover charge.

Tuesday, April 5th:
- Hillsboro First Tuesday and downtown gallery walk, 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Head a few blocks east to the Glenn and Viola Walters Cultural Arts Center for the opening reception of the 7th annual HYAC Youth Art Exhibition with free refreshments and house concert in the lobby.
- First Tuesday Music series at the Lake Oswego Library features pianist, guitarist, songwriter and recording artist John Nilsen. Starts at 7:00pm, free.
- Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing hosts Alice Bradley and Eden Kennedy’s “Let’s Panic about Babies!” at 7:00pm.

Wednesday, April 6th:
- Independent Lens Community Cinema presents a free screening of “Bhutto,” beginning at 6:00pm at the Turnbull Center in Portland’s Old Town.

Thursday, April 7th:
- PCC and Multnomah County Library present “Stay Fit While You Sit,” as part of their ongoing free Brown Bag Lunch and Learn series from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the Central library in downtown Portland.
- “Gardens of Eatin’: Basic Vegetable Gardening,” a free workshop on growing your own garden, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Naomi’s Organic Farm Supply. Hosted by Metro, Oregon State University Extension Service and Naomi’s Organic Farm Supply. Free event includes complimentary coupons and publications. Advance registration required; call Naomi’s at 503-517-8551.
- Portland First Thursday monthly art gallery receptions and openings in downtown Portland, Old Town / Chinatown, Northwest and the Pearl. Click here for a printable walking map.

Recent Submissions
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From Drea:
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