Homeschooling in PDX

June 2019

June 4, 2019 keri

Free unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, June 1

Summer Splash Demo Day ~ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm ~ Family-friendly event to demo paddle craft ~ Oaks Park

Children’s Folk Songs from the Rural South ~ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ~ Newel Briggs sings old slave songs accompanied by his guitar, mandolin and banjo. ~ Central Library ~ free tickets 30 minutes in advance

Sunday, June 2

Paint with He(ART) ~ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Paint with He(ART) is a painting class where we will explore paintings that highlight the diversity of Black people (primarily Black women) with anemphasis on self-love, Black relationships and women empowerment. ~ North Portland Library ~ Advance registration required

Monday, June 3

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Tuesday, June 4

Epic Draw/Play ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Wednesday, June 5-Sunday, June 9 ~ Times vary ~ Rose Festival Fleet Week ~ Tom McCall Waterfrom Park

Saturday, June 8

Youth Outdoor Day ~ 8:30 am – 2:30 pm ~ Youth Outdoor Day is a unique event designed to give the youth of Oregon a place to learn about conservation of habitat, hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. ~ Registration required ~ $5

McMinnville Scottish Festival ~ 9:00 am – 5:30 pm ~ Linnfield College ~ various prices

Get Outdoors Day ~ 10:00 am-3:00 pm ~ Outdoor-themed fastival ~ Fort Vancouver

Oregon Renaissance Faire ~ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm ~ Clackamas County Fairgrounds ~ Ticket prices vary

Salmon and Coyote Tell My Family Stories ~ 11:00 am-12:30 pm ~ Join artist Lillian Pitt as she shares her Native American family stories for children, featuring Salmon and Coyote. ~ Fort Vancouver

造龍船 Making Dragon Boat ~ 2:00 pm 3:30 ~ Please join us for a fun afternoon playing a game, tasting the festival treat “zongzi”, and making your own dragon boat! We will supply a variety of materials for the craft activity. ~ Central Library

Saturday, June 8

Osebo’s Drum ~ 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm ~ Parents’ Choice Award winner Robbi K’s spirit is contagious as the entire audience is soon singing and clapping along with Osebo’s Drum. Enjoy interactive movement, singing, chanting and humor ~ Midland Library

Sunday, June 9

McMinnville Scottish Festival ~ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm ~ Linnfield College ~ various prices

Oregon Renaissance Faire ~ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm ~ Clackamas County Fairgrounds ~ Ticket prices vary

Monday, June 10

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Tuesday, June 11

Epic Draw/Play ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Wednesday, June 12

June Ecology Club: Lichen ~ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm ~ BARK office ~ recommended for 13+

Saturday, June 15

Oregon Renaissance Faire ~ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm ~ Clackamas County Fairgrounds ~ Ticket prices vary

FUNdamentals ~ 11:00 – 11:50 am ~ Join award winning children’s educator and performer Aaron Nigel Smith as he gets the whole family moving, grooving and learning. This class introduces children to the exciting world of music through creative movement, note reading and fun instrument play. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library ~ free tickets 30 minutes in advance

Library Music Project: Traditional Cuban Music with Melao de Cuba ~ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Melao de Cuba has been playing Cuban music together for thirteen years. They are led by vocalist Virginia Lopez, who has enjoyed the rhythms of her Afro-Cuban heritage through drumming, singing and dancing from an early age. Come and dance to their performance of traditional Son, a genre that combines Spanish guitar, verse & chorus with African vocals & drumming. ~ Central Library

Children’s Folk Songs from the Rural South ~ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Newel Briggs sings old slave songs accompanied by his guitar, mandolin and banjo. ~ Northwest Library

FUNdamentals ~ 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Join award winning children’s educator and performer Aaron Nigel Smith as he gets the whole family moving, grooving and learning. This class introduces children to the exciting world of music through creative movement, note reading and fun instrument play. ~ Kenton Library

Sunday, June 16

Oregon Renaissance Faire ~ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm ~ Clackamas County Fairgrounds ~ Ticket prices vary

Bluegrass Journey with Bigfoot Mojo ~ 2:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm ~ Live band Bigfoot Mojo performs samples of the genres which influenced bluegrass music including Celtic, old time, blues, gospel and country. ~ Hillsdale Library

Juneteenth: Words Along the Way ~ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers brought Texans the news that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Juneteenth, the observance of that date, has become a national celebration of freedom. Join us at the North Portland Library as we celebrate Juneteenth with words and music. ~ North Portland Library

Monday, June 17

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

The Stories of the Stars ~ 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm ~ Space is full of stars. But how did those stars get their names? Pegasus Puppet Theatre brings Roman and Greek myths to life, illuminating the stories behind constellations such as Hydra, Leo and Pegasus! ~ Hollywood Library ~ free tickets 15 minutes in advance

Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21

Space Camp ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Have you ever dreamed of going into outer space? Do you want to live on the Space Station or be the first to visit Mars? Have you wondered what it might be like to work for NASA? If so, join us for Space Camp. It will be out of this world! Grade K-6. ~ St. John’s Library ~ Free registration required, limited space available.

Tuesday, June 18 – Friday, June 21

Making Games with Roblox Studio ~ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Do you enjoy playing games on Roblox? Have you tried the studio tools but haven’t been sure how to make a real game or program in Lua? Join Pixel Arts Game Education in this four day workshop that will get you started with making your own Roblox games! For grade 6-12. ~ Rockwood Makerspace ~ Free advance registration required, limited space available.

Tuesday, June 18

Epic Draw/Play ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Pets on Parade ~ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm ~ Cut, paste, paint and play with watercolor and collage. Bring a good-sized photo of your family pet to add to your art or choose from the materials provided. Learn basic composition and design while creating an anthropomorphic (human qualities) animal. Perfect for young children and fun for all ages. ~ Capitol Hill Library

Wednesday, June 19

Living & Working in Space ~ 11:15 am – 12:15 am ~ Take part in a dramatic mission to another world, as students build and launch paper rockets, handle artifacts from the space shuttle, and try on a spacesuit. ~ Gregory Heights Library

Thursday, June 20

Space Adventures ~ 12:30 – 1:30 pm ~ What do we know about space? From gravity to wind to chemical reactions, outer space is a very different place from Earth. Learn about the properties of space, see how rockets make it to space, find out how to make a comet out of dry ice, and maybe even walk on a non-Newtonian surface! ~ North Portland Library

String Art ~ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Use found sticks and upcycled string and yarn to make string art! Go home with a special piece of art to decorate your life. ~ Midland Library

Living & Working in Space ~ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Take part in a dramatic mission to another world, as students build and launch paper rockets, handle artifacts from the space shuttle, and try on a spacesuit. ~ St. John’s Library

Friday, June 21

The Stories of the Stars ~ 10:30 am – 11:15 am ~ Space is full of stars. But how did those stars get their names? Pegasus Puppet Theatre brings Roman and Greek myths to life, illuminating the stories behind constellations such as Hydra, Leo and Pegasus! This production is a non-stop kid-friendly puppet-romp of excitement and fun for everyone. ~ Central Libary

Friday, June 21 – Sunday, June 23 ~ Tigard Festival of Balloons ~ Cook Park ~ $5 early bird, $8 at gate

Friday, June 21

Midsummer Midsommer ~ 9:00 pm ~ Original Practice Shakespeare Festival ~ Mt Tabor Summit

Oodles of Doodles ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Learn how to turn scribbles into fun character faces. The best ideas pop out of the wiggliest lines during this free draw exercise ~ perfect for creating comics, illustrations or puppet designs! ~ Rockwood Library

Saturday, June 22

Explorando El Columbia Slough ~ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm ~ Celebrate nature in the city and the environment of the Columbia Slough at the 17th annual ¡Explorando Festival! ~ Whitaker Ponds Nature Park

Vengan a bailar Salsa Choke! ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ La salsa choke es un estilo musical del género salsa, de tipo urbano que nació en las costas del pacífico Colombiano, inspirada en la salsa tradicional añadiéndole el son urbano y sonidos de origen africano, lo cual lo hace un ritmo “pegajoso” y perfecto para amenizar fiestas y celebraciones. Este baile se popularizó aún más cuando los jugadores de fútbol de la Selección Colombia la empezaron a bailar cada vez que hacían un gol en el mundial de Brasil de 2014. (The library website doesn’t say, but I think the universal language of dance will transcend communication barriers even if you don’t speak Spanish.) ~ Holgate Library

Ready, Set, Light Speed! ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Use the force to create a galaxy far, far away by stenciling your own unique star design onto an eco-friendly tote bag. Decide you must, a favorite Star Wars character, planet or vehicle to trace. This intergalactic accessory is the perfect collector of summer reading books to help you get Ready, Set, Read! at Light Speed! ~ Albina Library

JuggleMania ~ 3:00 pm – 3:45 ~ Rhys Thomas dazzles you with improbable juggling, unique comedy and amazing acrobatics. JuggleMania shares the heroes that taught him how to juggle: BOOKS! By reading and practicing, this Oregon boy gained enough skills to become an internationally touring juggler, magician and comedian. ~ Rockwood Library

Romeo and Juliet ~ 6:00 pm ~ Original Practice Shakespeare Festival ~ Gateway Discovery Park

Sunday, June 23

Milk Carton Boat Race ~ 11:00 am ~ Children and adults race and show off their handmade, human-powered boats that float only by means of recycled milk cartons and jugs. ~ Westmoreland Park Casting Pond

Oregon Country Settlement ~ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ living history village ~ Rhodedendron

Monday, June 24

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Sharin’ Space with the Critters ~ 2:00 pm – 2:45 ~ Join award-winning Portland family performer Red Yarn and his lovable animal puppets on an exploration of space … shared space, personal space and safe space, that is! ~ Capitol Hill Library

Tuesday, June 25

Rocket Hamster’s Dreamy Space Odyssey ~ 2:00 pm – 2:45 ~ Rocket Hamster may be small, but he dreams big! His dream is to become an astronaut and explore space. But a villain known as “Luna Tick” will try and stop him! Her alien space bugs steal the moon and try to take over the solar system. Only Rocket Hamster and his team of “Home Grown Heroes” can save the day! Presented by Dragon Theater Puppets and Princesses ~ Holgate Library

Blast Off! ~ 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm ~ Mikey Mike the Rad Scientist has stumbled upon a special element from the center of the earth that has the power to bend spacetime and allow us to travel to the very edges of our universe. Unfortunately, in his early experiments visiting other planets, he brought back a little visitor that might cause lots of trouble on Earth. Through song and dance we’ll help our new friend get back home, explore the secrets of the universe, learn how gravity works, launch a rocket, and rediscover just how special and unique our very own blue planet is. ~ Northwest Library

Epic Draw/Play ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Wednesday, June 26

Aliens Are Coming! ~ 11:15 am – 12:15 pm ~ Portland’s Columbia Symphony Orchestra performs stories based on “The Wynwood Project” in Miami, Florida; a series of murals commissioned by the town and painted by graffiti artists and home to over 70 galleries, museums and art collections. ~ Gregory Heights Library

The ABCs of Space! ~ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm ~ The Alphabeticians will take you on a musical journey to outer space, real and imaginary. Learn about the Moon’s name (or lack thereof), eclipses, Pluto, space monkeys, lunar ladybugs and other things not of this Earth, all in the form of rock ‘n’ roll songs. Portland’s favorite rock duo is ready to board the rock it ship to fun! ~ Midland Library

Thursday, June 27

Muñecas Mexicanas / Mexican Dolls ~ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ This program will be conducted in Spanish. The Maria doll is a Mazahua creation from the states of Mexico and Michoacan. Their tender faces can be found all over the country. All work is done by hand. For ages 8 and up. ~ Troutdale Library

Friday, June 28

Twirly Whirlys ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Create this simple toy with wire, beads and found objects. Watch the beads shimmer and dance as you move it in your hands. Gain experience with needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, hammers and anvils to create your one-of-a-kind toy. ~ Rockwood Library

World Beat Festival ~ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm ~ Riverfront Park, Salem ~ Fee by donation

Chess for Success ~ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ Drop-in and play chess with Chess for Success – all ages welcome! ~ Gateway Discovery Park

Saturday, June 29

Kids Dig! ~ Various Times ~ This popular program introduces kids aged 8-12 to the fascinating world of archaeology! ~ Free with admission. Youth ages 15 and under are free.

Recycled Arts Festival ~ 9:00 am -5:00 pm ~ Esther Short Park, Vancouver

World Beat Festival ~ 10:00 am – 11:00 pm ~ Riverfront Park, Salem ~ $5, children 14 and under free

The Fascinating World of Reptiles ~ 10:30 am – 11:30 am ~ Join the Reptile Man, aka Richard Ritchey, in meeting his outstanding crew of snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises! ~ Albina Library

FUNdamentals ~ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ~ Join award winning children’s educator and performer Aaron Nigel Smith as he gets the whole family moving, grooving and learning. This class introduces children to the exciting world of music through creative movement, note reading and fun instrument play. ~ North Portland Library

Frankenanimals ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Bring an old toy or stuffed animal – or use ones we provide – and come play Frankenstein with us! Use tools and resources to help you take old toys apart, recombine them, or add something entirely new so you create a Frankenanimal of your own design and story. ~ Belmont Library

Party with a Purpose: 50 Years of the Oregon Country Fair ~ 2:30 – 4:30 ~ The Oregon Country Fair began in 1969 to raise funds for a Eugene alternative school. Throughout the past 50 years the fair has worked to transform culture in joyous and healthy ways. The fair focuses on handcrafted wares, responsible land use, and giving back to the community. Those values are lovingly projected through the lenses of art and whimsy. Visit the Collins Gallery to see how the Oregon Country Fair can nourish your heart and mind. This is the opening reception event, featuring talks from people who have been a part of the fair’s history. On display through August. ~ Central Library

Space Origami ~ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Did you know that the concept of folding paper has been used in space as solar arrays? These origami-inspired solar arrays are compactly folded at the time of launching, and expanded to cover a large area once in space. ~ Central Library ~ Free tickets 30 minutes in advance

Sunday, June 30

Recycled Arts Festival ~ 9:00 am -4:00 pm ~ Esther Short Park, Vancouver

Make Music Day PDX ~ 10:00 am – 8:00 pm ~ Make Music Day PDX is a day-long, totally free musical event, aimed at bringing local performers into the spotlight. ~ Various locations

World Beat Festival ~ 11:00 am – 7:00 pm ~ Riverfront Park, Salem ~ $5, children 14 and under free

Sunday Parkways: North Portland ~ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Annual neighborhood bike ride

Children’s Folk Songs from the Rural South ~ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Newel Briggs sings old slave songs accompanied by his guitar, mandolin and banjo. ~ Hillsdale Library

ONGOING EVENTS

Summer Free For All ~ Various parks and dates throughout Portland

Tween DIY at the Library ~ 3:30 pm on the second Friday ~ Monthly meeting for creative tweens at Hollywood Library.

Lego at the Library ~ Several library branches (both Multnomah and Clackamas counties) have a monthly or weekly Lego-building meetup. Confirm before you go on any given day:
Happy Valley Library – 3rd Saturday of the month, 1:30 – 3:00 pm and first Wednesday of the month from 4;00 pm – 5:30 pm
Sellwood-Moreland Library – Mondays 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Hollywood Library – Mondays 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Rockwood Library – Wednesdays 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Belmont Library – Fridays 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Gresham Libary – Tuesdays 4:00 -5:00 pm
Woodstock Library – second Tuesday 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Fairview-Columbia Library – second & fourth Thursdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Central Library – third Sunday 3:00 pm
Hillsdale Library – third Thursday 3:30 pm
Holgate Library – third Friday 3:00 pm
Troutdale Library – fourth Wednesday 4:30 – 5:30 pm

More For Teens

Rockwood Makerspace ~ Open lab from 3:00 pm – 5:30 daily, plus lots of workshops. ~ The makerspace is a collaborative learning environment at Rockwood Library with an emphasis on middle and high school learners. The space provides access to innovative technology, equipment, software and supportive mentors. Within this 1,000 square-foot area, students learn real-life technology, design and engineering skills through open labs, workshops and camps.

Teens @ the Happy Valley Library ~ monthly board game nights on 4th Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, various study halls, art and music meetups every month and opportunities to volunteer.

Multnomah Co. has several other teen programs, book discussion groups, art classes, that are not all individually listed here. See here for more info!

Friendly Disclaimer:
We, over here at Homeschooling in PDX, aren’t just gorgeous and amazing witty geniuses with great hair (tosses hair dramatically for effect)… we’re also moms, which means we’re usually low key sleep deprived just like you.
So please don’t take our word for any of this, double check stuff you want to go to by clicking on the links themselves.

May 2019

April 29, 2019May 4, 2019 Jen

Wednesday, May 1st

Classical Blitz ~ 1:30 pm ~ Milwaukie Center

Friday, May 3rd- Sunday, May 5th

Portland Cinco de Mayo ~ Tom McCall Waterfront Park ~ Ages 13+, $10; ages 7-12, $7, ages 6 and under, free

Saturday, May 4-Sunday, May 5

2019 NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibition ~ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Portland Community College, Sylvania campus ~ Adults $5, 12 and under, free

Saturday, May 4th

Free Comic Book Day ~ find your nearest participating shop for free comics! (The shops still have to pay for these free comics because they trust that the extra foot traffic will result in new customers, so buy something to support them and this great event.)

Star Wars Party ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Crafts, games, prizes. ~ Happy Valley Library

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations ~ Tom McCall Waterfront Park ~ $10/adult, $7/kids 7-16

What Matters Storytelling Performance ~ 7:30 pm ~ Clinton Theater ~ $12

Sunday, May 5th

Family Tour : Let’s Go On Vacation ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with the price of admission

Classical Kids Concert ~ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ~ Tigard Library

Wednesday, May 8th

Outdoor Explorers ~ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm ~ The library heads outside to learn more about our wild spaces. We’ll meet at Village Green Park rain or shine. ~ Happy Valley Library

Thursday, May 9th

$7 Free Play Day ~ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ All the games are turned to free and a $7 cover charge gets you in to play to your heart’s content ~ Ground Kontrol Arcade

Saturday, May 11th

Volcano Day ~ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals (Hillsboro) ~ free with price of admission

Mother’s Day Crafts ~ 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm ~ Make something special for mom, grandma, or auntie! ~ Happy Valley Library

The Immigrant Story Exhibition Opening Reception ~ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Opening reception for the exhibit: The Immigrant Story: Who We Are and What We Carried, featuring talks from the photographers and the sharing of stories. Light refreshments will be served.Who We Are is our way of honoring those affected by the horrific violence that took place aboard a Portland MAX train on May 26, 2017. It is a visual narrative of six Muslim women who wear hijabs. The six stories were documented by The Immigrant Story in 2017 and 2018. ~ Collins Gallery, Central Library

Sunday, May 12th

Family Tour : Let’s Go to the Beach ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with the price of admission

Thursday, May 16th – Saturday, May 18th

UFO Festival ~ McMinnville ~ Prices vary

Friday, May 17th

Toddler and Preschool Drive-In ~ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ A special “drive-in” movie just for children ages 2-6 and their grown-ups! Come enjoy a snack and a short movie from the comfort of the car you decorate yourself. ~ NW Library

Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19

Dozer Day ~ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Dozer Day puts kids in the driver’s seat of real heavy construction equipment, fire engines, an ambulance and much more while educating about building sustainable communities, industry opportunities and public safety ~ Adults, $10; Kids, $8

Saturday, May 18

Family Day: Rock and Roll ~ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Enjoy musical crafts and local youth rock bands to celebrate the newest exhibit, Ladies & Gentleman, the Beatles ~ Oregon Historical Society ~ Free

Sunday, May 19th

Family Tour : Northerwest Art ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with the cost of admission

Monday, May 20th

Studio Ghibli Fest : Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind ~ 7:00 pm ~ Century 16 Theater, Eastport Plaza ~ prices vary by age

Tuesday, May 21st

Get Into Comics ~ 6:15 pm ~ Calling all comic book fans! Join Mr. Wolf author and illustrator Aron Steinke for a special family night of books and drawing. ~ Happy Valley Library

Wednesday, May 22nd

Pop-Up Makerspace ~ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Drop in to try out some of the West Linn Public Library’s engaging hands-on technology and out most popular STEM activities! The activities and technology available at the Pop-Up Makerspace varies from month to month – come see what’s new. ~ West Linn Library

Virtual Reality Night ~ 5:00 pm ~ Sign up for a 20-minute time slot by calling 503-742-8623or stopping by the Youth Services desk to reserve your space on either the PlayStation 4 or the HTC Vive for an fun evening full of virtual enchantment! This event is open toages 8 and older. Children under 12 need to have a parent/guardian present. ~ West Linn Library

Friday, May 24th

Fireworks ~ 9:50 ~ Tom McCall Waterfront Park ~ kickoff night for CityFair

Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26

Glas X Portland ~ Various times ~ Animation Festival ~ Hollywood Theater ~ Prices Vary

Sunday, May 26th

Family Tour: Northwest Art ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with the price of admission

All Month:
Kids Bowl Free

Looking Ahead

Not Back to School Family Campout registration is now open for this year’s campout, August 27-30 at Oxbow Regional Park.

ONGOING EVENTS

Tween DIY at the Library ~ 3:30 pm on the second Friday ~ Monthly meeting for creative tweens at Hollywood Library.

More For Teens

Teens @ the Happy Valley Library ~ monthly board game nights on 4th Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, various study halls, art and music meetups every month and opportunities to volunteer.

Multnomah Co. has several other teen programs, book discussion groups, art classes, that are not all individually listed here. See here for more info!

April 2019

March 31, 2019April 1, 2019 keri

Free unless otherwise noted.

Monday, April 1

Red Yarn Family Concert ~ 10:00 am – 11:00 am ~ Red Yarn (aka Andy Furgeson) is a Texas-born, Oregon-based family performer who weaves folksongs and puppetry into high-energy shows for all ages. ~ TaborSpace

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Tuesday, April 2

Epic Draw/Play ~ 3:30 – 4:30 ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. Last time we ran this class, we drew characters from Minecraft, Mario, Bendy, Cuphead, Undertale, and many other stories. Teach us about YOUR favorite characters from books or games or movies or anywhere else and we’ll “Epic Draw/Play” them. Ideal for ages 9-12 but everyone is welcome! ~ Sellwood Moreland Library

Auroras, Cosmic Rays, Shooting Stars, and Other Space Invaders ~ 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm ~ Planetarium Sky Theater, Mt Hood Community College Gresham ~ $5 adult/$2 under 17

Wednesday, April 3

Family Concert: Mo Phillips ~ 10:00 am – 11:00 am ~ TaborSpace

Thursday, April 4

Spring Unschoolers Day ~ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Community Room, McMenamins Kennedy School

Friday, April 5

Free Community Square Dance ~ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm ~ Pioneer Courthouse Square celebrates 35 years in downtown with a free community square dance! ~ Pioneer Courthouse Square

Auroras, Cosmic Rays, Shooting Stars, and Other Space Invaders ~ 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm ~ Planetarium Sky Theater, Mt Hood Community College Gresham ~ $5 adult/$2 under 17

Saturday, April 6

Bridal Veils Nature Exploration ~ Bring the whole family. Young hikers will receive a trail adventure packet*, scavenger stickers, hands-on activity field guide, and more. ~ $20/adventure pack (Proceeds benefit Gorge restoration) ~ Bridal Veil Falls ~ registration required

Great Electrifying Event ~ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm ~ Family-friendly event at the Bonneville Dam ~ Bonneville Dame, Washington Shore Visitor Center

Printmaking for Kids ~ 11:00 am – noon ~ In this workshop, participants can explore several different hands-on methods of printmaking including rubbings, stamps, stencils and inkblots. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Whimsical Troll Fairy Houses ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Create miniature troll houses and gardens around it, while we take care of Mother Earth by using recycled materials. ~ Belmont Library

¡Día de los Niños y Día de los Libros! ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ A celebration of childhood and bilingual literacy. During this event, every child will receive a free book and enjoy free crafts, live music, face painting and other fun activities. ~ St. John’s Library

Park after Dark ~ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ The first part of the program is indoors, learning about nocturnal residents. For the second part, head out into the park for a guided night hike. ~ Cooper Mountaon Nature Park ~ Ages 6+ ~ $11

Monday, April 8

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Learn to Fly ~ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Discover the patterns of flight as youth take part in an engineering challenge to build a functioning glider and fly on flight simulators. ~ Hillsdale Library

Tuesday, April 9

Epic Draw/Play~ 3:30 – 4:30 ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. Last time we ran this class, we drew characters from Minecraft, Mario, Bendy, Cuphead, Undertale, and many other stories. Teach us about YOUR favorite characters from books or games or movies or anywhere else and we’ll “Epic Draw/Play” them. Ideal for ages 9-12 but everyone is welcome! ~ Sellwood Moreland Library

Wednesday, April 10

Family Concert: Mo Phillips ~ 10:00 am – 11:00 am ~ TaborSpace

Thursday, April 11

Pirate Pouches! ~ 4:15 pm – 5:45 pm ~ In this 1 ½ hour workshop, children 4-12 will explore a variety of art & craft material to create their own usable pouch. ~ Midland Library

Friday, April 12

Klineline Kids Special Needs Fishing Event ~ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ This event introduces kids to fishing ~ Salmon Creek Park, Vancouver WA ~ registration required

BUGS! ~ 11:30 am ~ 12:30 ~ Learn about insects and their relatives by observing live and preserved bugs! Original bug-themed coloring pages and activities provided. This program is an activity-based class for ages 2 and up. ~ North Portland Library

Saturday, April 13

Klineline Kids Fishing Event ~ 8:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ This event introduces kids to fishing ~ Salmon Creek Park, Vancouver WA ~ registration required

2019 Celebrate Critters ~ 9:00 am – noon, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Discover the hidden world of amphibians and reptiles ~ Vancouver Water Resources Education Center

Guided Nature Walks: Trilliums ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week, and will be geared for ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Family Bird Walk ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ These guided walks provide opportunities for parents and children to learn a new outdoor skill together. ~ Hoyt Arboretum ~ Ages 5+ ~ $7

Herb Walk in Forest Park ~ This educational romp will focus on the medicinal uses of plants that can be found in your own backyard. ~ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ~ Birch Trailhead on NW 53rd Drive ~ Advanced registration required

Summer Steelhead Release ~ 11:30 am, 1:00 pm ~ Learn about salmon life cycle and then release baby fry to the river ~ Dates are an estimate, depends on fish readiness ~ Tillamook Forest Center

Concert for the Community ~ 6:00 pm ~ This year’s Concert for the Community celebrates music of North, Central, and South America ~ Arlene Schnitzer Hall

Sunday, April 14

Summer Steelhead Release ~ 11:30 am, 1:00 pm ~ Learn about salmon life cycle and then release baby fry to the river ~ Dates are an estimate, depends on fish readiness ~ Tillamook Forest Center

Portland Oregon Paper Shapers (POPS) ~ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Enjoy origami-paper folding for fun, relaxation and stretching your brain. Drop in and practice origami with members of the Portland Oregon Paper Shapers. Please bring origami paper if you have it. Adults and teens welcome, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.~ Belmont Library

Static Electricity ~ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Students will learn about subatomic particles as they experiment with balloons and other household items to determine their place in the Triboelectric series. ~ Hillsdale Library ~ advance registration required

Monday, April 15

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Tuesday, April 16

Epic Draw/Play~ 3:30 – 4:30 ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. Last time we ran this class, we drew characters from Minecraft, Mario, Bendy, Cuphead, Undertale, and many other stories. Teach us about YOUR favorite characters from books or games or movies or anywhere else and we’ll “Epic Draw/Play” them. Ideal for ages 9-12 but everyone is welcome! ~ Sellwood Moreland Library

Wednesday, April 17

Family Concert: Mo Phillips ~ 10:00 am – 11:00 am ~ TaborSpace

Learning the Language of Birds ~ 7:00 – 9:00 pm ~ Learn to understand the different types of bird calls. This is a free lecture. Note, there is a field trip on April 27 at Clear Creek Natural Area that has a fee. ~ Oregon Zoo Education Center ~ Registration required ~ Ages 12+

Saturday, April 20

SOLVE-It for Earth Day ~ Times and locations vary ~ Clean up, plant, restore habitat around Oregon ~ Registration required

Guided Nature Walks: Amphibians ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week, and will be geared for ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area ~ Free

Oregon Garden Earth Day ~ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Free admission to the Oregon Garden ~ The Oregon Garden

Lilac Days Opening ~ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Lilac Days are the 3 weeks up to and including Mothers’ Day. The gardens are open daily 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. year around. ~ Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, Woodland, WA ~ $5, children 12 and under free

Sunday, April 21

Kidical Mass Easter Ride ~ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ Kidical Mass PDX’s annual Easter ride! ~ Overlook Park

Flor al Estilo Origami de 5 Pétalos / Five Petal Origami Flowers ~ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Learn how to make paper flowers with mother and daughter instructors, Daisy and Natalia. This program is for children 8 years and older, or younger if accompanied by an adult. All materials will be provided. ~ North Portland Library

Monday, April 22

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Earth Day Crafternoon: Paper weaving ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Join special guest instructor and SCRAP royalty Sarah Morgan as she leads a fun workshop on the ins and outs of creative paper weaving. ~ SCRAP PDX

Tuesday, April 23

Epic Draw/Play~ 3:30 – 4:30 ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. Last time we ran this class, we drew characters from Minecraft, Mario, Bendy, Cuphead, Undertale, and many other stories. Teach us about YOUR favorite characters from books or games or movies or anywhere else and we’ll “Epic Draw/Play” them. Ideal for ages 9-12 but everyone is welcome! ~ Sellwood Moreland Library

Wednesday, April 24

Family Concert: Mo Phillips ~ 10:00 am – 11:00 am ~ TaborSpace

Friday, April 26

Tennis on the Go ~ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Free introduction to tennis through games. ~ Gateway Discovery Park

Birding 101 ~ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm ~ In this two part series, learn the basics of bird identification and then practice in the park the following morning. [Second part takes place, 7:00 am – 10:00 am, Saturday, April 27] ~ Ages 14+ ~ Registration required

Saturday, April 27

Mushroom Discovery Hike ~ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm ~ Discover the fascinating and weird world of mushrooms ~ Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area ~ $6/person, $11/family ~ All ages but geared toward adults ~ Registration required

New year in the Park ~ 9:30 am – 6:00 pm ~ Fifth Annual New Year in the Park festival, celebrating Cambodian, Lao, Thai and Burmese cultures. ~ Glenhaven Park

Oregon Ag Fest ~ This family-friendly celebration is aimed at helping families better understand where their food, fiber and flora come from . ~ Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem ~ $9, children 12 and under, free

Guided Nature Walks: Trees ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week, and will be geared for ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area ~ Free

Discovery Days: Tryon’s Backyard Habitat ~ The nature classroom opens its doors on the last Saturday of every month with fun and educational hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Mushroom Discovery Hike ~ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Discover the fascinating and weird world of mushrooms ~ Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area ~ $6/person, $11/family ~
All ages but geared toward adults ~ Registration required

Alternatives to Herbicide~ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Rewild Portland’s Free Skills Series is a family-friendly class and community event that happens monthly, usually (but not always) occurring on the last Saturday of the month. ~ Location TBA ~ $10-$20 donation suggested

OHEN Homeschool Prom ~ 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm ~ Multnomah Arts Center ~ tickets go on sale about a month before event

Sunday, April 28

Mushroom Discovery Hike ~ 9:30 am – 12:00 pm ~ Discover the fascinating and weird world of mushrooms ~ Oxbow Regional Park ~ $6/person, $11/family ~ All ages but geared toward adults ~ Registration required

Mushroom Discovery Hike ~ 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Discover the fascinating and weird world of mushrooms ~ Oxbow Regional Park ~ $6/person, $11/family ~ All ages but geared toward adults ~ Registration required

Monday, April 29

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Tuesday, April 30

Epic Draw/Play~ 3:30 – 4:30 ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. Last time we ran this class, we drew characters from Minecraft, Mario, Bendy, Cuphead, Undertale, and many other stories. Teach us about YOUR favorite characters from books or games or movies or anywhere else and we’ll “Epic Draw/Play” them. Ideal for ages 9-12 but everyone is welcome! ~ Sellwood Moreland Library

ONGOING EVENTS

Tween DIY at the Library ~ 3:30 pm on the second Friday ~ Monthly meeting for creative tweens at Hollywood Library.

More For Teens

Teens @ the Happy Valley Library ~ monthly board game nights on 4th Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, various study halls, art and music meetups every month and opportunities to volunteer.

Multnomah Co. has several other teen programs, book discussion groups, art classes, that are not all individually listed here. See here for more info!

March 2019

February 26, 2019March 21, 2019 keri

Free unless otherwise noted

Saturday, March 2

Metro Regional Destination Imagination Tournament ~ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm ~ Come watch homeschool and other regional teams perform their Destination Imagination challenge solution. ~ Evergreen Middle School, Hillsboro

Construction Madness ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 am ~ Using paper, scissors, glue, recycled materials and imagination, design and build your own architectural wonder! ~ Sellwood Moreland Library

Annual Traditional Pow Wow ~ noon – 10 pm ~ The Native American Parent Association of SW Washington invites you to our annual traditional pow wow to share singing, dancing, and drumming. FREE and Open to the Public. Grand entries at 1 pm and 6 pm. Arts and crafts vendors and concessions (frybread, Indian tacos, and more). ~ Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Bird Eggs: Let’s learn to wet-felt! ~ noon – 1:00 pm ~ Learn about amazing local birds while crafting eggs in an age old tradition of wet felting! Fun for all ages, enjoy some time with soft, warm bubbly soap and wool fiber. ~ St. John’s Library ~ Registration required

Whimsical Troll Fairy Houses ~ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Create miniature troll houses and gardens around it, while we take care of Mother Earth by using recycled materials. ~ Albina Library ~ Registration required

Fastelavn ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Family-friendly Nordic Carnival event ~ Nordia House ~ $5

Owl Prowl ~ 6:00 pm ~ Program will include indoor presentation, owl pellet dissection, and a short hike to call for owls~ Silver Falls Conference Room ~ registration required ~ Free

Sunday, March 3

Family Tour: Pacific NW Art ~ 12:30-1:30 ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours free with admission

Southwest Washington Wind Symphony Performance ~ 3:00 pm ~
Performing Arts Center at Union High School

Beaverton Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition performance ~ 3:00 pm ~ VBC Grand Auditorium at Village Baptist Church

Monday, March 4

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Tuesday, March 5

Make a Mardi Gras Mask ~ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Mardi Gras is a lively celebration held each year in New Orleans. Celebrate with us by making a colorful mask while we listen to New Orleans jazz. ~ Capitol Hill Library

What did NASA’s New Horizons Spacecraft Find Beyond Pluto? ~ 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm ~ Planetarium Sky Theater, Mt Hood Community College Gresham ~ $5 adult/$2 under 17

Wednesday, March 6

Coping with Stress ~ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm ~ This lesson helps youth build their own definitions of stress, identify what causes them stress, and discuss how people cope with stress in both helpful and unhelpful ways. ~ Marrow Radical Youth ~ Ages 10- 24

Self-care Kit-making ~ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm ~ Marrow Radical Youth ~ Ages 10-24

Thursday, March 7

Girls Who Make ~ 3:00 pm -5:30 pm ~ Work on creating a game, design and print in 3D, make jewelry and clothes, invent wacky crafts, laser cut a photograph on wood, work on robotics projects, and more. For grades 4-12. ~ Rockwood Makerspace

Friday, March 8

Ancient Science ~ Evergreen Aviation Museum Homeschool Day ~ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ Every month, the museum’s education department hosts Home School Days focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Topics range from learning about the science of hot air balloons and gliders to talking with adults in the air-and-space industry about career options. ~ Evergreen Aviation Museum ~ registration required ~ Prices vary

What did NASA’s New Horizons Spacecraft Find Beyond Pluto? ~ 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm ~ Planetarium Sky Theater, Mt Hood Community College Gresham ~ $5 adult/$2 under 17

Workshop WORD! ~ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ This will be a workshop centered around finding the power in the little details of our lives, and piecing them together to create a piece that shows how much every part of who we are matters, and deserves to be heard. ~ Youth free, Adults sliding scale ~ Marrow Radical Youth

Friday, March 8 – Sunday, March 10

Family Fish Camp ~ A fun-filled weekend where families learn fishing skills together while staying overnight at Camp Angelos on the Sandy River ~ Registration Required ~ tickets vary ~ scholarships availableW

Saturday, March 9

Second Saturday at the Water Center: Love Your Earth ~ 1:00-3:00 pm ~ This is the rescheduled event from February. Explore new ways to reduce waste and treat the Earth kindly. ~ Vancouver Water Resources Education Center ~ Free

Kids’ Animation ~ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm ~ The animation workshop is designed to introduce students to the idea of simple stop-motion and drawn animation. Students will learn techniques and methods to make their own cartoon characters move. ~ Holgate Library

Recycled Puppet Making ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ KCPuppetree engages participants in a dynamic puppet making workshop, using re-used and up-cycled items. Participants of all ages will explore the creative potential of egg crates, boxes, plastic jugs and more while creating original puppets that can move, dance, and sing. ~ Belmont Library

Anime Your Way: Comics for Kids ~ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm ~ Anime Your Way is a comprehensive step-by-step drawing program developed over 10 years by former Simpson’s artist Carlos Nieto III that teaches the participant how to create and adjust an anime character from scratch, no matter what their drawing level is! ~ Gresham Library

Sunday March 10

Family Tour : Drawing is Seeing ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours free with the price of admission

Monday, March 11

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Hula for the Family ~ 3:30 – 4:30 pm ~ We invite all family members to join us to learn Hawaiian language, songs and a simple hula dance in a warm, welcoming environment. You will learn some basic hula steps, easy-to-learn language and songs, hand motions, and then we will put our hands and feet together to perform a hula. ~ Hollywood Libary ~ Free tickets 15 minutes ahead

Early College Info Night ~ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm ~ Join a panel of representatives from Baker Early College, Summit Learning Academy, and PCC/Gateway to learn more about options for Early College ~ Registration required ~ Village Home, Beaverton

Tuesday, March 12

Epic Draw/Play ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Mini Marble Mazes ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ SCRAP Crafternoon ~ SCRAP pdx ~ Ages 6+ ~$10

Wednesday, March 13

March Ecology Club: Wildlife Tracking with Cascadia Wild ~ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm ~ Join us on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss an ecological theme that pertains to Bark’s work on Mt Hood or seasonal skills to give the community a deeper appreciation and understanding of NW ecology. ~Bark office: 351 NE 18th Ave Portland, OR 97232 (next to the Circuit Climbing Gym). ~ Recommended for 13+ W

Radical Self Love ~ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm ~ Radical self-love stems from the idea that everybody and every body is worthy of love. In this youth-led workshop, you will learn about Radical Self Love – what it is, how you can practice it, and how radical self-love can change the world for the better. There will be fun, hands-on activities! ~ Marrow Radical Youth ~ Ages 10-24

Thursday, March 14

$5 Free Play Day ~ 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm (21+ after 6:00) ~ Ground Kontrol ~A $5 covers gets you into to the giant retro arcade where, for the day, all the games are set to free. No quarters necessary.

Little Bugs, Big World ~ 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm ~ A little lady bug meets a caterpillar and together they decide to travel the world, visiting bugs from different countries. While on their journey, they have to be very careful of the sneaky spider Mr. S., who is out to catch the reading bugs! Will they be caught in his web, or will the adventure lead them back home safely? Find out in this thrilling puppet show performed by Dragon Theater. ~ Midland Library

Friday, March 15

A Midsummer’s Night Adventure ~ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ Multnomah Arts Center

Saturday, March 16

Spring Garden Fair ~ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ Celebrate Spring in the garden ~ Leach Botanical Garden ~ Free

Cherry Blossom Day at the Capitol ~ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ This event
celebrates the rich impact of the Japanese culture on Oregon and the history of the cherry industry. ~ Oregon State Capitol

Kidical Mass in the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day parade ~ 10:30 am – 1:30 pm ~
Join us for bike decorating and ride in the parade ~ Sellwood Park

Herb Walk in Forest Park ~ This educational romp will focus on the medicinal uses of plants that can be found in your own backyard. ~ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ~ Leif Erikson Trailhead at the end of NW Thurman ~ Advanced registration required ~ free

Welcome Back Vulture Day ~ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Join the Audubon Society to celebrate the Turkey Vulture’s return to Oregon this spring. Snacks & drinks provided. This event is free and family-friendly. ~
Nadaka Nature Park and St. Aidan’s Church

Felted Beads for Families ~ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Learn the ancient craft of feltmaking by making beads using only raw wool and hot soapy water. You will felt a “cane” of layered wool that will be cut into slices of millefiori-style beads. In this workshop, you’ll get to make a nice collection of beads. ~ Albina Library ~ Registration required

The Funny Thing About Spring ~ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm ~ Armed with her umbrella and boots, Mz. Pearl will captivate audiences as she brings spring storybooks to life. This solo clown show is filled with physical comedy, circus skills and clever – or at least odd – solutions to bizarre problems. By the end of the performance, everyone will be dreaming of warm sunshine and sandy beaches. ~ Woodstock Library

Printmaking for Kids ~ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ The interactive and immediate process of printmaking is a great way to develop creativity for all ages. In this workshop, participants can explore several different hands on methods of printmaking including rubbings, stamps, stencils, and inkblots. Several printmaking stations will be set up where participants can freely explore one station at a time. ~ Kenton Library

Art from all Angles ~ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ Art From All Angles is excited to host a one-night engaging multidisciplinary art festival at the Mission Theater – a showcase of the broad range of expression from our local community. ~ $10 ~ McMenamins Mission Theater

Sunday, March 17

Family Tour : Shades of Green ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with the price of admission

Portland Opera, As One performance ~ 2:00 pm ~ Collin’s Gallery, Central Library

Monday, March 18

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Tuesday, March 19

Epic Draw/Play ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ We will draw our favorite characters, color them, cut them out, and play with them. This is informal, goofy, and a lot of fun. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Mamá Ratoncito, Cucú y La Borreguita — ¡Qué listo! / Clever! — A Cat, a Cuckoo and Little Lamb ~ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Three bilingual stories of clever animals; a mouse who outsmarts a cat, a lazy cuckoo who works hard to save seeds and the lamb who turns tables on trickster coyote. ~ Hillsdale Library

Wednesday, March 20

Stress Management & Suicide ~ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm ~ This workshop will be focusing on learning to recognize and manage stress in helpful ways as well as identifying signs of suicide and seeking the appropriate resources for help. ~ Ages 10-24 ~ Marrow Radical Youth

Thursday, March 21

Free Metro Parks Day ~ Free parking at all metro parks ~ Various locations

Friday, March 22

Stellaluna ~ 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm ~ Based on the beloved book by Janell Cannon, our rendition of this charming story is full of excitement, adventure and big laughs. Come along as our adorable fruit bat friend, Stellaluna, learns just what it takes to be a bird, a bat and a friend. Performed by Emily Alexander. ~ North Portland Library

Saturday, March 23 into April ~ Tulip Fest ~ Event is free but various activities have prices

Saturday, March 23

Mamá Ratoncito, Cucú y La Borreguita — ¡Qué listo! / Clever! — A Cat, a Cuckoo and Little Lamb ~ 11:00 – 11:45 ~ Three bilingual stories of clever animals; a mouse who outsmarts a cat, a lazy cuckoo who works hard to save seeds and the lamb who turns tables on trickster coyote. ~ St. John’s Library

Fairy House & Gnome Homes ~ 11:30 am and 1:30 pm ~ Join naturalists to make dwellings for woodland critters ~ Tillamook Forest Center ~ Free

Felted Universe ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Participants will make their own felted universe out of wool. We’ll wet-felt planets, stars, and other celestial bodies using only raw wool and hot soapy water. All ages welcome. First come, first served ~ Holgate Library

Hula for the Family ~ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ We invite all family members to join us to learn Hawaiian language, songs and a simple hula dance in a warm, welcoming environment. You will learn some basic hula steps, easy-to-learn language and songs, hand motions, and then we will put our hands and feet together to perform a hula. Join us for a great time while spending time with family and friends. ~ Rockwood Library

Lantern Tour at Fort Vancouver ~ 6:45 pm ~ Participants are treated to historical vignettes in several buildings as a park ranger guides them through the reconstructed fort. ~ Fort Vancouver ~ $25/adult, $10 for age 16 and under

Sunday March 24

Signs of Wildlife ~ 11:30 am and 1:30 pm ~ Learn to recognize the clues animals leave behind and you will find that they are all around you. ~ Tillamook Forest Center ~ Free

Family Tour : Drawing is Seeing ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with cost of admission

Mariachi Viva Mexico ~ 3:30 pm -4:30 pm ~ This lively Mariachi band includes trumpets, violins, guitars, guitaron and vihuelas to create lively, spirited music. ~ North Portland Library

Monday, March 25

Homeschool Jump Time ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Sky High Sports, Tigard ~ $9

Digging for Dinosaurs ~ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Visit a time when dinosaurs walked the earth! Make a fossil cast, behave like a dinosaur, and more. Become a paleontologist by using fossils as clues into the past. ~ Capitol Hill Library

Tuesday, March 26

The Alphabeticians ~ 10:00 am ~ The Alphabeticians play clever, upbeat, family appropriate songs, including songs about numbers, size, dads, metaphors, extinct fish and multiple alphabet songs. ~ The Old Church

Construction Madness ~ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Using paper, scissors, glue, recycled materials and imagination, design and build your own architectural wonder! ~ Central Library

Diorama-Rama ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ SCRAP crafternoon ~ SCRAP pdx ~ Ages 6+ ~ $10

Cardboard Costume Creation ~ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Come with your imagination and Tinker Camp will help you leave with a cardboard costume for your next adventure. Construct amazing costumes with really simple engineering techniques then make it truly unique by decorating with fun materials we supply. Why be ordinary when you could have wings? Awe your friends with your plated suit of corrugated armor! Make the robot suit you always dreamed of! When you think like a designer you’ll never look at cardboard the same way again! ~ Hillsdale Library

Wednesday, March 27

Spectacular Arcade for Kids ~ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Imagine, design and create your one-of-a-kind arcade game using cardboard, reclaimed materials, balls and electronic components such as LED lights and motors. The fun doesn’t stop there; invite others to play your game while you test out theirs. You’ve just turned the library into an arcade! ~ Fairview-Columbia Library ~ Registration Required

Piano Day! ~ noon – 5:00 pm ~ Come listen to the piano played by local pianists of all ages on some of the region’s best pianos for 2019’s Piano Day! The choice of music is up to the performer and there are no restrictions on what will be played. ~ Title Wave Used BookstoreS

Wolf Figurines ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Enjoy learning the technique of staining and painting ceramic figures with ceramic grade acrylics! Each participant will receive a hand-sculpted, locally made, mini wolf ceramic figure to paint. Learn how bisque ware – a low fired ceramic takes these special forms of acrylics while creating your own portrait of an Oregon wolf. Instructor, Suzanne Moulton will clear coat the wolf totems at the end of class to make your ceramic figure suitable for display outdoors in your garden! For ages 8 and older with a favorite adult. ~ Capitol Hill Library

Teen Decision Making ~ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm ~ This workshop will be focusing on understanding brain science to help put risky behaviors in perspective. This lesson helps teens focus on how teens make decisions and why. ~ Ages 10-24 ~ Marrow Radical Youth

Friday, March 29

Wildflower Walk ~ 1:30 pm ~ An easy, guided walk to look for trilliums, wood violets, candy flowers, sour grass and much more. ~ Tilloamook Forest Center ~ Free

Saturday, March 30

Introduction to Wild Foods ~ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ~ In a walk through several habitats within Mt Tabor Park, learn essentials of wild food use. ~ Children under 7, free. Other prices vary.

Printmaking for Kids ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ The interactive and immediate process of printmaking is a great way to develop creativity for all ages. In this workshop, participants can explore several different hands-on methods of printmaking including rubbings, stamps, stencils, and inkblots. Several printmaking stations will be set up where participants can freely explore one station at a time. ~ Gresham Library

Mini Kites ~ 1:30 – 3:30 pm ~ Mini kites are great fun for flying almost anywhere or anytime, as all they need is a little breeze! In this class we’ll make kites in the shapes of birds and butterflies out of some repurposed plastics of origins that might surprise you! Also learn a little bit about balance, aerodynamics and material usage as we craft these pocket-sized kites. ~ Albina Library

Contemporary Foraging Ethics ~ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Rewild Portland’s Free Skills Series is a family-friendly class and community event that happens monthly, usually (but not always) occurring on the last Saturday of the month. ~ Location TBA ~ $10-$20 donation suggested

Owl Prowl ~ 6:00 pm ~ Program will include indoor presentation, owl pellet dissection, and a short hike to call for owls~ Silver Falls Conference Room ~ registration required ~ Free

THINK AHEAD

Klineline Kids’ Fishing ~ Join the Klineline Kids Fishing event held annually in Salmon Creek Park. They are expecting 500 special needs kids and adults on Friday, April 12, 2019. On Saturday, April 13, 2019 they are expecting 2500 kids, ages 5 to 14. Registered children will receive a fishing rod & reel complete with terminal gear and an event t-shirt. Bait is provided also. Kids fish in 45 minute increments throughout the day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ~ Registration open now

Kids’ Fishing Festival ~ Join Columbia Springs for a day of fun family fishing! Kids ages 5-14 are eligible to fish with an expert fishing mentor ~ $7 ~ registration is open now. Fishing tickets sell out.

ONGOING EVENTS

Tween DIY at the Library ~ 3:30 pm on the second Friday ~ Monthly meeting for creative tweens at Hollywood Library.

More For Teens

Teens @ the Happy Valley Library ~ monthly board game nights on 4th Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, various study halls, art and music meetups every month and opportunities to volunteer.

February 2019

January 27, 2019January 27, 2019 leah

All Month

Youth Curated Black History Traveling Museum ~ World Stage Theatre has partnered with Black Student Union groups from Portland metro high schools to create Black History Month displays. Each group has chosen a specific time period in history to highlight the African American experience to do collective research and curate pieces for the displays. The traveling museum will be exhibited at their local library (Albina, Troutdale, North Portland, Midland, Belmont and Kenton branches) for the month of February. The exhibition is open during this library’s open hours.

Black History Festival NW ~ Variety of events happening all month: art shows, music, speakers (some free, some requiring tickets.)

Chinese New Year Celebrations ~ Super fun stuff happening all month downtown and at Lan Su Gardens

Friday, February 1

Jedi Tricks with Static Electricity ~ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm ~ Students will learn about subatomic particles as they experiment with balloons and other household items to determine their place in the Triboelectric series. They will observe the effects of positive and negative charges as they learn about conservation of charge. ~ Fairview-Columbia Library ~ registration required

Saturday, February 2

Guided Nature Walks: Owls of Tryon ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week, and will be geared for ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area ~ Free

Candy Science ~ 10:15 am – 11:15 am ~ Not just for eating, turn sweet and sour treats into science fun! ~ Happy Valley Library

Valentine Fun ~ 10:30 am – 12:30 pm ~ Have a love-ly time creating heart-felt cards and crafts. ~ St. John’s Library

Ants Ants Ants Family Musical ~ 11:00 am – 11:45 am ~ A fun sing-along family music band that kids of any age (1-100) will enjoy! With their three-part harmonies and amazing guitar work, these ants put on a show that fans won’t soon forget. ~ Holgate Library

Winter Animal Puppets ~ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ~ In this puppet-making workshop, create winter animals and perform their own snowy stories! After reading The Mitten by Jan Brett, children ages 4-10 will enjoy mixing recycled and craft materials to create puppet characters from the book. Puppetkabob will show you how to transform ordinary craft materials into unique animal puppets. ~ Gilbert-Heights Library

Lunar New Year ~ 2:00 – 2:30 pm ~ Celebrate the new year with crafts, games, food, and music! ~ Happy Valley Library

Sunday, February 3

A Place Called Home: From Vanport To Albina ~ 3:00 pm ~ Join us for a screening of oral history documentaries, part of the Vanport Mosaic living archive. Through archival footage, historic photographs, and compelling first-person narratives, this collection of short films and audio narratives traces the story of Portland’s African American community from the 1940s to 1970s. It is a story of struggle, perseverance, and resilience that continues today. Artist and Vanport descendant Velynn Brown will share her poem Roots and Remnants, and will faciliate a reflection on the beauty and challenges of story, home, community and belonging. ~ St. John’s Library

Monday, February 4

A Place Called Home: From Vanport To Albina ~ 6:30 pm ~ Join us for a screening of oral history documentaries, part of the Vanport Mosaic living archive. Through archival footage, historic photographs, and compelling first-person narratives, this collection of short films and audio narratives traces the story of Portland’s African American community from the 1940s to 1970s. It is a story of struggle, perseverance, and resilience that continues today. Artist and Vanport descendant Velynn Brown will share her poem Roots and Remnants, and will faciliate a reflection on the beauty and challenges of story, home, community and belonging. ~ Albina Library

Tuesday, February 5

Lunar New Year ~ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm ~ The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, celebrating life, good health and prosperity. Join us to bring in the new year with cultural performances, educational activities and light refreshments. ~ Holgate Library

Wednesday, February 6

Family Puppetry Workshop ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Chilean puppetry troupe Silencio Blanco offers a puppetry demonstration and hands-on workshop for families with children of all ages. Did you know that with only newspaper and masking tape, you can create a puppet figure that can jump and dance? Watch these master artists in action and build your own puppet to take home. ~ Gresham Library

Lego Creative Building with Blair Archer ~ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm ~ Join Blair each month for a different LEGO building challenge. ~ Happy Valley Library

Make Yourself at Hat ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Sew yourself a warm hat for this winter! Artist LeBrie Rich will bring five sewing machines along with hand-sewing supplies. We’ll have patterns and fabric ready for you. Extra hats that we make will be donated to those in need. Let’s craft together! No experience necessary. For grades 6 and up, free registration required. ~ Capitol Hill Library

Thursday, February 7 – Saturday February 9

Portland Winter Light Festival ~ Exhibits, shows, boats rides ~ Downtown Portland ~ Most free

Friday, February 8

Homeschool Day: Electricity ~ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ The Museum hosts monthly Home School Days throughout the school year. Our day-long programs are aligned with Oregon State Standards; programs consist of content instruction with hands-on application. ~ Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum ~ Adults free, Members Youth, $10, Nonmembers Youth, $12, Groups of 25-30 $8 each ~ Registration required

Seeing the Invisible Universe ~ 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm ~ Planetarium Sky Theater, Mt Hood Community College Gresham ~ $5 adult/$2 under 17

Saturday, February 9

Wildlife Tracking ~ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ~ Learn the basics of wildlife tracking and explore Hoyt Arboretum to see what mammals have been living here ~ Hoyt Arboretum ~ Ages 15+ ~ $15/member, $20/non-member

Raptor Road Trip 2019 ~ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ Explore Sauvie Island in search of magnificent eagles, hawks and falcons. Naturalists and hawk experts host activities at three sites around the island. ~ Sauvie Island ~
$10 per vehicle, cash only

Guided Nature Walks: Mosses and Lichens ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week, and will be geared for ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area ~ Free

Lunar New Year Parade and Celebration ~ 11:30 am – 3:30 pm ~ Parade and dances ~ Route depends on rain, check day of event ~ Downtown Portland ~ Free

Introduction to Mason Bees ~ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Learn the basics of mason bees, their needs and usefulness ~ Jackson Bottom Wetlands Nature Center ~ Age 12+ ~ $12/resident, $16/non-resident ~ registration required

Craft Club: Pop Up Cards ~ 1:30 – 2:30 pm ~ Get crafty with staff from SCRAP to reuse supplies to make awesome pop up cards. ~ Happy Valley Library

Second Saturday at the Water Center: Love Your Earth ~ 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Explore new ways to reduce waste and treat the Earth kindly. ~ Vancouver Water Resources Education Center ~ Free

Valentine Fun ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Have a love-ly time creating heart-felt cards and crafts. ~ Central Library

Valentine Fun ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Have a love-ly time creating heart-felt cards and crafts. ~ Holgate Library

Ombra Musici (The Musicians Shadow) ~ “In the frame of the Portland Winter Light Festival 2018, the central facade of Lincoln Hall will become a canvas for the projected silhouette of violinist Tomas Cotik as he performs works by Johann Sebastian Bach. Spectators passing by and congregating in front of the building will hear the music through loudspeakers and see the moving silhouette projected on the full height of the building.” 7:00 pm ~ Lincoln Concert Hall

Sunday, February 10

Women’s Wilderness Skills Series: Fire Skills ~ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~
The class will cover the basics of building a camp fire, identifying and processing quality material for fire and how to make a survival fire in wet conditions. ~ For high school age and older ~ Coyle Outside, Corvallis~ Free

Portland Oregon Paper Shapers (POPS)~ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Enjoy origami-paper folding for fun, relaxation and stretching your brain. Drop in and practice origami with members of the Portland Oregon Paper Shapers. Please bring origami paper if you have it. Adults and teens welcome, children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. ~ Belmont Library

The Worst Day of the Year Bike Ride ~ Come celebrate the worst part of the year with a family friendly bike ride in varying lengths from 4 miles to 42 miles, depending on where you’re at. ~ $15 for adults, kids under 12 ride free

Monday, February 11

African Beaded-Jewelry Making ~ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ~ Come learn basic African bead-work. Beads, instructions and jewelry-making tools will be provided. ~ Capitol Hill Library

BUGS! ~ 4:00 – 5:00 pm ~ Learn about insects and their relatives by observing live and preserved bugs! Original bug-themed coloring pages and activities provided. This program is an activity-based class for ages 2 and up. ~ Capitol Hill Library

Science of Magic ~ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Magic? No, it’s science! You’ll learn the secrets behind famous magic that you can recreate for yourself! Mother Nature has some tricks of her own, and Mad Science will show you what’s up her sleeve! ~ Hollywood Library ~ Free tickets 15 minutes before show.

Portland’s Rhymes and Hip-Hop Life ~ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm ~ Join us for a special performance led by Mic Crenshaw, featuring Cool Nutz. Be part of a discussion of hip-hop history in the Northwest and how it has influence our lives and our culture. ~ Rockwood Library

Wednesday, February 13

Homeschool Club: Junior Librarian ~ 1:30 – 2:30 pm ~ Do you have what it takes to be a library expert? Go on on a tour, take a Dewey challenge and earn a special certificate. ~ Happy Valley Library

Heart ‘Felt’ Valentines ~ 4:30 – 6:00 pm ~ Get crafty at the library making a felt valentine! We’ll practice cutting and simple sewing, then add rhinestones and ribbon to make a “heart felt” love note for you to keep or give away. ~ Midland Library

February Ecology Club: Bird Language Basics ~ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm ~ Join us on the second Wednesday of each month to discuss an ecological theme that pertains to Bark’s work on Mt Hood or seasonal skills to give the community a deeper appreciation and understanding of NW ecology. ~Bark office: 351 NE 18th Ave Portland, OR 97232 (next to the Circuit Climbing Gym). ~ Recommended for 13+

Classic Up Close Pop Up Performance ~ 7:30 ~ Muslim Educational Trust Community Center (Tigard)

Friday, February 15-Monday, February 18

Great Backyard Bird Count ~ Bird watchers of all ages count birds to create a real-time snapshot of where birds are. ~ In your own backyard ~ Free

Friday, February 15

Saturday, February 16

Guided Nature Walks: The Changing Forest ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week, and will be geared for ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area ~ Free

Oregon’s 160th Birthday Celebration ~ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ Costumed interpreters, music, activities for the entire family and birthday cake are free for all to enjoy. ~ Oregon State Capitol ~ Free

Kids’ Fest/Sports’ Fest ~ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm ~ Portland Expo Center ~ $6 per person, $25 for family pass (of 5)

Peg People: Winter Fairies ~ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm ~ Come delight in making 2″ tall fairies from wooden pegs. Paint hair, and clothes. Add jewels if you like. Complete your fairy with various things found in nature to serve as a hat, wings, and swords. They will magically come to life in your imagination! ~ Sellwood – Moreland Library

Family Day: Experience Oregon Grand Opening Celebration ~ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Enjoy musical performances from BRAVO Youth Orchestras, Oregon Trail Trio, Portland Taiko, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, and The Prairie Blossoms. Listen to traditional Kalapuya/Coos storytelling by Esther & Shannin Stutzman, and take home a souvenir of your visit at one of our craft activity stations. ~ Oregon Historical Society ~ Free

Rainbow Felt Geodes ~ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Geodes are the coolest thing. You open them up and there is always a surprise of color and crystals. Make your own felt geode using only colored sheep’s wool and hot soapy water in this felting workshop with LeBrie Rich. No experience necessary… come craft with us! Ages 3+ with adult ~ North Portland Library

3D Printing: Customize Your Stuff! For Teens ~ 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm ~ 3D printing is the wave of the future, but what can you do with it today? Come learn about 3D printing, see one in action, and make a few of your own 3D printed designs. You’ll leave with the skills to start making your own products and a 3D print of one of the parts we’ll design! ~ Holgate Library

Comic Book Magnets ~ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Come use your creativity to repurpose comic books by cutting out your favorite heroes and villians and then glue them onto glass disks and adding magnets. It’s fun and easy! For kids in grades K-5 with their favorite adult. ~ Kenton Library

̈Figuras de hojas de Maíz / Corn Husk Figurines: Gods and Imaginative Creatures ~ 3:30 – 5:30 pm ~ In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how ancient cultures are inspired by nature to make their arts and crafts, as well as learning about the importance of corn in native Mexican culture. Participants will create their own doll figurine with colored corn husks, decorating them with other corn materials. ~ Fairview- Columbia Library

Owl Prowl ~ 6:00 pm ~ Program will include indoor presentation, owl pellet dissection, and a short hike to call for owls~ Silver Falls Conference Room ~ registration required ~ Free

Lantern Tour at Fort Vancouver ~ NOTE THAT IS A REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENT THAT MAY NOT OCCUR IF THE GOVERNMENT SHUT-DOWN IS STILL IN EFFECT. PLEASE CHECK THE LINK ~ 6:45 pm ~ Participants are treated to historical vignettes in several buildings as a park ranger guides them through the reconstructed fort. ~ Fort Vancouver ~ $25/adult, $10 for age 16 and under

Sunday, February 17

Kids’ Fest/Sports’ Fest ~ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Portland Expo Center ~ $6 per person, $25 for family pass (of 5)

农历新年 / Tết Nguyên Đán / Lunar New Year ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays in many Asian cultures, celebrating life, good health and prosperity. Join us to bring in the new year with cultural performances, educational activities and light refreshments. ~ Woodstock Library

Midsummer Night at the Savoy ~ 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm ~ Four choreographers, one story line, plus a community ensemble will bring the energy of Harlem to Portland through a distinctive performance examining spaces that allowed African American arts to flourish and marinate in U.S. history. Imagine Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a poetic through line with a recreated set of the Savoy Ballroom, the first integrated ballroom in the country and an artistic incubator in Harlem. Experience this twist on Shakespeare and the contributions of artists of color throughout history. ~ North Portland Library

Monday, February 18

Free Metro Parks Day ~ Free parking at all metro parks ~ Various locations

Tuesday February 19

Craft for a Cause ~ 4:00 – 6:00 pm ~ Using fabric scraps to do good, tweens and teens are invited to work on a special cozy project crafting items to donate to those who need it most. You will be introduced to the basics of making hats, mittens, mitts and more. Continue making them until our final session and we’ll collect everything we made and celebrate our successes. You keep one warmly item for yourself and the rest we’ll donate to Belmont patrons in need, via the warm items box by the door. ~ Belmont Library

Portland Opera Artist in Residence Performance ~ 7:00 pm ~ Portland Art Museum

Wednesday, February 20

Free Metro Parks Day ~ Free parking at all metro parks ~ Various locations

Saturday, February 23

Guided Nature Walks: The Story of Stumps ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike to explore the forest and stream ecosystems and natural history at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Topics will vary from week to week, and will be geared for ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area ~ Free

元宵花灯 Making Lanterns ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ To celebrate the *Chinese Lantern Festival of the Lunar New Year of the Pig, we will create lanterns to use for decorations, wall displays, and ornaments. There will be various materials to choose from for making the perfect lanterns for you. ~ Central Library

Pets on Parade ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Cut, paste, paint and play with watercolor and collage. Bring a good-sized photo of your family pet to add to your art or choose from the materials provided. Learn basic composition and design while creating an anthropomorphic (human qualities) animal. Perfect for young children and fun for the whole family. ~ Belmont Library

Sunday, February 24

Winter Survival Shelters ~ In this family-oriented class at Oxbow Regional Park, learn the basics of building a winter survival shelter that can keep you safe and warm without a sleeping bag or a fire. ~ Oxbow Regional Park ~ Ages 10+ ~ $6/person, $11/family; $5/car, $7/bus

Americana: Sunnyside Symphony Spring Concert ~ Sunnyside 7th Day Adventist Church

Tuesday, February 26

Polymer-a-Palooza ~4:00 pm – 4:45 pm ~ Polymers are all around us and we couldn’t survive without them. This palooza of polymers includes disappearing water, melting cups, invisible orbs that disappear and reappear, instant worms, instant snow and more. ~ Hillsdale Library

Thursday, February 28

Peace Corps Story Slam ~ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ~ Discover the benefits of Peace Corps service from returned Volunteers. Hear stories about the challenging, rewarding, and inspirational moments from returned Peace Corps Volunteers. ~ Taborspace ~ Free

THINK AHEAD

Klineline Kids’ Fishing ~ Join us for Klineline Kids Fishing event held annually in Salmon Creek Park. We are expecting 500 special needs kids and adults on Friday, April 12, 2019. On Saturday, April 13, 2019 we are expecting 2500 kids, ages 5 to 14. Your child will receive a fishing rod & reel complete with terminal gear and an event t-shirt. Bait is provided also. Kids fish in 45 minute increments throughout the day between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ~ Registration begins February 1.

ONGOING EVENTS

Tween DIY at the Library ~ 3:30 pm on the second Friday ~ Monthly meeting for creative tweens at Hollywood Library.

More For Teens

Teens @ the Happy Valley Library ~ monthly board game nights on 4th Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm – 7:45 pm, various study halls, art and music meetups every month and opportunities to volunteer.

December 2018

December 8, 2018 Jen

Saturday, December 1

Guided Nature Walk: Recycling in the Forest ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Christmas in the Country ~ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Meet with Santa in the parlor, enjoy some pioneer hospitality, traditional music, and get your Christmas tree. ~ Philip Foster Farms ~ Free

Christmas in Dairyville ~ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm ~ Christmas in Dairyville is a winter wonderland filled with over 300 festive trees, live animals bringing to life the various scenes in Storybook Lane, modular train displays, old-fashioned movie screenings in the iconic Opera House, carolers and choirs singing the joyful sounds of the Christmas Season and holiday dance performances. ~ Alpenrose Dairy ~ Free, donation of unwrapped toy is encouraged

Sunday, December 2

Santa Visits Santaland ~ 12:00pm – 4:00 pm ~ Visitors are invited to take their own photos with St. Nick. Items from Meier & Frank’s popular Santaland display will be on view (for more info on the exhibit, see Santaland under “This Month” at the bottom of the post.). ~ Oregon Historical Society ~ Free

Public Menorah Lighting and Festival of Lights celebration ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Join the Festival of Lights celebration on the first night of Chanukah with music, traditional foods, children’s crafts and a Menorah Lighting ~ Director Park ~ Free

Tuesday, December 4

Paper Marbling ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ SCRAP Crafternoon – Learn the art of paper marbling! ~ Ages 6 and up ~ SCRAP PDX ~ $15

Treasures of Orion and his Neighbors ~ 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm ~ Planetarium Sky Theater, Mt Hood Community College Gresham ~ $5 adult/$2 under 17

Friday, December 7

Mission to Mars ~ Evergreen Aviation Museum Homeschool Day ~ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm ~ The future is here, and NASA has called upon you to plan a mission to the Red Planet! Make decisions that will affect the rest of your mission as you and your team change the course of humanity on this mission to Mars. ~ Evergreen Aviation Museum ~ Prices vary

Treasures of Orion and his Neighbors ~ 6:00 pm and 7:15 pm ~ Planetarium Sky Theater, Mt Hood Community College Gresham ~ $5 adult/$2 under 17

Saturday, December 8

Guided Nature Walk: Hibernation and Migration ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Christmas at Fort Vancouver ~ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm ~ Join us to celebrate the holidays 1840s-style at Fort Vancouver! Throughout the fort, costumed interpreters will share the history behind the earliest Christmas celebrations at the fort, and help you make a fun, historical, holiday craft to take home! ~ Fort Vancouver ~ $7 adults, 15 and under, free

Silver Falls Christmas Festival ~ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ Silver Falls State Park

Holiday Choral Performance ~ 10:30 am – 11:00 am ~ The Heart of the Valley Children’s Choir, made up of kids ages 10 to 18 will perform as part of their holiday tour ~ Collins Gallery, Central Library

28th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert ~ 1:30- 3:00 pm ~ Pioneer Courthouse Square ~ Free

Snowman Hats ~ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Transform a white fleece beanie into an un-meltable snowman complete with a button mouth, a carrot nose and two eyes made out of craft coal! ~ Belmont Library

Winter and Holiday Ceramics Painting ~ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm ~ “We have a wide assortment of ornaments that can be painted and taken home that day that will last for years to come! We supply the ornament with the ribbon, lead-free paint, colorful mats, aprons, water buckets, paint brushes, and all that is needed.” ~ U.S. Bank Room, Central Library ~ Free tickets 30 minutes in advance

Snowman Hats ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Transform a white fleece beanie into an un-meltable snowman complete with a button mouth, a carrot nose and two eyes made out of craft coal! ~ Hollywood Library

Sunday, December 9

Tuesday, December 11

The Nutcracker ~ 10:00 am ~ Little Ears Free Concerts for Kids ~ The Old Church ~ Free

Francis Street Singers ~ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm ~ The Francis Street Singers, directed by CMC instructor Tracey Edson and accompanied by CMC instructor Zita Jefferson perform a concert of varied secular songs, with instrumental accompaniment by Brian Bennett, guitar, and Gregory Dubay, cello. ~ CMC Auditorium

Friday, December 14

Saturday, December 15

Guided Nature Walk: A Story of Stumps ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area

The Sugar Plum Elves ~ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ~ Enjoy a performance by The Sugarplum Elves, Portland’s holiday song-and-dance variety act entertainment. ~ Pioneer Courthouse Square ~ Free

Christmas Tree Tour ~ 12:00 pm ~ Tour the popular Christmas trees growing in Hoyt Arboretum’s conifer collection, including Oregon natives and other Christmas trees available in the Portland area. ~ Hoyt Arboretum ~ $3 suggested donation

Santa Visits Santaland ~ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Visitors are invited to take their own photos with St. Nick. Items from Meier & Frank’s popular Santaland display will be on view (for more info on the exhibit, see Santaland under “This Month” at the bottom of the post.). ~ Oregon Historical Society ~ Free

Winter Solstice Walk ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Take an afternoon walk through the majestic oak woodlands atop Cooper Mountain and learn how the winter solstice ushers in the return of the light and longer days. ~ Cooper Mountain Nature Park ~ $10/person

Hip Hop Soulsation Holiday Dance Performance ~ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm ~ Join Hip Hop Soulsation Academy as they bring an upbeat, edgy, and interactive Holiday performance the whole family can enjoy. ~ Gresham Library

Holiday Printmaking for Kids ~ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Students of this fun and engaging workshop will design and create their own prints using diverse repeat and mono-printing techniques. ~ St. John’s Library ~ free, registration required

A Midsummer Night at the Savoy ~ 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm ~ Imagine Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a poetic through line with a recreated set of the Savoy Ballroom, the first integrated ballroom in the country and an artistic incubator in Harlem. Experience this twist on Shakespeare and the contributions of artists of color throughout history. ~ Collins Gallery, Central Library

Ants Ants Ants Family Music ~ 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm ~ A fun sing-along family music band that kids of any age (1-100) will enjoy! ~ Kenton Library

Sunday, December 16

Audubon Storytime ~ This month we read Hawk Rising, followed by a special visit from some of Portland Audubon’s Education Birds. ~ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ~ Audubon Interpretive Center

Monday, December 17

Lego Brick-Built Masterpieces ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Join Lego master Blair Archer and create amazing brick-built masterpieces from thousands of parts. ~ Capitol Hill Library ~ free tickets 30 minutes in advance

Tuesday, December 18

Take a ride on the “Polar Express” / Vamos de viaje … “En el expreso polar” ~ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm ~ We’ll go all the way to the North Pole and back. We’ll take time to read a story in Spanish and English and make a craft. ~ St. John’s Library

Wednesday, December 19

The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge ~ 11:00 am – noon ~ The Classic tale of a miser’s redemption by the Traveling Lantern Theatre Co. ~ Woodstock Libray

Winter Bird Feeders ~ 11:00 am – noon ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Elephant & Piggie Puppet Show ~ 11:00 am – noon ~ Holgate Library

The Salvation Army Christmas Brass Ensemble ~ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Pioneer Courthouse Square ~ Free

Take a ride on the “Polar Express” ~ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm ~ We’ll go all the way to the North Pole and back. We’ll take time to read a story in Spanish and English and make a craft. ~ Blemont Library

Thursday, December 20

Native American Indian Storytelling and Drumming ~ 10:30 am – noon ~ Traditional stories and songs of the Kalapuya people of the Willamette Valley that portray the animal people and their adventures, teach lessons, often involve audience participation and use traditional drumming. ~ North Portland Library

Elephant & Piggie Puppet Show ~ 11:00 am – noon ~ Holgate Library

Friday, December 21

The Green Bird: A Mexican Story ~ 10:30 am – 11:15 am ~ Colorful and intricate shadow puppets combine with live music, voices and sound effects to create a delightful family entertainment. ~ North Portland Library

Take a ride on the “Polar Express” ~ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ We’ll go all the way to the North Pole and back. We’ll take time to read a story in Spanish and English and make a craft. ~ Holgate Library

Saturday, December 22

Guided Nature Walk: Winter Solstice ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area

The Snowy Bus Stop ~ 10:15 am – 11:00 am ~ An original by Penny’s Puppet Productions, full of puppets, fun and laughter. ~ Gregory Heights Library

Holiday Card Printmaking for Kids ~ 2:30 – 4:00 pm ~ In this workshop, participants can explore different types of stamp making including potato stamps and foam stamps to make special card for the holiday. ~ Rockwood Library

Wednesday December 26 – Friday December 28

Hogwarts Winter Camp for 1st-3rd Graders ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ The Hollywood Teen Council is pleased to invite those in grade 1st through 3rd to a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Winter Camp. Each day campers will get fitted with supplies and explore a variety of classes from Care of Magical Creatures, Potions, Transfiguration, Charms and more. This event is part of a series that has 3 sessions. Registration must happen before the start of the first session and you will be registered for the whole series. ~ Hollywood Library

Friday December 28

Lego Brick-Built Masterpieces ~ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Join Lego master Blair Archer and create amazing brick-built masterpieces from thousands of parts. ~ Holgate Library

Saturday, December 29

Guided Nature Walk: Mossum Mosses ~ 10:00 am – 11:30 am ~ Venture out with a park guide for a free nature hike ~ Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Noon Year’s Eve Party for Preschoolers ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 am ~ Celebrate the new year with your young child, ages 0-5. Enjoy dancing, balloons, activities and snacks. It’s a family-friendly way to ring in 2019! ~ Northwest Library

Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture ~ 10:30 – noon ~ Come and celebrate the fourth principle, Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), during our Family Kwanzaa Celebration. ~ North Portland Library

Recycle Art ~ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ~ Bring your imagination, creativity, and unique vision to the library as we transform a pile of dull recyclables into dynamic artistic treasure! ~ Holgate Library

Oral Traditon~ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Rewild Portland’s Free Skills Series is a family-friendly class and community event that happens monthly, usually (but not always) occurring on the last Saturday of the month. ~ Location TBA ~ $10-$20 donation suggested

Sunday, December 30

JÓLABÓKAFLÓÐ: First annual indie book fair ~ 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm ~ It’s a book fair inspired by a beloved Icelandic tradition celebgrated in Portland with a collection of local authors, refreshment, and holiday fun! ~ Nordia House Great Hall ~ Free

This Month

Winter Wonderland ~ The largest light show in the Northwest ~ Portland International Raceway ~ Prices vary

Santaland ~ This holiday season, come visit the OHS Santaland display, featuring Santa’s chair, Rudolph, animatronic elves, and decorated Christmas trees from the Meier & Frank department store! New this year is the addition of a model of the famous monorail. ~ Oregon Historical Society ~ Free

The Grotto: Christmas Festival of Lights ~ Presenting the sights, sounds and sensations of the season, The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights is the largest Christmas choral festival in the world. ~ The Grotto ~ Ticket prices vary

Christmas in the Garden ~ Christmas in the Garden is a charming European-inspired, outdoor event featuring ice skating, snowless tubing, an artisan vendor market, photos with Santa, and more. ~ The Oregon Garden ~ Call for pricing

Christmas Fantasy Trail ~ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ Take a Christmas walk through a lighted, wooded “Fantasy Trail”, decorated with thousands of lights for your Christmas enchantment. ~ Wenzel Farm $7/adults, 12 and under $6

Ongoing Events

Lego @ the Library ~ Many Multnomah Co. Libraries have recurring Lego building meetups where they provide the bricks and the 5-11 year-olds bring the creativity.

November 2018

November 1, 2018November 2, 2018 Jen

Thursday, November 1 – Friday November 2

Dia de los Muertos at the Portland Mercado ~ Thursday 4 pm – 9 pm & Friday 6 pm – 9 pm ~ Enjoy an authentic cultural experience with music, offerings, face painting, crafts, and much more! The community altar will be on display through November 9. ~ Portland Mercado

Thursday, November 1st

Celebracion del Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Celebration ~ 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm ~ Celebrate the Day of the Dead, a festive and colorful Latin American holiday. Create your own calaverita (felt skull) and learn more about this special tradition. ~ St. John’s Library

Calaveritas de Azúcar / Decorate your own Sugar Skull ~ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Holgate Library

PDX (Pretty Damn X-traordinary) Native Film Night ~ 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm ~ This special event showcases the diversity of Native peoples, perspectives, and stories from across the Northern Continent with a documentary film, panel discussion, and short films. This event is free to the general public, open to all ages, and structured for audiences to drop in as their schedule allows. ~ Hollywood Theatre

Friday, November 2nd

Celebracion del Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Celebration ~ 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Gregory Heights Library

Dia de los Muertos Celebration ~ 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ free with museum admission, food and drink for sale

Celebracion del Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Celebration ~ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm ~ Fairview-Columbia Library

Saturday, November 3rd

Dream Catcher Weaving ~ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm ~ Participate in this workshop to learn the history and mystery behind the dream catcher while weaving your own ~ Albina Library

Hip Hop Soulsation ~ 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm ~ Join Cykhyia and Hip Hop Soulsation Academy as they bring an upbeat edgy interactive performance the whole family can enjoy. ~ Gresham Library

Comedia mágica, música y humor absurdo con Ángel Ocasio / Comedy Magic, Music & Silly Stuff with Angel Ocasio ~ 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm ~ Enjoy a wacky bilingual show filled with comedy magic, silly antics and fun sing-a-longs as Angel plays his ukulele. ~ Rockwood Library

Sunday, November 4th

Family Tour: Every Picture Tells a Story ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~

Dream Catcher Weaving ~ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm ~ Participate in this workshop to learn the history and mystery behind the dream catcher while weaving your own ~ Rockwood Library

Handbell Concert ~ 4:00 pm ~ St Paul’s Episcopal Church

Friday, November 9th

Native American Indian Storytelling and Drumming ~ 4:00 – 5:30 ~ Traditional drumming, stories and songs of the Kalapuya people of the Willamette Valley that portray the animal people and their adventures, teach lessons and often involve audience participation. ~ Fairview-Columbia Library

Saturday, November 10th

Luminarias ~ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm ~ Transform simple materials into stunning luminarias for your home or garden. ~ Sellwood-Moreland Library

Native American Jewelry Making ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Use traditional items such as bone beads and leather to create various jewelry. Suitable for ages 4+ with an adult ~ Midland Library

Twirly Whirlies ~ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ~ Create this simple toy with wire, beads and found objects. Watch the beads shimmer and dance as you move it in your hands. ~ Holgate Library

Sunday, November 11th

Family Tour: Pick a Pet ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with the price of admission

The Builder’s Block: Interlocking Imagination Opening Reception ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ The creative culture surrounding Lego as an art medium is bustling in the Pacific Northwest, and Portland has a plethora of plastic brick pioneers. Local builders represented in the exhibition will be in attendance to answer questions about their creations, provide hands-on interactive opportunities, and share their enthusiasm for Lego building. ~ Central Library Collins Gallery

Monday, November 12th

Portland Opera to Go: Barber of Seville ~ 2:00 pm ~ Tigard Public Library

Saturday, November 17th

Portland Opera to Go: Barber of Seville ~ 2:00 pm ~ Chehalem Cultural Center (Newberg) ~ $5 admission

Ants Ants Ants Family Music ~ 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm ~A fun sing-along family music band that kids of any age (1-100) will enjoy! ~ Northwest Library

Meet DASH’KA’YAH and COYOTE ~ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Ed Edmo is a Shoshone-Bannock poet, playwright, performer, traditional storyteller, tour guide and lecturer on Northwest tribal culture. ~ Central Library

Sunday, November 18th

Castle in the Sky ~ 12:30 pm ~ The last movie in Studio Ghibli Fest ~ Century 16 Eastport Plaza

Family Tour: Every Picture Tells a Story ~ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm ~ Portland Art Museum ~ tours are free with the price of admission

Tuesday, November 20th

Native American Jewelry Making ~ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm ~ Use traditional items such as bone beads and leather to create various jewelry. Suitable for ages 4+ with an adult ~ Fairview Columbia Library

Friday, November 23rd

Pioneer Square Christmas Tree Lighting ~ 5:30 pm ~ Pioneer Square ~ (here is a list of smaller tree lightings around the Portland area, in case you want to see if there’s one more local to you)

Saturday, November 24th

Recycle Art ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Holgate Library

Decorative Decoupage Boxes ~ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm ~ Woodstock Library

Sunday, November 25th

Wednesday, November 28th

Acuarelas y Libros / Watercolor and Books Club ~ 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm ~ Have you always wanted to learn to paint? Join us for this watercolor class and discover your inner artist. We’ll use library books to learn new techniques. Art supplies are included, but you can bring your own supplies. ~ Gresham Library

Happening all Month

The Builder’s Block: Interlocking Imagination Lego show opening Nov. 3 and on display through Jan. 6 during Central Library’s regular open hours.

Holiday Stuff Starting in November

The Lighting of Maddox Woods opens November 17th

Christmas at Pittock Mansion opens November 19th

Zoolights starts November 21st