While it may not exactly feel like it with that record-breaking February snow storm, we promise, spring is actually coming. There’s plenty to do this month and we’ve rounded up more than 15 events, activities and more to do with your family. The best part? It’s all free!
Market shop shuffle. It’s back! The Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market makes its 2023 debut on Saturday, March 4. There’s something for everyone here: jewelry, art, kids clothes and more, all made by local artisans. The market’s 49th season runs every Saturday through December, 10 am-5 pm.
Walk through. Kick off the month with a stroll through Hillsboro’s cultural arts district during its monthly, First Tuesday Art Walk. This month, that’s Tuesday, March 7. There’s gallery events, live music, shopping, tasty food and more.
Use your noodle. The brain is an amazing thing. Discover just how much our brains do during the annual Brain Fair. Science fans of all ages will be fascinated by hands-on exhibits, displays and more. This day-long event is held at the OMSI auditorium on Saturday, March 11. (No museum admission is required to attend Brain Fair.)
Check out. Did you know that you can check out more than books and magazines at the Tigard Public Library. Enter the Library of Things! Here you’ll find games, toys, instruments, crafting tools, science models and more. (Parents: There’s also an array of devices for those home-improvement projects on your list.) And from Wednesday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 15, head to the Children’s Room for supplies and instructions to make a craft at home.
Bubbles and books. The Literacy Lady PDX is here to help your little love reading and of course, get those wiggles out! Join her every Friday for Bubbles + Books at Hammer + Jacks’ rec room for 25-30 minutes of singing, dancing, story time and more. Even better — there’s bubbles!
Budding blooms. Winter has passed and the sweet-smelling days of spring are upon us. There are plenty of places to witness this changing of the season. Here are favorites.
Kids got talent. If the future Billie Eilish is a member of your household, have them bring their talents to the Youth Music Project’s monthly Teen Open Mic Night on Friday, March 3 from 6-9:30 p . Budding rockers, ages 13-18, are invited to the event, hosted by the nonprofit’s teen interns. Participants get to practice their skills on stage with professional engineers, lighting and more. Not a musician? Come join the audience! Friday, March 3, 6-9:30 pm at the Youth Music Project’s Meteor Lounge. And if your kiddo can’t get enough stage time, there’s also the Open Mic and Karaoke event on Sunday, March 5 at Good Medicine Theater. The twice-monthly event is hosted by one of Portland’s favorite clowns — Dingo!
Snack attack. From the folks behind Portland Night Market comes a snack-focused event. Snack Fest features everyone’s tasty treats, live music, music, educational demos and more. Come hungry!
Sham-rock ‘n’ roll. Celebrate March with a festive St. Patrick’s Day parade. Head to the Beverly Cleary School at 33rd and Hancock at 1 pm on Sunday, March 12. Don’t forget to wear green!
Park pass. Take advantage of this month’s Enjoy this month’s free parking day at Metro parks on Thursday, March 16 with a visit to one of the city’s spectacular parks, including Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp, Broughton Beach and Chinook Landing Marine Park.
Teen time. Got a bored teen at home? Then TeenForce just might be your answer. TeenForce, made possible by Portland Parks & Recreation, is a free, after school program at five community centers around the city and is available for youth ages 10 to 20. Registration is free and once your teen has their pass, they have access to designated open swims, gyms and more.
Take in the view. Now that the sun is shining more, take advantage of the clearer, warmer days at one of these playgrounds with a view.
History revealed. The Oregon Historical Society is a great place to teach kids about our state’s rich history. Admission is free for all Multnomah County residents, too. This month, learn about the influence and legends of Motown, travel back to 1920s Oregon via cityscape photos and take in 100 years of Oregon state parks.
Manga madness. If you have a manga-love tween or teen, they’ll definitely want to head to the Woodburn Library for the weekly Teen Manga Mondays at 4 pm. Youth ages 13-18 can geek out about all things manga, watch their favorite anime, make new friends and more.
Worst, best day. The Worst Day Ride returns on Sunday, March 19. This festive event is so much more than a bike ride through Portland: there’s breakfast, a half-time party at Breakside Brewing, costume contest and a five-tier chocolate fountain! And while registration for adults is $49, kids 15 and younger are free!
Watch whales. Every spring in late March, gray whales make their annual migration past Oregon’s coastlines en route to Alaska. Here are some of the best spots to catch them in action.
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