Leisure

As temperatures climb, Portlanders head outside – typically sporting a big grin -because the best season of the year is here. It’s finally summer in Portland!

This year, Clean Energy Works is sponsoring Portland Parks & Recreation's Summer Free For All: Movies in the Park, a beloved Portland tradition, bringing fun, free movies to the whole family. (Bring jackets and extra blankets - it can get chilly when the sun goes down!)

Snag a good spot at Portland parks all summer long for performances by local musicians, free popcorn, and great movies. Stop by the Clean Energy Works table to say hi. And learn how our nonprofit can help keep your home cool and your utility bills down this summer.

We’ll see you at the park!

*Pre-movie entertainment starts at 6:30PM, and movie begins at dusk.

2015 Portland Parks & Recreation Movies in the Park schedule here!

Dog Days of Summer:  July 3 - August 11

The “dog days of summer” occur during the hottest and muggiest part of summer.

Dog Days of Summer?  Click to enlarge

The dictionary defines “dog days” as: 1:  the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere 2:  a period of stagnation or inactivity

But where does the term come from? Why do we call the hot, sultry days of summer “dog days?” Here's the answer!

In ancient times, when the night sky was free from artificial lights people in different parts of the world drew images in the sky by “connecting the dots” of stars. These star pictures are called constellations, and the constellations as we know them came from our European ancestors.

Ancient star gazer's saw images in the stars of bears (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor), twins (Gemini), a bull (Taurus), and others objects, including dogs (Canis Major and Canis Minor). (more below...)

Dwarf Planet Pluto MHCC Planetarium website

Pluto and its New Family When: Tue Jun 02, 2015 Show Times: 6PM, 7:15PM, 8:30PM Where: Mt Hood Community College Planetarium Sky Theater 26000 SE Stark St Gresham, OR Get Map!

Admission $2. MHCC students are admitted free.
The Sky Theater is wheelchair accessible.

Last Show This Season
Join us for a tour of the night sky where you'll whiz through universe from the comfort of your seat! 3 shows starting at 6:00PM, 7:15PM and 8:30PM.

The Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) Planetarium invites you enjoy another year of great public shows using their state-of-the-art digital star projection system.

Each show is presented under a realistic representation of the night sky, featuring the latest galactic, stellar and planetary images. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions during each program. Children are welcome to attend.

Westmoreland Park to Crystal Springs and Reed Canyon When: Thu Jun 04, 2015 6PM-8PM Meet: Westmoreland Park SE Knapp St and 22nd Ave Get Map! Cost: Free

Let's Go Walking!
Join us on another great Ten Toe Express walk throughout inner-city Portland sponsored by the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The Ten Toe Express program is a series of guided walks held Thursdays @ 6PM and Saturdays @ 9AM from May 07th through September 19th 2015.

Each easy and informal Ten Toe Express walk explores the area neighborhood, architecture and unique history. Walk takes about 2 hours, cover 2-4 miles and are open to all ages and skill levels. Did we mention it's free!

Beautiful Views! When: Thu Jun 04, 2015 8:30AM-5PM Where: Cedar Island Hike Meet at: Gresham City Hall 1333 NW Eastman Pwy Gresham, OR Get Map!

This four-mile hike starts in Mary S. Young Park in West Linn. We will follow a network of trails into a gully and cross Turkey Creek before coming to a viewpoint. Look for osprey, songbirds, deer and coyote. From here we will head down the Riverside Loop Trail to the Willamette River. We will then cross a floating pedestrian bridge to explore Cedar Island and have lunch.

• Round-trip travel: 38 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 300 feet
• Suggested donation per hiker: $4

On the way back, we will follow the Turkey Creek Trail up a wooden stairway and continue on the Heron Creek Loop Trail back to our cars. Hiking boots and poles are recommended. Pack a lunch to eat on the island.

Saturdays May thru October! When: Every Saturday, 8:30AM-2PM Where: NW Miller & Third St Historic Downtown Gresham, OR Get Map!

Fresh & Local
Shoppers will find all-natural meats and cheeses, fresh-picked produce, nursery stock and fresh-cut flowers, hand-crafted jewelry, soaps, artwork, and much more. Live music and food are always part of the market.

Located on Northwest Miller Avenue between Second and Third Street 8:30AM to 2PM each Saturday now through Oct. 25.

Located in the NE corner of the Gresham KMart parking lot bordered by Eastman Pky and NW Burnside Rd

Come Join Us! When: Sat Jun 06, 2015 8AM-9AM Where: Nadaka Nature Park 176th & NE Glisan St Gresham OR Get map!

Join us for a guided bird walk through Nadaka Nature Park. This is a family-friendly event for beginner and advance bird watchers. Bring your own binoculars and field guides if possible. Binoculars will be provided for those who do not own binoculars and Nadaka Bird Brochures will be available.

Free Fresh Produce! When: Wed Jun 10, 2015 3PM-5:30PM Where: Highland Elementary 295 NE 24th St Gresham, OR Get Map!

Under Cover, Rain or Shine!
Through a partnership with the Oregon Food Bank, the SUN Program at Highland Elementary School provides free fruits and vegetables to the community on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Everyone in the community is invited to shop at the market and receive free produce -- there are no income verification or identification requirements. Bring reusable shopping bags if you have them!

Event flyer - English

Farm Fresh Produce! When: Each Friday 3PM-7PM Where: Plaza del Sol 18535 S.E. Stark St Gresham OR Get map!

The Rockwood Farmers Market is a community-focused market featuring fresh produce from local farms in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. WIC, SNAP and Farm Direct coupons are accepted. The Market is a collaboration of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon’s Interfaith Food & Farms Partnership and the Rockwood Co-op.

Visit the Rockwood Farmers Market website or Facebook page.