Karen Beaudoin finds things for you to do in Portland that are FREE (or so darn cheap they're almost free).
May 04, 2009
Heading for Cinco de Mayo
You've gotta love a Monday, my fav day of the week. I love knowing that I get to go back to work, because I love my job so much and would work 60 hours a week if only they would let me. (Are you reading this Boss? It's true, all true).
Not everyone's like me. For lots of people Monday is the crappiest day of the week. That's why you need something to look forward to after your long, boring work day. Something like Open Mic Night at Amigo's from 8-11 pm. It's hosted by Ryan Halliburton of The Grumps and don't bother eating before you go 'cause there's $2 tacos to be had.
If you're not in the mood to listen to any bad singers, you can make a more quiet night at Ri Ra, where Monday's are Yank Night. Get half-priced wings and Geary's pints for $3.50 from 7-9 pm.
Instead of calling it Tuesday this week, lets just say Happy Cinco de Mayo! The margaritas will be flowing all over town and there are plenty of places for you to find cheap fun tonight.
First stop: Bull Moose in Scarborough. Sparks the Rescue is offering up a free in-store performance to get fans revved up for their new CD. Music starts at 6 pm. If you're in the area, why wouldn't you go support the local guys?
If you feel like paying for your music check out these options: Day for Night is at Blue at 8 pm with a suggested donation of $3-$5; One Longfellow Square is hosting its regular Tuesday jazz series with the Steve Grover Trio, also at 8 pm ($5); and there's an awesome show set for Port City Music Hall with The Awesome on stage at 9 pm. Can you believe tickets are just $5?
Or if you want to celebrate but have to be home for "The Biggest Loser," just head to Mesa Verde (house version is just $3.95 from 2-6 pm) or Burrito! ($4 for house special, happy hour 4:30-6:30) and get yourself a margarita.
Did you know it's National Drinking Water Week? Oh yes it is! And on Wednesday you can become a Vernal Pool VIP (Very Important Protector). Just head over to the Sebago Lake Ecology Center at 10 am to learn about vernal pools and what creatures live in them. You'll see some live critters and may even get to talk to a few toads. Wear your waterproof boots.
You can continue to do right by nature at the How Do Green Spaces Fit Into Your Life?, a talk being given by several green-minded people and the Friends of the Eastern Promenade. Listen in from 5:30-7 pm at East End Community School and learn what changes you can make for a better fit.
And then it's time to take care of yourself. Dr. Max Jacobs is offering a free class focusing on wuji qigong and mediation from 6:30-7:15 pm at Jacobs Chiropractic Acupuncture. Strengthen your body, boost your energy and help your mind find harmony. Sound like the perfect class for a hump day.
Thursday is a great night to relax with a nice glass of wine. And where else would you go for that besides Una Wine Bar? You're in luck tonight because you'll get some music with your sippin'. The Strangely Possibles are in the house for a 7 pm show to celebrate the release of their debut CD. The $5 event is also a fundraiser for the Scarborough Land Conservation Trust, so your money will be going to a good cause.
If you're looking for more music later on, head under ground at the Bramhall Pub to check out The Jerks of Grass. They're playing at 9 pm and the cover's just $2.
Or maybe you just want to take it easy tonight so you can really tie one on this weekend. Grab your bike and pedal around Back Cove a couple times. If you're really feelin' it you can zip over to the Eastern Prom Trail for a little more mileage. Chances are you'll feel so good afterwards you'll be ready to pop open a nice cold beer.
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