Never Miss Out on Affordable Fun in Portland Portland doesn’t have to be expensive. Every week, there are plenty of free and low-cost ways to get out, explore the city and do something fun. Use this roundup of free and cheap events in Portland this week to find festivals, cultural events, … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Events this Week in Portland
Come Thru Black and Indigenous Market
At Come Thru Market, you can shop a variety of goods from local Black and Indigenous farmers and makers. The market supports BIPOC growers who are taking their small business dreams to the farmers market environment. The market also offers a farmer training program, which supports beginning … [Read more...] about Come Thru Black and Indigenous Market
Tree Time! Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum
Preschool walks at Hoyt Arboretum invite you and your kids to explore the outdoors. This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Every week, the arboretum hosts a special event of its youngest visitors. Here's how you … [Read more...] about Tree Time! Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum
What to Do in Portland This Weekend
There is always something to do in Portland. Yet, not all events in the Rose City come with a cheap price tag. If you're looking to have a great time without breaking the budget, you've come to the right place. Free events in Portland Every week I will add new free and cheap events throughout the … [Read more...] about What to Do in Portland This Weekend
Dozer Day at Clark County Event Center
Dozer Day lets your kids and kids at heart get behind the wheel with construction professionals. The annual event aims to educate people of all ages by fostering an interest in the construction industry. Your family can get up close with heavy construction equipment along with other fun, … [Read more...] about Dozer Day at Clark County Event Center
Free El Tigre Fest Celebrates Latino Culture in Tigard
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a full day of live music, dancing, food and family activities at El Tigre Fest in Tigard. The free annual festival returns to Cook Family Park on Saturday, October 3. More than 70 vendors and community organizations are participating in this year's … [Read more...] about Free El Tigre Fest Celebrates Latino Culture in Tigard
PDX Estate Marketplace Events
Calling all secondhand enthusiasts! Attend multiple estate sales under one roof at PDX Estate Marketplace events. The events are hosted by PDX Estate Services, a local company that helps families and individuals downsize their homes and plan estate sales. In 2023, the company launched … [Read more...] about PDX Estate Marketplace Events
The Tesla City Stories Discount: Get Exclusive $12 Tickets for October 16th
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October brings the fall but also some vintage Halloween fun as The Tesla City Stories returns to the Old Church Concert Hall for a mix of comedy and spooky surprises! Here’s how you can claim discount tickets to this one-of-a-kind Portland performance. Get $12 discount tickets to The … [Read more...] about The Tesla City Stories Discount: Get Exclusive $12 Tickets for October 16th
Free Estacada Lake Witches Paddle Returns October 4
Grab your pointiest hat and trade the broomstick for a paddle. The Estacada Lake Witches Paddle Boarding and Kayaking Event returns to Milo McIver State Park for its sixth year. On Sunday, October 4, witches, warlocks and other costumed paddlers are invited to take to Estacada Lake on stand-up … [Read more...] about Free Estacada Lake Witches Paddle Returns October 4
2026 Portland Greek Festival
The annual Portland Greek Festival invites the community to enjoy the flavors, dances and traditions of the Mediterranean culture. In the late 1800s, the first Greek immigrants came the Northwest to work in fishing, lumber, railroad and other jobs. That's when the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Greek Festival
Get 25% Off White Bird’s 2026/27 Dance Season
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A night at the theater doesn’t have to mean paying full price. Portland Living on the Cheap readers can get 25% off adult-priced tickets to performances throughout White Bird’s 2026/27 season with promo code DANCEONCHEAP. For nearly three decades, White Bird has brought dance companies from … [Read more...] about Get 25% Off White Bird’s 2026/27 Dance Season
Ride Oregon Pacific Railroad’s Train Through Portland
Want to see Portland by train? Climb aboard Oregon Pacific Railroad's train for a special ride around Portland. The Oregon Pacific Railroad is a family owned and operated freight railroad company. The company operates a special passenger train along the East Portland Division railroad line in … [Read more...] about Ride Oregon Pacific Railroad’s Train Through Portland
Maizee Mae’s Vintage and Collectible Market
Find one-of-a-kind treasures at Maizee Mae's Vintage and Collectible Market. If you love browsing unique goods and filling your home with unique items, this is the event for you. The market brings together the best of our community's treasure hunters to display vintage, collectible and specialty … [Read more...] about Maizee Mae’s Vintage and Collectible Market
45th Annual Portland Regional Gem and Mineral Show
Rock hounds, fossil fans and anyone who likes a good shiny object can spend a weekend digging into their interests at the Portland Regional Gem and Mineral Show. The annual Hillsboro event brings together dozens of Northwest dealers, more than 70 displays, hands-on demonstrations and activities … [Read more...] about 45th Annual Portland Regional Gem and Mineral Show
Knit Night at Starlight Knitting Society
In the heart of Portland's vibrant Woodstock neighborhood lies a gem that beckons to creators, Starlight Knitting Society. Come together with fellow crafters during the shop's Knit Night. This haven for yarn enthusiasts offers more than just materials. It fosters a sense of belonging and … [Read more...] about Knit Night at Starlight Knitting Society
7 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland
Portland knows how to do fall. By October, the city's maples, oaks, dogwoods and other deciduous trees start trading green for shades of gold, orange and red, often against a backdrop of dark green evergreens. You don't have to leave the city to catch the show. Some of the best places to see fall … [Read more...] about 7 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland
Free and Cheap Portland Comedy Nights
Our city is a great place for artistic expression. What you may not know about is the comedy scene, which offers lots of opportunities for amateurs and experienced comedians to test their sets in front of a live audience. If you're a lover of comedy and want to see the talent right here in your … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Portland Comedy Nights
First Thursday Street Gallery
Explore local artists at the First Thursday Street Gallery in the Pearl District. The event is hosted by Urban Art Network, a Portland nonprofit dedicated to empowering independent artists. Now in its 24th year, the event holds true to its artistic roots by bringing together our community of … [Read more...] about First Thursday Street Gallery
Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum
Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum are taking place throughout 2026. Located in the heart of downtown, Portland Art Museum is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. On the first Thursday of the month, our community gets open access to one of our city's top … [Read more...] about Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum
Food Events at Cedar Creek Grist Mill
Nestled along the banks of Cedar Creek in Woodland, Washington, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill opens its doors every Saturday for visitors who want a trip back in time. Make the drive to the historic landmark during an upcoming food event. Visitors who step inside are transported back in time to … [Read more...] about Food Events at Cedar Creek Grist Mill
2026 PlantFest at Clackamas Community College
Join a celebration of color and cultivation at PlantFest. The event is hosted by the Hardy Plant Society of Oregon. Founded in 1984, the organization is dedicated to nurturing the gardening community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. PlantFest promises a day full of inspiration, expert … [Read more...] about 2026 PlantFest at Clackamas Community College
Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales
Portland garage sale season is June-October. Mark your calendar for these Portland neighborhood garage sales. Since many people have transitioned to working from home for a few days a week or permanently, they've had to make room for workspaces. This means items once thought of as essential have … [Read more...] about Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales
Free Costume Swap at Kindred This Weekend
Halloween costumes can get expensive fast, especially for something you may only wear once. This September, Kindred Vancouver is hosting a free Costume Swap where you can drop off costumes you’re done with and pick up something new-to-you for Halloween. The swap takes place September 25-27 from … [Read more...] about Free Costume Swap at Kindred This Weekend
Portland Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Hayrides
Looking for the perfect Portland pumpkin patch? Skip the grocery store and head to a local farm, where you can pick a pumpkin straight from the field and make a full fall outing of it. Several farms around Portland celebrate pumpkin season with corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals, play areas, … [Read more...] about Portland Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Hayrides
Free Cider Fest: Fresh-Pressed Cider, Music and More
Portland Fruit Tree Project's annual Cider Fest returns to Northeast Portland on Saturday, October 3. The community harvest celebration is free, all ages and packed with hands-on activities, from apple pressing and kids crafts to live music and community workshops. You can even bring apples … [Read more...] about Free Cider Fest: Fresh-Pressed Cider, Music and More
Portland Bread Fest Returns With $5 Admission
Portland is a city that takes bread seriously. Sourdough, baguettes, croissants, bagels, pastries—if it involves flour, fermentation and a very good crust, chances are someone here has devoted an unreasonable amount of care to making it. Portland Bread Fest brings many of those local bakers … [Read more...] about Portland Bread Fest Returns With $5 Admission
Discount Day at OMSI
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI, is one of the nation's leading science centers and we're lucky to have it right here in Portland. OMSI discount day is here to bring one of Portland's best attractions to you for cheap. Science lovers and explorers of the unknown … [Read more...] about Discount Day at OMSI
Free National Alpaca Farm Days Near Portland
If getting face-to-face with an alpaca sounds like a good way to spend a fall Saturday, several farms near Portland are opening their gates for National Alpaca Farm Days. The 20th annual National Alpaca Farm Days is September 26-27, 2026, when participating farms across North America invite … [Read more...] about Free National Alpaca Farm Days Near Portland
Spirit of Halloweentown Returns to St. Helens 2026
For most of the year, St. Helens is a quiet riverfront town about 30 miles north of Portland. Come fall, a giant glowing pumpkin takes over the courthouse plaza, witches dance through the streets and the town leans all the way into its Disney Channel claim to fame. The original “Halloweentown” … [Read more...] about Spirit of Halloweentown Returns to St. Helens 2026
Powell’s After Hours Halloween Event in Portland
Powell’s City of Books is keeping the lights on after closing time for a Halloween party built around magicians, fortune tellers, carnival games and plenty of literary weirdness. Powell’s After Hours: A Most Peculiar Evening takes over the downtown Portland bookstore on Saturday, October 24, from … [Read more...] about Powell’s After Hours Halloween Event in Portland
2026 Mount Angel Oktoberfest
Get ready to eat, drink and Polka! The Mount Angel Oktoberfest brings the Bavarian tradition to our state. Every year, the entire town of Mount Angel transforms into Oktoberfest. The event boasts nine entertainment venues brimming with beverages, entertainment, activities, food and … [Read more...] about 2026 Mount Angel Oktoberfest
Portland Middle Eastern Festival
Celebrate a day of traditional food, entertainment and fun at the Portland Middle Eastern Festival. The event is hosted by the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, which was founded in 1930 to serve the local Arabic speaking community. Every year, the church opens its door to the … [Read more...] about Portland Middle Eastern Festival
2026 Portland Polish Festival
Experience the food, dance and music of Poland. The annual Polish Festival in Portland hosts a full weekend of free, family-friendly activities. Started in 1993, the Polish Festival is the oldest Polish festival in the Western United States. This event celebrates Polish culture, traditions … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Polish Festival
The Clackamas Bookshelf’s 50-Cent Book Sale
Every month, The Clackamas Bookshelf brings fellow bibliophiles together for a 50-Cent Book Sale. Here's your chance to stock up on titles for cheap while supporting a local cause. The Clackamas Bookshelf provides free books to low-income children in Clackamas County. Since 2014, the … [Read more...] about The Clackamas Bookshelf’s 50-Cent Book Sale
Free Portland Promenade Walks Across the City
Walking across Portland in a single day takes some planning. On September 27, Oregon Walks is doing that part for you. The nonprofit is closing out its annual STEPtember series with the first Portland Promenade, a free, approximately 11-mile walk from East Portland to downtown. The route starts at … [Read more...] about Free Portland Promenade Walks Across the City
Try Floorball for Free at Portland Floorball Club
If you’ve ever wanted to try hockey but could do without the ice skates, bulky pads and body checking, floorball might be more your speed. Portland Floorball Club hosts weekly pickup games in Beaverton, and new players can try their first game night for free. Beginners are welcome, you don’t need … [Read more...] about Try Floorball for Free at Portland Floorball Club
Free Milwaukie Sustainability Fair: Recycle, Repair, Swap
Got a dead laptop, a bag of Styrofoam, a shirt that needs mending or a couple of books ready for a new home? Bring them along to the Milwaukie Sustainability Fair, where getting rid of your stuff responsibly is part of the fun. The free, all-ages fair returns to downtown Milwaukie on Saturday, … [Read more...] about Free Milwaukie Sustainability Fair: Recycle, Repair, Swap
The Fear PDX Haunted House: Portland’s Largest Halloween Event
One of Portland’s longest-running haunted attractions is back for its 15th Halloween season. The Fear PDX Haunted House opens September 26 with 13 haunted attractions in one location, including five full haunted houses, five scare zones and three mini-haunts. The event runs on select nights … [Read more...] about The Fear PDX Haunted House: Portland’s Largest Halloween Event
Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market
Free Snack Fest Celebrates Portland Food Snack Fest brings Portland's food scene together for a two-day festival dedicated to snacks, drinks and local makers. Created by the team behind Portland Night Market, the free, all-ages food festival features food trucks, hot food vendors, packaged treats … [Read more...] about Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market
2026 Portland Area Fall Festivals
Fall festival season is here, bringing harvest celebrations, cultural festivals and quirky Portland traditions to the area. This year's Portland area fall festivals include free community celebrations, cider pressing, live music, cultural performances, local food and giant pumpkins paddled across a … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Area Fall Festivals
Native Seed Propagation Workshops in Portland
Want to grow native plants from seed but aren't sure where to start? A hands-on native seed propagation workshop in Portland is teaching gardeners the basics of starting native plants at home. Floraboros and Sparrowhawk Native Plants are partnering for two workshops at SymbiOp Garden Shop in … [Read more...] about Native Seed Propagation Workshops in Portland
Sliding-Scale Nature Journaling Class at Tryon Creek
Learn how to turn a walk in the woods into a nature journal at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. On Friday, September 18, local author and science illustrator Audrey Sauble leads a 90-minute nature journaling class focused on seeds and how they travel. The all-ages class costs $10-$20 on a sliding … [Read more...] about Sliding-Scale Nature Journaling Class at Tryon Creek
2026 El Grito Portland: Free Celebration Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month
Attend El Grito, a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture in Portland. El Grito is the celebration of Mexican independence and the most important holiday celebrated by the Hispanic community in Oregon. It honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of American citizens whose … [Read more...] about 2026 El Grito Portland: Free Celebration Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month
Nature Walk and Storytime at Tryon Creek
Take storytime into the forest at Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Friends of Tryon Creek is hosting a fall and winter Nature Walk and Storytime series for families. Each event combines a nature-themed story with an activity and a short walk through the forest to learn about local plants and … [Read more...] about Nature Walk and Storytime at Tryon Creek
Free Book Swap at Kindred Vancouver
Your next great read doesn't have to cost anything. Kindred Vancouver is hosting a free three-day Book Swap September 11–13, where you can drop off books you’re finished with and take home new-to-you titles from other readers. Best of all, you do not need to bring a book to take a book. It's an … [Read more...] about Free Book Swap at Kindred Vancouver
Panda Fest Portland: Asian Food Festival at Waterfront Park
Portland is getting a three-day celebration of Asian food, culture and art right on the waterfront. Panda Fest takes over Tom McCall Waterfront Park September 11–13, bringing more than 80 food vendors, hundreds of street food options, cultural performances, shopping and plenty of panda-themed fun … [Read more...] about Panda Fest Portland: Asian Food Festival at Waterfront Park
Romancing Portland Festival Brings Romance Authors to Town
Romance readers are taking over downtown Portland this weekend. The first Romancing Portland convention takes place September 11–13 at The Sentinel, bringing romance and romantasy authors, panels, workshops, book shopping and special events together for an adults-only weekend centered around all … [Read more...] about Romancing Portland Festival Brings Romance Authors to Town
Free Tomato Fest Returns to Portland September 12
Tomato season deserves a celebration, and Portland is throwing one—and the whole thing is free. Tomato Fest returns to Wellspent Market in Southeast Portland on Saturday, Sept. 12, bringing together some of the region’s best tomatoes, local food, cooking demonstrations, music, crafts and plenty of … [Read more...] about Free Tomato Fest Returns to Portland September 12
Free Repair Fairs in Portland: Fix Your Stuff and Learn How
Got something broken at home that you’ve been meaning to fix? Before you spend money replacing it, take it to a free Portland Repair Fair. Repair Fairs bring together local volunteers with all kinds of repair skills to help community members fix broken or worn-out items. Even better, the goal isn’t … [Read more...] about Free Repair Fairs in Portland: Fix Your Stuff and Learn How
AMP Fest Returns to Portland September 11–12 With Affordable Live Music for a Cause
Looking for live music in Portland that won’t completely drain your wallet? AMP Music Festival returns to the Star Theater September 11–12 for two nights of local and touring musicians, with tickets starting at just $25 and proceeds supporting youth experiencing homelessness. The festival brings … [Read more...] about AMP Fest Returns to Portland September 11–12 With Affordable Live Music for a Cause
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