Portland Living on the Cheap

Your local guide to the best of what's affordable in Portland, Oregon.

Victoria

Get Buy One, Get One Free Large Pizzas at Papa Johns

Need a break from cooking? Pizza is always a great standby meal for those days when life is hectic and you need a tasty, filling meal. Here's how you can get a special BOGO pizza deal at Papa Johns.  Papa Johns is helping customers save some dough and time. Get its popular pizzas for cheap … [Read more...] about Get Buy One, Get One Free Large Pizzas at Papa Johns

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Food & Drink

Hortlandia Plant and Garden Art Sale

Get your garden ready for the growing season at the Hortlandia Plant and Garden Art Sale. The sale 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. The organization … [Read more...] about Hortlandia Plant and Garden Art Sale

2025 Portland Night Market

Explore the city's best vendors celebrating local food, culture, music, drinks and retail at Portland Night Market. Since 2015, the Portland Night Market has centered around Portland's creative scene. This event is a unique experience on the Central Eastside for Portlanders of all … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Night Market

2025 Abby’s Closet Prom Dress Giveaway

Need a prom dress, but can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars? Abby's Closet has you covered. Attend the nonprofit's upcoming prom dress giveaway. Abby’s Closet inspires confidence and respect in high schoolers by providing free formal dresses for prom or other memorable events. Since 2004, … [Read more...] about 2025 Abby’s Closet Prom Dress Giveaway

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum are taking place throughout 2025.  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

National Crayon Day: Get Free Crayola Crayons at Staples

Bring some fun and color into your life on National Crayon Day. Staples is making the holiday a little brighter with free Crayola crayons. Did you know Crayola manufactures more than 3 billion crayons annually? I can distinctly remember learning how the paraffin wax and color pigment came … [Read more...] about National Crayon Day: Get Free Crayola Crayons at Staples

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Shopping

2025 Portland Tacos, Tequila & Tamales Festival

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, flavors and entertainment at the Portland Tacos, Tequila & Tamales Festival. This family-friendly event invites you to indulge in authentic cuisine, sip on premium tequila and immerse yourself in a weekend of dance, and … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Tacos, Tequila & Tamales Festival

Baskin-Robbins: Get a Cheap Ice Cream Scoop on the 31st

Baskin-Robbins' Celebrate 31 promotion has returned! Get a cheap scoop on the 31st of the month. Why 31? The founders of Baskin-Robbins, Burt and Irv, launched the ice cream shop with 31 flavors. This let visitors have a new flavor to try every day of the month. Here's how you can get a … [Read more...] about Baskin-Robbins: Get a Cheap Ice Cream Scoop on the 31st

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Food & Drink

Gem Faire at Westside Commons

Gem Faire is taking over the entire expo hall at Westside Commons for the three-day event. The fair is one of the largest gem, jewelry and bead shows in the U.S. With more than 40 shows a year, you're sure to see the best of the best in the gem industry. The dealers at Gem Faire are direct … [Read more...] about Gem Faire at Westside Commons

Free and Cheap Events this Week in Portland

Never Miss Out on Frugal Fun in Portland There are so many ways you can participate in fun activities in Portland without breaking your budget. Use this list of free and cheap events this week as your guide to having frugal fun throughout the metro area.  To stay up to date on all the … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Events this Week in Portland

Holi Festival: Join Portland’s Festival of Colors

Dress in white and play with colors at Portland's Holi Festival. The family-friendly event is hosted by Mumbai native DJ Prashant, an ex-Intel engineer turned DJ who founded his own dance company and tours across the U.S. Attend this upcoming springtime celebration. Holi Festival in … [Read more...] about Holi Festival: Join Portland’s Festival of Colors

Portland Repair Fairs: Get Your Stuff Fixed for Free

Portland Repair Fair is here to fix your stuff for free. Portland Repair Fairs are free events that bring together people with various skillsets to help fix items and, most importantly, pass on knowledge to empower you to be more handy around your home. You'll be paired with a volunteer who will … [Read more...] about Portland Repair Fairs: Get Your Stuff Fixed for Free

Yozakura Festival Illuminates Cherry Blossoms in Gresham

Yozakura Festival celebrates the beauty of cherry blossom trees at the Gresham Japanese Garden. The magic of springtime in Japan has long been synonymous with the enchanting spectacle of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Traditionally celebrated through hanami, or cherry blossom viewing parties, … [Read more...] about Yozakura Festival Illuminates Cherry Blossoms in Gresham

2025 Portland Spring Festivals

Get ready for spring festivals in Portland. My favorite season in Portland is spring. By March, the sun starts to shine once again and our neighborhoods come to life with the sights and smells of springtime blooms. It feels like our city is rising anew with a bounty of opportunities to get out … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Spring Festivals

Portland Vintage Market: Discover Unique Finds at this Vintage Clothing Event

Attend one of Oregon’s largest vintage clothing events, Portland Vintage Market.  What began as a modest pop-up in the parking lot of Hollywood Vintage back in August 2020 has blossomed into a thriving vintage community. Built by and for vintage enthusiasts, Portland Vintage Market stays … [Read more...] about Portland Vintage Market: Discover Unique Finds at this Vintage Clothing Event

Pay What You Will at Portland Center Stage

Want to see shows at Portland Center Stage for cheap? Pay as little as a dollar and some change during Pay What You Will ticket specials.  Portland Center Stage is the largest theater company in Portland. This theater, located in a historic armory, hosts incredible shows throughout the … [Read more...] about Pay What You Will at Portland Center Stage

NAYA’s Native Made Spring Marketplace

View hand made creations at NAYA’s Native Made Spring Marketplace. Native American Youth and Family Center, NAYA, is a family of numerous tribes and voices who are dedicated to sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth. This weekend, you can see local culture come to life at this … [Read more...] about NAYA’s Native Made Spring Marketplace

2025 Vancouver Flea Market: Discover Hidden Treasures at a Mid-Century Grange

Do you enjoy discovering vintage, retro and unique treasures? Then you won't want to miss the Vancouver Flea Market. This seasonal event gathers local vintage sellers to offer a curated selection of new-to-you items. Whether your style is mid-century, antique or classic vintage, you'll spot … [Read more...] about 2025 Vancouver Flea Market: Discover Hidden Treasures at a Mid-Century Grange

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Shopping

Dairy Queen celebrates 85th birthday with 85-cent Blizzard

Whether it's your special day or someone else's, we can all agree birthdays deserve to be celebrated with a special treat. Dairy Queen invites you to join its 85th b-day celebration with 85-cent Blizzards.  To pair with its special event, DQ announces a new limited-time lineup of flavors for … [Read more...] about Dairy Queen celebrates 85th birthday with 85-cent Blizzard

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Food & Drink

2025 Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

Every spring, the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens hosts Lilac Days to celebrate the beauty blooms and legacy of a plant pioneer. The annual event takes place for 23 days on a quaint historic farm just off of I-5 in Woodland, Washington.  Hulda Klager, known as the Lilac Lady, began hybridizing … [Read more...] about 2025 Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

2025 Free and Cheap Easter Events

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter with the whole family? Find an Easter egg hunt or event near your Portland neighborhood or neighboring city. From religious ceremonies to secular festivities, Easter is a time when families and communities come together to mark the end of winter, embrace … [Read more...] about 2025 Free and Cheap Easter Events

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

Sci-Fi Film Festival at OMSI

Embark on an intergalactic journey through the vast realms of science fiction during the Sci-Fi Film Festival at OMSI. Over the course of five weeks, the Empirical Theater's four-story screen will come alive with more than 30 of the genre's most iconic and unforgettable films. From cult … [Read more...] about Sci-Fi Film Festival at OMSI

How Do You Find Unclaimed Money? Here’s Your Guide.

Did you know there might be unclaimed money waiting for you? Yes, you read that right. But how do you find unclaimed money? It may be easier than you think. Here's your guide to finding out if you have extra cash waiting for you. Every year, millions of dollars go unclaimed. According to the … [Read more...] about How Do You Find Unclaimed Money? Here’s Your Guide.

Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map

Get out and enjoy our region's beautiful flora on a wildflower hike. You'll always know what's in bloom with this map. Spring has sprung in the Northwest. We've already seen many of the best springtime blooms filling our neighborhoods and parks with vibrant colors. If you enjoy hiking and want to … [Read more...] about Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map

Free Play at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade

Calling all retro gamers! Ground Kontrol is Portland's classic arcade destination, plugged in to all your golden age classics to new favorites. More than 100 classic video games and pinball machines surround two full service bars serving tasty and cheap food and drinks. Featuring low prices and … [Read more...] about Free Play at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade

Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Tyron Creek Natural Area is celebrating one of Portland's must-see spring blooms. The Trillium Festival invites you to get outside and enjoy this special seasonal flower.  Located in Southwest Portland, Tryon Creek is one of Portland’s best urban parks. This beautiful natural area is a … [Read more...] about Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Easter Egg Hunt at Bella Organic Farm

Celebrate Easter on the farm! Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt at Bella Organic Farm. Bella Organic is a 100-acre certified organic farm and winery on Sauvie Island that is open year round. They grow more than 70 varieties of berries, fruits, … [Read more...] about Easter Egg Hunt at Bella Organic Farm

Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

For more than 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has been a beloved celebration of our beautiful city. It takes place every year from the end of May through June. This citywide celebration is inclusive of everyone with many free and cheap events to enjoy.  The 2025 Rose Festival is May … [Read more...] about Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

2025 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Attend the 38th annual Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. The Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta lights up the city with color, rhythm and flavor. The event is the largest multicultural festival in Oregon. The three-day bilingual event hosts special … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Spring Garden Fair at Clackamas County Event Center

Enjoy a weekend of discovery, inspiration and fun at the 41st annual Spring Garden Fair. The spring event, hosted by the Clackamas County Master Gardener Association, has taken place the weekend before Mother’s Day since 1984. What started as a small fuchsia sale has grown into a two-day fair … [Read more...] about Spring Garden Fair at Clackamas County Event Center

Hood River Cider Fest

Discover some of the region's best hard cider at the Hood River Cider Fest. Just an hour from Portland, the 11th annual event is bringing together 20 Oregon and Washington cideries. Hood River Cider Fest The cider fest is taking place May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are more than 50 … [Read more...] about Hood River Cider Fest

Crafty Wonderland Spring Art and Craft Market

Plan your visit to the Crafty Wonderland Spring Art and Craft Market, the largest handmade craft show in the Northwest. Crafty Wonderland is the ultimate local handmade art and craft event of the season. If you haven’t attended this magical craft fair in the past, let me give you a little … [Read more...] about Crafty Wonderland Spring Art and Craft Market

Portland Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

Head to the Portland Expo Center for all things crafty at the annual Portland Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival. This event celebrates a new season of boundless possibilities. Spring is a great time to start planning homemade holiday gifts or get ideas for a project just for you to … [Read more...] about Portland Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

Free Admission Days at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum

Visit the World Forestry Center during this upcoming free admission days.  We love our forests in Oregon. The World Forestry Center's Discovery Museum is located right here in our city, inviting visitors to examine forests and consider all the ways they benefit our lives.  The museum … [Read more...] about Free Admission Days at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum

Free Carousel and Train Rides at Oaks Park

Oaks Amusement Park invites the community to enjoy two vintage pieces of Portland's history free of charge.  Portland's very own amusement park has been bringing joy to the young and young at heart since 1905. In fact, it is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the … [Read more...] about Free Carousel and Train Rides at Oaks Park

Sunday Parkways: A Family-Friendly Mobile Block Party

Every year, Portland Bureau of Transportation opens Portland streets to a special kind of traffic during Sunday Parkways. This summer program lets bikers, walkers and rollers stroll Portland neighborhoods together like one big mobile block party. It is family friendly and always draws big crowds … [Read more...] about Sunday Parkways: A Family-Friendly Mobile Block Party

Free Game Fridays at The People’s Courts

Looking for something fun and free to do on a Friday night? Look no further than Free Game Fridays at The People's Courts. This multi-court recreational and social space in Portland offers an evening filled with friendly competition, great food and good vibes. Here's what to expect: Free Game … [Read more...] about Free Game Fridays at The People’s Courts

Target Offers Free Peacock Premium Subscription

Want to try a new streaming service? Target is letting you try Peacock Premium for free.  Peacock has lots of options, including new movies, hit series, live sports, Peacock Originals and more. Plus, find current NBC & Bravo shows, more than 50 always-on channels and live news. Best of … [Read more...] about Target Offers Free Peacock Premium Subscription

8 Places to See a Movie for $7 or Less

Ready to save on a trip to the movies? Some of Portland's best movie theaters offer cheap tickets.  Portland has an abundance of movie options and most with a great selection of food and drinks. First- and second-run movies play at these cheaper theaters. You can see independent, foreign, … [Read more...] about 8 Places to See a Movie for $7 or Less

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

lotc_logo_100_gray_bgPortland Living on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.
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