Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Victoria

Free Earth Day Celebration at The Oregon Garden

In celebration of Earth Day, The Oregon Garden hosts a day of fun filled with free activities and exhibits. If you haven't been, this is the ideal time to visit this Oregon attraction. The 80-acre botanical garden feature more than 20 specialty gardens showcasing the diverse botanical beauty of the … [Read more...] about Free Earth Day Celebration at The Oregon Garden

Spring Book and Media Sale at Beaverton City Library

Calling all book lovers, media collectors, and bargain hunters! The Spring Book and Media Sale at Beaverton City Library is just around the corner.  While stocking up your book shelves, you can also find various media to keep you entertained all year long.  Here's what you can expect at … [Read more...] about Spring Book and Media Sale at Beaverton City Library

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 Art Museum Free Admission Day

Get free admission to the Portland Art Museum. Located in the heart of downtown, Portland Art Museum is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. On free admission days, our community gets open access to one of our city's top attractions along with special activities. Portland Art … [Read more...] about Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

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

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

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

Lunchtime Concerts at The Old Church Concert Hall

Portland's Sanctuary of Sound's free lunchtime concerts invite Portlanders to an afternoon of music.  Built in 1882, The Old Church in downtown Portland is on the National Register of Historic Places. The concert venue hosts events meant to enhance the cultural life of the community and … [Read more...] about Lunchtime Concerts at The Old Church Concert Hall

Finders Keepers: How to Find Glass Floats in Lincoln City

Imagine walking along the Oregon Coast and finding a colorful glass ball in the sand. This can be your reality by participating in Lincoln City's Finders Keepers.  More than 3,000 hand-blown glass floats are scattered along the city’s seven miles of sandy beaches each year. True to the name, … [Read more...] about Finders Keepers: How to Find Glass Floats in Lincoln City

PDX Sidewalk Joy Map: Visit Neighborhood Galleries, Exchanges and Displays

Take a self-guided tour of local creations using the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map. This map showcases fun, interactive neighborhood galleries, exchanges and displays. While exploring the joy map, you may also come across Portland's beloved monkey puzzle trees.  Here's how you can make the most … [Read more...] about PDX Sidewalk Joy Map: Visit Neighborhood Galleries, Exchanges and Displays

2025 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Get out and enjoy Portland metro parks during free parking days. In 2025, there are 19 free parking days at Portland metro parks, a beach and boat ramps that typically charge a $5 parking fee per car. All of these locations get you up close to our unique waterways, including the Columbia and … [Read more...] about 2025 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Nature

Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm

Spring is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than by attending the Easter Harvest Festival at Topaz Farm. Spend the day enjoying farm adventures, family activities and a celebration of the Easter spirit. If you're looking for more activities, check out this list of Free and … [Read more...] about Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm

Free Cultural Passes at Portland Libraries

Libraries have expanded way beyond books. From classes to e-catalogues to free Wi-Fi, libraries have become a resource hub for communities across the Portland area. Best of all, you can access all of these services for free. There are many perks of having a library card, including free cultural … [Read more...] about Free Cultural Passes at Portland Libraries

Early Rhododendron Show and Sale at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Blossom into spring at the Early Rhododendron Show and Sale at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Nestled between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course is an urban oasis called Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. On the 9-acre property grows a collection of rare species and hybrid … [Read more...] about Early Rhododendron Show and Sale at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

City of Portland Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate Earth Day in Portland–together as one. The City of Portland Earth Day Celebration is a fun, family-friendly afternoon dedicated to sustainability, community and connection. This year’s theme, "Together as One," invites Portlanders of all ages to come together to celebrate of our shared … [Read more...] about City of Portland Earth Day Celebration

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

Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase

In its 42nd year, the Oregon Potters Association invites the public to a free ceramic showcase. The association represents a group of diverse ceramic artists, makers, teachers and students. At the annual event, the members bring their creations under one roof for the whole community to … [Read more...] about Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase

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

Next Adventure Spring Warehouse Sale

Score great deals on outdoor gear at the Next Adventure Spring Warehouse Sale. Whether you're an avid camper, paddling enthusiast or someone who loves outdoor exploration, this sale is your ticket to savings on top quality gear. Read on to discover the exciting details of this event. Next … [Read more...] about Next Adventure Spring Warehouse Sale

NW’s Largest Garage Sale and Vintage Sale

Want to visit more than 800 garage sales all under one roof? Attend one of the NW's Largest Garage Sale and Vintage Sale events.  Since 2009, this event has brought together a community of people who enjoy making the old new again. Come find new to you treasures at this year's events. If … [Read more...] about NW’s Largest Garage Sale and Vintage Sale

2025 Free Days at U.S. National Parks

The national parks get even better during free days. America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, free entrance is available at national parks across the country that … [Read more...] about 2025 Free Days at U.S. National Parks

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

Movie Madness Spring Sale: Celebrate 34 Years of Movie Magic

Movie Madness is turning 34 years old! This beloved Portland video store is celebrating this milestone with a Spring Sale you won’t want to miss. Nestled along Belmont St., Movie Madness is more than just Portland's only video rental store—it’s a shrine to cinema. Founded in 1991, this beloved … [Read more...] about Movie Madness Spring Sale: Celebrate 34 Years of Movie Magic

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Sale · Shopping

2025 Easter Brunch and Dinner To Go in Portland

Looking for an alternative for your feast this Easter? Portland restaurants and grocery stores offer holiday brunch and dinner to go.  This is a great way to have a delicious meal with all the fixings from the comfort of your home, while taking the stress out of preparing it yourself. There … [Read more...] about 2025 Easter Brunch and Dinner To Go in Portland

Free Craft Nights at collage

collage, a beloved independently-owned and family-operated art and craft store, hosts free craft nights for the creative souls of Portland! collage is a one of the local fabric and craft stores you need to visit. As a business deeply rooted in Portland, collage embraces the city's eclectic … [Read more...] about Free Craft Nights at collage

Tour Portland’s Historic Lone Fir Cemetery

Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to retrace Portland's history in an arboretum? Take a tour of Portland's historic Lone Fir Cemetery. Located in Southeast Portland, Lone Fir Cemetery is one of Portland’s oldest continuously used cemeteries. The 30 acres is the final resting place of many … [Read more...] about Tour Portland’s Historic Lone Fir Cemetery

French Prairie Gardens Tulip and Flower Fest

Spring is in full bloom. Celebrate the season by immersing yourself in a sea of vibrant flowers at the French Prairie Gardens Tulip and Flower Festival! With more than six acres of dazzling tulips and daffodils, visitors can stroll through vibrant fields, capturing pictures of the vibrant spring … [Read more...] about French Prairie Gardens Tulip and Flower Fest

Glow Skate Nights at Oaks Park Roller Rink

Get out of the house and enjoy a fun evening activity at Oaks Park Roller Rink's Glow Skate Nights. Oaks Amusement Park in Portland has been bringing joy to the young and young at heart since 1905. The roller rink is the park's year-round attraction and one of Portland’s last remaining roller … [Read more...] about Glow Skate Nights at Oaks Park Roller Rink

Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees

Looking for a fun, outdoor activity like no other? Let me tell you why a self-guided tour of Portland's monkey puzzle trees should be your next adventure. Monkey puzzle trees, Araucaria araucana, are one of the most unique looking species in our city. I remember the first time I noticed one I … [Read more...] about Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees

Portland Bazaar’s Spring Market

Put money back into the community when you shop local small businesses at Portland Bazaar. Since 2011, this event has highlighted the skilled artists, makers and small businesses of Portland, Oregon. This holiday season, the event is hosting three markets at locations throughout the city. You … [Read more...] about Portland Bazaar’s Spring Market

2025 Portland House and Outdoor Living Show

The Portland House and Outdoor Living Show wants to make your dream home a reality. This event promises a haven for homeowners and backyard enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to renovate, remodel or simply seeking inspiration, this is the place to be this weekend.  Also happening this … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland House and Outdoor Living Show

Where to Sell Used Furniture

Decluttering your home can be a cathartic experience. Yet what do you do with the furniture you no longer want? Instead of donating it or letting it gather dust in your garage, why not turn it into cash? Here's where you can sell used furniture online or in store.  Whether you're downsizing, … [Read more...] about Where to Sell Used Furniture

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Sale · Shopping

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

Calling All Gardeners: Load Up on Free Compost from PBOT

Why buy your compost when you can get it for free? Portland Bureau of Transportation is making your spring gardening cheaper and easier with free compost days. In the fall, PBOT collects leaves from city streets and converts the debris into high-quality compost. In celebration of Earth Day, PBOT … [Read more...] about Calling All Gardeners: Load Up on Free Compost from PBOT

Easter Bunny Express Train Ride

Celebrate the return of spring at the Easter Bunny Express train ride with the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. 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 Easter Bunny Express Train Ride

Free First Sunday at the Oregon Jewish Museum

Visit the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education during Free First Sunday. The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, or OJMCHE, explores the legacy of the Jewish people in Oregon while also teaching the universal relevance of the Holocaust and providing … [Read more...] about Free First Sunday at the Oregon Jewish Museum

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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