Portland Living on the Cheap

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

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Want to go on a virtual tour of the Met Museum with a top-tier Columbia art professor? Or learn about the history of the Olympics from a professor at UNC Chapel Hill? How about discover the science of intelligence with Amherst College’s top professor of psychology? Now you can whenever the mood … [Read more...] about Get One Month Free Trial! One Day University Now Helps You Get Smarter Year-round With New Online Format.

Get Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut Every Day with Proof of Vaccination

Who doesn't like being rewarded for doing their part? Krispy Kreme is giving customers a deal like never before for getting vaccinated. The doughnut shop is offering sweet support to those who are protecting themselves and others by getting vaccinated. Customers who show a valid COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Get Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut Every Day with Proof of Vaccination

Celebrate Mike’s Drive-In’s 50th Anniversary with Freebies and Discounts

Since 1971, Mike's Drive-In has been keeping traditions alive as one of Portland's old school eateries serving all your favorite drive-in comfort food. At the two locations just outside Portland, you can get burgers, fries, shakes and other delicious treats all made fresh to order.  On March … [Read more...] about Celebrate Mike’s Drive-In’s 50th Anniversary with Freebies and Discounts

Sonic Drive-In: Get Half Price Drinks and Slushes Every Day

Get a refreshing treat during Sonic Drive-In's happy hour.  Sonic Drive-In’s Happy Hour lets your sip on savings in the afternoon, whether you're in need of a quick break or enjoying a beverage with their meal. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., the drive-in restaurant offers a thirst-quenching … [Read more...] about Sonic Drive-In: Get Half Price Drinks and Slushes Every Day

Get a Free Starbucks Drink When You Order Ahead on March 4

Did you know it's Starbucks' 50th anniversary? During its golden year, Starbucks is sticking to seasonal tradition of releasing new beverages and menu items.  This spring, Starbucks is serving up several new menu items, including two new Iced Shaken Espresso beverages. One of the most … [Read more...] about Get a Free Starbucks Drink When You Order Ahead on March 4

Sizzle Pie is Serving Up Half Price Cocktails Every Weekend

Treat yourself to a pizza and cocktail party this weekend! Sizzle Pie is serving up half price cocktails during The Witching Hour. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy late night happy hour from 9 p.m. to midnight. Select cocktails will be available for 50% off. That brings the price down to only … [Read more...] about Sizzle Pie is Serving Up Half Price Cocktails Every Weekend

Frozen Sing Along Drive In at Oaks Park

Need an excuse for you and the kids to get out of the house? Head to Oaks Park for a special Frozen sing along drive in, hosted by Rose City Rollers. Rose City Rollers has transformed their iconic venue, The Hangar at Oaks Park, into a 15 foot tall DIY movie screen with cinematic surround sound. … [Read more...] about Frozen Sing Along Drive In at Oaks Park

Watch NASA’s Rover Landing with a Mars Doughnut

After nearly seven months of traveling through space, NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is scheduled to land on Mars. The Perseverance launched on July 30, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. After a very long journey, the rover is reaching its final destination. … [Read more...] about Watch NASA’s Rover Landing with a Mars Doughnut

Virtual Nature Journaling with Hoyt Arboretum

While the trails at Hoyt Arboretum remain open for visitors, many of the center's programs and classes have been reduced. To bring our community closer to nature from the safety of our homes, Hoyt Arboretum has started offering virtual classes.  Virtual nature journaling lets you explore … [Read more...] about Virtual Nature Journaling with Hoyt Arboretum

Get One Month of Disney+ for Free from Kellogg’s

The Mandalorian. WandaVision. Soul. Disney+ is so much more than your childhood favorites. While you will get full access to Disney's animated and live action library, a membership to this streaming service also gets you Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic and new Disney+ Originals. It's a … [Read more...] about Get One Month of Disney+ for Free from Kellogg’s

Your Guide to Cheap Portland Food and Drink Events

There are so many wonderful food and drink events and celebrations happening throughout the year in Portland. I've put together a guide to cheap Portland food and drink events so you know what to look forward to throughout the year. Some are food events hosted at one location while others are … [Read more...] about Your Guide to Cheap Portland Food and Drink Events

Winter Roller Skating at Lloyd Center

Looking for a fun outdoor activity this winter? Head to the Lloyd Center parking structure for special winter skating events. Rose City Rollers, Portland’s roller derby league, is hosting this pop-up skate in the open air, covered third level of the Lloyd Center parking garage.  The Rose … [Read more...] about Winter Roller Skating at Lloyd Center

Get Free Box of Honey Nut Cheerios with Rebate

Whether you start your day with a bowl of cereal or you want an excuse to relive the sweet honey taste from your childhood, General Mills has a special freebie everyone can take a bite of during the month of February.  Honey Nut Cheerios has been a breakfast favorite for years. It has the … [Read more...] about Get Free Box of Honey Nut Cheerios with Rebate

Target Serves Up Free Subscription to Food Network Kitchen

Making your meals is so much cheaper than ordering takeout. Yet, meal planning and cooking day after day can get pretty tedious. Target is lending a helping hand in the kitchen to its customers with a special free subscription program that is designed to take the burden off of home cooks. No … [Read more...] about Target Serves Up Free Subscription to Food Network Kitchen

Virtual Valentine’s Day Brunch Trivia

Looking for a fun free activity for you and your loved one? Cuddle up on the couch and test your knowledge at Valentine's Day Brunch Trivia! Don't miss our full list of free and cheap activities during Valentine's Day weekend. There is enough happening from February 12-14 to fill the whole … [Read more...] about Virtual Valentine’s Day Brunch Trivia

What to Do After You Pay Off Your Car in Portland

Congratulations! Here's what to do next. Last month, I (finally) paid off my car. This was my first financed vehicle and I had no idea what I was supposed to do next. Within a few days of paying off my car, I received my title in the mail from my bank, or lienholder. Along with the title was a … [Read more...] about What to Do After You Pay Off Your Car in Portland

Make Your Own Bernie Mittens: Patterns, Tutorials and Kits

Everyone is feeling the Brrrn once again after Inauguration Day. Memes of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders bundled up in his beige jacket sporting handmade mittens have went viral on social media. Local Portland businesses and influencers have hopped on the trend with Bernie riding an Oaks Park roller … [Read more...] about Make Your Own Bernie Mittens: Patterns, Tutorials and Kits

Get a Free Greeting Card Every Month from Hallmark

There is something so special about getting a handwritten card in the mail. Get closer to your loved ones both near and far with free greeting cards from Hallmark. To reinvigorate the greeting card trend, Hallmark has launched its Just Because collection. The collection includes everything from … [Read more...] about Get a Free Greeting Card Every Month from Hallmark

OMSI Hosts Virtual Science Pubs: Safe Drinking Water and Living with Volcanoes

On Tuesdays, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is hosting free virtual science pubs via Facebook Live. The local science center has kicked off a new online series of short talks on topics such as geology, ethology and physics. Since OMSI's Facebook page is public, you can watch the … [Read more...] about OMSI Hosts Virtual Science Pubs: Safe Drinking Water and Living with Volcanoes

Portland’s Cascade Grill: Get 20% Off Your Online Order

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There's nothing like a freshly made homestyle meal to fill your belly and warm your bones during the gloomy winter months in Portland. Cascade Grill is serving up all your favorite American cuisine and passing along a special food deal for Portland Living on the Cheap readers. Located in North … [Read more...] about Portland’s Cascade Grill: Get 20% Off Your Online Order

Volunteer from Home Activities for Portland Nonprofits

Looking to give back on MLK Day? Or maybe you're interested in finding a new way to help our community this year. With many in-person opportunities cancelled, nonprofits have developed volunteer from home activities as a way for us to continue giving back to the organizations who support the … [Read more...] about Volunteer from Home Activities for Portland Nonprofits

Free Tea Tasting at Smith Teamaker this Weekend

In honor of Hot Tea Month, Steven Smith Teamaker is treating Portlanders to a special freebie. Smith Teamaker has been the tea of our city since its creation in a Northwest Portland blacksmith's shop in 2009. The company recently launched a collection of wellness teas and is sharing its new … [Read more...] about Free Tea Tasting at Smith Teamaker this Weekend

Free Virtual Trivia Nights

Free virtual trivia nights are a great way to flex your brain and bring some excitement into your home. These Portland trivia companies have stepped up to keep your entertained from the comfort and safety of your household. You have even connect your whole trivia team for a night of virtual … [Read more...] about Free Virtual Trivia Nights

Oregon Zoo Reopening December 26: What to Know Before You Go

The Oregon Zoo is reopening its gates to the public on December 26. Here's what you need to know before planning your visit.   Limited admission days The Oregon Zoo is currently open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends. Ticket prices are $17.95 … [Read more...] about Oregon Zoo Reopening December 26: What to Know Before You Go

OMSI Membership: Get 15% Off and Flexible Start Date for Gift Memberships

Support local this holiday season and save with an OMSI gift membership. The Oregon Museum of Science is one of Portland's best attractions featuring a large-screen theatre, planetarium, and exhibition halls with exhibits focused on natural sciences, industry, and technology. From traveling through … [Read more...] about OMSI Membership: Get 15% Off and Flexible Start Date for Gift Memberships

The Cheesecake Factory: Two Free Cheesecake Slices with Gift Card Purchase

  Have someone on your list who is hard to shop for? Get them a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory and receive a special bonus for yourself. The Cheesecake Factory is helping customers treat themselves and check off their list with a special gift card bonus offer available through … [Read more...] about The Cheesecake Factory: Two Free Cheesecake Slices with Gift Card Purchase

Free Nikon Photography Classes Through End of Year

Want to learn how to take better photos? Here's your chance to improve your photography skills for free. Nikon is offering 10 free photography classes through December 31, 2020.  The Nikon School offers classes you can stream online year round, usually priced from $20 and $50 each. These … [Read more...] about Free Nikon Photography Classes Through End of Year

Give the Gift of Portland Memberships and Subscriptions

The gift that keeps on giving all year long. Do you have someone who is impossible to shop for? I have a few on my list, too. One of the best and easiest gifts to give is a Portland membership, annual pass or subscription. Most attractions in Portland offer memberships, or you can find fun … [Read more...] about Give the Gift of Portland Memberships and Subscriptions

Starbucks Offers Free Coffee to Front-Line Responders in December

We see reports every day of the people who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. Amid our current crisis, Starbucks is brewing up the gratitude and giving back to front-line responders. From December 1 to 31, Starbucks is offering a free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) to any … [Read more...] about Starbucks Offers Free Coffee to Front-Line Responders in December

Gift Card Bonus Offers at Restaurants and Retailers

This holiday season, treat your loved ones, and yourself, to restaurant and retail gift cards. Portland is a foodie city. Give the gift of a nice dinner in or great day out on the town (you know, when we can do that again). I’ve compiled a roundup of gift card bonus offers from popular national … [Read more...] about Gift Card Bonus Offers at Restaurants and Retailers

Get Starbucks Free Drink and Gift Card Bonus on Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday will be filled to the brim with lots of deals this year. Starbucks is brewing up its own deals to join in on the online shopping holiday. On November 30, Starbucks has two deals with you and the people on your gift list in mind.  Here’s what Starbucks is offering on Cyber … [Read more...] about Get Starbucks Free Drink and Gift Card Bonus on Cyber Monday

Friendsgiving at Krispy Kreme: Double Dozen for $13

Celebrate Friendsgiving at Krispy Kreme with this delicious deal.  On Friday, November 20, get two dozen doughnuts for $13 at participating Krispy Kreme shops. That's enough to share with your bubble buddies, and maybe family you're seeing over the holiday, too. I'll let you decide whose … [Read more...] about Friendsgiving at Krispy Kreme: Double Dozen for $13

Halloween Candy Buy Back: Kids Get Money for Candy

Exchange Your Leftover Halloween Candy Are you over the sugar high? Incentivize your kids to trade their candy for something better. Dentists around the Portland metro are participating in the Halloween candy buy back program. Kids bring their candy to the dentist’s office and the dentist pays … [Read more...] about Halloween Candy Buy Back: Kids Get Money for Candy

Get 50 Cent Corn Dogs at Sonic on Halloween

How you do take your corn dog? I nice swirl of mustard or a dunk of ketchup? Either way, Sonic Drive-In is here to make your Halloween corny with a special deal on its battered snack. This deal isn't quite as good as the freebies for kids at Mike's Drive-In, but it is inclusive to Halloween … [Read more...] about Get 50 Cent Corn Dogs at Sonic on Halloween

102 Cheap and Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

Fun and cheap costume ideas for all ages Halloween is just around the corner. Going to the store and buying a brand new costume is convenient, but can be expensive. There are many ways you can have an awesome easy Halloween costume without the price tag. In Portland, even our Goodwill stores can … [Read more...] about 102 Cheap and Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

Canby Drive In at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds

The Canby Drive In is hosting Halloween movies on the big screen. The Clackamas County Fairgrounds is being transformed into an old school drive in with a 60-foot movie screen for guests to enjoy not one, but two films.  On Friday, October 9, the drive in will show Hocus Pocus and The … [Read more...] about Canby Drive In at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds

Get $1 Dozen on Saturdays at Krispy Kreme during October

Want to make the fall season a little sweeter? Krispy Kreme is here to make your October extra special with tasty deals. Starting October 5, Krispy Kreme is releasing its annual batch of monster doughnuts. The chain’s Scary Sweet Monster Doughnuts are a delicious recreation of Halloween monsters, … [Read more...] about Get $1 Dozen on Saturdays at Krispy Kreme during October

Outdoor Skating at Oaks Amusement Park

This is your chance to see Oaks Amusement Park like never before. Rose City Rollers, Portland's roller derby league, is hosting outdoor skating on the open, paved grounds of the park. Since the pandemic, Oaks Amusement Park has been closed to the public. Rose City Rollers came up with a creative … [Read more...] about Outdoor Skating at Oaks Amusement Park

Dairy Queen Offers Buy One Get One Free Shakes on First Day of Fall

Can you believe the first day of fall is right around the corner? To help you sip into the new season, Dairy Queen is offering a rare buy one get one offer. On the first day of fall, the nationwide ice cream shop is offering a deal guaranteed to shake things up for customers craving a cool treat … [Read more...] about Dairy Queen Offers Buy One Get One Free Shakes on First Day of Fall

Walmart Membership Program Offers Free Delivery, Fuel Discounts and More

Watch out, Amazon. There's a new membership in town. Walmart is launching a new membership program that brings together in-store and online benefits to save customers money and time: Walmart+. The brand new program uses the company’s unique assets to make life easier for busy shoppers who are … [Read more...] about Walmart Membership Program Offers Free Delivery, Fuel Discounts and More

Yoga + Beer Event at Level Beer

Your love of yoga and beer unites! Join local yoga company Yoga + Beer for practice and a pint at one of their upcoming events taking place at locations throughout the Portland area.  Yoga + Beer started in 2013 at Rogue Farms in Independence, Oregon. Since then, it has turned in to more … [Read more...] about Yoga + Beer Event at Level Beer

Star Trek Day Offers Free Virtual Panels and Episode Marathon

Star Trek Day is preparing to beam you up to a whole new virtual experience for the annual trekkie celebration. On September 8, 1966, Star Trek made its inaugural launch onto TV screens with “The Man Trap” pilot episode of Star Trek: The Original Series. This date is now celebrated as the … [Read more...] about Star Trek Day Offers Free Virtual Panels and Episode Marathon

A Haunted Drive-in Experience in Lake Oswego

This haunted drive in is bringing you a spooky experience from the safety of your car in Lake Oswego. Watch the original 1968 horror film NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD! at the Lakewood Center for the Arts while creatures lurk in the dark parking lot. The Lakewood Theatre Company is hosting TOO REEL … [Read more...] about A Haunted Drive-in Experience in Lake Oswego

Starbucks Rewards Gives You More Ways to Pay

With an estimated 16 million members, Starbucks Rewards is one of the most successful loyalty programs in the world. With so many reward options, perks and discounts, the program has definitely made members happy — with one big exception. Unlike most other loyalty programs, there was … [Read more...] about Starbucks Rewards Gives You More Ways to Pay

Powell’s Books Reopening: What to Know Before You Go

On August 21, Powell's City of Books on Burnside will be reopening to the public. Before you rush to browse the shelves of Portland's favorite bookstore, read through this information for a fun and safe visit. Location Updates At the Burnside location's reopening will be limited to the Green and … [Read more...] about Powell’s Books Reopening: What to Know Before You Go

Costco Membership Deal

Some of the links in this post are special! When you make a purchase through our links, we might earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

If you've wanted a Costco membership but the upfront cost was holding you back, this deal may be worth signing up for. Right now, there is a deal for new members that will save you money when you shop.  On Groupon, get a Costco Gold Star membership with a $40 Costco Shop Card and $40 … [Read more...] about Costco Membership Deal

Pizza Hut: Get Double It Box for just $12.99

Portland has some wonderful pizza places. Yet, when ordering all your favorite pie and sides with a delivery fee on top, It's easy to pay upwards of $40. If you're looking for a nostalgic pizza night from pizza parties past, try out this Pizza Hut special discount box deal.  The pizza … [Read more...] about Pizza Hut: Get Double It Box for just $12.99

McMenamins Virtual Paranormal Pub: UFO Journey

This event has been postponed. McMenamins offers a multitude of fun activities, from annual celebrations to weekly live music to monthly gatherings in their historic locations across the Portland area.  One of my favorite free events is McMenamins Paranormal Pub, a monthly event that takes … [Read more...] about McMenamins Virtual Paranormal Pub: UFO Journey

Farm Safari with Pumpkin Donuts at Plumper Pumpkin Patch

Want to take a drive to the countryside with your family? Take a trip to Plumper Pumpkin Patch to view all of their adorable farm animals and snack on some delicious treats. Farm Safari at Plumper Pumpkin Patch is giving you the opportunity to drive up, get some pumpkin donuts, and enjoy the … [Read more...] about Farm Safari with Pumpkin Donuts at Plumper Pumpkin Patch

Virtual Kitten Yoga with Oregon Humane Society

Ready to center your chi with a bunch of kitties? Oregon Humane Society is hosting virtual kitten yoga in August. The fun virtual fitness class will be hosted by yoga instructor Diana Hulet, who will guide you through a slow, playful, flow style class open to all levels. Kittens will be roaming … [Read more...] about Virtual Kitten Yoga with Oregon Humane Society

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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