Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Victoria

Build a Bouquet of Peonies at Columbia Farms

Fill your home with a beautiful bouquet you built yourself from local flowers. Peonies are in bloom at Columbia Farms.  This Sauvie Island farm is one of the many you-pick farms you can enjoy this spring and summer. Columbia Farms prides itself on creating a quiet, quaint, working-farm … [Read more...] about Build a Bouquet of Peonies at Columbia Farms

Get Junior Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 Penny at Wendy’s

Take a bite out of this special deal on National Hamburger Day.  One of the stars of Wendy's menu is the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger. It features fresh beef, applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and mayo. Here's how you can get one for just a penny.  Get Junior … [Read more...] about Get Junior Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 Penny at Wendy’s

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Food & Drink

2025 Troutdale Arts Festival

Connect with your community and support regional artists, studios, workshops, and galleries at the Troutdale Arts Festival in downtown Troutdale along the Sandy River. Hosted by Cascadia Arts Association, the festival features artists, art demonstrations, musicians, local food and drinks, and a … [Read more...] about 2025 Troutdale Arts Festival

The Portland Pancakes and Booze Art Show

Portland's pop-up art extravaganza is set to captivate art enthusiasts and pancake lovers alike at the Pancakes and Booze Art Show. Originating in Los Angeles in 2009, this event has popped up more than 500 times, spreading its creative wings across 35+ cities in Europe and North America. Now, … [Read more...] about The Portland Pancakes and Booze Art Show

Tabor Dance Schedule: Join Portland’s Free Sunset Dance Party

Looking for something joyful, free and full of community fun? Tabor Dance hosts a sunset dance series at locations across Portland.  These community dances are popping up in parks and venues around Portland this spring and summer. This is your chance to connect, move and celebrate with a … [Read more...] about Tabor Dance Schedule: Join Portland’s Free Sunset Dance Party

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

Ledding Library Sunday Book Sales: Stock Up on Books, DVDs, Puzzles and more

Discover new-to-you treasures at the Ledding Library Book Sale on Sundays.  If you’re a bookworm, movie enthusiast, music lover or puzzle aficionado, mark your calendar for this weekend event. The Friends of the Ledding Library hosts a weekly book sale full of great deals on a variety of … [Read more...] about Ledding Library Sunday Book Sales: Stock Up on Books, DVDs, Puzzles and more

2025 Portland Bloom Tour: Explore Immersive Floral Creations and Special Events

Get ready to celebrate spring in one of the most creative and colorful ways at the Portland Bloom Tour. This vibrant citywide event transforms Portland’s Downtown, Old Town and Lloyd District into a blossoming canvas of floral art, immersive installations and community celebration. Flower … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Bloom Tour: Explore Immersive Floral Creations and Special Events

Get a Free U.S. Flag at Ace Hardware

This Memorial Day weekend, Ace Hardware is honoring American veterans by hosting a One Million Flag Giveaway. On Saturday, May 24, 2025, get a free 8" x 12″ American flag at participating locations. There is no purchase necessary to get a free flag. The giveaway is available while supplies last, … [Read more...] about Get a Free U.S. Flag at Ace Hardware

2025 Gem and Mineral Show

Where are all my rockhounds at? The Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club's annual Gem and Mineral Show is taking place Memorial Day weekend. The local club is a community of people who enjoy educating and sharing in many areas of expertise, including geology, rockhounding, mineral collection, … [Read more...] about 2025 Gem and Mineral Show

Stars Antiques Malls Weekend Sale

Head to Sellwood and find something new to you at Stars Antiques Malls weekend sale.  Opened in 1990, Stars Antiques Mall is owned by three friends who turned a passion for collecting and decorating into a business. The mall has two locations right across the street from each other on … [Read more...] about Stars Antiques Malls Weekend Sale

Get Crafty with SCRAP PDX: Adult Craft Nights in Portland

If you're looking for a fun and creative way to spend your evening, SCRAP PDX has just the event for you. This nonprofit creative reuse center is bringing its stash of unique, budget-friendly art supplies to local community bars and breweries for a series of Adult Craft Nights. Here's how you can … [Read more...] about Get Crafty with SCRAP PDX: Adult Craft Nights in Portland

2025 McMenamins UFO Fest

McMenamins is hosting its annual festival for believers and skeptics alike. Head to the 25th annual UFO Fest this May. The festival is inspired by the 1950 UFO sighting on a farm outside McMinnville. The story goes that on the night of Thursday, May 11, 1950, Evelyn Trent went out to feed her … [Read more...] about 2025 McMenamins UFO Fest

Kennedy School’s History and Art Tour

Journey back in time at Kennedy School’s History and Art Tour. Since its 1915 opening, this historic elementary school has been a beloved fixture of Portland. It now boasts guest rooms, a restaurant, multiple small bars, a movie theater, gift shop and a brewery. If you're looking for a … [Read more...] about Kennedy School’s History and Art Tour

Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of blooming flowers at Adelman Peony Gardens' free peony fields. Every springtime, the gardens invite the public to experience different colors and smells of peonies. Here's information about the 2025 event. Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony … [Read more...] about Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens

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

Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

Calling all vintage, handmade, food loving Portlanders! Explore one-of-a-kind goods at Portland Flea. For over a decade, Portland Flea has created a gathering place for our city's creators to showcase their talents. Get out and join your community of makers, food purveyors and curators at this … [Read more...] about Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

OMSI Science Pubs at Kennedy School and the Museum

Bring your appetite for food, drinks and knowledge to OMSI Science Pubs. These events invite people of all ages to learn about an interesting science topic in a friendly, fun environment.  OMSI Science Pubs are monthly events that celebrate the marvel of science with food and drinks. Some of … [Read more...] about OMSI Science Pubs at Kennedy School and the Museum

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

Latin American Community Ciencias Night at OMSI

Celebrate Latin American culture and community at this special OMSI science night. Latin American Community Ciencias Night is a family-friendly night of museum exploring, science demos, lectures and cultural entertainment. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI, is one of … [Read more...] about Latin American Community Ciencias Night at OMSI

Buy One, Get One Free Breakfast Sandwiches at Wendy’s

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start your morning off with a special BOGO breakfast sandwich deal at Wendy's. In honor of National Biscuit Day, the popular fast food chain is serving up a deal on its biscuit sandwiches.  Here's how to treat yourself to this two-for-one … [Read more...] about Buy One, Get One Free Breakfast Sandwiches at Wendy’s

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Food & Drink

Discount Days at Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Visit the Lloyd Center Ice Rink on discount days to get the best deal on your ice skating adventure. Despite the mass exodus of stores from the Lloyd Center Mall, the heart of the shopping center is still thriving. Located in the center of the mall, the Lloyd Center Ice Rink is open seven days a … [Read more...] about Discount Days at Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Mike Bennett’s Wonderwood Mini Golf Course

Mark your calendars! Mike Bennett's latest interactive creation is underway. The imaginative fantasy realm of Wonderwood is transforming into an interactive adventure for all ages. Wonderwood Mini Golf invites you on an exciting quest filled with magical wonders.  From street signs and … [Read more...] about Mike Bennett’s Wonderwood Mini Golf Course

Planet Fitness Gives Teens Free Summer Membership

Free gym membership? Yes, please. Planet Fitness has locations all over Portland metro offering a high school summer pass. This summer, the gym's commitment to low-cost memberships is about to get even sweeter for your teenager. Here's how you can participate: Planet Fitness High School … [Read more...] about Planet Fitness Gives Teens Free Summer Membership

Portland’s Free Rose Gardens

Stop and smell the roses at these four Portland rose gardens. Portland is the Rose City, so it is only natural that rose gardens are one of the main attractions. Rose gardens have taken root rich history of our city. The four gardens highlighted below have been public attractions for more than … [Read more...] about Portland’s Free Rose Gardens

McMenamins History Pubs: Uncover Oregon’s People and Places

McMenamins History Pub invites you to explore Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Enjoy an evening with local experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who dive into topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and beyond. McMenamins History … [Read more...] about McMenamins History Pubs: Uncover Oregon’s People and Places

2025 Highball Week: Get Specialty Cocktails for $10

Discover new bars and find your new favorite craft cocktail during Portland Mercury's Highball Week. A highball is traditionally a mixed drink with a whiskey, bourbon or scotch base topped off with ginger beer or soda water and served over ice in a highball glass. During Highball Week, some of … [Read more...] about 2025 Highball Week: Get Specialty Cocktails for $10

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Food & Drink

Movie Madness Free Community Screenings

Movie Madness, Portland's very own video rental store, hosts free community screenings every week. Started in 1991, Movie Madness has more than 80,000 titles, including new releases, childhood classics, foreign films from more than 65 countries, an extensive LGBTQ section, and cult … [Read more...] about Movie Madness Free Community Screenings

Bloom into Spring at the Camas Plant and Garden Fair

Looking to freshen up your yard or garden this spring? Stock up for the growing season at the Camas Plant and Garden Fair. This annual community event brings together local growers, artisan and garden enthusiasts for a full day of shopping and fun. Here are the 2025 details: 2025 Camas Plant … [Read more...] about Bloom into Spring at the Camas Plant and Garden Fair

Get a $9.99 Tulip Bouquet at Whole Foods Market

Just in time for Mother's Day, Whole Foods Market is offering a special tulip sale.  Celebrate your love for Mom or another special person in your life with a discount bouquet from Whole Foods Market.  Here are the details about the 2025 deal. Also, consider pairing this deal with … [Read more...] about Get a $9.99 Tulip Bouquet at Whole Foods Market

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

Love Live Entertainment? Visit Portland’s Dueling Piano Bar

Are you ready for an unforgettable night filled with music, laughter and interactive excitement? Look no further than the sensational Portland dueling piano bar. This weekly event promises a unique experiences for live entertainment enthusiasts. With top-tier performers flown in from across the … [Read more...] about Love Live Entertainment? Visit Portland’s Dueling Piano Bar

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Mother’s Day Train Ride

Take a scenic trip through Clark County on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Mother's Day Ride.  A 1941 diesel locomotive transports passengers through scenic northern Clark County from Yacolt to Moulton Falls to Chelatchie Prairie and back. During holidays, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad … [Read more...] about Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Mother’s Day Train Ride

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

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

Portland Market of The Beast

Are you ready to dive into the realms of the weird, the wild, and the occult? The Market of The Beast is coming to Portland, bringing with it dark arts and mystical treasures that cater to the curious and the unconventional. Here are the details about the 2025 spring market:  Portland … [Read more...] about Portland Market of The Beast

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Shopping

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