Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Victoria

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

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

Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm

Spring is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than by attending the Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm. Spend the day enjoying farm adventures, family activities and a celebration of the Easter spirit. Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm On Saturday, April 4, and … [Read more...] about Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm

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

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

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

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, choreographer, singer, and community organizer in Portland. Attend this upcoming springtime celebration. Holi Festival in … [Read more...] about Holi Festival: Join Portland’s Festival of Colors

Free First Sunday at the Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Attend the Japanese American Museum of Oregon for Free First Sunday event.  The Japanese American Museum of Oregon preserves and honors the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The museum educates the public about the Japanese American experience during WWII, … [Read more...] about Free First Sunday at the Japanese American Museum of Oregon

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

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

2026 Thriftapalooza: Attend the Sustainable Thrifting Market

Thriftapalooza is coming to Portland! Portland is known for its thrifting scene. From flea markets to secondhand shops to buy nothing groups, our community embraces sustainability and waste reduction in our everyday lives. If you love searching for new-to-you items and practicing … [Read more...] about 2026 Thriftapalooza: Attend the Sustainable Thrifting Market

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

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

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

Best Stargazing Spots in and near Portland

Welcome to the enchanting world of stargazing in Portland! In this city, we're known for our wonderful outdoor escapes and close proximity to nature. Take your exploration of the Rose City to another level by visiting the best stargazing spots in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding … [Read more...] about Best Stargazing Spots in and near Portland

Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Walk the trails of Tryon Creek Natural Area with outdoor experts during guided nature walks. Located in Southwest Portland, Tryon Creek is one of Portland’s best urban parks. This beautiful natural area is a great example of our temperate rainforest climate: trees covered in moss with huge … [Read more...] about Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area

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

99-Cent Clothing Sale at ReTails Thrift Store

Looking for an unbeatable deal and a way to help animals? Head to ReTails Thrift Store in Vancouver for a 99-cent clothing sale. You’ll find racks filled with women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, all priced at just 99 cents each (accessories not included). Refresh your wardrobe or stock up on … [Read more...] about 99-Cent Clothing Sale at ReTails Thrift Store

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Shopping

Wicked Craft Night Market

Join an evening of magic, creativity and community at Wicked Craft Night Market.  Rooted in the earthy majesty of ancient arts and the divine strength of feminine creativity, Wicked Craft celebrates women from all walks of life. Here are the details about this event. Wicked Craft Night … [Read more...] about Wicked Craft Night Market

National Park Service’s Free Crochet Patterns

Calling all fiber artists! Did you know the National Park Service offers completely free crochet patterns inspired by our country's iconic wildlife and landscapes? Here’s a peek into this crafty corner of the NPS, where ranger-made creations meet creative hands everywhere. These aren’t just … [Read more...] about National Park Service’s Free Crochet Patterns

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: Free Events

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

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

Whale Watching Week on the Oregon Coast

Oregon is truly a natural wonder. In Portland, we're lucky enough to live a short drive from the mountain and the ocean. If you're looking for an unforgettable day trip or want to get out of the city during spring break, head to the coast for whale watching. Nearly 20,000 gray whales are … [Read more...] about Whale Watching Week on the Oregon Coast

Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Portland

After another grey, cold winter in Portland, I think I speak for all of us when I say spring cannot come soon enough. Thankfully, Portland is filled with one of the best signs that spring has officially sprung—cherry blossoms. From mid-March to April, cherry blossoms burst into bloom throughout … [Read more...] about Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Portland

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

St. Patrick’s Day Events in Portland

Get your Irish on at St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Portland. St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Locations across the city are hosting parties and festivals during the weekend. You’ll find plenty of Irish music, step dancers and bagpipes along with fun activities and food … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Events in Portland

50% Off Sale at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store with a special on St. Patrick's Day. St. Vincent de Paul is an organization known for helping the most vulnerable in our communities. Last year, the nonprofit opened a thrift store in Portland, where proceeds go directly to supporting its mission.  Check … [Read more...] about 50% Off Sale at St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Sale · Shopping

Get a Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut for St. Patrick’s Day

Krispy Kreme is going green for St. Patrick's Day with a special freebie available for two days. This deal is a real treasure for doughnut lovers.  For the holiday, Krispy Kreme is offering a collection of four themed doughnuts. The doughnut shop is also bringing back its O’riginal Glazed … [Read more...] about Get a Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut for St. Patrick’s Day

Is an REI Membership Worth It? Explore the Benefits

If you love the outdoors, you’ve probably heard about REI and its lifetime membership. Yet, is joining the co-op worth it? Let's explore the member benefits.  REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is a popular outdoor retail co-op that has been outfitting adventurers since 1938. Known for its … [Read more...] about Is an REI Membership Worth It? Explore the Benefits

All-Ireland Cultural Society’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon is hosting a family-friendly St. Patrick's Day Celebration.  For more than 80 years, All-Ireland Cultural Society's all-volunteer nonprofit has been promoting social opportunities, Irish entertainment and Irish cultural events in Oregon and Southwest … [Read more...] about All-Ireland Cultural Society’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

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

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at McMenamins Edgefield

Attend the St. Patrick's Day Celebration at McMenamins Edgefield during the holiday weekend.  Built in 1911 as the county poor farm, the historic Edgefield's original buildings have been carefully restored. The grounds are complete with gardens, restaurants, bars, a spa and a par 3 golf … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at McMenamins Edgefield

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at McMenamins Kennedy School

Enjoy a weekend of merriment, fun and food during the St. Patrick's Day Celebration at McMenamins Kennedy School. 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 … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at McMenamins Kennedy School

St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Paddy’s Bar and Grill

Join Paddy’s Bar and Grill for the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. Paddy’s is the oldest Irish Pub in downtown Portland. It's been serving traditional Irish fare in the historic Powers Building for over 35 years. Get ready to celebrate the Irish holiday at this iconic location.  St. … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Paddy’s Bar and Grill

Washington State Toy Show

Washington State Toy Show invites toy collectors and comic fans to a nostalgic gathering at Clark County Event Center. Th event promises a full day dedicated to vintage and modern toys, comics and collectibles. Here's how you can join the fun. Washington State Toy Show Washington State Toy … [Read more...] about Washington State Toy Show

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Shopping

Portland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the 37th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Portland. It's that time of the year again when the streets of the Irvington neighborhood in Portland transform into a sea of green, and the sound of bagpipes fills the air. The parade is just around the corner, and … [Read more...] about Portland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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 25 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

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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