Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Attractions & Museums

50+ Portland Area Thrift and Consignment Stores

Portlanders love thrift and consignment stores. Thankfully, our city caters to this affinity and is chock full of places where bargain hunters thrive. Whether your style is a pair of Levi's jeans and a secondhand flannel or a vintage dress with like new Dr. Martens or Frye's, you'll find it at these … [Read more...] about 50+ Portland Area Thrift and Consignment Stores

Latin American Community Ciencias Night at OMSI

Celebrate Latin American culture and community at this special OMSI science night.  The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI, is one of the nation’s leading science centers and we’re lucky to have it right here in Portland. Science lovers and explorers of the unknown … [Read more...] about Latin American Community Ciencias Night at OMSI

2022 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

Take a journey to a storybook world at the Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire.  The annual event brings the community together to celebrate Celtic culture, fun and fantasy. Here's what is in store for this event in August.  2022 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire The 7th annual Portland Celtic … [Read more...] about 2022 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market at Lan Su Chinese Garden

Celebrate a special Chinese holiday at Lan Sun Chinese Garden's Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market. The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest moon during the autumnal equinox. In Chinese culture, the image of a full moon symbolizes a happy family reunion. Lan Su Chinese Garden is … [Read more...] about Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market at Lan Su Chinese Garden

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

Night Market Vancouver

Celebrate an evening out at Night Market Vancouver. For three nights this summer, the market is hosting special gatherings for our community to explore local makers and creators. At Clark College, discover local brands and shop products from more than 100 local vendors. All ages are welcome to … [Read more...] about Night Market Vancouver

7 Great Portland Picnic Parks

By Marie Sherlock The idea of a meal shared al fresco in a lovely natural setting has been around for a very long time—perhaps since Adam and Eve and that apple. So while picnics don't really represent an up and coming trend, they do rank very high as a budget-friendly way to see the city … [Read more...] about 7 Great Portland Picnic Parks

Portland Indigenous Marketplace

Explore creations from indigenous artists and entrepreneurs at the Portland Indigenous Marketplace. The monthly event supports indigenous creators by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces to grow their small businesses and educate the public about their ancestry. Save the date … [Read more...] about Portland Indigenous Marketplace

2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival

The second annual St. Johns Comedy Festival is a celebration of laughter and community. Come together with fellow comedy lovers for this community festival in August. 2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival The 2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival is taking place August 25-27 at two Portland venues: Curious … [Read more...] about 2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival

Beaverton Night Market

Beaverton Night Market invites you to join the vibrant, intercultural, family-friendly event reminiscent of international night markets. Starting in 2015, the summer event has grown into a large-scale event that brings together around 14,000 people each year. This summer, the City of Beaverton is … [Read more...] about Beaverton Night Market

Pix Patisserie’s Movies at Dusk

Watch a movie al fresco at a French pastry shop and tapas bar in Portland. Pix Patisserie's Movies at Dusk is back with 13 screenings this summer.  Since 2001, Pix Pâtisserie has brought a little slice of France to its shop on East Burnside. Taste and savor innovative and traditional French … [Read more...] about Pix Patisserie’s Movies at Dusk

2022 Hawthorne Street Fair

Priding itself as Portland’s original “shop local” district, the Hawthorne Street Fair is one of the oldest and biggest street fairs in Portland. Starting in 1984 with a guitarist and a few local organizations, the event now features 150 community vendors and two stages of local … [Read more...] about 2022 Hawthorne Street Fair

Portland Columbia Symphony Free Concert

Enjoy your favorite classical tunes from the shows and movies you love in a beautiful outdoor setting. Claim your spot at Portland Columbia Symphony's Stage & Screen in the Park.  Since 1982, Portland Columbia Symphony has been a staple of Multnomah County’s arts scene. The symphony … [Read more...] about Portland Columbia Symphony Free Concert

2022 India Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Celebrate India’s Independence Day with live music, dance, food and other entertainment at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The event is hosted by the India Cultural Association, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Indian cultural awareness in Portland, Oregon. Every year, ICA hosts the popular India … [Read more...] about 2022 India Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Free Tours at Hoyt Arboretum

Take a free guided tour of Portland's museum of trees. Hoyt Arboretum has multiple opportunities to learn about the unique trees and plants of the Pacific Northwest. This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Hoyt … [Read more...] about Free Tours at Hoyt Arboretum

Portland Mercado’s Taste of Latin America

Portland Mercado’s Taste of Latin America brings together some of our city's best Latin flavors and goods.  The Portland Mercado is the hub of Latin culture in our city. The public market space features eight food carts and five indoor businesses representing the diverse flavors of … [Read more...] about Portland Mercado’s Taste of Latin America

Nature Fair at Leach Botanical Garden

Attend Nature Fair at one of Portland's best outdoor escapes. Head to Leach Botanical Garden for fun activities and time spent together in nature. Leach Botanical Garden is a natural oasis nestled in Southeast Portland. The 16-acre estate features more than 2,000 plant species growing along the … [Read more...] about Nature Fair at Leach Botanical Garden

Oregon Symphony Waterfront Concert and Festival

Head to Portland's waterfront for Oregon Symphony's end of summer celebration. The 2022 Oregon Symphony Waterfront Concert and Festival is your chance to see some of Portland's most beloved performers and musicians for free. This event includes performances by the Oregon Symphony as well as a … [Read more...] about Oregon Symphony Waterfront Concert and Festival

2022 Multnomah Days

Take a trip to Multnomah Village for a day of fun at this neighborhood's annual street fair: Multnomah Days. Did you know this district was originally developed around an Oregon Electric Railway depot in 1909? Multnomah Village now boasts a variety of shops and eateries along its walkable … [Read more...] about 2022 Multnomah Days

Discount Day at OMSI

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI, is one of the nation's leading science centers and we're lucky to have it right here in Portland. OMSI discount day is here to bring one of Portland's best attractions to you for cheap. Science lovers and explorers of the unknown … [Read more...] about Discount Day at OMSI

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

Get Free LEGO Red Brick Model During LEGO’s 90th Anniversary

LEGO is celebrating its 90th anniversary by giving out a special freebie to fans of the brick construction toys.  LEGO sets and models were a huge part of many of our childhoods. Some of us may still enjoy the challenge of building a new structure brick by brick. Here's how the young and the … [Read more...] about Get Free LEGO Red Brick Model During LEGO’s 90th Anniversary

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

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