McMenamins hosts its annual festival for believers and skeptics alike. Head to the 26th 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 animals … [Read more...] about 2026 McMenamins UFO Fest
Attractions & Museums
2026 Cascadia Fine Arts Festival
Connect with your community and support regional artists, studios, workshops, and galleries at the Cascadia Fine 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 … [Read more...] about 2026 Cascadia Fine Arts Festival
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
Free and Cheap Mother’s Day Events in and around Portland
There's something for every mom in this list of free and cheap Mother's Day events in and around Portland. The best part is no one has to spend a bunch of money to celebrate Mom on this special day. Instead, opt for some quality time and a fun activity. Take a look at what Portland and … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Mother’s Day Events in and around Portland
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
2026 St. Johns Bizarre
Get ready for a dynamite lineup of musicians, artisans, makers, creators, food vendors and community groups at the St. Johns Bizarre. Now in its 17th year, the community celebration kicks off the summer street fair season in Portland. Here are the details about the 2026 … [Read more...] about 2026 St. Johns Bizarre
Molalla Train Park: Go for a Free Miniature Railway Ride
Since 1954, families have been making memories at Willamette Valley's original family destination experience: Molalla Train Park. Nestled on a picturesque four-acre property in Molalla, Oregon, this charming park promises a delightful day for all ages. As you step onto the grounds, you're greeted … [Read more...] about Molalla Train Park: Go for a Free Miniature Railway Ride
Free Admission Days at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum
Celebrate World Forestry Center's 60th anniversary during 2026 free admission days. We love our forests in Oregon. The World Forestry Center's Discovery Museum is located right here in our city, inviting visitors to examine forests and consider all the ways they benefit our … [Read more...] about Free Admission Days at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum
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
First Thursday Street Gallery
Explore local artists at the First Thursday Street Gallery in the Pearl District. The event is hosted by Urban Art Network, a Portland nonprofit dedicated to empowering independent artists. Now in its 24th year, the event holds true to its artistic roots by bringing together our community of … [Read more...] about First Thursday Street Gallery
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
Get $12 Discount Tickets to The Tesla City Stories
Sponsored post Tell those April showers to dry up and those May flowers to hang on for a sec: there’s a new show of The Tesla City Stories coming your way! Choose your seat for all-new live episodes on May 8 at the Old Church Concert Hall. Plus, you can get an exclusive discount. Get $12 … [Read more...] about Get $12 Discount Tickets to The Tesla City Stories
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
2026 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 2026 Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens
Planetarium Sky Theater Shows at Mt. Hood Community College
The Planetarium Sky Theater at Mt. Hood Community College welcomes visitors into a world of cosmic wonders and astronomical marvels. The planetarium recently reopened to be public and offers shows on select dates each month. Here are the details about Planetarium Sky Theater … [Read more...] about Planetarium Sky Theater Shows at Mt. Hood Community College
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
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
Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum
Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum are taking place throughout 2026. Located in the heart of downtown, Portland Art Museum is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. On the first Thursday of the month, our community gets open access to one of our city's top … [Read more...] about Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum
Indigenous Culture Day at Tryon Creek Natural Area
Listen and learn from Indigenous educators in the culturally rich Tryon Creek State Natural Area during Indigenous Culture Day. 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 … [Read more...] about Indigenous Culture Day at Tryon Creek Natural Area
2026 Bricks Cascade LEGO Fan Expo
Let your imagination run wild at Portland's premier public LEGO event this weekend. The Oregon Convention Center is transforming into a LEGO enthusiast's dream. Bricks Cascade LEGO Fan Expo brings together hundreds of builders from the Pacific Northwest and around the world for a two-day … [Read more...] about 2026 Bricks Cascade LEGO Fan Expo
2026 Museums on Us Free Museum Admission
Bank of America's Museums On Us program lets customers visit Portland museums for free the first full weekend of the month. Hundreds of museums and attractions participate in the Bank of America free museum days in cities across the United States. In Portland, we have three participating … [Read more...] about 2026 Museums on Us Free Museum Admission
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
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
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 2026 event. Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony … [Read more...] about Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens
The Portland Aquarium: Mike Bennett’s Imaginative Ocean Adventure
There’s a new kind of aquarium making waves in Portland and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Mike Bennett is back at it with his latest immersive experience: The Portland Aquarium. From street signs and murals to exhibits and local partnerships, chances are you've seen Mike Bennett's … [Read more...] about The Portland Aquarium: Mike Bennett’s Imaginative Ocean Adventure
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
Hood River Cider Fest
Discover some of the region's best hard cider at the Hood River Cider Fest. Just an hour from Portland, the annual event is bringing together 20 Oregon and Washington cideries. Hood River Cider Fest The cider fest is taking place May 2, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are 28 ciders on tap from … [Read more...] about Hood River Cider Fest
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
2026 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Attend the annual Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. The fiesta lights up the city with color, rhythm and flavor. The event is the largest multicultural festival in Oregon. The three-day bilingual event hosts special attractions and featured … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: Southeast Portland’s Botanical Oasis
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 rhododendrons, azaleas, shrubs, companion plants and unusual trees. The garden blends water and land as … [Read more...] about Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: Southeast Portland’s Botanical Oasis
Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase
The Oregon Potters Association invites the public to a free ceramic showcase highlighting hundreds of local artists. 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 … [Read more...] about Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase
Free Bowling for Kids at Alleys in and around Portland
Here's a fun way to beat the heat and spend time with your family. Kids Bowl Free is a program that offers complimentary bowling to kids all summer long. Kids who are registered for the program get two free games of bowling each day of the summer. Start and end dates vary by bowling … [Read more...] about Free Bowling for Kids at Alleys in and around Portland
NW’s Largest Garage Sale and Vintage Sale
Want to visit more than 600 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
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
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 continually used cemeteries. The 30 acres is the final resting place of many … [Read more...] about Tour Portland’s Historic Lone Fir Cemetery
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
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
Sci-Fi Film Festival at OMSI
Embark on an intergalactic journey through the vast realms of science fiction during the Sci-Fi Film Festival at OMSI. Over the course of five weeks, the Empirical Theater's four-story screen will come alive with more than 30 of the genre's most iconic and unforgettable films. From cult … [Read more...] about Sci-Fi Film Festival at OMSI
Visit Vista House: The Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge
Sitting atop Crown Point, Vista House is the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. While the viewpoint and parking have remained open, Vista House has been mostly closed over the past two years. It had a limited reopening last fall and closed again for needed repairs. Now, the building is … [Read more...] about Visit Vista House: The Crown Jewel of the Columbia River Gorge
2026 Portland Night Market
Explore the city's best vendors celebrating local food, culture, music, drinks and retail at Portland Night Market. Since 2015, the Portland Night Market has centered around Portland's creative scene. This event is a unique experience on the Central Eastside for Portlanders of all … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Night Market
2026 Portland Swap Meet
If you're a fan of classic cars, vintage automotive parts or retro collectibles, don't miss the Portland Swap Meet. Celebrated as the largest indoor/outdoor swap meet on the West Coast, this event is the perfect day out for automotive enthusiasts and collectors. Here are the details … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Swap Meet
Thompson Elk Fountain Homecoming Celebration
Portland welcomes back a beloved symbol of the city’s history, the Thompson Elk Fountain, and you’re invited to be part of the celebration. On Sunday, April 12, from 1-4 p.m., the City of Portland, Portland Parks Foundation, and the Regional Arts & Culture Council host the Thompson Elk Fountain … [Read more...] about Thompson Elk Fountain Homecoming Celebration
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 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
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
Must-See Spring Flowers in Portland
As the city shakes off the winter blues, signs of the changing season are popping up. Here are the must-see spring flowers in Portland. Some of the first spring flowers in your neighborhood are likely crocuses and daffodils. Next are the cherry blossoms, rhododendrons and, finally, our city's … [Read more...] about Must-See Spring Flowers in Portland
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
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