Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Attractions & Museums

Discount Days at Oaks Park

Save on your admission to Oaks Park during discount days.  Oaks Park has been Portland's amusement park since 1905. It is a summertime favorite for families and friends with thrilling rides, fun carnival games, an indoor roller skating rink and mini golf. While it will cost you a pretty … [Read more...] about Discount Days at Oaks Park

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade

Gather with our local LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies at the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade. The annual event has been a tradition in our city since 1994. This year, Portland's premier Pride event is in July.  Here are the details about the 2024 event:  2024 Portland … [Read more...] about Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade

2024 Mississippi Street Fair

Don't miss Portland's largest street fair this summer. The annual Mississippi Street Fair brings together the eclectic, flavorful, fun-loving flair of one of Portland's best neighborhoods into the largest family-friendly block party of the summer. This is one of several Portland street fairs that … [Read more...] about 2024 Mississippi Street Fair

Farm Walk About at Frog Pond Farm

Get up close with farm animals and enjoy family-friendly activities during a Farm Walk About at Frog Pond Farm. Every spring and summer, Frog Pond Farm invites the public to spend the day enjoying life on the 40-acre property. Here's how you can enjoy farm animals this weekend:  Farm … [Read more...] about Farm Walk About at Frog Pond Farm

2024 Helvetia Lavender Festival

Wander through the lavender fields, cut your own flower bundles and take in stunning views of the Willamette Valley during the Helvetia Lavender Festival. Helvetia Lavender Farm is a short drive from Portland and showcases 60 different varieties of lavender. During the annual festival, guests are … [Read more...] about 2024 Helvetia Lavender Festival

Escape to Portland’s Best Urban Parks

  Find a great urban park in your neighborhood Finding a place where you can escape the city may be easier than you think. Many of us leave Portland to enjoy nature and find it isn't quite what we expected. I am sure many of you have experienced the dread of driving an hour to a hiking … [Read more...] about Escape to Portland’s Best Urban Parks

East Portland Summer Arts Festival

Celebrate music and expression at the East Portland Summer Arts Festival.  At this year's festival, you'll be treated to Grammy caliber performers filling a Portland park with an evening of music and good vibes.  The event is part of Portland Parks and Recreation's Summer Free For … [Read more...] about East Portland Summer Arts Festival

2024 Vancouver Summer Fest’s Picnic in the Park

Summer Fest's Picnic in the Park invites the community to play, connect and celebrate this July. Held at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, this all-day event has a full line-up of activities and entertainment for families and people of all ages. View my full list of local 4th of July … [Read more...] about 2024 Vancouver Summer Fest’s Picnic in the Park

Sherwood Robin Hood Festival

For 71 years, Sherwood, Oregon, has celebrated the annual Sherwood Robin Hood Festival.  Take a short drive to Old Town Sherwood for a community parade, live entertainment on two stages, medieval reenactments, Maid Marian's Court, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a knighting ceremony, a castle … [Read more...] about Sherwood Robin Hood Festival

2024 Portland Waterfront Fireworks Show

The Portland Waterfront Blues Festival is once again celebrating the 4th of July with a fireworks show over the Portland waterfront. You don't have to buy tickets to enjoy the show. Instead, view the Portland waterfront fireworks show from various vantage points throughout the city! Here's some … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Waterfront Fireworks Show

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

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

Oak Hills 4th of July Celebration

The Oak Hills Homeowners Association in Beaverton is hosting its annual 4th of July celebration with fun-filled activities all day long.  The neighborhood is located north of Sunset Highway and is the first mid-century historic district in Oregon added to the National Register of Historic … [Read more...] about Oak Hills 4th of July Celebration

2024 Latino Cultural Festival

Celebrate Latino heritage, music and cuisine at the 18th annual Latino Cultural Festival. The event is hosted by the Hillsboro Hops at Hillsboro Ballpark. Head to the stadium for a day full of family-friendly activities. 2024 Latino Cultural Festival The 2024 Latino Cultural Festival is Sunday, … [Read more...] about 2024 Latino Cultural Festival

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

6 Places to Hide from the Heat in Portland

With temperatures reaching record highs, Portlanders are bracing for another hot summer. No disrespect to the sun worshipers—I know some of you are loving it—but for the rest of us, it’s time to seek shelter and wait for the heat wave to break. If you have AC at home, staying in is the easiest … [Read more...] about 6 Places to Hide from the Heat in Portland

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

2024 Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival

Happy Valley Park is transforming into a family festival for the 4th of July. Enjoy a hike, parade, activities and a fireworks show.  Here's the full schedule of events. In addition to this event, check out all the 4th of July fireworks and celebrations in and around Portland. 2024 … [Read more...] about 2024 Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival

Cathedral Park River Fest

The Human Access Project hosts a special grand opening party for new waterfront recreation at Cathedral Park. Participate in an afternoon of fun at the Cathedral Park River Fest. This celebration marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to restore and enhance the recreational value of … [Read more...] about Cathedral Park River Fest

Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest

Enjoy Nordic traditions during the Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest.  The annual event is hosted by Nordic Northwest, an organization that plans celebrations throughout the year focused on the cultures of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The Oregon Midsummer … [Read more...] about Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest

2024 Portland Summer Festivals

Summer has finally arrived in Portland. With the warm weather and longer days come so many opportunities for us to get out and enjoy everything our city has to offer, including Portland summer festivals.   Summer in Portland is a season when the city's vibrant spirit truly comes alive. … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Summer Festivals

2024 Tigard Festival of Balloons

Look up as hot air balloons take to the sky over Cook Park during the Tigard Festival of Balloons.  The festival is all about community. It provides fundraising opportunities for local nonprofit organizations while inviting the public to come together for a fun celebration. In 2024, the … [Read more...] about 2024 Tigard Festival of Balloons

2024 Milk Carton Boat Race

Will it float? See who creates the most buoyant and swiftest homemade vessel at the 2024 Milk Carton Boat Race. The annual event is hosted by the Royal Rosarians. You may recognize our city's official greeters and goodwill ambassadors from the Portland Rose Festival. The family-friendly event … [Read more...] about 2024 Milk Carton Boat Race

2024 Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Portland

Celebrate Juneteenth at these community gatherings throughout the Portland area. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a federal holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of … [Read more...] about 2024 Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Portland

Pay What You Will at Portland Center Stage

Want to see shows at Portland Center Stage for cheap? Pay as little as a dollar and some change during Pay What You Will ticket specials.  Portland Center Stage is the largest theater company in Portland. This theater, located in a historic armory, hosts incredible shows throughout the … [Read more...] about Pay What You Will at Portland Center Stage

5 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Portland

It's lavender season in the Pacific Northwest! Starting in June, lavender farms throughout the Portland area invite the public to enjoy the beauty of the blooms, pick their own bundles and peruse homemade lavender products.  These four beautiful lavender farms are a short drive from … [Read more...] about 5 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Portland

2024 Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival

Celebrate a day of education and advocacy with your community during the Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival. Juneteenth Oregon is a nonprofit organization that connects and strengthens communities, and shares the history of Juneteenth. The organization is celebrating its 52nd Juneteenth Oregon … [Read more...] about 2024 Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival

Pick Strawberries at these Portland You-Pick Farms

It's strawberry season in the Pacific Northwest! Travel to these you-pick farms in and around Portland to fill your basket with fresh strawberries. We're lucky enough to live close to some incredible you-pick farms in and around Portland. One of the first crops to kick off the harvest season are … [Read more...] about Pick Strawberries at these Portland You-Pick Farms

2024 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 2024 Troutdale Arts Festival

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 2024 Rose Festival is May … [Read more...] about Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

2024 Portland Pride Month Events

June is Pride Month. Portland has a variety of events to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community.  Did you know Pride has been celebrated in Portland since the early 1970s? Portland's long history of acceptance and inclusion is honored throughout the year with many gay-friendly and focused … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Pride Month Events

2023 Flicks on the Bricks

Flicks on the Bricks is not taking place in 2024. It may return in 2025.  In July, Portland's living room transforms into a free movie theater for all to enjoy. The annual Flicks on the Bricks at Pioneer Courthouse Square is back with a three-day movie event. For three days, the square will … [Read more...] about 2023 Flicks on the Bricks

2024 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 Shows. 2024 … [Read more...] about 2024 Planetarium Sky Theater Shows at Mt. Hood Community College

Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Oregon State Parks Day is June 1, 2024. Make the most of the celebration with free admission, camping and fishing across the state. More than a hundred years ago, a 5-acre donation by Sarah Helmick created Oregon’s first official state park. Today, the state park system has 254 park properties … [Read more...] about Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids, Teens and Adults

Looking for a fun reading program to keep your kids on track this summer? Or maybe you want to keep yourself on top of new releases and try different genres. Portland libraries and national companies offer summer reading programs for kids, teens and adults. Best of all, you can win prizes for … [Read more...] about Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids, Teens and Adults

Visit Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum Memorial Day Weekend

Portland's largest mausoleum is opening its doors for special public tours Memorial Day weekend. The Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home in Sellwood is the final resting place of more than 97,000 people and home to the extraordinary Rae Room. During Memorial Day weekend, you get the rare … [Read more...] about Visit Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum Memorial Day Weekend

Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

This Memorial Day weekend, head to Oaks Park for some good, old-fashioned fun at the Multnomah County Fair. The annual fair has been entertaining Portlanders since 1906. Traditionally an event for locals to exhibit farming and homesteading techniques, fairs have expanded to showcase food, … [Read more...] about Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

Celebrate your three-day weekend at one of these free and cheap Memorial Day weekend events in Portland. I've compiled a list of activities and events to get you out and exploring our awesome city this holiday weekend. There is something for everyone, from festivals and train rides to markets and … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

Get Free Admission to Portland Rose Festival’s CityFair

Get free admission to the Portland Rose Festival's main attraction, CityFair. For more than 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has been a beloved celebration of our beautiful city. The festival has tons of free and cheap activities your whole family can enjoy. For three weeks, CityFair … [Read more...] about Get Free Admission to Portland Rose Festival’s CityFair

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 2024 event. Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony … [Read more...] about Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens

2024 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 2024 Gem and Mineral Show

2024 McMenamins UFO Fest

McMenamins is hosting its annual festival for believers and skeptics alike. Head to the 24th 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 2024 McMenamins UFO Fest

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

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

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.
Living on the Cheap in the media