Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Entertainment

Free Thursday and Friday Concerts at Sellwood Park

The Sellwood Community House is bringing free outdoor concerts to Southeast Portland this summer. The Thursday and Friday night concerts take place right outside "The Shack" at Sellwood Park (SE 7th Ave and SE Miller St) under a beautiful canopy of 100-year-old fir trees. Pack your picnic … [Read more...] about Free Thursday and Friday Concerts at Sellwood Park

Free Shakespeare in Portland Parks

Watch free Shakespeare performances in Portland Parks during OPS Fest this summer.  Original Practice Shakespeare Festival is celebrating its 18th season with 22 plays at 11 parks in the Portland metro area. The company presents a selection of Shakespeare’s most popular plays as well as a … [Read more...] about Free Shakespeare in Portland Parks

Free Summer Concerts in the Parks

Enjoying music outdoors is a quintessential summertime activity. Portland Parks and Recreation is hosting 17 outdoor concerts at parks throughout the city.  Every event features a new musician or band, genre and park. This is a great way to spend time at your nearby park or explore parks … [Read more...] about Free Summer Concerts in the Parks

Rockstar Energy Open 2026 skateboard and music festival

Skateboarding culture is taking over downtown Portland when the Rockstar Energy Open 2026 returns to Waterfront Park from August 14 to 16, 2026. This free festival features world-class men’s and women’s street and park skateboarding, live musical performances, athlete signings and interactive fan … [Read more...] about Rockstar Energy Open 2026 skateboard and music festival

Dive into Summer Fun at Duckworth Dock Pop Up Swim Parties

Spend a summer evening at the ultimate swimming spot in Portland's central city.  Are you ready to make a splash this summer? Look no further than Duckworth Dock pop up swim party, your go-to weekly event for river-fueled fun, safe swimming and fantastic music. Held along the Eastbank … [Read more...] about Dive into Summer Fun at Duckworth Dock Pop Up Swim Parties

2026 Portland Polish Festival

Experience the food, dance and music of Poland. The annual Polish Festival in Portland hosts a full weekend of free, family-friendly activities.  Started in 1993, the Polish Festival is the oldest Polish festival in the Western United States. This event celebrates Polish culture, traditions … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Polish Festival

2026 El Festival de Mariachi

Celebrate Hispanic culture through music, food and community at the El Festival de Mariachi. The festival honoring Hispanic Heritage Month is hosted by Unitus Community Credit Union. Here's what is in store at this free event:  2026 El Festival de Mariachi The festival is Sunday, September … [Read more...] about 2026 El Festival de Mariachi

Multicultural Kids Festival

Explore new cultures in a fun, creative setting at the Multicultural Kids Festival.  The event is hosted by the Slavic Community Center of NW, Inc. The local nonprofit helps its community members succeed in America through various programs and services. The organization hosts this annual … [Read more...] about Multicultural Kids Festival

2026 Catio Tour: Explore Creative Feline Spaces in Portland

Calling all cat lovers! If you've been thinking about upgrading your cat's living space, this is the event for you. The Bird Alliance of Portland and Feral Cat Coalition are hosting the annual Catio Tour, showcasing creative and unique catios from around the Portland area. First things first. … [Read more...] about 2026 Catio Tour: Explore Creative Feline Spaces in Portland

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Entertainment · Home · Pets

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

Summer Shred: Portland’s Free All-Day Rock Festival

Get ready to turn up the volume, Portland. Summer Shred Music Festival invites you to hang and head bang this August.  On Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 12 to 11 p.m., the Central Eastside transforms into a high-energy celebration of local rock, cold drinks, good food and community … [Read more...] about Summer Shred: Portland’s Free All-Day Rock Festival

Lowest Tide Days on the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is known for its rugged beauty. The lowest tide days make a trip to the coast even more magical. These tidal vents reveal hidden wonders for nature enthusiasts, photographers and adventurers to explore. I've gathered a list of the lowest tide days along with some recommendations … [Read more...] about Lowest Tide Days on the Oregon Coast

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

2026 Multnomah Days Festival and Parade

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 2026 Multnomah Days Festival and Parade

2026 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

Mt. Tabor is transforming into a raceway for the annual Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Once a year, Portlanders convene on the slopes of the city park. Some are there to put their homemade, human-powered vehicles to the test. Others are there to simply enjoy the show.  Here's how you can join … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

Free Summer Movies in the Parks

The Portland metro has an abundance of summertime movies in local parks. Find a complete list of Portland's movies in the parks along with Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, North Clackamas, Oregon City, Gladstone, West Linn, Troutdale and Vancouver movie series. Best of all, … [Read more...] about Free Summer Movies in the Parks

The Best Days to Visit Topgolf for Discount Play

Topgolf is on par with Portland's most entertaining attractions. Here are the days you should visit to save big on game play. Whether you're an experienced golfer working on your game or a newbie looking to have fun with friends, Topgolf offers a casual, fun environment for all to enjoy. The … [Read more...] about The Best Days to Visit Topgolf for Discount Play

2026 Beaverton Night Market

Beaverton Night Market invites you to join the vibrant, cultural, family-friendly event reminiscent of international night markets. Starting in 2014, 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 2026 Beaverton Night Market

PDX Pop Now! free music festival

Portland’s favorite volunteer-run local music celebration is back. PDX Pop Now! 2026 brings three full days of live local music, food carts, and community vibes to downtown Portland. Music genres range from folk and shoegaze to indie rock, hip-hop, and post-punk. Whether you're a long-time … [Read more...] about PDX Pop Now! free music festival

Oregon City Festival of the Arts

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, live performances and family fun at the Oregon City Festival of the Arts. This beloved annual event is Oregon City’s premier arts celebration. Plus, it’s free and open to the public. Also, don't miss Oregon City Porchfest and McLoughlin Garage Sale this … [Read more...] about Oregon City Festival of the Arts

2026 Oregon City Porchfest

Get ready for a weekend of music, community and fun at the Oregon City Porchfest. Oregon City Porchfest is more than just a festival—it’s a community experience. Over two days, the McLoughlin neighborhood transforms into a vibrant stage where local talent shines. This event is an opportunity to … [Read more...] about 2026 Oregon City Porchfest

2026 Portland Goth Float

Gather with your fellow Goth community at the 12th annual Portland Goth Float. This annual event invites locals to a fun day floating the Clackamas River. Put on your best goth bathing suit and accessories for a one-of-a-kind day spent outdoors. Here are the details about the 2026 float. 2026 … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland Goth Float

Bethany Village Summer Concert and Markets

The Bethany Village Summer Concert & Market Series involves three summer concerts during July and August, plus a market that features vendors,  kids' activities, pony rides and more. The event features a free concert. The last concert in the series, originally scheduled for Thursday, … [Read more...] about Bethany Village Summer Concert and Markets

Free concert presented by The Historic Trust

The Historic Trust's final concert in the 2026 Summer Concert Series will feature Huckle Buck Highway, a high-energy cover band that plays your favorite rock and country songs from groups like Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Eagles.  This outdoor concert will be 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, … [Read more...] about Free concert presented by The Historic Trust

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

Troutdale First Friday Street Fair

Explore Troutdale's art community during the First Friday Street Fair. On the first Friday of the month in the summer, the streets will be filled with vendors, sidewalk dining, live music, family-friendly activities and more. The fun continues during the fall months with activities moving … [Read more...] about Troutdale First Friday Street Fair

2026 Jade International Night Market

The Jade International Night Market brings together the best of Jade District's local small businesses for a day of food, performances and activities.  This annual event offers new opportunities to celebrate culture and diversity of the Jade District community. Here are the details about … [Read more...] about 2026 Jade International Night Market

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

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

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

Best free and cheap things to do in August in Portland

Our August events calendar features a wide variety of affordable entertainment in the Portland metropolitan region. We’ll continue to update this calendar throughout the month as organizers announce new events. As always, we focus on events with a regular adult admission price of $15 or less. … [Read more...] about Best free and cheap things to do in August in Portland

Posted by Teresa Mears Filed Under: Entertainment

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

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

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

2026 Portland FoodieLand Food Festival

Taste the world at the Portland FoodieLand Food Festival. Vendors are ready to wow your taste buds with a full weekend of food and fun. Snack on authentic street food, decadent desserts and explore bold new flavors at this one-of-a-kind event. Here are the details: 2026 Portland FoodieLand … [Read more...] about 2026 Portland FoodieLand Food Festival

Music on Main: Free Outdoor Concert Series

The Music on Main free outdoor concert series is back this July. Portland’5 Centers for the Arts is taking advantage of the summer weather to bring you a fantastic lineup of live music. Located on Main Street next to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, these concerts showcase popular local … [Read more...] about Music on Main: Free Outdoor Concert Series

Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street

On the last Thursday of summer months, Alberta Street opens to foot traffic only for a unique arts and culture experience. The Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street invites the whole community to come out and enjoy the creativity of our city's art, culture, music and food. The summer … [Read more...] about Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street

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

Oregon City Outdoor Antique Fair

Ready to make something old new to you? Travel to Oregon's hometown for the annual outdoor antique market. The Oregon City Outdoor Antique Fair is celebrating its 30th year. Spend a day perusing booths and finding treasures at this annual event. Portland is full of great markets. Here are some … [Read more...] about Oregon City Outdoor Antique Fair

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