Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Entertainment

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

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

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

Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday at Kennedy School

Are you Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw or Slytherin? No matter your Hogwarts House, you're invited to gather at Kennedy School for Harry Potter's birthday.  Wizarding Weekend is a magical celebration full of activities. Aspiring wizards and witches of all ages can head to Kennedy School … [Read more...] about Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday at Kennedy School

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

Clay Commons Ceramic Market and Guilds Bazaar at Director Park

This summer, explore an array of handmade goods each week at Director Park. Clay Commons Ceramic Market and Guilds Bazaar host local creators at one of downtown Portland's best outdoor gathering spaces.  Clay Commons is dedicated to connecting makers and buyers who share a passion for … [Read more...] about Clay Commons Ceramic Market and Guilds Bazaar at Director 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

Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival

Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? The Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival invites everyone to dress up as merfolk or other mythical water creatures for a walk downtown.  Since 2016, the Portlandia Mermaid Parade has been a free grassroots artistic event celebrating our community's … [Read more...] about Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival

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

2026 Montavilla Street Fair

The Montavilla Street Fair is held along a trendy stretch of Stark Street just east of Mt Tabor. The event hosts some of Portland's best art, food and creative scene. This is one of several Portland street fairs. The event invites the community to come together for a day of summertime fun. 2026 … [Read more...] about 2026 Montavilla Street Fair

Rose City Vintage Market

Rose City Vintage Market is bringing together vintage dealers from all over the West for a two-day event at the Portland Expo Center. Spend the weekend perusing home decor, fashion, accessories and collectibles. Here are the details about the summer event.  Rose City Vintage Market The … [Read more...] about Rose City Vintage Market

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

Portland Thai Festival: The Taste of Thailand

Portland Thai Festival, known as the Taste of Thailand, is a vibrant cultural event that brings the essence of Thailand to our city through a delightful showcase of food and entertainment. This festival is not just about savoring delicious dishes but also about experiencing Thai … [Read more...] about Portland Thai Festival: The Taste of Thailand

Washington Park Summer Festival

The beloved Washington Park Summer Festival returns, featuring international performances in an inspiring outdoor setting. The event takes place at the Rose Garden Amphitheater in Washington Park, the keeper of Portland’s best attractions. The park features the International Rose Test Garden, … [Read more...] about Washington Park Summer Festival

2026 Elephant Garlic Festival

The Elephant Garlic Festival invites you to stop and smell the garlic in North Plains. If you're a fan of hometown events filled with music, food and fun, you'll want to attend at least one day of this annual festival.  The three-day festival is held at the Jessie Mays Community Park in … [Read more...] about 2026 Elephant Garlic Festival

2026 Obon Fest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple

Attend Obon Fest, a Japanese summertime celebration, at the Oregon Buddhist Temple. For the past 30 years, the Oregon Buddhist Temple has welcomed families, non-Buddhist neighbors, and fun-loving food lovers to the festival.  Here's how you can participate in the event. 2026 Obon Fest at … [Read more...] about 2026 Obon Fest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple

2026 Opera in the Park Portland

Prepare for an enchanting evening of music and drama at Opera in the Park Portland. Opera in the Park Portland is dedicated to bringing world-class opera to our community free of charge. The annual event has become a beloved tradition in the Portland area. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, … [Read more...] about 2026 Opera in the Park Portland

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

2026 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend as the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival. This vibrant event is set to showcase award-winning musicians, talented visual artists from across the region and captivating local performers. Head to Esther Short Park for a celebration of creativity … [Read more...] about 2026 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

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

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 Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

The Oregon Chinese Coalition is hosting the annual Chinese Festival in August. Celebrate Chinese American culture while enjoying a full lineup of entertainment, Chinese food, authentic arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. Here are the scheduled entertainment, activities, food and … [Read more...] about 2026 Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

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

Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

Calling all vintage, handmade, food loving Portlanders! Explore one-of-a-kind goods at Portland Flea. For over a decade, Portland Flea has created a gathering place for our city's creators to showcase their talents. Get out and join your community of makers, food purveyors and curators at this … [Read more...] about Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

Honk! PDX Brass Band Festival

Get ready, Portland—the brass is back! Honk! PDX, the city’s free, all-ages brass band festival, returns for its third annual celebration of music, mayhem and radical joy. What started as a grassroots gathering of music lovers has grown into a two-day party. Celebrate Portland’s community spirit, … [Read more...] about Honk! PDX Brass Band Festival

Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

Get free admission to the Portland Art Museum during the Miller Family Community Free Day. Located in the heart of downtown, Portland Art Museum is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. On free admission days, our community gets open access to one of our city's top attractions … [Read more...] about Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

2026 Milwaukie Porchfest

The Milwaukie Arts Committee is hosting Porchfest, an event that invites local musicians and performers to showcase their talents to the community from their porches, driveways and front yards. Started in 2020, Porchfest showcases local talent with informal concerts decentralized across the city. … [Read more...] about 2026 Milwaukie Porchfest

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

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

Summer Solstice Celebration at Cornell Farm

Celebrate the summer solstice at this local, family-owned nursery. Cornell Farm is hosting a day of learning, food and fun.  Cornell Farm dates back to 1987 when the family started a retail stand selling flowers and vegetable plants. From one to 13 greenhouses, the Portland farm now grows … [Read more...] about Summer Solstice Celebration at Cornell Farm

Wicked Craft’s Summer Solstice Night Market

Ring in the longest day of the year with an evening of magic, creativity and community at Wicked Craft’s Summer Solstice 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 … [Read more...] about Wicked Craft’s Summer Solstice Night Market

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

Vancouver Pollinator Festival at Marshall Park

The Pollinator Festival hosts a full day of activities for you and your family.  More than 40 agencies, organizations, universities, artisans and local businesses are participating in this free outdoor festival.  Here are the details about the event: Pollinator Festival at Clark … [Read more...] about Vancouver Pollinator Festival at Marshall Park

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

The Tesla City Stories Discount: Get Exclusive $12 Tickets

Sponsored post June brings the summer sun but also some vintage fun as The Tesla City Stories returns to the Old Church Concert Hall for a mix of comedy and action! Here's how you can claim discount tickets to this one-of-a-kind Portland performance.  Get $12 discount tickets to The Tesla … [Read more...] about The Tesla City Stories Discount: Get Exclusive $12 Tickets

Sunday Scaries: Spooky Stories from Portland Comedians

Looking for something a little spooky, a little silly and completely Portland? Sunday Scaries Comedy Show is the perfect blend of paranormal tales and laughs hosted by Andie Main and her crew of quick-witted friends. This show blends paranormal stories, improv and stand up comedy making each … [Read more...] about Sunday Scaries: Spooky Stories from Portland Comedians

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Entertainment

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

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

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