Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Entertainment

OMSI Science Pubs at Kennedy School and the Museum

Bring your appetite for food, drinks and knowledge to OMSI Science Pubs. These events invite people of all ages to learn about an interesting science topic in a friendly, fun environment.  OMSI Science Pubs are monthly events that celebrate the marvel of science with food and drinks. Some of … [Read more...] about OMSI Science Pubs at Kennedy School and the Museum

Latin American Community Ciencias Night at OMSI

Celebrate Latin American culture and community at this special OMSI science night. Latin American Community Ciencias Night is a family-friendly night of museum exploring, science demos, lectures and cultural entertainment. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI, is one of … [Read more...] about Latin American Community Ciencias Night at OMSI

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

Mike Bennett’s Wonderwood Mini Golf Course

Mark your calendars! Mike Bennett's latest interactive creation is underway. The imaginative fantasy realm of Wonderwood is transforming into an interactive adventure for all ages. Wonderwood Mini Golf invites you on an exciting quest filled with magical wonders.  From street signs and … [Read more...] about Mike Bennett’s Wonderwood Mini Golf Course

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

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

Bloom into Spring at the Camas Plant and Garden Fair

Looking to freshen up your yard or garden this spring? Stock up for the growing season at the Camas Plant and Garden Fair. This annual community event brings together local growers, artisan and garden enthusiasts for a full day of shopping and fun. Here are the 2025 details: 2025 Camas Plant … [Read more...] about Bloom into Spring at the Camas Plant and Garden Fair

2025 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 2025 Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Rockwood Market Hall

Get ready for a day full of culture, music, food and community spirit at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Rockwood Market Hall. Bring your family and friends to a vibrant celebration that also marks three years since Rockwood Market Hall opened its doors. Here's what is in store: Cinco de Mayo … [Read more...] about Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Rockwood Market Hall

Portland Street Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss

Enjoy free summertime fun at these Portland street fairs. One of my favorite summertime activities in Portland is attending the totally free, family-friendly and fun neighborhood street fairs. If you're new to Portland or haven't explored the city in a while, this is a great way to get out there … [Read more...] about Portland Street Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss

Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Mom while enjoying nature, attend the Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival at Silver Falls State Park. The park is in bloom and filled with winged and four-legged creatures hiding among the beautiful plant life and waterways that make this park … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival

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

Spring Garden Fair at Clackamas County Event Center

Enjoy a weekend of discovery, inspiration and fun at the annual Spring Garden Fair. The spring event, hosted by the Clackamas County Master Gardener Association, has taken place the weekend before Mother’s Day since 1984. What started as a small fuchsia sale has grown into a two-day fair with … [Read more...] about Spring Garden Fair at Clackamas County Event Center

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 11th annual event is bringing together 20 Oregon and Washington cideries. Hood River Cider Fest The cider fest is taking place May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are more than 30 … [Read more...] about Hood River Cider Fest

2025 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Attend the 38th 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 2025 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

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

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

New Year in the Park: Join the Southeast Asian Cultural Celebration

Join a cultural festival celebrated by Southeast Asian communities: New Year in the Park. This event promises a blend of tradition, community and celebration for everyone to enjoy. Local Southeast Asian communities honor traditions, elders and culture at this annual celebration. The event extends … [Read more...] about New Year in the Park: Join the Southeast Asian Cultural Celebration

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

Portland Vintage Market: Discover Unique Finds at this Vintage Clothing Event

Attend one of Oregon’s largest vintage clothing events, Portland Vintage Market.  What began as a modest pop-up in the parking lot of Hollywood Vintage back in August 2020 has blossomed into a thriving vintage community. Built by and for vintage enthusiasts, Portland Vintage Market stays … [Read more...] about Portland Vintage Market: Discover Unique Finds at this Vintage Clothing Event

Spring Book and Media Sale at Beaverton City Library

Calling all book lovers, media collectors, and bargain hunters! The Spring Book and Media Sale at Beaverton City Library is just around the corner.  While stocking up your book shelves, you can also find various media to keep you entertained all year long.  Here's what you can expect at … [Read more...] about Spring Book and Media Sale at Beaverton City Library

2025 Free and Cheap Easter Events

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter with the whole family? Find an Easter egg hunt or event near your Portland neighborhood or neighboring city. From religious ceremonies to secular festivities, Easter is a time when families and communities come together to mark the end of winter, embrace … [Read more...] about 2025 Free and Cheap Easter Events

Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm

Spring is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the season than by attending the Easter Harvest Festival at Topaz Farm. Spend the day enjoying farm adventures, family activities and a celebration of the Easter spirit. If you're looking for more activities, check out this list of Free and … [Read more...] about Easter Harvest Celebration at Topaz Farm

Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map

Get out and enjoy our region's beautiful flora on a wildflower hike. You'll always know what's in bloom with this map. Spring has sprung in the Northwest. We've already seen many of the best springtime blooms filling our neighborhoods and parks with vibrant colors. If you enjoy hiking and want to … [Read more...] about Looking for Wildflower Hikes? Use This Bloom Map

Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase

In its 42nd year, the Oregon Potters Association invites the public to a free ceramic showcase. 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 whole community to … [Read more...] about Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase

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

Glow Skate Nights at Oaks Park Roller Rink

Get out of the house and enjoy a fun evening activity at Oaks Park Roller Rink's Glow Skate Nights. Oaks Amusement Park in Portland has been bringing joy to the young and young at heart since 1905. The roller rink is the park's year-round attraction and one of Portland’s last remaining roller … [Read more...] about Glow Skate Nights at Oaks Park Roller Rink

Portland Bazaar’s Spring Market

Put money back into the community when you shop local small businesses at Portland Bazaar. Since 2011, this event has highlighted the skilled artists, makers and small businesses of Portland, Oregon. This holiday season, the event is hosting three markets at locations throughout the city. You … [Read more...] about Portland Bazaar’s Spring Market

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

Tulip Fields at Holland America Flower Gardens

A few years ago, I stumbled across a beautiful tulip field that seemed too good to be true. Located just 30 minutes from Portland, the tulip fields at Holland America Flower Gardens are in bloom and free to visit.  Holland America Flower Gardens started when Benno and Klazina immigrated from … [Read more...] about Tulip Fields at Holland America Flower Gardens

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

2025 Portland Tacos, Tequila & Tamales Festival

Get ready for a vibrant celebration of Latin American culture, flavors and entertainment at the Portland Tacos, Tequila & Tamales Festival. This family-friendly event invites you to indulge in authentic cuisine, sip on premium tequila and immerse yourself in a weekend of dance, and … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Tacos, Tequila & Tamales Festival

Holi Festival: Join Portland’s Festival of Colors

Dress in white and play with colors at Portland's Holi Festival. The family-friendly event is hosted by Mumbai native DJ Prashant, an ex-Intel engineer turned DJ who founded his own dance company and tours across the U.S. Attend this upcoming springtime celebration. Holi Festival in … [Read more...] about Holi Festival: Join Portland’s Festival of Colors

Yozakura Festival Illuminates Cherry Blossoms in Gresham

Yozakura Festival celebrates the beauty of cherry blossom trees at the Gresham Japanese Garden. The magic of springtime in Japan has long been synonymous with the enchanting spectacle of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Traditionally celebrated through hanami, or cherry blossom viewing parties, … [Read more...] about Yozakura Festival Illuminates Cherry Blossoms in Gresham

2025 Portland Spring Festivals

Get ready for spring festivals in Portland. My favorite season in Portland is spring. By March, the sun starts to shine once again and our neighborhoods come to life with the sights and smells of springtime blooms. It feels like our city is rising anew with a bounty of opportunities to get out … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Spring Festivals

NAYA’s Native Made Spring Marketplace

View hand made creations at NAYA’s Native Made Spring Marketplace. Native American Youth and Family Center, NAYA, is a family of numerous tribes and voices who are dedicated to sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth. This weekend, you can see local culture come to life at this … [Read more...] about NAYA’s Native Made Spring Marketplace

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

Target Offers Free Peacock Premium Subscription

Want to try a new streaming service? Target is letting you try Peacock Premium for free.  Peacock has lots of options, including new movies, hit series, live sports, Peacock Originals and more. Plus, find current NBC & Bravo shows, more than 50 always-on channels and live news. Best of … [Read more...] about Target Offers Free Peacock Premium Subscription

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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.
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