Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Family & Parenting

2024 Lightopia: Hillsboro’s Free Drive-Through Light Display

Lightopia, Hillsboro's free drive-through light display, invites you to enjoy the twinkle of the award-winning event this December. It is one of the few free holiday light displays in the Portland area. Here's how you can claim your free spot for 2024 Lightopia: 2024 Lightopia: Hillsboro's … [Read more...] about 2024 Lightopia: Hillsboro’s Free Drive-Through Light Display

Thanksgiving Skate Night at Oaks Park

It's time to burn off that Thanksgiving meal! Oaks Park is hosting a special skate night on Thanksgiving day. If you have relatives in town or you're looking for an activity during your time off, head to Portland's one-and-only amusement park for roller skating fun at a great price. Oaks Park … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Skate Night at Oaks Park

2024 Silverton Christmas Market

Take a drive to the Oregon Garden Resort for the annual Silverton Christmas Market, featuring a dazzling light display, German inspired market and family-friendly activities.  This beloved holiday tradition has taken place for more than a decade. Now held at the Oregon Garden Resort, the … [Read more...] about 2024 Silverton Christmas Market

Holiday Lights at Meinig Park

Every year, Sandy's crown jewel park transforms into a magical holiday experience. Visit the holiday lights at Meinig Park this season. The light display also hosts special events throughout the month. Here are the details about the holiday event. If you're looking for more sparkling lights, … [Read more...] about Holiday Lights at Meinig Park

OMSI on Ice: Indoor Skating at the Museum

This holiday season, Portland’s iconic Oregon Museum of Science and Industry brings you OMSI on Ice indoor skating. OMSI On Ice transforms the museum’s auditorium into a dazzling winter wonderland featuring a unique synthetic ice rink, offering all the fun of traditional skating without the … [Read more...] about OMSI on Ice: Indoor Skating at the Museum

A Pittock Mansion Christmas: Home for the Holidays

As the holiday season approaches, the iconic Pittock Mansion in Portland is gearing up to transform into a Home for the Holidays, marking the return of its beloved annual Christmas display. This year promises to be more enchanting than ever, with a festive theme that will transport visitors into … [Read more...] about A Pittock Mansion Christmas: Home for the Holidays

Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in and around Portland

Soak in that sweet pine smell at Christmas tree farms and lots around Portland. Nothing rings in the holiday season quite like the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree. We're fortunate to live in an area where trees are plentiful and grow by the foot. It also means there are plenty of options for … [Read more...] about Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in and around Portland

2024 Christmas on the Campground

Christmas on the Campground brings a traditional light display and special holiday event to Portland every year. The event illustrates a Merry Christmas with a life-size nativity, thousands of lights and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland. This event is once again opening … [Read more...] about 2024 Christmas on the Campground

St. Johns Ugly Sweater Tree Lighting

Head to one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods for a festive, community event. Be part of the decorating crew at St. Johns Ugly Sweater Tree Lighting. The tree lighting event is held at the St. Johns Plaza. Here are the activities you can partake in:  Decorate an ornament to hang … [Read more...] about St. Johns Ugly Sweater Tree Lighting

The Tesla City Stories: Only 20 Discount Tickets Available

Sponsored post Join us Friday, November 22, at the Old Church Concert Hall for the final show of The Tesla City Stories’ tenth season! It’ll be a feast of entertainment with all the fixins. Get $12 discount tickets to The Tesla City Stories November show at TeslaTix.com. Use code CHEAP11. Don't … [Read more...] about The Tesla City Stories: Only 20 Discount Tickets Available

Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration

Kickoff the festive season at the annual Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration. Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the community gathers in downtown Hillsboro to enjoy performances, local artisans and activities for all ages. The event builds the excitement leading up to the tree … [Read more...] about Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration

2024 ScanFair: Nordic Christmas Market

Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and traditions of a Nordic Christmas market at ScanFair.  For 40 years, Nordic Northwest has brought Scandinavia to Portland through traditional food, entertainment, goods and activities.  Here's what you can enjoy at this year's ScanFair.  2024 … [Read more...] about 2024 ScanFair: Nordic Christmas Market

2024 Oregon ZooLights

The Oregon Zoo's special holiday attraction lets you walk on the wild side of a winter wonderland. Oregon ZooLights features more than 1.5 million lights and gives visitors a whole new zoo experience. This year, explore all the opportunities to experience one of Portland's best holiday light … [Read more...] about 2024 Oregon ZooLights

The Scandinavian Christmas Goat Market

Visit a Scandinavian Christmas market featuring art, crafts and food. Do you know about the Yule goat? This Scandinavian symbol of the holiday season is a gift giver who is sometimes pictured as Santa's companion.  In the spirit of the Yule goat, start your holiday preparations at New … [Read more...] about The Scandinavian Christmas Goat Market

2024 Winter Gleam: A New Holiday Light Experience at Oaks Amusement Park

Portland has a new must-see attraction this winter! Winter Gleam, a holiday light experience, will make its sparkling debut at Oaks Amusement Park.  As you wander through the park, you'll be captivated by dynamic holiday lights that infuse the park with festive energy, creating the perfect … [Read more...] about 2024 Winter Gleam: A New Holiday Light Experience at Oaks Amusement Park

2024 Portland Winter Ice Rink

Glide into the season with the perfect blend of tradition and holiday magic at the Portland Winter Ice Rink. As winter blankets the city with its chilly embrace, there's a magical spot waiting to be discovered by families and friends. The new winter ice rink is brimming with family-friendly … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Winter Ice Rink

North Portland Free Clothing Exchange

Update your wardrobe at this free community clothing exchange. The North Portland Free Clothing Exchange was started by a group of friends who were looking for a way to pass along gently used clothing, especially for their kids who outgrew clothes quickly. The clothing exchange is built on the … [Read more...] about North Portland Free Clothing Exchange

Native American Community Science Night at OMSI

Celebrate Native culture and community at this special OMSI science event. Native American Community Science 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 the … [Read more...] about Native American Community Science Night at OMSI

Open Farm Days at Zenger Farm

Celebrate Saturday on the farm! Zenger Farm is hosting family-friendly activities during Open Farm Days. Zenger Farm is a 24-acre combined farm and wetland in southeast Portland. The urban farm hosts educational activities in a natural environment. Programs teach kids and adults the importance of … [Read more...] about Open Farm Days at Zenger Farm

Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Walk the trails of Tryon Creek Natural Area with outdoor experts during guided nature walks. 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 climate: trees covered in moss with huge … [Read more...] about Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Portland

You’re finally done grocery shopping. The house is clean. You have a schedule of what's cooking for the next 24 hours. It is officially the calm before the holiday storm. But there is still one thing you might have overlooked: what do to with your guests over Thanksgiving weekend. Make new … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Portland

2024 Christmas Tree Permits: Get a $5 Tree from Mt. Hood National Forest

Want to decorate with a beautiful, real Christmas tree without going over budget? Locals can get inexpensive Christmas tree permits and choose their own trees from Mt. Hood National Forest. Picking the perfect Christmas tree is a quintessential tradition. For many of us, it is one of the first … [Read more...] about 2024 Christmas Tree Permits: Get a $5 Tree from Mt. Hood National Forest

Picture-Perfect Memories: Santa Photos at Portland Malls

Sponsored post Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. With a jolly, authentic Santa and a friendly team that knows how to make families feel at home, you can skip the long lines and stress. Here's where you can get Santa photos at Portland malls along with a few … [Read more...] about Picture-Perfect Memories: Santa Photos at Portland Malls

2024 Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony

There is something magical about a tree covered in mesmerizing lights and charming decorations. It is even more impressive when the tree stands at 75 feet tall. Ring in the season at the Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony. On the day after Thanksgiving, Portlanders are invited to kick off  the … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony

McMenamins History Pubs

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

Free Craft Nights at collage

collage, a beloved independently-owned and family-operated art and craft store, hosts free craft nights for the creative souls of Portland! collage is a one of the local fabric and craft stores you need to visit. As a business deeply rooted in Portland, collage embraces the city's eclectic … [Read more...] about Free Craft Nights at collage

Frybread Fest: Culture, Community and Celebration

Join a vibrant celebration of Native American Heritage Month at Frybread Fest. This special event invites everyone to come together in a day of education, healing and celebration at Director Park in downtown Portland, located at 815 SW Park Ave. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., experience a rich lineup of … [Read more...] about Frybread Fest: Culture, Community and Celebration

Portland Veterans Day Parade

Honor the men and women who have served and currently serve in the armed forces at the Portland Veterans Day Parade. Since 1974, this event has been Portland’s only Veterans Day parade. It was founded by Vernon E. Ross, proprietor of Ross Hollywood Funeral Chapel. Here are all the details … [Read more...] about Portland Veterans Day Parade

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum are back in 2024.  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 attractions along with … [Read more...] about Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

Día de los Muertos Events in and around Portland

Join Día de los Muertos celebrations happening throughout Portland. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a multi-day holiday involving family and friends gathering to pay respect and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration invites those who have passed away to … [Read more...] about Día de los Muertos Events in and around Portland

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

2024 Verboort Sausage and Kraut Festival

The beloved Verboort Sausage and Kraut Festival returns for its 90th year of food, festivities and fun.  This annual event brings the community together to celebrate local traditions, while raising funds for the small Catholic community and school that make this event … [Read more...] about 2024 Verboort Sausage and Kraut Festival

Patriot’s Train Ride on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad invites veterans and their families to embark on a unique journey during Veterans Day weekend.  A 1941 diesel locomotive transports passengers through scenic northern Clark County from Yacolt to Moulton Falls and back.  Chelatchie Prairie Railroad … [Read more...] about Patriot’s Train Ride on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad

Free Military Admission to Oregon Zoo on Veterans Day

There are many free meals, activities, freebies and discounts for military on Veterans Day. The Oregon Zoo is celebrating by sharing a day of wild fun at no cost to military personnel and their families.  Oregon Zoo Veterans Day Deal On Monday, November 11, military veterans and active … [Read more...] about Free Military Admission to Oregon Zoo on Veterans Day

Trick-or-Treat Events in and around Portland

Happy Halloween! Trick-or-treat events are popping up all over the Portland area, inviting your family to get out, show off your costumes and collect some delicious treats.  Whether you're in Portland or one of the surrounding cities, chances are you have one of these trick-or-treat events … [Read more...] about Trick-or-Treat Events in and around Portland

Snowvana: Portland’s Winter Sports Festival

Join the celebration of winter at Snowvana! The Northwest's largest gear sale and ski swap is taking over the expo center with many unique experiences for snow sports lovers. Here are the details about the 2024 event.  2024 Snowvana: Portland's Winter Sports Festival Snowvana is taking … [Read more...] about Snowvana: Portland’s Winter Sports Festival

The Festival of Lights: Diwali Celebration in Lake Oswego

Dive into a world of vibrant colors, mesmerizing dances and mouthwatering Indian snacks. The Diwali Celebration in Lake Oswego is a free family-friendly gathering designed to bring the community together. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a festival of lights that signifies the triumph of good … [Read more...] about The Festival of Lights: Diwali Celebration in Lake Oswego

Oregon Zoo’s Fall Discount Days

The Oregon Zoo is one of the best attractions in Portland for fun day of adventure. With many special programs, events and exhibits, everyone can take a walk on the wild side, no matter your age. The Portland hot spot is making it easier to enjoy all its animals during Oregon Zoo discount days. A … [Read more...] about Oregon Zoo’s Fall Discount Days

Free Birthday Admission at Leach Botanical Garden

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Leach Botanical Garden is offering free birthday admission to everyone in 2024.  Leach Botanical Garden is a natural oasis nestled in Southeast Portland. The 16-acre estate features more than 2,000 plant species growing along the banks of Johnson … [Read more...] about Free Birthday Admission at Leach Botanical Garden

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

Halloween at Next Level Burger: Trick-or-Treat, BOGO Burgers and Costume Contest

Get ready for a special Halloween celebration at Next Level Burger. Next Level Burger is America's first 100% plant-based burger place. Started in 2014, the business is focuses on organic, non-GMO ingredients and sustainability. The burger place has expanded to location in Oregon, Washington, … [Read more...] about Halloween at Next Level Burger: Trick-or-Treat, BOGO Burgers and Costume Contest

Oaks Park Roller Rink Halloween Events

Looking for the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit? Oaks Park Roller Rink has you covered with three fantastic Halloween events that promise spooky fun for all ages. Whether you're into creative costumes, groovy disco beats, or haunting melodies, Oaks Park’s historic roller rink is the … [Read more...] about Oaks Park Roller Rink Halloween Events

Bob’s Red Mill Harvest Festival

Looking for a fun way to celebrate fall? Attend the Bob’s Red Mill Harvest Festival for an afternoon full of family-friendly fun and seasonal excitement. Here are the details: Bob's Red Mill Harvest Festival Bob’s Red Mill Harvest Festival is Saturday, October 26 from 12-3 p.m. at the Whole … [Read more...] about Bob’s Red Mill Harvest Festival

Halloween Skate: Get Discount Admission at Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Make new spooky fun memories at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink this Halloween. Get discount admission during this special holiday event.   Did you know that the Lloyd Center Ice Rink made history when it first opened in 1960? It was the nation's first ice rink located inside a shopping … [Read more...] about Halloween Skate: Get Discount Admission at Lloyd Center Ice Rink

Free Youth Admission at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum

Visit the World Forestry Center this October for free youth admission on select 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 Youth Admission at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum

Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

Calling all vintage, handmade, food loving Portlanders! Explore one-of-a-kind goods at Portland Flea. For the past 12 years, 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 … [Read more...] about Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

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

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