Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Family & Parenting

PDX Sidewalk Joy Map: Visit Neighborhood Galleries, Exchanges and Displays

Take a self-guided tour of local creations using the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map. This map showcases fun, interactive neighborhood galleries, exchanges and displays. While exploring the joy map, you may also come across Portland's beloved monkey puzzle trees.  Here's how you can make the most … [Read more...] about PDX Sidewalk Joy Map: Visit Neighborhood Galleries, Exchanges and Displays

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

Free Cultural Passes at Portland Libraries

Libraries have expanded way beyond books. From classes to e-catalogues to free Wi-Fi, libraries have become a resource hub for communities across the Portland area. Best of all, you can access all of these services for free. There are many perks of having a library card, including free cultural … [Read more...] about Free Cultural Passes at Portland Libraries

City of Portland Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate Earth Day in Portland–together as one. The City of Portland Earth Day Celebration is a fun, family-friendly afternoon dedicated to sustainability, community and connection. This year’s theme, "Together as One," invites Portlanders of all ages to come together to celebrate of our shared … [Read more...] about City of Portland Earth Day Celebration

2025 Easter Brunch and Dinner To Go in Portland

Looking for an alternative for your feast this Easter? Portland restaurants and grocery stores offer holiday brunch and dinner to go.  This is a great way to have a delicious meal with all the fixings from the comfort of your home, while taking the stress out of preparing it yourself. There … [Read more...] about 2025 Easter Brunch and Dinner To Go in Portland

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

French Prairie Gardens Tulip and Flower Fest

Spring is in full bloom. Celebrate the season by immersing yourself in a sea of vibrant flowers at the French Prairie Gardens Tulip and Flower Festival! With more than six acres of dazzling tulips and daffodils, visitors can stroll through vibrant fields, capturing pictures of the vibrant spring … [Read more...] about French Prairie Gardens Tulip and Flower Fest

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

2025 Portland House and Outdoor Living Show

The Portland House and Outdoor Living Show wants to make your dream home a reality. This event promises a haven for homeowners and backyard enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking to renovate, remodel or simply seeking inspiration, this is the place to be this weekend.  Also happening this … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland House and Outdoor Living Show

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

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

2025 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. 2025 … [Read more...] about 2025 Planetarium Sky Theater Shows at Mt. Hood Community College

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

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

2025 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 2025 Opera in the Park Portland

Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Tyron Creek Natural Area is celebrating one of Portland's must-see spring blooms. The Trillium Festival invites you to get outside and enjoy this special seasonal flower.  Located in Southwest Portland, Tryon Creek is one of Portland’s best urban parks. This beautiful natural area is a … [Read more...] about Trillium Festival at Tryon Creek Natural Area

2025 Abby’s Closet Prom Dress Giveaway

Need a prom dress, but can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars? Abby's Closet has you covered. Attend the nonprofit's upcoming prom dress giveaway. Abby’s Closet inspires confidence and respect in high schoolers by providing free formal dresses for prom or other memorable events. Since 2004, … [Read more...] about 2025 Abby’s Closet Prom Dress Giveaway

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum are taking place throughout 2025.  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

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

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

Easter Egg Hunt at Bella Organic Farm

Celebrate Easter on the farm! Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt at Bella Organic Farm. Bella Organic is a 100-acre certified organic farm and winery on Sauvie Island that is open year round. They grow more than 70 varieties of berries, fruits, … [Read more...] about Easter Egg Hunt at Bella Organic Farm

2025 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Attend the 38th annual Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. The Portland Cinco de Mayo 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 … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Spring Garden Fair at Clackamas County Event Center

Enjoy a weekend of discovery, inspiration and fun at the 41st 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 … [Read more...] about Spring Garden Fair at Clackamas County Event Center

Free Admission Days at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum

Visit the World Forestry Center during this upcoming free admission 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 lives.  The museum … [Read more...] about Free Admission Days at World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum

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

Sunday Parkways: A Family-Friendly Mobile Block Party

Every year, Portland Bureau of Transportation opens Portland streets to a special kind of traffic during Sunday Parkways. This summer program lets bikers, walkers and rollers stroll Portland neighborhoods together like one big mobile block party. It is family friendly and always draws big crowds … [Read more...] about Sunday Parkways: A Family-Friendly Mobile Block Party

Spring Equinox Garden Fair at Leach Botanical Garden

Celebrate the beginning of a new season, nature and gardening at the Spring Equinox Garden Fair. 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 Creek. Adding to the unique charm … [Read more...] about Spring Equinox Garden Fair at Leach Botanical Garden

Whale Watching Week on the Oregon Coast

Oregon is truly a natural wonder. In Portland, we're lucky enough to live a short drive from the mountain and the ocean. If you're looking for an unforgettable day trip or want to get out of the city during spring break, head to the coast for whale watching. Nearly 20,000 gray whales are … [Read more...] about Whale Watching Week on the Oregon Coast

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

Budget-Friendly Soaking Pools and Saunas in and around Portland

Looking for an inexpensive way to warm up and unwind in Portland? Here's your guide to soaking pools and saunas in and around Portland.  These serene retreats provide locals and visitors alike an escape from the hustle and bustle. Unwind and rejuvenate in the tranquil spa settings. Whether … [Read more...] about Budget-Friendly Soaking Pools and Saunas in and around Portland

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at McMenamins Kennedy School

Enjoy a weekend of merriment, fun and food during the St. Patrick's Day Celebration at McMenamins Kennedy School. 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 … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at McMenamins Kennedy School

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

Portland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Celebrate the luck of the Irish at the 36th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Portland. It's that time of the year again when the streets of the Irvington neighborhood in Portland transform into a sea of green, and the sound of bagpipes fills the air. The parade is just around the corner, and … [Read more...] about Portland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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

All-Ireland Cultural Society’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

All-Ireland Cultural Society of Oregon is hosting a family-friendly St. Patrick's Day Celebration.  For more than 80 years, All-Ireland Cultural Society's all-volunteer nonprofit has been promoting social opportunities, Irish entertainment and Irish cultural events in Oregon and Southwest … [Read more...] about All-Ireland Cultural Society’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Oregon Zoo’s Winter 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 Winter Discount Days

Tualatin Valley Gem Club Rock and Gem Show

Explore rocks, minerals and fossils at the 66th annual Tualatin Valley Gem Club Rock and Gem Show. The event is hosted by the nonprofit gem club that promotes the interests and learning of geology, lapidary arts, paleontology and mineralogy. Show your support for the club at the 2025 … [Read more...] about Tualatin Valley Gem Club Rock and Gem Show

2025 Agate and Mineral Show at OMSI

Explore the wonders of nature at the annual Agate and Mineral Show. The event is held at Portland's very own science center, OMSI. Enjoy exhibits, special displays and activities, demonstrations and more at this free, family-friendly event.  2025 Agate and Mineral Show at OMSI The Agate … [Read more...] about 2025 Agate and Mineral Show at OMSI

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

2025 Oregon International Auto Show

Get ready to buckle up and experience the thrill of the Oregon International Auto Show, returning to the Oregon Convention Center this February. At the Pacific Northwest's biggest auto show, this event promises to be better than ever before, showcasing hundreds of new vehicles, the latest in-car … [Read more...] about 2025 Oregon International Auto Show

Pay Your Age Birthday Discount at Build-A-Bear Workshop

If your little one has a birthday coming up, there’s no sweeter way to celebrate than with the Birthday Treat Bear at Build-A-Bear Workshop. With their Pay Your Age discount, your child can take home this cuddly companion for the price of their new age–all throughout their birthday … [Read more...] about Pay Your Age Birthday Discount at Build-A-Bear Workshop

Hawks and Hot Chocolate: A Winter Birding Adventure on Sauvie Island

Calling all bird enthusiasts! Sip on warm beverages and witness the beauty of the city's wildlife. Hawks and Hot Chocolate invites you to celebrate majestic birds of prey and warm up with a delicious drink.  Sauvie Island is a hotspot for birds of prey. Join the Bird Alliance of Oregon, … [Read more...] about Hawks and Hot Chocolate: A Winter Birding Adventure on Sauvie Island

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