Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Family & Parenting

The Pumpkin Patch Corn Maize Labor Day Discount

Get lost on Sauvie Island during the the Pumpkin Patch corn maize Labor Day discount event. This year, the 8-acre corn maize celebrates Charles Schulz's Peanuts 75th anniversary. The design features some of the beloved characters, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Sally Brown.   During … [Read more...] about The Pumpkin Patch Corn Maize Labor Day Discount

Summer Festival at Portland Japanese Garden

Celebrate community, culture and continuity during Bon-Odori Summer Festival at Portland Japanese Garden. Nestled in Washington Park, Portland Japanese Garden has been a place of serenity and tranquility for more than 50 years. Explore the eight unique garden spaces, from lush greens to ponds to … [Read more...] about Summer Festival at Portland Japanese Garden

2024 Art in the Pearl

More than 100 artists are taking over the Pearl District on Labor Day weekend to showcase their craft and skills. If you love art in all its forms, you won't want to miss Art in the Pearl. The annual event was started in 1997 by fifteen artists who wanted to showcase high-quality, handmade works … [Read more...] about 2024 Art in the Pearl

Ride the Willamette Shore Trolley

Take a scenic ride aboard the vintage Willamette Shore Trolley in Lake Oswego. During your ride, you'll travel along a historic rail line dating back to the late 1800s. You'll go back in time to when electrified trolleys transported citizens throughout the Portland area. The Willamette Shore … [Read more...] about Ride the Willamette Shore Trolley

2024 Lee Farms Fall Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Harvest season is upon us and Lee Farms has all your fall farmyard favorites. Attend the Lee Farms Fall Harvest Festival and pumpkin patch. This seventh generation family farm goes all out for the fall season with traditional attractions you know and love, as well as new activities designed with … [Read more...] about 2024 Lee Farms Fall Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Free National Parks and Public Lands Passes for 4th Graders

Every 4th grader in the United States has the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the nation with their family for free, thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors Program. This program gives 4th grade students and their families free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including … [Read more...] about Free National Parks and Public Lands Passes for 4th Graders

2024 Hawthorne Street Fair

Priding itself as Portland’s original “shop local” district, the Hawthorne Street Fair is one of the oldest and biggest street fairs in Portland. Starting in 1984 with a guitarist and a few local organizations, the event now features 150 community vendors and two stages of local … [Read more...] about 2024 Hawthorne Street Fair

2024 Bella Organic Sunflower Festival

Immerse yourself in a sea of vibrant sunflowers at the Bella Organic Sunflower Festival. 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, vegetables, pumpkins, vineyard grapes and herbs. In … [Read more...] about 2024 Bella Organic Sunflower Festival

2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

Take a journey to a storybook world at the Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire.  The annual event brings the community together to celebrate Celtic culture, fun and fantasy. Here's what is in store for this event in August.  2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire The 9th annual Portland Celtic … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

2024 Beaverton Music Festival

Get ready for a day filled with music, food and fun at the Beaverton Music Festival. This free, family-friendly event promises to be a special experience for music lovers of all ages. Pack your low back chairs and blankets for a full day of music in the park. Here are the details about this … [Read more...] about 2024 Beaverton Music Festival

Tree Time! Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum

Preschool walks at Hoyt Arboretum invite you and your kids to explore the outdoors. This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Every week, the arboretum hosts a special event of its youngest visitors. Here's how you … [Read more...] about Tree Time! Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum

Swift Watch at Chapman Elementary School

See an amazing natural phenomenon happening in Portland during Swift Watch in September.  Every year, Vaux's Swifts roost in a chimney located in Northwest Portland. If you love birds and incredible nature sights, you'll want to attend at least one night of Swift Watch. Swift Watch at … [Read more...] about Swift Watch at Chapman Elementary School

Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market at Lan Su Chinese Garden

Celebrate a special Chinese holiday at Lan Sun Chinese Garden's Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market. The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest moon during the autumnal equinox. In Chinese culture, the image of a full moon symbolizes a happy family reunion. Lan Su Chinese Garden is … [Read more...] about Mid-Autumn Festival Moonlight Market at Lan Su Chinese Garden

Ukrainian Day at Westmoreland Park

Celebrate Ukrainian culture at Westmoreland Park this weekend. The event is hosted by Ukrainian Foundation, a local organization that was established in 2006 to help Ukrainian refugees adjust to their new home in the United States. The organization is also sending food, medical and basic supplies … [Read more...] about Ukrainian Day at Westmoreland Park

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

2024 Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias

Visit one of the Portland area's beloved flower farms this summer during the Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias. Swan Island Dahlias in Canby has been growing beautiful blooms for close to 100 years. The flower farm is the largest and leading dahlia grower in the United States. With roots in … [Read more...] about 2024 Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias

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

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

2024 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 2024 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

2024 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 2024 Beaverton Night Market

2024 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 2024 Multnomah Days Festival and Parade

2024 Portland Sunflower Festivals and Fields

It's harvest time in the Pacific Northwest. One crop that brings universal admiration for its lofty stalks and full faced color is the sunflower. Portland sunflower festivals and fields are opening in August, inviting our community to come take in this bloom while it lasts.  Portland has … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Sunflower Festivals and Fields

2024 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 2024 Oregon City Porchfest

Sunflower Field at West Union Gardens

Standing out in a field of beautiful flowers and taking pictures with your loved ones is a great outdoor activity for everyone. The West Union Gardens sunflower field is in bloom is mid-August. Get tickets for this popular attraction at the Hillsboro you-pick farm. Looking for more summertime … [Read more...] about Sunflower Field at West Union Gardens

Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

Take your family on a stroll through Portland's museum of trees. This summer, Hoyt Arboretum is hosting Family Forest Days.  This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Hoyt Arboretum is free to visit with lots of … [Read more...] about Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

Topaz Farm Sunflower Maze

Take a trip to Sauvie Island for the sunflower maze at Topaz Farm. The Sauvie Island farm has a produce market, farm animals, you-pick crops, a grill and lots of harvest time events. The farm also plants a sunflower maze for visitors to enjoy in late summer. Here are the details about the 2024 … [Read more...] about Topaz Farm Sunflower Maze

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

2024 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 2024 Opera in the Park Portland

2024 Portland Witches Paddle Boarding Event

**This event is on hiatus on 2024. The details below are from 2023.** Picture this: a convoy of witches on stand-up paddleboards gliding along the Willamette River against the backdrop of Portland's skyline. Watch witches descend on the downtown waterway at this annual paddle boarding event in … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Witches Paddle Boarding Event

2024 Lee Farms Sunflower Festival

One of the most beautiful sights during the summertime harvest is a field full of sunflowers. The Lee Farms Sunflower Festival is back this year with family-friendly fun, including a sunflower field, maze, hay ride, and more farm activities. The Lee Farms Sunflower Festival, located in Tualatin, … [Read more...] about 2024 Lee Farms Sunflower Festival

2024 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. 2024 Obon Fest at … [Read more...] about 2024 Obon Fest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple

2024 India Festival at Beaverton City Park

Celebrate India’s Independence Day with live music, dance, food and other entertainment at Beaverton City Park. The event is hosted by the India Cultural Association, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Indian cultural awareness in Portland, Oregon. Every year, ICA hosts the popular India Festival … [Read more...] about 2024 India Festival at Beaverton City Park

2024 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 2024 Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Hollywood Theatre’s Outdoor Movies in Oregon State Parks

Celebrate Oregon State Parks and classic cinema at these outdoor movies presented by Hollywood Theatre.  Since 2016, the Hollywood Theatre has partnered with Oregon State Parks to host a series of screenings in state parks. All of the events are held at parks within an hour of Portland. Films … [Read more...] about Hollywood Theatre’s Outdoor Movies in Oregon State Parks

2024 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 2024 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

2024 Powell’s Summer Reading Challenge

Summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in the pages of a great book. Powell's Books invites readers of all ages to embark on a literary adventure during the Powell's Summer Reading Challenge. Designed to ignite your imagination and foster a love for reading, this challenge gives you a … [Read more...] about 2024 Powell’s Summer Reading Challenge

Free Open Play Swim Sessions at Portland Pools

Cool off this summer at one of our city's outdoor pools for free during open play swim sessions. All of Portland Parks and Recreation's outdoor pools are offering free open play swim sessions this summer. No registration is required to swim. Free admission is available on a first come, first … [Read more...] about Free Open Play Swim Sessions at Portland Pools

Free Summer Concerts in the Parks

Enjoying music outdoors is a quintessential summertime activity. Portland Parks and Recreation is hosting 30 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

2024 Milwaukie Cruise-In

The 41st annual Milwaukie Cruise-In offers free entertainment, discounted bowling and food deals.  On Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 3-10 p.m., the Milwaukie Bowl parking lot hosts cool, classic cars. Live entertainment includes Dirty Dave the Record Slave from 3-6 p.m. and The Average Joes … [Read more...] about 2024 Milwaukie Cruise-In

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

Enjoy $1 Family Flicks at Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express

Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express is bringing cheap family-friendly movies all summer break to a theater near you.  Keep the kids entertained all summer long. Spend every week of summer vacation viewing family-friendly movies at your closest Regal Cinemas … [Read more...] about Enjoy $1 Family Flicks at Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express

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

Summer Flower Event at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

New this year, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm invites you to explore its bounty of summertime blooms. The summer flower event features vibrant sunflowers and a variety of other summer flowers. For more than 40 years, this Woodburn, Oregon, farm has delighted visitors with beautiful blossoms of every … [Read more...] about Summer Flower Event at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

2024 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. 2024 … [Read more...] about 2024 Montavilla Street Fair

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