Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Family & Parenting

Troutdale First Friday Art Walk

Explore Troutdale's art community during the First Friday Art Walk. On the first Friday of the month in the summer, the streets will be filled with vendors, sidewalk dining, live music, family-friendly activities and more. The fun continues during the fall months with activities moving … [Read more...] about Troutdale First Friday Art Walk

National Alpaca Farm Days

During the last weekend in September, alpaca farms across the country are opening their gates to the public for National Alpaca Farm Days.  On September 28 and 29, 2024, two nearby alpaca farms are participating in this annual celebration of the cute camelids and their incredible fibrous … [Read more...] about National Alpaca Farm Days

The Compassionate Living Festival

Celebrate 20 years of community for people, the planet and animals at the Compassionate Living Festival. For 20 years, Northwest VEG has promoted plant-based diets and supported communities in their journey toward a vegan lifestyle. This special festival celebrates that journey by highlighting … [Read more...] about The Compassionate Living Festival

Ride Oregon Pacific Railroad’s Train Through Portland

Want to see Portland by train? Climb aboard Oregon Pacific Railroad's train for a special ride around Portland. 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 Ride Oregon Pacific Railroad’s Train Through Portland

El Tigre Fest

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at El Tigre Fest. The free festival hosts Latin American food, arts and crafts, dancing, live music, and children’s activity for all ages. Here's what you can expect at the 2024 event.  2024 El Tigre Fest El Tigre Fest is Saturday, October 5, 2024 … [Read more...] about El Tigre Fest

Star Party at Glendoveer Golf Course

Enjoy a night of stargazing with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers during the Star Party at Glendoveer Golf Course. Looking for an exciting and educational way to spend your evening? Attend the Star Party. This family-friendly event promises a stellar experience as you explore the galaxy and learn … [Read more...] about Star Party at Glendoveer Golf Course

2024 Fall Harvest Festival at Topaz Farm

With vibrant autumn colors, family-friendly activities and the charm of the farm, the Fall Harvest Festival at Topaz Farm has everything you need to celebrate the season. The festival aims to give visitors an authentic harvest experience without the overcrowding or long lines. Here's what you … [Read more...] about 2024 Fall Harvest Festival at Topaz Farm

2024 Festa Italiana at Oaks Park

Enjoy all things Italian at the annual Festa Italiana at Oaks Park. Every year, the Italian festival brings together the community for a day of food, entertainment and family-friendly fun. Here are the details for the event: 2024 Festa Italiana On September 29, 2024, Oaks Park is … [Read more...] about 2024 Festa Italiana 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

2024 El Festival de Mariachi

Celebrate Hispanic culture through music, food and community at the 2024 El Festival de Mariachi. The festival honoring Hispanic Heritage Month is hosted by Unitus Community Credit Union. Here's what is in store at this free event:  2024 El Festival de Mariachi The festival is Sunday, … [Read more...] about 2024 El Festival de Mariachi

Join the Celebration at CullyFest

Looking for a vibrant, fun and community-focused event to attend this week? Attend CullyFest! The heart of the Cully neighborhood will come alive with music, arts, culture and an array of family-friendly activities that showcase the importance of community in Cully. Here's what you can … [Read more...] about Join the Celebration at CullyFest

2024 Oaks Park Oktoberfest

Portland's iconic amusement park is celebrating the harvest with a fun, family-friendly celebration. The Oaks Park Oktoberfest is one fall festival you won't want to miss.  This Oktoberfest has activities everyone can enjoy. The festival is broken up into the Main Festhalle and a Northwest … [Read more...] about 2024 Oaks Park Oktoberfest

Go Back in Time at the Philip Foster Farm Cider Squeeze

Take a step back in time at the annual Philip Foster Farm Cider Squeeze. The Philip Foster Farm is a historic 1840s homestead featuring original and reconstructed buildings. Visitors to the farm participate in hands-on activities and get an insider's look at what life was like on a working farm … [Read more...] about Go Back in Time at the Philip Foster Farm Cider Squeeze

Open Archery Range at Trackers Portland

Learn a new skill during open archery range days at Trackers Portland. Trackers is a team of expert educators who connect kids and adults with real adventures in the natural world.  Here's how you can shoot your shot once a week at the organization's headquarters. Open Archery Range Days … [Read more...] about Open Archery Range at Trackers Portland

Plumper Pumpkin Patch Fall Activities

Every fall, Plumper Pumpkin Patch celebrates the harvest season with fun activities, an amazing variety of pumpkins and tasty treats. If you have never been to this farm, I highly recommend it. It has a wonderful small farm feel in one of the rare rural areas of Portland. Plumper Pumpkin Patch … [Read more...] about Plumper Pumpkin Patch Fall Activities

2024 Serbian Fest Portland

Taste, experience and discover the culture of Serbia at the annual Serbian Fest Portland. Attend a weekend of rich cultural experiences at the 17th annual Serbian Festival. This beloved event has been a cornerstone of the local Serbian community, offering a unique opportunity for festival-goers … [Read more...] about 2024 Serbian Fest Portland

Portland Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Hayrides

Find the perfect pumpkin at a farm near you. Buying a pumpkin at the grocery store does not come close to picking the perfect pumpkin right from the field. Just outside our great city are many you-pick farms celebrating the fall harvest with corn mazes, hay rides and many varieties of pumpkins, … [Read more...] about Portland Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Hayrides

2024 Portland Polish Festival

Experience the food, dance and music of Poland. The annual Polish Festival in Portland hosts a full weekend of free, family-friendly activities.  Started in 1993, the Polish Festival is the oldest Polish festival in the Western United States. This event celebrates Polish culture, traditions … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Polish Festival

2024 Bethany Village Oktoberfest

Get ready to don your lederhosen and raise your steins. Bethany Village Oktoberfest is just around the corner. This September, Bethany Village Centre transforms into a lively celebration of German culture, complete with all the festive flair you’d expect from a traditional Oktoberfest. If … [Read more...] about 2024 Bethany Village Oktoberfest

2024 Division Clinton Street Fair

Come together with your community for a day of music, camaraderie and fun at the Division Clinton Street Fair. Clinton Street has lots of old school Portland charm. There's great restaurants, boutique and vintage shops, and iconic Portland businesses, like Clinton Street Theater.  The … [Read more...] about 2024 Division Clinton Street Fair

8 Salmon Spawning Locations Near Portland

Bumper-to-bumper traffic and high rises popping up on every block can make us forget about the natural wonderland just outside of the metro area. By taking a short trek east or west, we can breathe the fresh air, escape the noise and witness an incredible natural phenomenon happening right in our … [Read more...] about 8 Salmon Spawning Locations Near Portland

2024 Bella Organic Fall Activities: Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides and more

As the crisp air of fall settles in, there's no better way to celebrate the season than by immersing yourself in the bounty of the harvest and the thrill of autumn activities. Head to Bella Organic for special fall activities. The farm on Sauvie Island is a great destination for families, friends … [Read more...] about 2024 Bella Organic Fall Activities: Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides and more

Multicultural Kids Festival

Explore new cultures in a fun, creative setting at the Multicultural Kids Festival.  The event is hosted by the Slavic Community Center of NW, Inc. The local nonprofit helps its community members succeed in America through various programs and services. The organization hosts this annual … [Read more...] about Multicultural Kids Festival

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

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

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

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