Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Festivals

Celebrate Japanese New Year at Portland Japanese Garden

Celebrate Japanese New Year 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 sand and stone. Each garden highlights … [Read more...] about Celebrate Japanese New Year at Portland Japanese Garden

The 9th Annual NW Black Comedy Festival

Black comics from all over the country are coming to Portland for four days of laughter, joy and the celebration of humor. The 9th annual NW Black Comedy Festival features more than 60 Black comics performing 10 showcases during one weekend. This year’s festival will be taking place at Curious … [Read more...] about The 9th Annual NW Black Comedy Festival

2025 Portland Jazz Festival: Free Performances and Events

The Portland Jazz Festival has celebrated jazz music and culture in Portland for more than 20 years. View all of the free performances scheduled during the two-week festival.  Explore live performances, jazz conversations and events. Artists cover a full range of the genre, from new … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Jazz Festival: Free Performances and Events

2025 Portland Seafood and Wine Festival

Enjoy Oregon seafood and delicious beverages at the Portland Seafood and Wine Festival.  For the past 19 years, Portlanders have gathered during the peak Dungeness crab season to savor the locally sourced, fermented and distilled food and drinks. 2025 Portland Seafood and Wine Festival The … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Seafood and Wine Festival

2025 Lunar New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden

Portland's most popular Lunar New Year Celebration is back at Lan Su Chinese Garden. The nearly month-long festival features hanging red lanterns, performances, light displays and activities. The Chinese New Year festival is celebrating the Year of the Snake from January 29-February 23, 2025. … [Read more...] about 2025 Lunar New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden

Free and Cheap New Year’s Eve Events in Portland

New Year's Eve events in Portland are the perfect way to ring in 2025. Yet trying to find a celebration that doesn't cost a fortune can be difficult. Here's a round up of free and cheap New Year's Eve events in Portland.  Keep in mind that entrance to these parties may be free or cheap, but … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap New Year’s Eve Events in Portland

2024 Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway

Every holiday season, Portland International Raceway transforms its track into the largest light show West of the Mississippi. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, you can visit Winter Wonderland any day of the week. Since 1993, Winter Wonderland has been one of the must-see holiday light … [Read more...] about 2024 Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway

2025 Portland Winter Light Festival

During the darkest time of year, one Portland event brings the city together to celebrate creativity, culture and community through light.  The annual Portland Winter Light Festival is one of the most popular winter festivals in the city. The citywide outdoor arts celebration features … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Winter Light Festival

Winter Solstice Celebration at Leach Botanical Garden

Leach Botanical Garden invites you to take part in a tribute to the sun's return at the Winter Solstice celebration. 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 … [Read more...] about Winter Solstice Celebration at Leach Botanical Garden

Portland Holiday Event Guide

The best Portland holiday events for all ages.  Our area has many holiday events that make the season magical. Use this Portland holiday event guide to mark your calendar for tried-and-true seasonal fun and start new traditions. The is a day-by-day list of holiday events happening in and … [Read more...] about Portland Holiday Event Guide

Holiday Markets in and around Portland

Ready to start crossing off your holiday shopping list? Shop local at these Portland holiday markets. This list is your day-to-day guide to markets happening in the Portland area. Some of these markets have a special niche, like food or crafts. All of them are great places to support local makers … [Read more...] about Holiday Markets in and around Portland

2024 Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art and Craft Market

Are you ready for Portland's best holiday art and craft market? Crafty Wonderland is the ultimate local handmade art and craft event of the season.  If you haven't attended this magical holiday craft fair in the past, let me give you a little background. It all started when two local artists … [Read more...] about 2024 Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art and Craft Market

Silver Falls Winter Festival

Silver Falls State Park is becoming even more magical this December during the Winter Festival. Enjoy fun holiday activities while exploring this incredible Oregon park.  Here's what you can enjoy at the free festival.  2024 Silver Falls Winter Festival The Silver Falls Winter … [Read more...] about Silver Falls Winter Festival

Portland Night Market: Discover Local Creators and Chefs

Explore the city's best vendors celebrating local food, culture, music, drinks and retail at Portland Night Market. Since 2015, the Portland Night Market has centered around Portland's creative scene. This event is a unique experience on the Central Eastside for Portlanders of all … [Read more...] about Portland Night Market: Discover Local Creators and Chefs

Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Wild Arts Festival

Celebrate art, literature and nature at the Bird Alliance of Oregon's Wild Arts Festival. For 44 years, the festival has brought together outdoor lovers to discover one-of-a-kind nature-inspired artwork and books. This event supports the Bird Alliance of Oregon’s mission to inspire people to … [Read more...] about Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Wild Arts Festival

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 Fremont Holiday Fest

Get in the spirit of the season at the Fremont Holiday Fest!  On Friday, December 6, from 4-7 p.m., the Beaumont Business Association is hosting an evening full of fun, free activities along NE Fremont from NE 42nd-50th. Most activities are happening for the duration of the event, unless … [Read more...] about 2024 Fremont Holiday Fest

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

My People’s Market: A Celebration of Business, Arts and Culture

Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of Portland creators at our city's largest BIPOC marketplace, My People's Market.  Started in November 2017, My People's Market was created to help entrepreneurs of color to the travel industry and professionals who can help scale their businesses. It … [Read more...] about My People’s Market: A Celebration of Business, Arts and Culture

Gem Faire at Westside Commons

Gem Faire is taking over the entire expo hall at Westside Commons for the three-day event. The fair is one of the largest gem, jewelry and bead shows in the U.S. With more than 40 shows a year, you're sure to see the best of the best in the gem industry. The dealers at Gem Faire are direct … [Read more...] about Gem Faire at Westside Commons

Portland Holiday Market at the Expo Center

Portland's Holiday Market is coming to town! Shop outside the big box at the Portland Expo Center. Does this event sound familiar? Instead of the annual America's Largest Christmas Bazaar, the Portland Expo Center is hosting the Portland Holiday Market. This new holiday shopping experience … [Read more...] about Portland Holiday Market at the Expo Center

Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market

Portland foodies are in for a feast at Snack Fest. The creators of Portland Night Market are hosting a special food-themed event for three days in November.  Portland's Snack Fest is a vibrant food festival dedicated to showcasing the city's diverse and creative snack scene. Known for its … [Read more...] about Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market

Portland Holiday Food and Gift Festival

Want to get a jump start on your holiday shopping? The Portland Holiday Food and Gift Festival, one of the largest holiday celebrations in the Northwest, is back this November. The 35th annual festival features hundreds of local creators showcasing one-of-a-kind gifts. Here are some other … [Read more...] about Portland Holiday Food and Gift Festival

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

2024 Portland Book Festival

Book lovers are invited to join Literary Arts at the annual Portland Book Festival. This year, bibliophiles can partake in activities all day long at multiple locations in downtown Portland. 2024 Portland Book Festival The Portland Book Festival is on Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Book Festival

2024 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

There is something about a giant pumpkin that draws your attention. But what about hollowed out giant pumpkins supporting costume clad characters as they race around a lake? If this piqued your interest, you won't want to miss the 2024 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Since 2004, the West Coast … [Read more...] about 2024 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

2024 Hood River Valley Harvest Fest

  Celebrate the harvest season at one of the most plentiful valleys in Oregon. The Hood River Valley Harvest Fest invites you and your family to take a bite out of fall's delicious bounty at this October event. Here are the details about the 2024 festival.  2024 Hood River … [Read more...] about 2024 Hood River Valley Harvest Fest

2024 Portland Greek Festival

The annual Portland Greek Festival invites the community to enjoy the flavors, dances and traditions of the Mediterranean culture. In the late 1800s, the first Greek immigrants came the Northwest to work in fishing, lumber, railroad and other jobs. That's when the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Greek Festival

2024 Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens

Celebrate the haunting holiday all month long during Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens. Visiting St. Helens during the fall may feel like a trip back to your childhood. In 1998, Disney Channel's Halloween classic “Halloweentown" was filmed in the small city of St. Helens, Oregon. Since then, … [Read more...] about 2024 Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens

2024 Portland Oddities and Curiosities Expo

Get ready for a showcase of all things weird at the Portland Oddities and Curiosities Expo. If you love the strange, unusual and bizarre, you won't want to miss this collection of artists and small businesses as they descend on Portland. The Oddities and Curiosities Expo is the original traveling … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Oddities and Curiosities Expo

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

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

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

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 Mount Angel Oktoberfest

Get ready to eat, drink and Polka! The Mount Angel Oktoberfest brings the Bavarian tradition to our state.  Every year, the entire town of Mount Angel transforms into Oktoberfest. The event boasts nine entertainment venues brimming with beverages, entertainment, activities, food and … [Read more...] about 2024 Mount Angel Oktoberfest

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 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

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

Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street

On the last Thursday of summer months, Alberta Street opens to foot traffic only for a unique arts and culture experience. The Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street invites the whole community to come out and enjoy the creativity of our city's art, culture, music and food. The summer … [Read more...] about Last Thursday Art Walk on Alberta Street

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

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 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

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

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