Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Festivals

2025 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. 2025 … [Read more...] about 2025 Montavilla Street Fair

2025 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 2025 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

2025 Peruvian Cultural Festival

Enjoy food, art, vendors and performances at the Peruvian Cultural Festival. Founded in 2018, the event invites the community to come together in celebration of Peruvian culture.  Here are the details about the 2025 event.  2025 Peruvian Cultural Festival The Peruvian cultural art … [Read more...] about 2025 Peruvian Cultural Festival

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

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 color framing the … [Read more...] about Summer Flower Event at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

2025 Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

The annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is Portland's best free concert of the summer. This three-day event features the region's most talented Jazz and Blues musicians harmonizing with the incredible backdrop of the St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park. This year, the festival has a full line … [Read more...] about 2025 Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

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

2025 Gresham Arts Festival

Meet, browse and shop from a select group of juried Pacific Northwest artisans at the Gresham Arts Festival. Experience art in the heart of the city. This free, family-friendly event includes live music, a kids village and local cuisine. Here's what you can expect at the annual event. 2025 … [Read more...] about 2025 Gresham Arts Festival

La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival

The streets of downtown Hillsboro become a canvas during the La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival. Tualatin Valley Creates is bringing together talented artists that will make the sidewalks come to life with their incredible creations. Tualatin Valley Creates serves Washington County’s 15 … [Read more...] about La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival

Sherwood Robin Hood Festival

For more than 70 years, Sherwood, Oregon, has celebrated the annual Sherwood Robin Hood Festival.  Take a short drive to Old Town Sherwood for a community parade, live entertainment on two stages, medieval reenactments, Maid Marian's Court, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a knighting ceremony, … [Read more...] about Sherwood Robin Hood Festival

Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade

Gather with our local LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies at the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade. The annual event has been a tradition in our city since 1994. This year, Portland's premier Pride event is in July.  Here are the details about the 2025 event:  2025 Portland … [Read more...] about Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade

2025 Mississippi Street Fair

Don't miss Portland's largest street fair this summer. The annual Mississippi Street Fair brings together the eclectic, flavorful, fun-loving flair of one of Portland's best neighborhoods into the largest family-friendly block party of the summer. This is one of several Portland street fairs that … [Read more...] about 2025 Mississippi Street Fair

East Portland Summer Arts Festival

Celebrate music and expression at the East Portland Summer Arts Festival.  At this year's festival, you'll be treated to a blend of performance and storytelling as performers fill a Portland park with an evening of music and good vibes.  The event is part of Portland Parks and … [Read more...] about East Portland Summer Arts Festival

2025 Helvetia Lavender Festival

Wander through the lavender fields, cut your own flower bundles and take in stunning views of the Willamette Valley during the Helvetia Lavender Festival. Helvetia Lavender Farm is a short drive from Portland and showcases 60 different varieties of lavender. During the annual festival, guests are … [Read more...] about 2025 Helvetia Lavender Festival

4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations in and around Portland

Have a blast at one of these 4th of July events in and around Portland. Some celebrations have a whole day's worth of fun activities, games, live music and entertainment your whole family will enjoy. Portland firework shows and celebrations are held throughout the area. Keep in mind, the use of … [Read more...] about 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations in and around Portland

2025 Portland Night Market

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 2025 Portland Night 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

Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival

Join a day of entertainment and celebration at Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival. The annual festival in North Portland sets the stage for locally renowned musicians, artists, small businesses and organizations. Here are the details about the 2025 event. 2025 Good in the … [Read more...] about Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival

2025 Portland Waterfront Fireworks Show

The Portland Waterfront Blues Festival is once again celebrating the 4th of July with a fireworks show over the Portland waterfront. You don't have to buy tickets to enjoy the show. Instead, view the Portland waterfront fireworks show from various vantage points throughout the city! Here's some … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Waterfront Fireworks Show

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

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

2025 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 2025 Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias

Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest

Enjoy Nordic traditions during the Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest.  The annual event is hosted by Nordic Northwest, an organization that plans celebrations throughout the year focused on the cultures of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden. The Oregon Midsummer … [Read more...] about Oregon Midsummer Festival at Nordic Northwest

2025 Latino Cultural Festival

Celebrate Latino heritage, music and cuisine at the 19th annual Latino Cultural Festival. The event is hosted by the Hillsboro Hops at Hillsboro Ballpark. Head to the stadium for a day full of family-friendly activities. 2025 Latino Cultural Festival The Latino Cultural Festival is Sunday, June … [Read more...] about 2025 Latino Cultural Festival

2025 Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Portland

Celebrate Juneteenth at these community gatherings throughout the Portland area. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a federal holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of … [Read more...] about 2025 Juneteenth Celebrations in and around Portland

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

2025 Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival

Celebrate a day of education and advocacy with your community during the Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival. Juneteenth Oregon is a nonprofit organization that connects and strengthens communities, and shares the history of Juneteenth. The organization is celebrating its 53rd Juneteenth Oregon … [Read more...] about 2025 Juneteenth Oregon Parade and Festival

2025 Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival

Happy Valley Park is transforming into a family festival for the 4th of July. Enjoy a hike, parade, activities and a fireworks show.  Here's the full schedule of events. In addition to this event, check out all the 4th of July fireworks and celebrations in and around Portland. 2025 … [Read more...] about 2025 Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival

Portland Thai Festival: The Taste of Thailand

Portland Thai Festival, known as the Taste of Thailand, is a vibrant cultural event that brings the essence of Thailand to our city through a delightful showcase of food and entertainment. This festival is not just about savoring delicious dishes but also about experiencing Thai … [Read more...] about Portland Thai Festival: The Taste of Thailand

2025 Tigard Festival of Balloons

Look up as hot air balloons take to the sky over Cook Park during the Tigard Festival of Balloons.  The festival is all about community. It provides fundraising opportunities for local nonprofit organizations while inviting the public to come together for a fun celebration. In 2025, the … [Read more...] about 2025 Tigard Festival of Balloons

4 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Portland

It's lavender season in the Pacific Northwest! Starting in June, lavender farms throughout the Portland area invite the public to enjoy the beauty of the blooms, pick their own bundles and peruse homemade lavender products.  These four beautiful lavender farms are a short drive from … [Read more...] about 4 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Portland

2025 Portland Pride Month Events

June is Pride Month. Portland has a variety of events to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community.  Did you know Pride has been celebrated in Portland since the early 1970s? Portland's long history of acceptance and inclusion is honored throughout the year with many LGBTQ+ events. During Pride … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Pride Month Events

Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

This Memorial Day weekend, head to Oaks Park for some good, old-fashioned fun at the Multnomah County Fair. The annual fair has been entertaining Portlanders since 1906. Traditionally an event for locals to exhibit farming and homesteading techniques, fairs have expanded to showcase food, … [Read more...] about Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

Celebrate your three-day weekend at one of these free and cheap Memorial Day weekend events in Portland. I've compiled a list of activities and events to get you out and exploring our awesome city this holiday weekend. There is something for everyone, from festivals and train rides to markets and … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

2025 Troutdale Arts Festival

Connect with your community and support regional artists, studios, workshops, and galleries at the Troutdale Arts Festival in downtown Troutdale along the Sandy River. Hosted by Cascadia Arts Association, the festival features artists, art demonstrations, musicians, local food and drinks, and a … [Read more...] about 2025 Troutdale Arts Festival

Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

For more than 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has been a beloved celebration of our beautiful city. It takes place every year from the end of May through June. This citywide celebration is inclusive of everyone with many free and cheap events to enjoy.  The 2025 Rose Festival is May … [Read more...] about Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

2025 Gem and Mineral Show

Where are all my rockhounds at? The Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club's annual Gem and Mineral Show is taking place Memorial Day weekend. The local club is a community of people who enjoy educating and sharing in many areas of expertise, including geology, rockhounding, mineral collection, … [Read more...] about 2025 Gem and Mineral Show

2025 McMenamins UFO Fest

McMenamins is hosting its annual festival for believers and skeptics alike. Head to the 25th annual UFO Fest this May. The festival is inspired by the 1950 UFO sighting on a farm outside McMinnville. The story goes that on the night of Thursday, May 11, 1950, Evelyn Trent went out to feed her … [Read more...] about 2025 McMenamins UFO Fest

Portland Street Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss

Enjoy free summertime fun at these Portland street fairs. One of my favorite summertime activities in Portland is attending the totally free, family-friendly and fun neighborhood street fairs. If you're new to Portland or haven't explored the city in a while, this is a great way to get out there … [Read more...] about Portland Street Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss

Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Mom while enjoying nature, attend the Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival at Silver Falls State Park. The park is in bloom and filled with winged and four-legged creatures hiding among the beautiful plant life and waterways that make this park … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival

Hood River Cider Fest

Discover some of the region's best hard cider at the Hood River Cider Fest. Just an hour from Portland, the 11th annual event is bringing together 20 Oregon and Washington cideries. Hood River Cider Fest The cider fest is taking place May 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are more than 30 … [Read more...] about Hood River Cider Fest

2025 Portland Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

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

Crafty Wonderland Spring Art and Craft Market

Plan your visit to the Crafty Wonderland Spring Art and Craft Market, the largest handmade craft show in the Northwest. Crafty Wonderland is the ultimate local handmade art and craft event of the season. If you haven’t attended this magical craft fair in the past, let me give you a little … [Read more...] about Crafty Wonderland Spring Art and Craft Market

Indigenous Culture Day at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Listen and learn from Indigenous educators in the culturally rich Tryon Creek State Natural Area during Indigenous Culture Day. 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 … [Read more...] about Indigenous Culture Day at Tryon Creek Natural Area

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