Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Festivals

Unique Markets Pop Up Features 125 Local Makers

Support Portland's independent brands at the Unique Markets pop up event. Find one-of-a-kind goods for loved ones or treat yourself to something special. This May market is featuring 125 of Portland's best emerging brands, makers, designers and artists.  Additional markets taking place … [Read more...] about Unique Markets Pop Up Features 125 Local Makers

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 eight weeks, the Empirical Theater's four-story screen will come alive with more than 40 of the genre's most iconic and unforgettable films. From timeless … [Read more...] about Sci-Fi Film Festival at OMSI

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

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 9th annual event is bringing together 20 Oregon and Washington cideries. Hood River Cider Fest The cider fest is taking place April 27, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be more than … [Read more...] about Hood River Cider Fest

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

Portland Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

Head to the Portland Expo Center for all things crafty at the 11th annual Portland Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival. This annual event celebrates a new season of boundless possibilities. Spring is a great time to start planning homemade holiday gifts or get ideas for a project just for you to … [Read more...] about Portland Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival

2024 Portland Spring Festivals

Get ready for spring festivals in Portland. My favorite season in Portland is spring. By March, the sun starts to shine once again and our neighborhoods come to life with the sights and smells of springtime blooms. It feels like our city is rising anew with a bounty of opportunities to get out … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Spring Festivals

St. Patrick’s Day Events in Portland

Get your Irish on at St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Portland. St. Patrick's Day is Sunday, March 17. Locations across the city are hosting parties and festivals during the weekend. You’ll find plenty of Irish music, step dancers and bagpipes along with fun activities and food specials. Also, … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Events in Portland

St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Paddy’s Bar and Grill

Join Paddy’s Bar and Grill for the annual St. Patrick's Day Festival. Paddy’s is the oldest Irish Pub in downtown Portland. It's been serving traditional Irish fare in the historic Powers Building for over 35 years. Get ready to celebrate the Irish holiday at this iconic location.  St. … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Paddy’s Bar and Grill

2024 Portland Irish Festival

Portland's iconic Irish pub, Kells, is expanding its Irish Festival with multiple days of music and fun. Since 1983, Kells has brought Irish food, drinks and a weekly lineup of music to Portlanders at its iconic pub. This St. Patrick's Day, put on your green and head downtown to celebrate at the … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Irish Festival

Festival of Quilts at Westside Commons

The Festival of Quilts is a vibrant celebration that brings together artisans, enthusiasts and creative minds. This annual event serves as a kaleidoscopic of craftsmanship, innovation and community spirit. The event is hosted by Northwest Quilters Inc. The organization's goal is to honor the … [Read more...] about Festival of Quilts at Westside Commons

Watch 2024 Oscar Nominated Movies for $6 Each

Regal Cinemas is hosting its 2024 Best Picture Film Festival from March 1 to 10 at five Portland area theaters. During the 10-day event, you'll pay only $6 per movie. Regal Crown Club members get $5 tickets and a $7 small popcorn and drink combo. It's free to join.  If you can't attend … [Read more...] about Watch 2024 Oscar Nominated Movies for $6 Each

Portland Spring Home and Garden Show

It's time to plan your projects. If you love house and yard improvement, head to the Portland Spring Home and Garden Show in February.  Get ready to spark your own creativity and be inspired at this upcoming event.  2024 Portland Spring Home and Garden Show The Portland Spring Home … [Read more...] about Portland Spring Home and Garden Show

Chinese New Year Cultural Fair

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon during the 2024 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair at the Oregon Convention Center. The Year of the Dragon is a symbol of authority and prosperity. Join in on the daylong celebration of a year of good fortune. 2024 Chinese New Year Cultural Fair On Saturday, … [Read more...] about Chinese New Year Cultural Fair

2024 Portland Jewish Film Festival

The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education is hosting the annual Portland Jewish Film Festival, an event that promises to captivate audiences with its diverse lineup of thought-provoking films. For over two decades, the Portland Jewish Film Festival has been a significant … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Jewish Film Festival

2023 Plucky Maidens Holiday Fest Vintage Market

Head to Oaks Park this weekend for a special vintage market, Plucky Maidens Holiday Fest. This nationally recognized vintage market started in 2011 right here in Portland. The unique and popular Plucky Maidens event is hosting it last market this November.  More markets this weekend … [Read more...] about 2023 Plucky Maidens Holiday Fest Vintage Market

NW Scandinavian Gnome Festival

The Red Sled Market is hosting a special event all about the lovable creature from European folklore: gnomes. The 4th annual NW Scandinavian Gnome Festival hosts gnome vendors from all over the Pacific Northwest. Since 1997, the Red Sled Market has been a seasonal pop-up shop in Sherwood. It … [Read more...] about NW Scandinavian Gnome Festival

2023 Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Join the local Asian American Pacific Islander community at this one-of-a-kind night market and cultural celebration. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival hosts a night of food, activities and performances. The event is hosted by White Lotus Foundation, a local nonprofit committed to supporting and … [Read more...] about 2023 Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

2023 Ankeny Alley Festivals

Ankeny Alley Festivals invites the community to return to downtown for unique eats and fantastic entertainment at six celebrations this summer and fall.  Ankeny Alley is home to many popular Portland eateries, from Voodoo Doughnut to the historic Dan & Louis Oyster Bar. During the … [Read more...] about 2023 Ankeny Alley Festivals

Portland Parks Foundation’s Paseo Festival

Portland Parks Foundation has created a first-of-its-kind summer festival in downtown Portland. Paseo is a free community event featuring creative artists and family-friendly activities.  In its second year, the festival is inspired by the Spanish evening stroll that reawakens the city. … [Read more...] about Portland Parks Foundation’s Paseo Festival

Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival

Good in the Hood has been canceled in 2024. The next event is scheduled for June 28-29, 2025. The 30th annual Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival is strengthening unity in the community. The annual festival in Northeast Portland sets the stage for locally and nationally … [Read more...] about Good in the Hood Multicultural Music and Food Festival

Pollinator Festival at Clark Public Utilities

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with Clark Public Utilities. The family-friendly Pollinator Festival has a full day of activities for you and your family.  More than 25 agencies, organizations, universities, artisans and local businesses are participating in this free outdoor … [Read more...] about Pollinator Festival at Clark Public Utilities

Juneteenth Celebration at Zenger Farm

This event is not taking place in 2024.  Head to Zenger Farm for the 5th annual Juneteenth Celebration focused on history, community and education. Zenger Farm is a 24-acre combined farm and wetland in southeast Portland. The urban farm hosts educational activities in a natural environment. … [Read more...] about Juneteenth Celebration at Zenger Farm

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Walters Cultural Arts Center

  Get your Irish on and help a cause during the St. Patrick's Day Celebration at Walters Cultural Arts Center.   Local winery DAnu Wines and band Crimson & Clover are hosting the inaugural St. Patrick's Day Celebration benefiting the Family Justice Center of Washington … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Walters Cultural Arts Center

PDX Motorcycle Film Festival

Do you have a passion for motorcycles? Attend the Portland Motorcycle Film Festival this weekend. Watch feature length and short films that showcase riders and their machines. Go on journeys, view personal visions and get your heart racing on the track.  The annual festival, hosted by the … [Read more...] about PDX Motorcycle Film Festival

Portland Mercado’s Winter Soup Festival

Let the spices and aromas of Latin American soups warm your bones during the Portland Mercado's Winter Soup Festival.  Portland Mercado is the hub of Latin culture in our city. The public market space features eight food carts and six indoor businesses representing the diverse flavors of … [Read more...] about Portland Mercado’s Winter Soup Festival

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Festivals · Food & Drink

Koleda Winter Solstice Festival

Follow in the footsteps of ancient winter traditions at Koleda, a Slavic winter solstice festival. The Oregon Latvian Society is hosting a day of revel, feasting, dressing up as animals and magical creatures, singing carols, dancing and telling fortunes for the whole community.  Koleda … [Read more...] about Koleda Winter Solstice Festival

2022 Holiday Light Display at the Victorian Belle

Update: This event is not taking place in 2023.  What could be more beautiful than a 1885 Victorian home dressed top to bottom in twinkly lights and tasteful holiday decor? The Victorian Belle is a spectacular holiday wonderland during the holiday light display.  On the outside, take … [Read more...] about 2022 Holiday Light Display at the Victorian Belle

Portland Cider Company Wassail

Portland Cider Company is hosting its annual Wassail. Join the Portland Revels in song as you celebrate the night with performances, cider and cheer. Wassail is a centuries-old celebration filled with toasting, sharing and giving thanks during the Yuletide. Portland Cider Company's event captures … [Read more...] about Portland Cider Company Wassail

Night Market Vancouver

Celebrate an evening out at Night Market Vancouver. For three nights this summer, the market is hosting special gatherings for our community to explore local makers and creators. At Clark College, discover local brands and shop products from more than 100 local vendors. All ages are welcome to … [Read more...] about Night Market Vancouver

2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival

The second annual St. Johns Comedy Festival is a celebration of laughter and community. Come together with fellow comedy lovers for this community festival in August. 2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival The 2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival is taking place August 25-27 at two Portland venues: Curious … [Read more...] about 2022 St. Johns Comedy Festival

Ridgefield Sausage Festival

Link up at the Ridgefield Sausage Festival July 8 and 9.  The annual family-friendly event features food vendors, a bier garden, live entertainment, shopping, and kids' activities. Food options include sausages available in mild or spicy, boiled or grilled, smoked and grilled chicken, … [Read more...] about Ridgefield Sausage Festival

The Big Float X at Waterfront Park

Bring your favorite floatie to the 10th and final year of The Big Float at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. The Big Float is a celebration of the Willamette River.  The annual event benefits the Human Access Project, a local nonprofit that helps people connect with their river. Here are the … [Read more...] about The Big Float X at Waterfront Park

2022 Clackamas County Lavender Festival

The 2023 Clackamas County Lavender Festival has been postponed. Celebrate all things lavender at the Clackamas County Lavender Festival. The Oregon Lavender Farm in Oregon City hosts this annual community festival to enjoy the season's lavender blooms, learn about sustainable agriculture and … [Read more...] about 2022 Clackamas County Lavender Festival

Rebel Junk Market this Weekend

Rebel Junk Market is returning to Westside Commons showcasing wall to wall upcycled, restyled and repurposed goods.    The reclaimed goods market is held throughout the year in different parts of the Northwest. This February, market creator Dixie DeRocher is bringing it back to where it … [Read more...] about Rebel Junk Market this Weekend

Halloween Makers Fair at Mike Bennett’s Crypto-Zoo

Have you visited the Crypto-Zoo yet? This weekend, Mike Bennett's art exhibit is hosting a Halloween Makers Fair full of fun, free activities the whole family and all aspiring cryptozoologists will enjoy.  This spooky season, Portland artist Mike Bennett moved his popular Halloween monster … [Read more...] about Halloween Makers Fair at Mike Bennett’s Crypto-Zoo

2021 Sunflower Festival at Plumper Pumpkin Patch

Stroll through a field of sunflowers at this Portland farm. Plumper Pumpkin Patch is hosting its third annual Sunflower Festival. 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. The sunflower festival … [Read more...] about 2021 Sunflower Festival at Plumper Pumpkin Patch

2021 Portland Rose Festival Porch Parade

The show must go on, from a safe distance. For more than 100 years, Portland Rose Festival has been our city's signature celebration. With roses as the centerpiece, spectacular floats, bands, and community groups come together to entertain hundreds of thousands of parade goers every spring. In … [Read more...] about 2021 Portland Rose Festival Porch Parade

Tips for Enjoying Crafty Wonderland

An Insider's Guide to Crafty Wonderland By Jenny Brown I’m not the world’s most enthusiastic shopper, but I really dig finding the perfect Christmas gift for someone I love. And my favorite way to find that item is by patronizing local artisans, frequenting farmer's markets, and hitting up good … [Read more...] about Tips for Enjoying Crafty Wonderland

$5 Portland Music Festival

On almost every night of the week you're guaranteed to stumble upon cheap live music at a local bar. This weekend, a special cheap music festival is set to rock our city with a deal that is almost too good to be true.  Portland Not Portlandia IV is an annual cheap music festival featuring 42 … [Read more...] about $5 Portland Music Festival

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