Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Festivals

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

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

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

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

Tulip Fields at Holland America Flower Gardens

This location is no longer open to the public. 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 … [Read more...] about Tulip Fields at Holland America Flower Gardens

2025 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 2025 Portland Spring Festivals

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

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

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

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

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

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 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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