Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

Sandy Mountain Festival: Art, Music and Classic Cars

The beloved Sandy Mountain Festival returns this summer with two full days of handcrafted art, live entertainment and community fun. Each year, this festival brings together local artists, musicians and vendors in a beautiful forested setting in Sandy. Plus, new additions keep the fun rolling this … [Read more...] about Sandy Mountain Festival: Art, Music and Classic Cars

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

Free Summer Concerts in the Parks

Enjoying music outdoors is a quintessential summertime activity. Portland Parks and Recreation is hosting 30 outdoor concerts at parks throughout the city.  Every event features a new musician or band, genre and park. This is a great way to spend time at your nearby park or explore parks … [Read more...] about Free Summer Concerts in the Parks

Food Court 5000: Retro Mall Walking at Lloyd Center

Looking for a fitness routine that doesn’t take itself too seriously? Want an excuse to wear neon spandex, break into spontaneous aerobics and power-walk through a mall like it’s 1989? Here's the group fitness class for you. Food Court 5000 is Portland’s retro fitness mall walking … [Read more...] about Food Court 5000: Retro Mall Walking at Lloyd Center

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

PDX Sidewalk Joy Map: Visit Neighborhood Galleries, Exchanges and Displays

Take a self-guided tour of local creations using the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map. This map showcases fun, interactive neighborhood galleries, exchanges and displays. While exploring the joy map, you may also come across Portland's beloved monkey puzzle trees.  Here's how you can make the most … [Read more...] about PDX Sidewalk Joy Map: Visit Neighborhood Galleries, Exchanges and Displays

Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

Take your family on a stroll through Portland's museum of trees. This summer, Hoyt Arboretum hosts Family Forest Days.  This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Hoyt Arboretum is free to visit with lots of great … [Read more...] about Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

Portland Repair Fairs: Get Your Stuff Fixed for Free

Portland Repair Fair is here to fix your stuff for free. Portland Repair Fairs are free events that bring together people with various skillsets to help fix items and, most importantly, pass on knowledge to empower you to be more handy around your home. You'll be paired with a volunteer who will … [Read more...] about Portland Repair Fairs: Get Your Stuff Fixed for Free

Portland Bastille Day Festival and French Market

Vive la France! Portland’s Bastille Day Festival and French Market returns for its 23rd year. Join the vibrant celebration of French culture, cuisine and community. Hosted by the Alliance Française de Portland, this event honors France’s national holiday.  Here are the details about the … [Read more...] about Portland Bastille Day Festival and French Market

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

Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales

Portland garage sale season is June-October. Mark your calendar for these Portland neighborhood garage sales. Since many people have transitioned to working from home for a few days a week or permanently, they've had to make room for workspaces. This means items once thought of as essential have … [Read more...] about Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales

Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees

Looking for a fun, outdoor activity like no other? Let me tell you why a self-guided tour of Portland's monkey puzzle trees should be your next adventure. Monkey puzzle trees, Araucaria araucana, are one of the most unique looking species in our city. I remember the first time I noticed one I … [Read more...] about Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees

Free First Sunday at the Oregon Jewish Museum

Visit the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education during Free First Sunday. The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, or OJMCHE, explores the legacy of the Jewish people in Oregon while also teaching the universal relevance of the Holocaust and providing … [Read more...] about Free First Sunday at the Oregon Jewish Museum

2025 Milwaukie Porchfest

The Milwaukie Arts Committee is hosting Porchfest, an event that invites local musicians and performers to showcase their talents to the community from their porches, driveways and front yards. Started in 2020, Porchfest showcases local talent with informal concerts decentralized across the city. … [Read more...] about 2025 Milwaukie Porchfest

Summer Market at Shun Fat Supermarket

Summer Market invites you to a multi-week celebration of AAPI makers, artists and culinary delights at Shun Fat Supermarket. The event is hosted by White Lotus Foundation, a local nonprofit committed to supporting and empowering individuals in the Asian American and Pacific Islander … [Read more...] about Summer Market at Shun Fat Supermarket

Molalla Train Park: Go for a Free Miniature Railway Ride

Since 1954, families have been making memories at Willamette Valley's original family destination experience: Molalla Train Park. Nestled on a picturesque four-acre property in Molalla, Oregon, this charming park promises a delightful day for all ages. As you step onto the grounds, you're greeted … [Read more...] about Molalla Train Park: Go for a Free Miniature Railway Ride

2025 Mt. Tabor Summer Concert

Come together with the community to dance and celebrate in nature at the Mt. Tabor Summer Concert. Summer concerts are a long-standing tradition at Mt. Tabor, one of Portland's best picnic parks. Head to Southeast Portland for an evening of family-friendly fun. If you're looking for more great … [Read more...] about 2025 Mt. Tabor Summer Concert

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

Free First Sunday at the Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Attend the Japanese American Museum of Oregon for Free First Sunday event.  The Japanese American Museum of Oregon preserves and honors the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The museum educates the public about the Japanese American experience during WWII, … [Read more...] about Free First Sunday at the Japanese American Museum of Oregon

Free and Cheap Events this Week in Portland

Never Miss Out on Frugal Fun in Portland There are so many ways you can participate in fun activities in Portland without breaking your budget. Use this list of free and cheap events this week as your guide to having frugal fun throughout the metro area.  To stay up to date on all the … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Events this Week in Portland

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum are taking place throughout 2025.  Located in the heart of downtown, Portland Art Museum is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. On the first Thursday of the month, our community gets open access to one of our city's top … [Read more...] about Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

Get Free Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme on 4th of July

Enjoy one of America's favorite treats during July 4th weekend at Krispy Kreme.  This Independence Day, Krispy Kreme is releasing an all-new Stars, Stripes & Sweetness doughnut collection and a tasty deal. The Stars, Stripes & Sweetness doughnut collection is packed in a themed … [Read more...] about Get Free Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme on 4th of July

Free Pools, Splash Pads and Interactive Fountains at Portland Parks

You don't have to go far to find a place to cool off this summer. Portland parks have pools, splash pads and interactive fountains, kid-friendly water features designed with fun and safety in mind. There are 18 splash pads and seven interactive fountains at Portland parks all over the city. … [Read more...] about Free Pools, Splash Pads and Interactive Fountains at Portland Parks

4th of July Celebration and Laser Light Show in Lake Oswego

Celebrate 4th of July all day in Lake Oswego. The city is hosting a parade and festival as well as a concert and laser light show. From morning till night, the city comes alive with lots of festivities that capture the essence of American patriotism and community spirit. Families and friends … [Read more...] about 4th of July Celebration and Laser Light Show in Lake Oswego

2025 Museums on Us Free Museum Admission

Bank of America's Museums On Us program lets customers visit Portland museums for free the first full weekend of the month. More than 225 museums and attractions participate in the Bank of America free museum days in cities across the United States. In Portland, we're lucky enough to have three … [Read more...] about 2025 Museums on Us Free Museum Admission

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

Carioca Bowls 10th Anniversary Party

Celebrate Carioca Bowls' anniversary with fun activities and tasty food all day.  Since 2015, Carioca Bowls has been serving handcrafted açaí bowls in a vibrant and inspiring setting.  Attend the anniversary party for free entertainment, food deals and giveaways.  Carioca Bowls … [Read more...] about Carioca Bowls 10th Anniversary Party

Picnic in the Pearl: A Celebration in the Pearl District

Attend an extended First Thursday celebration at Picnic in the Pearl. Make your way to the Pearl District for a day filled with art, food, fun and community spirit. This unique combination of the First Thursday Street Gallery and Picnic in the Pearl promises to be a celebration like no … [Read more...] about Picnic in the Pearl: A Celebration in the Pearl District

Brentwood-Darlington Artisan Market

Celebrate creativity, community and local talent at the Brentwood-Darlington Artisan Market. The third annual market is Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brentwood-Darlington Community Center. This free, family-friendly event is your chance to support more than 30 local artisans, … [Read more...] about Brentwood-Darlington Artisan Market

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

Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

Calling all vintage, handmade, food loving Portlanders! Explore one-of-a-kind goods at Portland Flea. For over a decade, Portland Flea has created a gathering place for our city's creators to showcase their talents. Get out and join your community of makers, food purveyors and curators at this … [Read more...] about Portland Flea Vintage, Handmade Market

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

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 Vancouver Flea Market: Discover Hidden Treasures at a Mid-Century Grange

Do you enjoy discovering vintage, retro and unique treasures? Then you won't want to miss the Vancouver Flea Market. This seasonal event gathers local vintage sellers to offer a curated selection of new-to-you items. Whether your style is mid-century, antique or classic vintage, you'll spot … [Read more...] about 2025 Vancouver Flea Market: Discover Hidden Treasures at a Mid-Century Grange

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Shopping

2025 Portland Summer Festivals

Summer has finally arrived in Portland. With the warm weather and longer days come so many opportunities for us to get out and enjoy everything our city has to offer, including Portland summer festivals.   Summer in Portland is a season when the city's vibrant spirit truly comes alive. … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Summer Festivals

2025 Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

The Oregon Chinese Coalition is hosting the annual Chinese Festival in August. Celebrate Chinese American culture while enjoying a full lineup of entertainment, Chinese food, authentic arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. Here are the scheduled entertainment, activities, food and … [Read more...] about 2025 Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

2025 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 2025 Beaverton Music Festival

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lotc_logo_100_gray_bgPortland Living on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.
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