Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

North Portland Free Clothing Exchange

Update your wardrobe at this free community clothing exchange. The North Portland Free Clothing Exchange was started by a group of friends who were looking for a way to pass along gently used clothing, especially for their kids who outgrew clothes quickly. The clothing exchange is built on the … [Read more...] about North Portland Free Clothing Exchange

2024 OMSI Star Parties

Do you love looking up at the stars? Join the experts and celebrate astronomy at OMSI Star Parties. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, better known as OMSI, is one of the nation’s leading science centers and we’re lucky to have it right here in Portland. Science lovers and explorers of … [Read more...] about 2024 OMSI Star Parties

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

2024 Portland Dragon Boat Festival

Mark your calendars for one of Portland’s most vibrant and thrilling water events of the year, the Portland Dragon Boat Festival! This weekend, the Willamette River will come alive with the splash of paddles and the cheers of spectators as dozens of colorful dragon boats race down the waterway in … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Dragon Boat Festival

2024 Serbian Fest Portland

Taste, experience and discover the culture of Serbia at the annual Serbian Fest Portland. Attend a weekend of rich cultural experiences at the 17th annual Serbian Festival. This beloved event has been a cornerstone of the local Serbian community, offering a unique opportunity for festival-goers … [Read more...] about 2024 Serbian Fest Portland

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

El Tigre Fest

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at El Tigre Fest. The free festival hosts Latin American food, arts and crafts, dancing, live music, and children’s activity for all ages. Here's what you can expect at the 2024 event.  2024 El Tigre Fest El Tigre Fest is Saturday, October 5 from … [Read more...] about El Tigre Fest

The Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Oregon

When it comes to beautiful fall foliage, you don't want to miss the brilliant colors throughout the state of Oregon.  There is no denying the natural beauty throughout Oregon. The fall is one of the most breathtaking times to explore the state. As summer fades into fall, deciduous trees … [Read more...] about The Best Scenic Drives for Fall Colors in Oregon

2024 Portland Polish Festival

Experience the food, dance and music of Poland. The annual Polish Festival in Portland hosts a full weekend of free, family-friendly activities.  Started in 1993, the Polish Festival is the oldest Polish festival in the Western United States. This event celebrates Polish culture, traditions … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Polish Festival

2024 Division Clinton Street Fair

Come together with your community for a day of music, camaraderie and fun at the Division Clinton Street Fair. Clinton Street has lots of old school Portland charm. There's great restaurants, boutique and vintage shops, and iconic Portland businesses, like Clinton Street Theater.  The … [Read more...] about 2024 Division Clinton Street Fair

8 Salmon Spawning Locations Near Portland

Bumper-to-bumper traffic and high rises popping up on every block can make us forget about the natural wonderland just outside of the metro area. By taking a short trek east or west, we can breathe the fresh air, escape the noise and witness an incredible natural phenomenon happening right in our … [Read more...] about 8 Salmon Spawning Locations Near Portland

Free Tours at Hoyt Arboretum

Take a free guided tour of Portland's museum of trees. Hoyt Arboretum has multiple opportunities to learn about the unique trees and plants of the Pacific Northwest. This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Hoyt … [Read more...] about Free Tours at Hoyt Arboretum

Free Comedy in the Park at Laurelhurst Park

  Enjoy a free night of entertainment at Laurelhurst Park. Kickstand Comedy is hosting a special event called Comedy in the Park all summer long.    Kickstand Comedy is a nonprofit theater organization known for its curated live comedy events. For the third year in a row, the local … [Read more...] about Free Comedy in the Park at Laurelhurst Park

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum are back in 2024.  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 attractions along with … [Read more...] about Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum

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 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 2024 Museums on Us Free Museum Admission

First Thursday Street Gallery

Explore local artists at the First Thursday Street Gallery in the Pearl District. The event is hosted by Urban Art Network, a Portland nonprofit dedicated to empowering independent artists. Now in its 24th year, the event holds true to its artistic roots by bringing together our community of … [Read more...] about First Thursday Street Gallery

Troutdale First Friday Art Walk

Explore Troutdale's art community during the First Friday Art Walk. On the first Friday of the month in the summer, the streets will be filled with vendors, sidewalk dining, live music, family-friendly activities and more. The fun continues during the fall months with activities moving … [Read more...] about Troutdale First Friday Art Walk

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

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

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

Portland Indigenous Marketplace

Explore creations from Indigenous and Black artists and entrepreneurs at the Portland Indigenous Marketplace. The event supports creators by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces to grow their small businesses and educating the public about their ancestry. Here's information … [Read more...] about Portland Indigenous Marketplace

Stars Antiques Malls Labor Day Weekend Sale

Head to Sellwood and find something new to you at Stars Antiques Malls Labor Day weekend sale.  Opened in 1990, Stars Antiques Mall is owned by three friends who turned a passion for collecting and decorating into a business. The mall has two locations right across the street from each … [Read more...] about Stars Antiques Malls Labor Day Weekend Sale

2024 Davis Graveyard Schedule: The Best Free Halloween Attraction

Take in the creepy, quirky, creative haunt at Davis Graveyard, one of the Portland metro's beloved Halloween attractions. Since 1998, the Davis Graveyard has brought a mix of spooky fun to the fall season with a haunted graveyard. When Chris and Jeff first laid eyes on their Milwaukie home, they … [Read more...] about 2024 Davis Graveyard Schedule: The Best Free Halloween Attraction

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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

Free Craft Nights at collage

collage, a beloved independently-owned and family-operated art and craft store, hosts free craft nights for the creative souls of Portland! collage is a one of the local fabric and craft stores you need to visit. As a business deeply rooted in Portland, collage embraces the city's eclectic … [Read more...] about Free Craft Nights at collage

Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland

The crisp air, cloudy skies and intermittent rainstorms mark the changing of the season in Portland. As we transition from hot to cool weather, our city shines with pops of red, yellow, orange and gold around every corner. Fall colors in Portland reign supreme.  Starting in October, the … [Read more...] about Best Places to See Fall Colors in Portland

Free National Parks and Public Lands Passes for 4th Graders

Every 4th grader in the United States has the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the nation with their family for free, thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors Program. This program gives 4th grade students and their families free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including … [Read more...] about Free National Parks and Public Lands Passes for 4th Graders

2024 Hawthorne Street Fair

Priding itself as Portland’s original “shop local” district, the Hawthorne Street Fair is one of the oldest and biggest street fairs in Portland. Starting in 1984 with a guitarist and a few local organizations, the event now features 150 community vendors and two stages of local … [Read more...] about 2024 Hawthorne Street Fair

Oregon City Outdoor Antique Fair

Ready to make something old new to you? Travel to Oregon's hometown for the annual outdoor antique market. The Oregon City Outdoor Antique Fair is celebrating its 27th year. Spend a day perusing booths and finding treasures at this annual event. Portland is full of great markets. Here are some … [Read more...] about Oregon City Outdoor Antique Fair

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

Portland Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Hayrides

Find the perfect pumpkin at a farm near you. Buying a pumpkin at the grocery store does not come close to picking the perfect pumpkin right from the field. Just outside our great city are many you-pick farms celebrating the fall harvest with corn mazes, hay rides and many varieties of pumpkins, … [Read more...] about Portland Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Hayrides

Portland Middle Eastern Festival

Celebrate a day of traditional food, entertainment and fun at the Portland Middle Eastern Festival.  The event is hosted by the St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, which was founded in 1930 to serve the local Arabic speaking community.  Every year, the church opens its door to the … [Read more...] about Portland Middle Eastern Festival

2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

Take a journey to a storybook world at the Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire.  The annual event brings the community together to celebrate Celtic culture, fun and fantasy. Here's what is in store for this event in August.  2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire The 9th annual Portland Celtic … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

2024 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 2024 Beaverton Music Festival

Free Birthday Admission at Leach Botanical Garden

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Leach Botanical Garden is offering free birthday admission to everyone in 2024.  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 … [Read more...] about Free Birthday Admission at Leach Botanical Garden

Tree Time! Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum

Preschool walks at Hoyt Arboretum invite you and your kids to explore the outdoors. This beautiful nature oasis features 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world along 12 miles of trails. Every week, the arboretum hosts a special event of its youngest visitors. Here's how you … [Read more...] about Tree Time! Preschool Walks at Hoyt Arboretum

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