Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

2024 Winterfest at Leach Botanical Garden

Embrace the holiday spirit at Leach Botanical Garden's Winterfest. The magical winter market event is your chance to find unique gifts, connect with local artisans and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the garden. 2024 Winterfest at Leach Botanical Garden Winterfest is Saturday, December 7, from 10 … [Read more...] about 2024 Winterfest at Leach Botanical Garden

Forest Festive: World Forestry Center Free Admission and Activities

Kick off your holiday season with a day of creativity, education and festive cheer during Forest Festive at the World Forestry Center. On Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring your family and friends to enjoy a variety of free activities celebrating the beauty of Oregon’s forests … [Read more...] about Forest Festive: World Forestry Center Free Admission and Activities

2024 Portland Christmas Ships Parade Schedule

One of my favorite views of Portland is at night when the city lights reflect off of the glassy surface of the Willamette River. This sight becomes even more enchanting every holiday season during the annual Christmas Ships Parade. The annual tradition of Christmas Ships gathering in fleets to … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Christmas Ships Parade Schedule

Troutdale Windy Wonderland and Tree Lighting

Celebrate the magic of the holidays at the Troutdale Windy Wonderland and Tree Lighting. The holiday spirit is alive and well in historic downtown Troutdale. The two-day festive extravaganza is packed with holiday cheer and offers something for everyone. Best of all, it supports Snow Cap … [Read more...] about Troutdale Windy Wonderland and Tree Lighting

2024 Free Photos with Santa

We're all looking for ways to save during the holiday season. Capturing a moment you'll cherish for years to come should not break the bank. Thankfully, these local events are offering free photos with Santa!  These free photos with Jolly Old St. Nicholas are a great deal, yet the events are … [Read more...] about 2024 Free Photos with Santa

The Benson Hotel’s Gingerbread Masterpiece

The Benson Hotel continues its long-standing tradition of creating a gingerbread masterpiece for the holiday season. For the 53rd year, the historic Portland hotel makes a special gingerbread creation the centerpiece of its lobby.  Here are details about the 2024 gingerbread … [Read more...] about The Benson Hotel’s Gingerbread Masterpiece

2024 Lightopia: Hillsboro’s Free Drive-Through Light Display

Lightopia, Hillsboro's free drive-through light display, invites you to enjoy the twinkle of the award-winning event this December. It is one of the few free holiday light displays in the Portland area. Here's how you can claim your free spot for 2024 Lightopia: 2024 Lightopia: Hillsboro's … [Read more...] about 2024 Lightopia: Hillsboro’s Free Drive-Through Light Display

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

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

Free Pet Photos with Santa at PetSmart

Does your pet have a special spot on your holiday card? I'm sure you have hundreds—if not thousands—of photos of your pet being their adorable self. Why not make your holiday card extra special this year with a photo with Saint Nick? Free pet photos with Santa at PetSmart are happening on select … [Read more...] about Free Pet Photos with Santa at PetSmart

2024 Fremont Holiday Fest

Get in the spirit of the season at the Fremont Holiday Fest!  On Friday, December 6, from 4-7 p.m., the Beaumont Business Association is hosting an evening full of fun, free activities along NE Fremont from NE 42nd-50th. Most activities are happening for the duration of the event, unless … [Read more...] about 2024 Fremont Holiday Fest

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 Photos with Santa at Gresham Station

Gresham Station transforms into the North Pole for Santa's arrival. Sign up for free photos with Santa. Head to the Gresham shopping center to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and partake in fun activities. This is one of several opportunities to take a photo with Santa for free this holiday season. If … [Read more...] about Free Photos with Santa at Gresham Station

2024 Christmas on the Campground

Christmas on the Campground brings a traditional light display and special holiday event to Portland every year. The event illustrates a Merry Christmas with a life-size nativity, thousands of lights and the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Southeast Portland. This event is once again opening … [Read more...] about 2024 Christmas on the Campground

2024 Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony

There is something magical about a tree covered in mesmerizing lights and charming decorations. It is even more impressive when the tree stands at 75 feet tall. Ring in the season at the Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony. On the day after Thanksgiving, Portlanders are invited to kick off  the … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Tree Lighting Ceremony

Free State Park Entrance on Black Friday

Want a change of pace this Black Friday? Skip the hyper-consumerism and work off that holiday meal at your favorite state park. On Friday, November 29, receive free state park entrance in Oregon and Washington. Free State Park Entrance on Black Friday Green Friday at Oregon State Parks All 23 … [Read more...] about Free State Park Entrance on Black Friday

Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Portland

You’re finally done grocery shopping. The house is clean. You have a schedule of what's cooking for the next 24 hours. It is officially the calm before the holiday storm. But there is still one thing you might have overlooked: what do to with your guests over Thanksgiving weekend. Make new … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Weekend Events in Portland

PDX Moon Market

Find unique, handcrafted items at the PDX Moon Market.  The market blends local artisans and makers and food and cocktail vendors with fun activities and a welcoming environment.  Here are the details about the upcoming event. Another upcoming market you might enjoy is Maizee … [Read more...] about PDX Moon Market

Discount Day at OMSI

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. OMSI discount day is here to bring one of Portland's best attractions to you for cheap. Science lovers and explorers of the unknown … [Read more...] about Discount Day at OMSI

2024 Peacock Lane: Portland’s Christmas Street

  Every December, a quiet street in southeast Portland transforms its charming homes into a holiday spectacular for all to enjoy. Nothing says it is Christmastime in Portland quite like a trip down Peacock Lane, one of Portland's must-see holiday light displays.  2024 Peacock Lane: … [Read more...] about 2024 Peacock Lane: Portland’s Christmas Street

Sign Up for Free Photos with Portland’s Black Santa

Black Santa is coming to town! Participate in this Portland tradition at these free events this holiday season.  Leroy Barber, Portland's Black Santa, took on the role in 2016. These volunteer-led Black Santa events offer a diverse representation of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. In 2024, there … [Read more...] about Sign Up for Free Photos with Portland’s Black Santa

2024 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon

    Every year, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites reeling newbies and advanced anglers to participate in free fishing weekends. During these events, no fishing licenses or tags are required to fish, crab or clam in Oregon.   This is a great opportunity for you to … [Read more...] about 2024 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon

2024 Portland Bazaar’s European Market

Put money back into the community when you shop local small businesses at Portland Bazaar. Since 2011, this event has highlighted the skilled artists, makers and small businesses of Portland, Oregon. This holiday season, the event is hosting three markets at locations throughout the city. You … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Bazaar’s European Market

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

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

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

Holiday Lights at Meinig Park

Every year, Sandy's crown jewel park transforms into a magical holiday experience. Visit the holiday lights at Meinig Park this season. The light display also hosts special events throughout the month. Here are the details about the holiday event. If you're looking for more sparkling lights, … [Read more...] about Holiday Lights at Meinig Park

McMenamins History Pubs

McMenamins History Pub invites you to explore Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Enjoy an evening with local experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who dive into topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and beyond. McMenamins History … [Read more...] about McMenamins History Pubs

2024 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Get out and enjoy Portland metro parks during free parking days. In 2024, there are 19 free parking days at Portland metro parks, a beach and boat ramps that typically charge a $5 parking fee per car. All of these locations get you up close to our unique waterways, including the Columbia and … [Read more...] about 2024 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Nature

St. Johns Ugly Sweater Tree Lighting

Head to one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods for a festive, community event. Be part of the decorating crew at St. Johns Ugly Sweater Tree Lighting. The tree lighting event is held at the St. Johns Plaza. Here are the activities you can partake in:  Decorate an ornament to hang … [Read more...] about St. Johns Ugly Sweater Tree Lighting

Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration

Kickoff the festive season at the annual Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration. Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the community gathers in downtown Hillsboro to enjoy performances, local artisans and activities for all ages. The event builds the excitement leading up to the tree … [Read more...] about Hillsboro Holly Days Celebration

Sign Up for Free Photos with Santa at Cabela’s

Taking an annual photo with Santa is a holiday tradition for many families. Cabela's is keeping this tradition alive by offering free photos with Santa.  The annual event is called Santa's Wonderland, featuring free photos with Santa at Cabela's, a chance to mail a letter to Santa and free … [Read more...] about Sign Up for Free Photos with Santa at Cabela’s

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events Tagged With:

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

Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

Get free admission to the Portland Art Museum. Located in the heart of downtown, Portland Art Museum is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences. On free admission days, our community gets open access to one of our city's top attractions along with special activities. Portland Art … [Read more...] about Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

Lunchtime Concerts at The Old Church Concert Hall

Portland's Sanctuary of Sound's free lunchtime concerts return in 2024. Built in 1882, The Old Church in downtown Portland is on the National Register of Historic Places. The concert venue hosts events meant to enhance the cultural life of the community and celebrate the building’s historic … [Read more...] about Lunchtime Concerts at The Old Church Concert Hall

2024-2025 Oregon King Tides Schedule

See the Oregon Coast like never before. This fall and winter, watch the beauty and power of the ocean as it reaches new heights during king tides season.  When the moon's orbit comes closest to the earth, the tide rises. The highest tides hit the coast during the late fall and winter, known … [Read more...] about 2024-2025 Oregon King Tides Schedule

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 Veterans Day Deals: Free Food, Haircuts and Car Washes for Military

Thanking those who serve with Veterans Day deals. To thank our veterans and active military members, many businesses are offering free food, admission and services on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2024.  If you’re not a military member, you probably know someone who can enjoy these … [Read more...] about 2024 Veterans Day Deals: Free Food, Haircuts and Car Washes for Military

Free Game Fridays at The People’s Courts

Looking for something fun and free to do on a Friday night? Look no further than Free Game Fridays at The People's Courts. This multi-court recreational and social space in Portland offers an evening filled with friendly competition, great food and good vibes. Here's what to expect: Free Game … [Read more...] about Free Game Fridays at The People’s Courts

Movie Madness Free Community Screenings

Movie Madness, Portland's very own video rental store, hosts free community screenings every week. Started in 1991, Movie Madness has more than 80,000 titles, including new releases, childhood classics, foreign films from more than 65 countries, an extensive LGBTQ section, and cult … [Read more...] about Movie Madness Free Community Screenings

Free Document Shredding Events

Do you have a pile of documents from your fall cleaning? Take them to these free document shredding events.  Get your sensitive documents safely shredded and disposed of at these events happening throughout the Portland metro area.  Each event is free to attend and is open until the … [Read more...] about Free Document Shredding Events

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events

Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market

Portland foodies are in for a feast at Snack Fest. The creators of Portland Night Market are hosting a special food-themed event for three days in November.  Portland's Snack Fest is a vibrant food festival dedicated to showcasing the city's diverse and creative snack scene. Known for its … [Read more...] about Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market

Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area

Walk the trails of Tryon Creek Natural Area with outdoor experts during guided nature walks. 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 climate: trees covered in moss with huge … [Read more...] about Guided Nature Walks at Tryon Creek Natural Area

2024 Forest Service Recreation Area Free Days

Get free entrance to Forest Service recreation areas on five holidays in 2024. Forest Service recreation area free days include recreation sites and trailheads in Oregon and Washington, such as the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest and 14 more. These … [Read more...] about 2024 Forest Service Recreation Area Free Days

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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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