Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

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

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

2022 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 2022 Davis Graveyard Schedule: The Best Free Halloween Attraction

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events Tagged With:

Vegan Night Market Oktoberfest

Portland has so many delicious vegan eats. Whether you live by a plant-based diet or you're curious about vegan cuisine, stop by the Vegan Night Market Oktoberfest for an evening of food and fun. Come support local vegan restaurants, pop-ups, businesses, nonprofits and grassroots organizations at … [Read more...] about Vegan Night Market Oktoberfest

Portland’s Street Bazaar at the Electric Blocks

Street Bazaar brings together the bold flavors, bright colors and vibrant energy of Portland’s food, drink, art and music scene.  The summertime event is brought to you by the producers of some of Portland's best markets, including Portland Flea, Roux Portland and Portland Bazaar. Attend … [Read more...] about Portland’s Street Bazaar at the Electric Blocks

National Alpaca Farm Days

During the last weekend in September, alpaca farms across the country are opening their gates to the public for National Alpaca Farm Days.  On September 24 and 25, three nearby alpaca farms are participating in this annual celebration of the cute camelids and their incredible fibrous coat. … [Read more...] about National Alpaca Farm Days

2022 Free Days at U.S. National Parks

The national parks get even better during free days. America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, free entrance is available at national parks across the country that … [Read more...] about 2022 Free Days at U.S. National Parks

2022 Free Entrance Days at Washington State Parks

Enjoy Washington's best nature trails during free days at Washington parks. In 2022, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering outdoor enthusiasts 12 free days to get out and see the wild side of the Evergreen State. Access to Washington State Parks typically requires a … [Read more...] about 2022 Free Entrance Days at Washington State Parks

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Nature

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

Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

Take your family on a stroll through Portland's museum of trees. This summer, Hoyt Arboretum is hosting 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 … [Read more...] about Family Forest Days at Hoyt Arboretum

2022 El Festival de Mariachi

Celebrate Hispanic culture through music at the 2022 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:  2022 El Festival de Mariachi El Festival de Mariachi is Sunday, September 25, … [Read more...] about 2022 El Festival de Mariachi

Come Thru Black and Indigenous Market

At Come Thru Market, you can shop a variety of goods from local Black and Indigenous Farmers and Makers. This event started as one of the state's only Monday farmers markets to bring the community together and shop local. Now the market also offers a farmer training program, which supports … [Read more...] about Come Thru Black and Indigenous Market

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events Tagged With:

Portland Art Picnic at Peninsula Park

Peninsula Park becomes an art gallery this weekend. Explore the creations of local artists in a picturesque setting at Portland Art Picnic this weekend.  Portland Art Picnic is a pop-up, outdoor art gallery and sale to promote Portland local artists. Here are the details about Saturday's … [Read more...] about Portland Art Picnic at Peninsula Park

The 4th Wall PDX Free and Cheap Events

Attend one of these fun events at Portland's cinema-themed cafe, The 4th Wall PDX. The 4th Wall PDX is a cafe and lounge along Hawthorne Boulevard. This casual hangout spot uses its large screen to host movie and game events almost every day of the week. While enjoying these free and cheap … [Read more...] about The 4th Wall PDX Free and Cheap Events

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

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. This weekend, the Multicultural … [Read more...] about Multicultural Kids Festival

Swift Watch at Chapman Elementary School

Swift Watch is back September 2022! See one of the greatest natural phenomenons happening in Portland. Every year, Vaux's Swifts roost in a chimney located in Northwest Portland. If you love birds and incredible nature sights, you'll want to attend at least one night of Swift Watch. Swift Watch … [Read more...] about Swift Watch at Chapman Elementary School

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 … [Read more...] about My People’s Market: A Celebration of Business, Arts and Culture

Dungeness Crabbing on Free Public Docks

King crab from Alaska gets a lot of supermarket shelf space, but remember we have some pretty plentiful pots of crustacean gold right here in the waters of Oregon. Not only is Dungeness crabbing from public docks super easy – it’s also free. No boat required. Spring for a shellfish license ($10 … [Read more...] about Dungeness Crabbing on Free Public Docks

2022 Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens

Celebrate the haunting holiday all month long during Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens. Visiting St. Helens during the fall may feel like a trip back to your childhood. In 1998, Disney Channel's Halloween classic “Halloweentown" was filmed in the small city of St. Helens, Oregon. Since then, … [Read more...] about 2022 Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens

Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

Get free admission to the Portland Art Museum on Miller Family Free Day. 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 … [Read more...] about Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

7 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 7 Salmon Spawning Locations Near Portland

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day: Get Free Tickets to Portland Museums

Get a free museum day for two at these Portland area museums. This free museum day gives you access to thousands of venues in all 50 states during the 18th annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Find out how you can get your free tickets and see the … [Read more...] about Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day: Get Free Tickets to Portland Museums

BOHEME PDX: An Outdoor Market for Portland Creators

Explore an outdoor market of Portland artists, musicians, makers and other small business owners at the BOHEME PDX. If you love finding one-of-a-kind, handcrafted local goods, plan on visiting BOHEME PDX this year. The market, located at the convergence of Slabtown and the Pearl, has a curated … [Read more...] about BOHEME PDX: An Outdoor Market for Portland Creators

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events Tagged With:

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 two nights in October. 2022 Snack Fest Snack Fest is October 14-15, 2022. The event is open Friday from 5-10 p.m. and Saturday from 1-10 p.m. Portland's food … [Read more...] about Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market

Halloween Night Fireworks at Oaks Park

Oaks Park is offering a special Halloween night fireworks show. Portland’s very own amusement park has been bringing joy to the young and young at heart since 1905. In fact, it is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country. On Halloween night, head to the Sellwood … [Read more...] about Halloween Night Fireworks at Oaks Park

2022 Portland Christmas Ships Parade Schedule

One of my favorite views of Portland is at the night when the city lights the 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 … [Read more...] about 2022 Portland Christmas Ships Parade Schedule

2022 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 2022 OMSI Star Parties

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

Brazilian Festival at Portland Mercado

The 5th annual Brazilian Festival gathers some of our city's best Brazilian flavors and goods for a special one-day celebration. The Portland Mercado is the hub of Latin culture in our city. The public market space features eight food carts and five indoor businesses representing the diverse … [Read more...] about Brazilian Festival at Portland Mercado

Rogue Ales Killer Pumpkin Festival

    The fall harvest reaps some of the best the Northwest has to offer, and craft beer is no exception. Rogue Ales is celebrating the season with its annual Killer Pumpkin Festival—a gourd celebration open to all ages.   The festival is coming back from the dead this … [Read more...] about Rogue Ales Killer Pumpkin Festival

2022 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 2022 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon

2022 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

There is something about a giant pumpkin that draws your attention. But what about hollowed out giant pumpkins supporting costume clad characters as they race around a lake? If this piqued your interest, you won't want to miss the 2022 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Since 2004, the West Coast … [Read more...] about 2022 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Free and Cheap Days at Portland’s Best Attractions

Here's how you can see Portland's best attractions on a budget. It can be expensive to see a city's best sites. That is not the case for Portland's best attractions. Many of the top attractions offer complimentary and reduced price days every month. If you have friends coming to town, vacationing … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Days at Portland’s Best Attractions

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

Oregon City Outdoor Antique Faire

Ready to make something old new to you? Travel to Oregon's hometown for the annual outdoor antique market.  The Oregon City Outdoor Antique Faire is celebrating its 25th year. The event is hosted in downtown Oregon City along the beautiful main street filled with quaint shops and … [Read more...] about Oregon City Outdoor Antique Faire

2022 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 2022 Hawthorne Street Fair

2022 Portland Dahlia Society Show

Nothing says late summer quite like the beauty of dahlias in bloom. Celebrate the best of this year's flowers at the Portland Dahlia Society Show. Since 1928, the Portland Dahlia Society has banded together to support and educate fellow dahlia growers. Whether you grow your own or simply have … [Read more...] about 2022 Portland Dahlia Society Show

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

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

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 22nd year, the event holds true to its artistic roots by bringing together our community of … [Read more...] about First Thursday Street Gallery

Portland Columbia Symphony Free Concert

Enjoy your favorite classical tunes from the shows and movies you love in a beautiful outdoor setting. Claim your spot at Portland Columbia Symphony's Stage & Screen in the Park.  Since 1982, Portland Columbia Symphony has been a staple of Multnomah County’s arts scene. The symphony … [Read more...] about Portland Columbia Symphony Free Concert

2022 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 2022 Art in the Pearl

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events

Flea Market at Kindred Homestead Supply

The monthly Downtown Alley Flea Market at Kindred Homestead Supply invites you to support your local community of collectors, makers, movers, and shakers. The downtown Vancouver business is a low-waste, bulk refillery for your home and personal care needs. You bring your own containers and fill … [Read more...] about Flea Market at Kindred Homestead Supply

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events Tagged With:

Portland Flea: A Weekly Vintage, Handmade Market

Calling all vintage, handmade, food loving Portlanders! Explore one-of-a-kind goods at Portland Flea. For the past 11 years, 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 … [Read more...] about Portland Flea: A Weekly Vintage, Handmade Market

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events Tagged With:

Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales

Portland garage sale season is June-October. Since we've all spent a lot more time at home these last few years, this might go down at the best garage sale season in history. If you love a good find and a good deal, plan your garage sale hunting around these neighborhood events. Portland … [Read more...] about Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales

2022 Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias

Visit one of the Portland area's beloved flower farms this summer during the Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias. Swan Island Dahlias in Canby has been growing beautiful blooms for more than 93 years. The flower farm is the largest and leading dahlia grower in the United States. With roots in … [Read more...] about 2022 Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Festivals · Free Events

2022 Museums on Us: Free Museum Admission This Weekend

Bank of America's Museums On Us program lets customers visit Portland museums for free the first weekend of the month. More than 220 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 of the … [Read more...] about 2022 Museums on Us: Free Museum Admission This Weekend

Oregon Symphony Waterfront Concert and Festival

Head to Portland's waterfront for Oregon Symphony's end of summer celebration. The 2022 Oregon Symphony Waterfront Concert and Festival is your chance to see some of Portland's most beloved performers and musicians for free. This event includes performances by the Oregon Symphony as well as a … [Read more...] about Oregon Symphony Waterfront Concert and Festival

Portland Saturday Market

Explore local arts, crafts, food and performers at Portland Saturday Market.  The popular downtown market is back featuring more than 250 booths filled with handcrafted goods. In operation since 1974, the weekly marketplace has gained national recognition as the largest continuously … [Read more...] about Portland Saturday Market

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events Tagged With:

Portland Indigenous Marketplace

Explore creations from indigenous artists and entrepreneurs at the Portland Indigenous Marketplace. The monthly event supports indigenous creators by providing barrier-free, culturally respectful spaces to grow their small businesses and educate the public about their ancestry. Save the date … [Read more...] about Portland Indigenous Marketplace

Free Carousel and Train Rides at Oaks Park

Oaks Amusement Park invites the community to enjoy two vintage pieces of Portland's history free of charge.  Portland's very own amusement park has been bringing joy to the young and young at heart since 1905. In fact, it is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the … [Read more...] about Free Carousel and Train Rides at Oaks Park

Ukrainian Day at Westmoreland Park

Celebrate Ukrainian culture at Westmoreland Park during Labor Day weekend.  The event is hosted by Ukrainian Foundation, a local organization that was established in 2006 to help Ukrainian refugees adjust to their new home in the United States. The organization is also sending food, medical … [Read more...] about Ukrainian Day at Westmoreland Park

Clothing Swap at Kindred Homestead Supply

Do you love thrifting? Find new-to-you clothing at Kindred Homestead Supply's three day clothing swap. The downtown Vancouver business is a low-waste, bulk refillery for your home and personal care needs. You bring your own containers to fill up with a variety of household goods. In addition to … [Read more...] about Clothing Swap at Kindred Homestead Supply

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Shopping

Free Summer Concerts in the Parks

Enjoying music outdoors is a quintessential summertime activity. Portland Parks and Recreation is hosting 22 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

2022 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.  2022 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire The 7th annual Portland Celtic … [Read more...] about 2022 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

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, Oregon City, Gresham and Vancouver movie series. Best of all, summer movies in the parks are free to … [Read more...] about Free Summer Movies in the Parks

Beaverton Night Market

Beaverton Night Market invites you to join the vibrant, intercultural, family-friendly event reminiscent of international night markets. Starting in 2015, the summer event has grown into a large-scale event that brings together around 14,000 people each year. This summer, the City of Beaverton is … [Read more...] about Beaverton Night Market

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 of … [Read more...] about Sunday Parkways: A Family-Friendly Mobile Block Party

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

Free Geek Block Party

Support Portland's digital access nonprofit at the Free Geek Block Party. Free Geek is a local nonprofit that provides digital access to the most vulnerable populations in our community. The organization collects more than a million pounds of e-waste each year. Staff and volunteers refurbish … [Read more...] about Free Geek Block Party

2022 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Get out and enjoy Portland metro parks during free parking days. In 2022, 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 2022 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Nature

2022 India Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Celebrate India’s Independence Day with live music, dance, food and other entertainment at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The event is hosted by the India Cultural Association, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing Indian cultural awareness in Portland, Oregon. Every year, ICA hosts the popular India … [Read more...] about 2022 India Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

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

Portland Mercado’s Taste of Latin America

Portland Mercado’s Taste of Latin America brings together some of our city's best Latin flavors and goods.  The Portland Mercado is the hub of Latin culture in our city. The public market space features eight food carts and five indoor businesses representing the diverse flavors of … [Read more...] about Portland Mercado’s Taste of Latin America

2022 Elephant Garlic Festival

The Elephant Garlic Festival is once again inviting you to stop and smell the garlic in North Plains. If you're a fan of hometown events filled with music, food and fun, you'll want to hit up at least one day of this annual festival.  The three-day festival is held at the Jessie Mays … [Read more...] about 2022 Elephant Garlic Festival

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events

2022 Multnomah Days

Take a trip to Multnomah Village for a day of fun at this neighborhood's annual street fair: Multnomah Days. Did you know this district was originally developed around an Oregon Electric Railway depot in 1909? Multnomah Village now boasts a variety of shops and eateries along its walkable … [Read more...] about 2022 Multnomah Days

Member of the Living on the Cheap Network

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.
Living on the Cheap in the media