Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

2026 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. Hundreds of museums and attractions participate in the Bank of America free museum days in cities across the United States. In Portland, we have three participating … [Read more...] about 2026 Museums on Us Free Museum Admission

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

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

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 30th 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

2026 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 2026 India Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Ukrainian Day at Westmoreland Park

Celebrate Ukrainian culture at Westmoreland Park. 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 and basic supplies to help … [Read more...] about Ukrainian Day at Westmoreland Park

2026 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 2026 Free Days at U.S. National Parks

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

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

Portland Art Museum Free Admission Day

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

Wicked Craft’s Summer Solstice Night Market

Ring in the longest day of the year with an evening of magic, creativity and community at Wicked Craft’s Summer Solstice Night Market. Rooted in the earthy majesty of ancient arts and the divine strength of feminine creativity, Wicked Craft celebrates women from all walks of life. Here are the … [Read more...] about Wicked Craft’s Summer Solstice Night Market

2026 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Get out and enjoy Portland metro parks during free parking days. In 2026, 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 2026 Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Nature

Vancouver Pollinator Festival at Marshall Park

The Pollinator Festival hosts a full day of activities for you and your family.  More than 40 agencies, organizations, universities, artisans and local businesses are participating in this free outdoor festival.  Here are the details about the event: Pollinator Festival at Clark … [Read more...] about Vancouver Pollinator Festival at Marshall Park

4 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Portland

It's lavender season in the Pacific Northwest! Starting in June, lavender farms throughout the Portland area invite the public to enjoy the beauty of the blooms, pick their own bundles and peruse homemade lavender products.  These four beautiful lavender farms are a short drive from … [Read more...] about 4 Beautiful Lavender Farms Near Portland

Portland’s Free Rose Gardens

Stop and smell the roses at these four Portland rose gardens. Portland is the Rose City, so it is only natural that rose gardens are one of the main attractions. Rose gardens have taken root rich history of our city. The four gardens highlighted below have been public attractions for more than … [Read more...] about Portland’s Free Rose Gardens

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

Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

For more than 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has been a beloved celebration of our beautiful city. It takes place every year from the end of May through June. This citywide celebration is inclusive of everyone with many free and cheap events to enjoy.  The 2026 Rose Festival is May … [Read more...] about Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

Summer Market at Fubonn Shopping Center

Summer Market invites you to a multi-week celebration of AAPI makers, artists and culinary delights at Fubonn Shopping Center. 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 Fubonn Shopping Center

2026 Forest Service Recreation Area Free Days

Get free entrance to Forest Service recreation areas on nine holidays in 2026. 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 2026 Forest Service Recreation Area Free Days

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 Admission and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Oregon State Parks Day is June 6, 2026. Make the most of the celebration with free admission and fishing across the state. More than 100 years ago, a 5-acre donation by Sarah Helmick created Oregon’s first official state park. Today, the state park system has 254 park properties and more than … [Read more...] about Free Admission and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Summer Skate Deck Show at Art Design Xchange

See creations by hundreds of designers all in one place at the Summer Skate Deck Show at Art Design Xchange. This event gives Portlanders a chance to celebrate local artists that give our city color and vibrance year-round.  Here's how you can join in on the creativity: Summer Skate Deck … [Read more...] about Summer Skate Deck Show at Art Design Xchange

2026 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 2026 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon

Burnside Bridge Centennial Celebration

For 100 years, the Burnside Bridge has stood as one of Portland’s most recognizable landmarks. This week, the city celebrates the bridge's 100th birthday with a daylong celebration on the bridge itself. More than just a crossing over the Willamette River, the Burnside Bridge has played a central … [Read more...] about Burnside Bridge Centennial Celebration

Planet Fitness Gives Teens Free Summer Membership

Free gym membership? Yes, please. Planet Fitness has locations all over Portland metro offering a high school summer pass. This summer, the gym's commitment to low-cost memberships is about to get even sweeter for your teenager. Here's how you can participate: Planet Fitness High School … [Read more...] about Planet Fitness Gives Teens Free Summer Membership

Visit Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum Memorial Day Weekend

Portland's largest mausoleum is opening its doors for special public tours Memorial Day weekend. The Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home in Sellwood is the final resting place of more than 97,000 people and home to the extraordinary Rae Room. During Memorial Day weekend, you get the rare … [Read more...] about Visit Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum Memorial Day Weekend

Free Paper Shredding at Office Depot or OfficeMax

Safely dispose of your personal documents during the free paper shredding events at Office Depot and OfficeMax. Having your documents shredded helps protect you from identity theft or a data breach. Thankfully, there are free document shredding events happening throughout the Portland … [Read more...] about Free Paper Shredding at Office Depot or OfficeMax

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Shopping

Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of blooming flowers at Adelman Peony Gardens' free peony fields. Every springtime, the gardens invite the public to experience different colors and smells of peonies. Here's information about the 2026 event. Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony … [Read more...] about Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens

Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

Celebrate your three-day weekend at one of these free and cheap Memorial Day weekend events in Portland. I've compiled a list of activities and events to get you out and exploring our awesome city this holiday weekend. There is something for everyone, from festivals and train rides to markets and … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

This Memorial Day weekend, head to Oaks Park for some good, old-fashioned fun at the Multnomah County Fair. The annual fair has been entertaining Portlanders since 1906. Traditionally an event for locals to exhibit farming and homesteading techniques, fairs have expanded to showcase food, … [Read more...] about Multnomah County Fair at Oaks Park

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

The Oregon Film Trail: Discover Oregon Through Its Film Legacy

Did you know Oregon has served as the production backdrop for more than 500 films and television shows? See the state's iconic movie moments come to life with the Oregon Film Trail. Taking a trip to the sights of some of your favorite films has never been easier. The Oregon Film Trail is a … [Read more...] about The Oregon Film Trail: Discover Oregon Through Its Film Legacy

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