Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

Juneteenth Free Admission Day at Leach Botanical Garden

In celebration of Juneteenth, Leach Botanical Garden is offering free admission. 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 Creek. Adding to the unique charm is the historic … [Read more...] about Juneteenth Free Admission Day at Leach Botanical Garden

2025 Milk Carton Boat Race

Will it float? See who creates the most buoyant and swiftest homemade vessel at the 2025 Milk Carton Boat Race. The annual event is hosted by the Royal Rosarians. You may recognize our city's official greeters and goodwill ambassadors from the Portland Rose Festival. The family-friendly event … [Read more...] about 2025 Milk Carton Boat Race

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

2025 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 2025 Free Days at U.S. National Parks

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

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

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

The Historic Trust’s Summer Solstice Celebration

Join the Historic Trust for a magical evening of reflection, movement and creativity at the Summer Solstice Celebration. Gather at the historic General O.O. Howard House in Vancouver for a free event honoring the longest day of the year. Here are the details: The Historic Trust's Summer … [Read more...] about The Historic Trust’s Summer Solstice Celebration

2025 Portland Pride Month Events

June is Pride Month. Portland has a variety of events to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community.  Did you know Pride has been celebrated in Portland since the early 1970s? Portland's long history of acceptance and inclusion is honored throughout the year with many LGBTQ+ events. During Pride … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Pride Month Events

Free Italian Ice Day at Great American Video & Espresso

Head to Milwaukie this weekend for a special freebie at Great American Video & Espresso. Since 1983, this local video store has been the go-to rental stop for movie lovers. The shop's rentals are still going strong with more than 10,000 films available. While you're picking out your favorite … [Read more...] about Free Italian Ice Day at Great American Video & Espresso

Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Oregon State Parks Day is June 7, 2025. Make the most of the celebration with free admission, camping 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 … [Read more...] about Free Admission, Camping and Fishing on Oregon State Parks Day

Get Free and Cheap Donuts on National Donut Day

National Donut Day or National Doughnut Day? However you spell it, Portlanders love donuts. Here's a great excuse to indulge in your favorite breakfast pastry. When is National Donut Day? National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June. In 2025, it is Friday, June 6! Celebrate … [Read more...] about Get Free and Cheap Donuts on National Donut Day

Free Open Play Swim Sessions at Portland Pools

Cool off this summer at one of our city's outdoor pools for free during open play swim sessions. All of Portland Parks and Recreation's outdoor pools are offering free open play swim sessions this summer. No registration is required to swim. Free admission is available on a first come, first … [Read more...] about Free Open Play Swim Sessions at Portland Pools

Be Wildfire Aware: World Forestry Center Free Admission and Activities

Visit the World Forestry Center for a special community preparedness event: Be Wildfire Aware.  We love our forests in Oregon. The World Forestry Center's Discovery Museum is located right here in our city, inviting visitors to examine forests and consider all the ways they benefit our … [Read more...] about Be Wildfire Aware: World Forestry Center Free Admission and Activities

2025 Powell’s Summer Reading Challenge

Summer is the perfect time to lose yourself in the pages of a great book. Powell's Books invites readers of all ages to embark on a literary adventure during the Powell's Summer Reading Challenge. Designed to ignite your imagination and foster a love for reading, this challenge gives you a … [Read more...] about 2025 Powell’s Summer Reading Challenge

Finders Keepers: How to Find Glass Floats in Lincoln City

Imagine walking along the Oregon Coast and finding a colorful glass ball in the sand. This can be your reality by participating in Lincoln City's Finders Keepers.  More than 3,000 hand-blown glass floats are scattered along the city’s seven miles of sandy beaches each year. True to the name, … [Read more...] about Finders Keepers: How to Find Glass Floats in Lincoln City

Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids, Teens and Adults

Looking for a fun reading program to keep your kids on track this summer? Or maybe you want to keep yourself on top of new releases and try different genres. Portland libraries and national companies offer summer reading programs for kids, teens and adults. Best of all, you can win prizes for … [Read more...] about Free Summer Reading Programs for Kids, Teens and Adults

2025 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 2025 Free Fishing Weekends in Oregon

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

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

Tchotchke Swap at Kindred

Knick-knacks. Doodads. Treasures. Whatever you call the decor items that bring you joy, here's your chance to give some and find new ones at the Tchotchke Swap at Kindred. The downtown Vancouver business is a low-waste, bulk refillery for your home and personal care needs. You bring your own … [Read more...] about Tchotchke Swap at Kindred

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Shopping

Discount Admission to Portland Rose Festival’s CityFair

Get free and cheap admission to the Portland Rose Festival's main attraction, CityFair. For more than 100 years, the Portland Rose Festival has been a beloved celebration of our beautiful city. The festival has tons of free and cheap activities your whole family can enjoy. For three weeks, … [Read more...] about Discount Admission to Portland Rose Festival’s CityFair

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

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

2025 Troutdale Arts Festival

Connect with your community and support regional artists, studios, workshops, and galleries at the Troutdale Arts Festival in downtown Troutdale along the Sandy River. Hosted by Cascadia Arts Association, the festival features artists, art demonstrations, musicians, local food and drinks, and a … [Read more...] about 2025 Troutdale Arts Festival

Tabor Dance Schedule: Join Portland’s Free Sunset Dance Party

Looking for something joyful, free and full of community fun? Tabor Dance hosts a sunset dance series at locations across Portland.  These community dances are popping up in parks and venues around Portland this spring and summer. This is your chance to connect, move and celebrate with a … [Read more...] about Tabor Dance Schedule: Join Portland’s Free Sunset Dance Party

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 2025 Rose Festival is May … [Read more...] about Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events

2025 Portland Bloom Tour: Explore Immersive Floral Creations and Special Events

Get ready to celebrate spring in one of the most creative and colorful ways at the Portland Bloom Tour. This vibrant citywide event transforms Portland’s Downtown, Old Town and Lloyd District into a blossoming canvas of floral art, immersive installations and community celebration. Flower … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Bloom Tour: Explore Immersive Floral Creations and Special Events

Get a Free U.S. Flag at Ace Hardware

This Memorial Day weekend, Ace Hardware is honoring American veterans by hosting a One Million Flag Giveaway. On Saturday, May 24, 2025, get a free 8" x 12″ American flag at participating locations. There is no purchase necessary to get a free flag. The giveaway is available while supplies last, … [Read more...] about Get a Free U.S. Flag at Ace Hardware

2025 Gem and Mineral Show

Where are all my rockhounds at? The Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club's annual Gem and Mineral Show is taking place Memorial Day weekend. The local club is a community of people who enjoy educating and sharing in many areas of expertise, including geology, rockhounding, mineral collection, … [Read more...] about 2025 Gem and Mineral Show

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

Stars Antiques Malls Weekend Sale

Head to Sellwood and find something new to you at Stars Antiques Malls 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 other on … [Read more...] about Stars Antiques Malls Weekend Sale

2025 McMenamins UFO Fest

McMenamins is hosting its annual festival for believers and skeptics alike. Head to the 25th annual UFO Fest this May. The festival is inspired by the 1950 UFO sighting on a farm outside McMinnville. The story goes that on the night of Thursday, May 11, 1950, Evelyn Trent went out to feed her … [Read more...] about 2025 McMenamins UFO Fest

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 2025 event. Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony … [Read more...] about Visit the Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens

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

McMenamins History Pubs: Uncover Oregon’s People and Places

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: Uncover Oregon’s People and Places

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

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Rockwood Market Hall

Get ready for a day full of culture, music, food and community spirit at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Rockwood Market Hall. Bring your family and friends to a vibrant celebration that also marks three years since Rockwood Market Hall opened its doors. Here's what is in store: Cinco de Mayo … [Read more...] about Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Rockwood Market Hall

Portland Street Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss

Enjoy free summertime fun at these Portland street fairs. One of my favorite summertime activities in Portland is attending the totally free, family-friendly and fun neighborhood street fairs. If you're new to Portland or haven't explored the city in a while, this is a great way to get out there … [Read more...] about Portland Street Fairs You Won’t Want to Miss

Free and Cheap Mother’s Day Events in and around Portland

There's something for every mom in this list of free and cheap Mother's Day events in and around Portland. The best part is no one has to spend a bunch of money to celebrate Mom on this special day. Instead, opt for some quality time and a fun activity. Take a look at what Portland and … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Mother’s Day Events in and around Portland

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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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