Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

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 2025 event.  2025 El Tigre Fest El Tigre Fest is Saturday, October 4, 2025 … [Read more...] about El Tigre Fest

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. The market supports BIPOC growers who are taking their small business dreams to the farmers market environment. The market also offers a farmer training program, which supports beginning … [Read more...] about Come Thru Black and Indigenous Market

2025 Estacada Lake Witches Paddle Boarding and Kayaking Event

Put on your best witchy costume and get ready to to haunt this local lake during the Estacada Lake Witches Paddle Boarding and Kayaking Event. Witches and warlocks are invited to trade in their broomsticks for paddles during the 5th annual event.  You also won't want to miss these … [Read more...] about 2025 Estacada Lake Witches Paddle Boarding and Kayaking Event

Knit Night at Starlight Knitting Society

In the heart of Portland's vibrant Woodstock neighborhood lies a gem that beckons to creators, Starlight Knitting Society. Come together with fellow crafters during the shop's Knit Night. This haven for yarn enthusiasts offers more than just materials. It fosters a sense of belonging and … [Read more...] about Knit Night at Starlight Knitting Society

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events · Shopping

Get a Free Elephant Ear at Sadie and Josie’s Bakery

Sadie and Josie’s Bakery is turning 15, and you’re invited to join the celebration with a special free dessert.  This beloved La Center bakery serves the community fresh bread, cakes, donuts and all your favorite bakery sweets.  Take a drive up to La Center to join the milestone … [Read more...] about Get a Free Elephant Ear at Sadie and Josie’s Bakery

Electrify Portland: Free Home Electrification Fair

Curious about clean energy and how to make your home more efficient? Electrify Portland is here to show you the way! This free, community-centered event invites homeowners and renters to discover how to transition to efficient living. Here are the details:  Electrify Portland: Free Home … [Read more...] about Electrify Portland: Free Home Electrification Fair

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

2025 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 2025 Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens

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 27 and 28, 2025, two nearby alpaca farms are participating in this annual celebration of the cute camelids and their incredible fibrous … [Read more...] about National Alpaca Farm Days

2025 Widmer Brothers Oktoberfest

Prost to good times at the 2025 Widmer Brothers Oktoberfest. Raise your stein and celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest at one of Portland's favorite breweries this September. With great music, delicious food and unbeatable beer specials, it’s a great way to celebrate fall in Portland. If you're … [Read more...] about 2025 Widmer Brothers Oktoberfest

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

2025 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 2025 Portland Polish Festival

2025 Fur Baby Love Fest

Join a tail-wagging day with the pet community at Fur Baby Love Fest. The inaugural Fur Baby Love Fest is Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone. The event is free to attend.  Bring your dog, family and friends for an event that's on a mission to … [Read more...] about 2025 Fur Baby Love Fest

2025 El Festival de Mariachi

Celebrate Hispanic culture through music, food and community at the 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:  2025 El Festival de Mariachi The festival is Sunday, September … [Read more...] about 2025 El Festival de Mariachi

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 days in September.   Portland's Snack Fest is a vibrant food festival dedicated to showcasing the city's diverse and creative snack scene. Known for … [Read more...] about Snack Fest: Take a Bite Out of Portland’s Food Market

Tibet Day at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Join the Northwest Tibetan Cultural Association for a special celebration in the heart of downtown Portland: Tibet Day. Since 1993, NWTCA has been a spiritual and cultural home for Tibetans living in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The community event invites you to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s … [Read more...] about Tibet Day at Pioneer Courthouse Square

2025 Goose Hollow Street Festival

The Goose Hollow Street Festival promises a fun event for all ages this September.  The historic neighborhood in Southwest Portland invites the community to spend an afternoon enjoying some of the best gems this area has to offer.  This event also coincides with Sunday Parkways: A … [Read more...] about 2025 Goose Hollow Street Festival

2025 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 18th 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 2025 Serbian Fest Portland

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

2025 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 2025 OMSI Star Parties

Build a Free LEGO Harry Potter Butterbeer Truck

Looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate Sunday? Build your very own LEGO Harry Potter Butterbeer Truck. While you're at it, get LEGO magazine for free.  Here are the details:  Build a Free Harry Potter Butterbeer Truck This special make-and-take event is the perfect way for … [Read more...] about Build a Free LEGO Harry Potter Butterbeer Truck

Join the Celebration at CullyFest

Looking for a vibrant, fun and community-focused event to attend this week? Attend CullyFest! The heart of the Cully neighborhood will come alive with music, arts, culture and an array of family-friendly activities that showcase the importance of community in Cully. Also this weekend is … [Read more...] about Join the Celebration at CullyFest

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stars Antiques Malls Labor Day Weekend Sale

Head to Westmoreland 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 Labor Day Weekend Sale

2025 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 2025 Art in the Pearl

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, North Clackamas, Oregon City, Gladstone, West Linn, Troutdale and Vancouver movie series. Best of all, … [Read more...] about Free Summer Movies in the Parks

Cooling Centers and Spaces in and around Portland

Need a place to escape the summer heat? Here's a list of cooling centers and spaces in and around Portland. Whenever a heat wave rolls into town, it can feel like a frenzied effort to find a place to cool off during the hottest times of the day. Thankfully, there are free resources throughout the … [Read more...] about Cooling Centers and Spaces in and around Portland

2025 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 2025 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 28th 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

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