Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

2024 Portland Dahlia Society Show

Nothing says fall flowers 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 2024 Portland Dahlia Society Show

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

2024 El Festival de Mariachi

Celebrate Hispanic culture through music, food and community at the 2024 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:  2024 El Festival de Mariachi The festival is Sunday, … [Read more...] about 2024 El Festival de Mariachi

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. Here's what you can … [Read more...] about Join the Celebration at CullyFest

2024 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 2024 OMSI Star Parties

2024 Portland Dragon Boat Festival

Mark your calendars for one of Portland’s most vibrant and thrilling water events of the year, the Portland Dragon Boat Festival! This weekend, the Willamette River will come alive with the splash of paddles and the cheers of spectators as dozens of colorful dragon boats race down the waterway in … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Dragon Boat Festival

2024 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 17th 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 2024 Serbian Fest Portland

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

2024 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 2024 Portland Polish Festival

2024 Division Clinton Street Fair

Come together with your community for a day of music, camaraderie and fun at the Division Clinton Street Fair. Clinton Street has lots of old school Portland charm. There's great restaurants, boutique and vintage shops, and iconic Portland businesses, like Clinton Street Theater.  The … [Read more...] about 2024 Division Clinton Street Fair

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

Free Comedy in the Park at Laurelhurst Park

  Enjoy a free night of entertainment at Laurelhurst Park. Kickstand Comedy is hosting a special event called Comedy in the Park all summer long.    Kickstand Comedy is a nonprofit theater organization known for its curated live comedy events. For the third year in a row, the local … [Read more...] about Free Comedy in the Park at Laurelhurst Park

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

2024 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 2024 Art in the Pearl

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

Free National Parks and Public Lands Passes for 4th Graders

Every 4th grader in the United States has the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the nation with their family for free, thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors Program. This program gives 4th grade students and their families free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including … [Read more...] about Free National Parks and Public Lands Passes for 4th Graders

2024 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 2024 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 27th 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

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

2024 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.  2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire The 9th annual Portland Celtic … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Celtic Fantasy Faire

2024 Beaverton Music Festival

Get ready for a day filled with music, food and fun at the Beaverton Music Festival. This free, family-friendly event promises to be a special experience for music lovers of all ages. Pack your low back chairs and blankets for a full day of music in the park. Here are the details about this … [Read more...] about 2024 Beaverton Music Festival

Swift Watch at Chapman Elementary School

See an amazing natural phenomenon happening in Portland during Swift Watch in September.  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 at … [Read more...] about Swift Watch at Chapman Elementary School

Dive into Summer Fun at Duckworth Summer Wednesdays

Spend a summer evening at the ultimate swimming hole in Portland's central city.  Are you ready to make a splash this summer? Look no further than Duckworth Summer Wednesdays, your go-to weekly event for river-fueled fun, safe swimming and fantastic music. Held along the Eastbank … [Read more...] about Dive into Summer Fun at Duckworth Summer Wednesdays

Ukrainian Day at Westmoreland Park

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

2024 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 close to 100 years. The flower farm is the largest and leading dahlia grower in the United States. With roots in … [Read more...] about 2024 Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias

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

2024 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

Mt. Tabor is transforming into a raceway for the annual Portland Adult Soapbox Derby. Once a year, Portlanders convene on the slopes of the city park. Some are there to put their homemade, human-powered vehicles to the test. Others are there to simply enjoy the show.  Here's how you can join … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

2024 Beaverton Night Market

Beaverton Night Market invites you to join the vibrant, cultural, family-friendly event reminiscent of international night markets. Starting in 2014, 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 2024 Beaverton Night Market

Cheap and Awesome Ways to Catch Live Music in Portland

See live music in Portland at one of these venues during your next night out.  Portland is celebrated for its vibrant music scene. Although this city does not always get the headliners that stop by our west coast neighbors like San Francisco and Seattle, Portlanders go all out for bands that … [Read more...] about Cheap and Awesome Ways to Catch Live Music in Portland

2024 Multnomah Days Festival and Parade

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 2024 Multnomah Days Festival and Parade

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

2024 Oregon City Porchfest

Get ready for a weekend of music, community and fun at the Oregon City Porchfest. Oregon City Porchfest is more than just a festival—it’s a community experience. Over two days, the McLoughlin neighborhood transforms into a vibrant stage where local talent shines. This event is an opportunity to … [Read more...] about 2024 Oregon City Porchfest

Music on Main: Free Outdoor Concert Series

The Music on Main free outdoor concert series is back for its 17th year in 2024. Portland’5 is taking advantage of thesummer weather to bring you a fantastic lineup of live music. Located on Main Street next to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, these concerts showcase popular local musicians … [Read more...] about Music on Main: Free Outdoor Concert Series

2024 Portland Goth Float

Gather with your fellow Goth community at the 10th annual Portland Goth Float. This annual event invites locals to a fun day floating the Clackamas River. Put on your best goth bathing suit and accessories for a one-of-a-kind day spent outdoors. Here are the details about the 2024 float. 2024 … [Read more...] about 2024 Portland Goth Float

Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales

Portland garage sale season is June-October. Mark your calendar for these Portland neighborhood garage sales. Since many people have transitioned to working from home for a few days a week or permanently, they've had to make room for workspaces. This means items once thought of as essential have … [Read more...] about Portland Neighborhood Garage Sales

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

Washington Park Summer Festival

The beloved Washington Park Summer Festival returns, featuring international performances in an inspiring outdoor setting. The event takes place at the Rose Garden Amphitheater in Washington Park, the keeper of Portland’s best attractions. The park features the International Rose Test Garden, … [Read more...] about Washington Park Summer Festival

2024 Elephant Garlic Festival

The Elephant Garlic Festival invites 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 attend at least one day of this annual festival.  The three-day festival is held at the Jessie Mays Community Park in … [Read more...] about 2024 Elephant Garlic Festival

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events

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