Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

Summer Shred: Portland’s Free All-Day Rock Festival

Get ready to turn up the volume, Portland. Summer Shred Music Festival invites you to hang and head bang this August.  On Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12 to 11 p.m., the Central Eastside transforms into a high-energy celebration of local rock, cold drinks, good food and community … [Read more...] about Summer Shred: Portland’s Free All-Day Rock Festival

2025 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 2025 Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

2025 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 2025 Multnomah Days Festival and Parade

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 Festival of the Arts

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, live performances and family fun at the Oregon City Festival of the Arts. This beloved annual event is Oregon City’s premier arts celebration. Plus, it’s free and open to the public. Also, don't miss Oregon City Porchfest and McLoughlin Garage Sale this … [Read more...] about Oregon City Festival of the Arts

2025 Portland Goth Float

Gather with your fellow Goth community at the 11th 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 2025 float. 2025 … [Read more...] about 2025 Portland Goth Float

2025 Washougal Arts and Music Festival

Get ready for a vibrant day in an outdoor community market at the Washougal Arts and Music Festival. Every year, local artists and musicians gather in downtown Washougal for a fun outdoor event.  Here are the 2025 details:  2025 Washougal Arts and Music Festival Washougal Arts and … [Read more...] about 2025 Washougal Arts and Music Festival

2025 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 2025 Oregon City Porchfest

2025 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 2025 Beaverton Night Market

Music Millennium’s Customer Appreciation Bar-B-Q

Music Millennium is celebrating its customers with live performances, deals and complimentary food at the 32nd annual Customer Appreciation Bar-B-Q. Music Millennium has been a staple of the Kerns neighborhood since 1969. It also holds the title of oldest record store in the Pacific Northwest. … [Read more...] about Music Millennium’s Customer Appreciation Bar-B-Q

2025 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 2025 Dahlia Festival at Swan Island Dahlias

2025 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 2025 Elephant Garlic Festival

Posted by Victoria Filed Under: Free Events

2025 Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

The Oregon Chinese Coalition is hosting the annual Chinese Festival in August. Celebrate Chinese American culture while enjoying a full lineup of entertainment, Chinese food, authentic arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. Here are the scheduled entertainment, activities, food and … [Read more...] about 2025 Chinese Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

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

2025 Obon Fest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple

Attend Obon Fest, a Japanese summertime celebration, at the Oregon Buddhist Temple. For the past 30 years, the Oregon Buddhist Temple has welcomed families, non-Buddhist neighbors, and fun-loving food lovers to the festival.  Here's how you can participate in the event. 2025 Obon Fest at … [Read more...] about 2025 Obon Fest at the Oregon Buddhist Temple

2025 Montavilla Street Fair

The Montavilla Street Fair is held along a trendy stretch of Stark Street just east of Mt Tabor. The event hosts some of Portland's best art, food and creative scene. This is one of several Portland street fairs. The event invites the community to come together for a day of summertime fun. 2025 … [Read more...] about 2025 Montavilla Street Fair

2025 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend as the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival. This vibrant event is set to showcase award-winning musicians, talented visual artists from across the region and captivating local performers. Head to Esther Short Park for a celebration of creativity … [Read more...] about 2025 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival

2025 Opera in the Park Portland

Prepare for an enchanting evening of music and drama at Opera in the Park Portland. Opera in the Park Portland is dedicated to bringing world-class opera to our community free of charge. The annual event has become a beloved tradition in the Portland area. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, … [Read more...] about 2025 Opera in the Park Portland

Dive into Summer Fun at Duckworth Dock Pop Up Swim Party

Spend a summer evening at the ultimate swimming spot in Portland's central city.  Are you ready to make a splash this summer? Look no further than Duckworth Dock pop up swim party, 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 Dock Pop Up Swim Party

Christmas in July Pop-Up Party at The Hotel Zags

Who says you have to wait until December to feel the holiday cheer? The Hotel Zags invites Portlanders to unwrap some serious mid-summer merriment at the Christmas in July Pop-Up Party. Join a fun and festive evening celebrating the spirit of giving five months ahead of schedule. Here's what … [Read more...] about Christmas in July Pop-Up Party at The Hotel Zags

Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday at Kennedy School

Are you Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw or Slytherin? No matter your Hogwarts House, you're invited to gather at Kennedy School for Harry Potter's birthday.  Wizarding Weekend is a magical celebration full of activities. Aspiring wizards and witches of all ages can head to Kennedy School … [Read more...] about Celebrate Harry Potter’s Birthday at Kennedy School

2025 Peruvian Cultural Festival

Enjoy food, art, vendors and performances at the Peruvian Cultural Festival. Founded in 2018, the event invites the community to come together in celebration of Peruvian culture.  Here are the details about the 2025 event.  2025 Peruvian Cultural Festival The Peruvian cultural art … [Read more...] about 2025 Peruvian Cultural Festival

Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival

Have you ever wanted to be a mermaid? The Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival invites everyone to dress up as merfolk or other mythical water creatures for a walk downtown.  Since 2016, the Portlandia Mermaid Parade has been a free grassroots artistic event celebrating our community's … [Read more...] about Portlandia Mermaid Parade and Festival

2025 Milwaukie Porchfest

The Milwaukie Arts Committee is hosting Porchfest, an event that invites local musicians and performers to showcase their talents to the community from their porches, driveways and front yards. Started in 2020, Porchfest showcases local talent with informal concerts decentralized across the city. … [Read more...] about 2025 Milwaukie Porchfest

2025 Milwaukie Cruise-In

The 42nd annual Milwaukie Cruise-In offers free entertainment, discounted bowling and food deals.  On Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 3-10 p.m., the Milwaukie Bowl parking lot hosts cool, classic cars. Live entertainment includes a live DJ from 3-6 p.m. and The Average Joe's from 6-10 … [Read more...] about 2025 Milwaukie Cruise-In

2025 Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

The annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival is Portland's best free concert of the summer. This three-day event features the region's most talented Jazz and Blues musicians harmonizing with the incredible backdrop of the St. Johns Bridge at Cathedral Park. This year, the festival has a full line … [Read more...] about 2025 Cathedral Park Jazz Festival

2025 Gresham Arts Festival

Meet, browse and shop from a select group of juried Pacific Northwest artisans at the Gresham Arts Festival. Experience art in the heart of the city. This free, family-friendly event includes live music, a kids village and local cuisine. Here's what you can expect at the annual event. 2025 … [Read more...] about 2025 Gresham Arts Festival

Music on Main: Free Outdoor Concert Series

The Music on Main free outdoor concert series is back this July. Portland’5 is taking advantage of the summer 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 representing a … [Read more...] about Music on Main: Free Outdoor Concert Series

La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival

The streets of downtown Hillsboro become a canvas during the La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival. Tualatin Valley Creates is bringing together talented artists that will make the sidewalks come to life with their incredible creations. Tualatin Valley Creates serves Washington County’s 15 … [Read more...] about La Strada dei Pastelli Chalk Art Festival

Sherwood Robin Hood Festival

For more than 70 years, Sherwood, Oregon, has celebrated the annual Sherwood Robin Hood Festival.  Take a short drive to Old Town Sherwood for a community parade, live entertainment on two stages, medieval reenactments, Maid Marian's Court, Robin Hood and his Merry Men, a knighting ceremony, … [Read more...] about Sherwood Robin Hood Festival

Parkrose Summer Nights Street Fair

Explore Northeast Portland during Parkrose Summer Nights Street Fair. This free, family-friendly celebration, hosted by Historic Parkrose, invites the community to come together for an evening of connection and summer fun. Here's what you can expect at the upcoming events: Parkrose Summer … [Read more...] about Parkrose Summer Nights Street Fair

Sandy Mountain Festival: Art, Music and Classic Cars

The beloved Sandy Mountain Festival returns this summer with two full days of handcrafted art, live entertainment and community fun. Each year, this festival brings together local artists, musicians and vendors in a beautiful forested setting in Sandy. Plus, new additions keep the fun rolling this … [Read more...] about Sandy Mountain Festival: Art, Music and Classic Cars

2025 Mississippi Street Fair

Don't miss Portland's largest street fair this summer. The annual Mississippi Street Fair brings together the eclectic, flavorful, fun-loving flair of one of Portland's best neighborhoods into the largest family-friendly block party of the summer. This is one of several Portland street fairs that … [Read more...] about 2025 Mississippi Street Fair

East Portland Summer Arts Festival

Celebrate music and expression at the East Portland Summer Arts Festival.  At this year's festival, you'll be treated to a blend of performance and storytelling as performers fill a Portland park with an evening of music and good vibes.  The event is part of Portland Parks and … [Read more...] about East Portland Summer Arts Festival

Portland Bastille Day Festival and French Market

Vive la France! Portland’s Bastille Day Festival and French Market returns for its 23rd year. Join the vibrant celebration of French culture, cuisine and community. Hosted by the Alliance Française de Portland, this event honors France’s national holiday.  Here are the details about the … [Read more...] about Portland Bastille Day Festival and French Market

Summer Market at Shun Fat Supermarket

Summer Market invites you to a multi-week celebration of AAPI makers, artists and culinary delights at Shun Fat Supermarket. 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 Shun Fat Supermarket

2025 Mt. Tabor Summer Concert

Come together with the community to dance and celebrate in nature at the Mt. Tabor Summer Concert. Summer concerts are a long-standing tradition at Mt. Tabor, one of Portland's best picnic parks. Head to Southeast Portland for an evening of family-friendly fun. If you're looking for more great … [Read more...] about 2025 Mt. Tabor Summer Concert

4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations in and around Portland

Have a blast at one of these 4th of July events in and around Portland. Some celebrations have a whole day's worth of fun activities, games, live music and entertainment your whole family will enjoy. Portland firework shows and celebrations are held throughout the area. Keep in mind, the use of … [Read more...] about 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations in and around Portland

Get Free Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme on 4th of July

Enjoy one of America's favorite treats during July 4th weekend at Krispy Kreme.  This Independence Day, Krispy Kreme is releasing an all-new Stars, Stripes & Sweetness doughnut collection and a tasty deal. The Stars, Stripes & Sweetness doughnut collection is packed in a themed … [Read more...] about Get Free Doughnuts at Krispy Kreme on 4th of July

4th of July Celebration and Laser Light Show in Lake Oswego

Celebrate 4th of July all day in Lake Oswego. The city is hosting a parade and festival as well as a concert and laser light show. From morning till night, the city comes alive with lots of festivities that capture the essence of American patriotism and community spirit. Families and friends … [Read more...] about 4th of July Celebration and Laser Light Show in Lake Oswego

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