Portland Living on the Cheap

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

Free Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025 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 2025 India Festival at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Free Pools, Splash Pads and Interactive Fountains at Portland Parks

You don't have to go far to find a place to cool off this summer. Portland parks have pools, splash pads and interactive fountains, kid-friendly water features designed with fun and safety in mind. There are 18 splash pads and seven interactive fountains at Portland parks all over the city. … [Read more...] about Free Pools, Splash Pads and Interactive Fountains at Portland Parks

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

2025 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 2025 Beaverton Music Festival

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

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