Libraries have expanded way beyond books. From classes to e-catalogues to free Wi-Fi, libraries have become a resource hub for communities across the Portland area. Best of all, you can access all of these services for free. There are many perks of having a library card, including free cultural passes.
Free cultural passes allow you to visit some of the best attractions throughout the Portland area. This program is great for individuals, couples, friends and families with tickets to several attractions available free of charge.
How it works
Once you are a library card holder, you can reserve a pass to a local attraction via the library’s website. You simply enter your login information and make your reservation. Once you’ve chosen an attraction and day, your tickets are reserved.
Directions for using the passes are a little different at every library. Some passes you have to pick up at the library or attraction and others offer a mobile or printable passes. Don’t have a printer? One of the perks of your library card is free printing.
Some of these passes have specific steps you need to take after your reservation is confirmed. Make sure you read the fine print when you make your reservation at any of the libraries below.
You can reserve one or more free cultural passes at a time, depending on the library.
Metropolitan Interlibrary Exchange
As a Multnomah County resident, you can receive a free library card in other counties, including Washington, Clackamas, Hood River and Clark. Here is a list of other counties that are eligible for a free library card.
This means that you have access to ALL of these cultural passes below. Pretty cool, huh?
Due to current restrictions, some of these attractions and programs may be temporarily closed. Check in with your library.
Cultural Passes at Local libraries
Multnomah County Library’s My Discovery Pass
Free cultural passes:
- Artists Repertory Theatre
- Boom Arts
- Five Oaks Museum
- Friends of Chamber Music
- Genealogical Forum of Oregon:
- Literary Arts
- Northwest Children’s Theater and School
- Northwest Film Center
- Oregon Koto-Kai
- Portland Art Museum
- Portland Center Stage at The Armory
- Portland Columbia Symphony
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Portland Opera
- Portland Playhouse
- Rose City Rollers
Clackamas County Library Cultural Passes
Free cultural passes:
- Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
- End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
- Evergreen Aviation Museum
- Gilbert House Children’s Museum
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Oregon Historical Society
- Oregon State Parks
- The Oregon Garden
- Pittock Mansion
- Portland Art Museum
- Portland Japanese Garden
- World of Speed Museum
Washington County Library’s Cultural Pass to Adventure
Program is suspended until September 2021.
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Experience Pass
Free cultural passes:
- Cascade Locks Historical Museum
- Clark County Historical Museum
- Columbia Gorge Discovery Center
- Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum
- Genealogical Forum of Oregon
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Maryhill Museum of Art
- Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Hood River County Library Cultural Passes
Free cultural passes:
- Maryhill Museum of Art
- Wonderworks Children’s Museum of the Gorge
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You may also like:
Top 5 Multnomah County Library Card Perks You Need to Know About
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Thanks for sharing this information for all Metro area library users! Libraries are so much more than books these days. With the eclipse coming, several libraries are planning free events as well. Again, thank you!
Thank you for your comment, Diana! Libraries are amazing community resources. If you have any fun library events or services you’d like to share, email me at info@portlandlivingonthecheap.com.