Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

Celebrate your three-day weekend at one of these free and cheap Memorial Day weekend events in Portland.

I’ve compiled a list of activities and events to get you out and exploring our awesome city this holiday weekend. There is something for everyone, from festivals and train rides to markets and outdoor activities. 

Find an event you’ll enjoy from the list below. Also, if you want to hang out downtown, parking is free on Memorial Day.

Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

“CityFair – Portland Rose Festival” by Jeremy Thompson licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Attend Portland Rose Festival’s Opening Weekend

The Portland Rose Festival events start right in time for Memorial Day weekend. View Portland Rose Festival Free and Cheap Events, including opening night fireworks and CityFair this weekend.

Also, take a stroll downtown to view the Bloom Tour featuring a blossoming canvas of floral art, immersive installations and community celebration.

Enjoy Family Fun at Multnomah County Fair

This Memorial Day weekend, head to Oaks Park for some good, old-fashioned fun at the Multnomah County Fair. This three-day event features competitive exhibits, music and stage performances, Lucha Libre wrestling, farm animal meet and greet, and a dog parade and costume contest. Best of all, it is free to attend. 

While you’re there, take advantage of all Oaks Park’s free and cheap activities. You can ride the carousel and train at Oaks Park for free. The Oaks Park Roller Rink offers year-round skating. Admission is $13.

Photo courtesy of Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum

Visit Portland’s Old Mausoleum

For Memorial Day weekend, Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum is open for guided walking tours. The century-old mausoleum at the funeral home takes up three city blocks with nine miles of corridors. Inside are marvelous stained glass windows, a replica marble statue of Michelangelo’s “La Pieta” and three foundations that cascade down multiple floors.

Schedule a free guided tour to view the mausoleum and Rae Room, an immaculate tomb that is only open for public viewing once a year. 

Photo courtesy of Willamette Shore Trolley

Ride the Willamette Shore Trolley

Take a scenic ride aboard the vintage Willamette Shore Trolley in Lake Oswego. During Memorial Day weekend, trolley service is on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with multiple departure times from Lake Oswego and Portland each day. 

One-way tickets are $10 for all ages. Learn more and get tickets. 

Admire the Blooms at Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Southeast Portland’s botanical oasis grows a collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, shrubs, companion plants and unusual trees. The rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom making Memorial Day weekend a great time to visit. Tickets are $9.

Ride the Free Shuttle at Washington Park

Washington Park is the keeper of many of Portland’s best attractions. Access these attractions on the Washington Park free shuttle. It is also the location of one of Portland’s best free rose gardens, which overlooks the city for a great view and place to stop and spend quality time. The shuttle and rose garden are free.

Photo courtesy of Portland Saturday Market

Head to Portland Saturday Market

Explore local arts, crafts, food and performers at Portland Saturday Market. The market is back every Saturday in Downtown Portland. It features more than 250 booths filled with handcrafted goods and is free to attend.

Photo by Chelsea Rooklyn

Visit Portland Flea

If you’re looking for a great outdoor event on Sunday, go to Portland Flea. More than 80 vendors bring the best in fashion, home, vintage and more to this monthly event.

Go Thrifting

Do you have affinity for vintage clothing and decor? Thankfully, our city is chock full of places where bargain hunters thrive. Spend a day finding new-to-you items at Portland’s more than 50 thrift and consignment stores all over the city. 

Also, don’t miss the weekend sale at Stars Antiques. 

Relax at a Sauna or Soaking Pool

Need to escape to a tranquil, relaxing setting? There are several budget-friendly soaking pools and saunas in and around Portland. I recommend the soaking pool at McMenamins Kennedy School, which also hosts guided history and art tours on the weekends. It is located in a private outdoor courtyard surrounded by lush gardens. The price per hour is $10.

Go on an Urban Hike

You don’t even have to leave the city to go on a nature adventure. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is explore our area’s awesome parks. These urban parks have lots of parking, easy trails and beautiful sights.

You can also attend Tryon Creek’s free guided tour on Saturday and Hoyt Arboretum’s free tour on Sunday. 

Photo courtesy of Molalla Train Park

Take a Miniature Train Ride

Take the whole family for a ride along the miniature railway at Molalla Train Park. At the heart of the park lies in its 4,200 feet of track, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through scenic landscapes and nostalgia-filled moments for children and adults.

Plus, this attraction is free to visit. Pack a picnic or grab lunch at the concession stand. 

Attend the Gem and Mineral Show

The Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club’s annual Gem and Mineral Show Saturday and Sunday. One of the special events is the florescent rock show. The event is free to event.

Photo courtesy of Adelman Peony Gardens

Stroll through Free Peony Fields at Adelman Peony Gardens

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of blooming flowers at Adelman Peony Gardens’ peony fields, which are open each day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This springtime gem boasts more than 30 acres of sprawling peony fields, adorned with 500 blooms, each more captivating than the last.

You are welcome to bring a picnic, and dogs are welcome. Best of all, it is completely free to visit. 

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