Free and Cheap Memorial Day Weekend Events in Portland

Photo by Tabitha Mort via Pexels

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 farm experiences.

Find an event you’ll enjoy from the list below.

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 is back in full swing this year. Events start right in time for Memorial Day weekend. Best of all, many activities are free or cheap to attend. Here are a few you won’t want to miss: 

• Free Rose City Reunion Concert with the Oregon Symphony
• Opening night of CityFair and fireworks
• Rose Festival Treasure hunt begins

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, a car show, pioneer village, and more. It is free to attend. Parking is also free.

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 $10.

Visit Portland’s Old Mausoleum

For Memorial Day weekend only, Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Mausoleum is open to the public. 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.

The mausoleum is free to visit Saturday through Monday. On Monday, you can visit the Rae Room, an immaculate tomb that is only open for public viewing once a year. Festivities on Monday include free hot dogs and a service with a marching band and special guests.

Ride Oregon Pacific Railroad’s Train Through Portland

Want to see Portland by train? Climb aboard Oregon Pacific Railroad’s train for a special ride around Portland. This train takes you along the scenic Springwater Corridor on the east side of the Willamette River through Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Tickets are $14 for adults and $6 for kids.

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 peak bloom making Memorial Day weekend a great time to visit. Tickets are $5. Admission is free on Mondays.

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.

Take Your Friends to Trivia Night

Trivia nights are popular gatherings at bars and restaurants throughout the Portland metro. There are multiple trivia nights around town nearly every night of the week. Trivia buffs play for free or for a small entry fee (usually $5) at some locations. Here’s a list of trivia nights by day.

Take a Drive to Vista House

Take a day trip and visit the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. The historic 1918 Vista House at the top of Crown Point offers visitors an incredible view of the Columbia River Gorge. It is free to visit.

Visit Portland Flea

If you’re looking for a great outdoor event on Sunday, go to Portland Flea. This weekly vintage and handmade market has grown into more than 80 vendors spanning three properties on the central eastside of Portland.

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. 

Photo courtesy of Frog Pond Farm

Head to the Farm

There are two urban farms to explore during Memorial Day weekend. Zenger Farm is hosting an Open Farm Day where you’ll learn about skin wellness and salve making. Sliding scale donation options start at $5. If you’ve ever wanted to get up close with a camel and other farm animals, Frog Pond Farm has a Farm Walk About every Saturday. The price is $10 per person.

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 6 urban parks have lots of parking, family-friendly trails and beautiful sights.

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