Free and Cheap Mother’s Day Events in and around Portland

There’s something for every mom in this list of free and cheap Mother’s Day events in and around Portland.

The best part is no one has to spend a bunch of money to celebrate Mom on this special day. Instead, opt for some quality time and a fun activity.

Take a look at what Portland and neighboring communities have to offer during Mother’s Day weekend, from May 10-12. These are all great opportunities to make memories and celebrate your mom.

Free and Cheap Mother’s Day Events in and around Portland

Photo courtesy of St. Johns Bizarre

Spend a Day in St. Johns

On May 11, St. Johns is hosting two events: the St. Johns Bizarre and St. Johns Parade. There will be live music, activities, vendors and lots of food carts in the heart of this Portland neighborhood. Both events are free to attend. 

Photo courtesy of The Tesla City Stories

See a live performance at the Tesla City Stories Live Vintage Radio Theater

Take your mom to a special Friday night performance. At the Tesla City Stories, local actors take the stage to perform live radio theater derived from the long-lost radio programs of Tesla Broadcasting Company. The shows cover sitcoms, thrillers, mysteries, romantic comedies with forays into westerns, sci-fi and horror. 

Get $10 tickets to The Tesla City Stories on Friday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Only 25 tickets are available at the discounted price.

Attend the Open House at Leach Botanical Garden

Leach Botanical Garden invites you to step inside the historic home during open house events this spring. Leach Botanical Garden is a testament to the extraordinary lives of John and Lilla Leach. Step inside their beloved home for complimentary tea and kids’ crafts. 

This activity is included with admission, which is $5 per person. 

Ian Poellet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Smell the flowers at Lilac Days at Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

Take a short drive up to Woodland for the annal Lilac Days. Hulda Klager, known as the Lilac Lady, began hybridizing lilacs on her property in 1905 and created 14 new varieties of lilacs in just five years. You can still see all her hard work at her quaint farm.

I recommend packing a lunch and spending the afternoon enjoying this special garden. Admission is $10 per person.

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. 

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 with Mom. The shuttle and rose garden are free.

If you visit on Sunday, attend the free tour at Hoyt Arboretum.

Photo courtesy of Portland Saturday Market

Head to a Local Market

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

Additional markets during Mother’s Day weekend include Unique Markets Spring Event, Portland’s Really Really Free Market and Flea Market at Kindred Homestead Supply.

Photo by Michael McGarry

Go Birding at Silver Falls State Park

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Mom while enjoying nature, attend the Mother’s Day Birding and Wildflower Festival at Silver Falls State Park.

In addition to birding walks, wildflower hikes, and live raptor presentations, there are wildflower shows and a discovery table at the South Falls Theater, a bird discovery table at Stone Circle, a native plant sale at the Nature Store and bird crafts at the South Falls Lodge courtyard.

All events are free, but a $5 daily parking permit is required at Silver Falls State Park.

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 open on Friday through Monday and is free to visit.

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. 

If you’re looking for something closer to home, build a bouquet of peonies at Columbia Farms.

Go on an Urban Park

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

Photo courtesy of Oaks Park

Enjoy Oaks Park’s Free and Cheap Attractions

Did you know you can ride the carousel and train at Oaks Park for free? These historic attractions are complimentary during park hours. If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity, go rollerskating! The Oaks Park Roller Rink offers year-round skating fun for Portlanders. Admission is $13.

On May 12, Oaks Park is offering free ride bracelet for Mom with the purchase of a ride bracelet for their child.

Peruse 125+ creators at Unique Markets

On Saturday and Sunday, find one-of-a-kind goods for Mom and treat yourself to something special. Unique Markets spring event is featuring 150 of Portland’s best emerging brands, makers and artists. Tickets are $12. Kids 14 and under attend for free.

Go Thrifting

Does your mom have an 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. 

Take a Guided Nature Walk

On May 11, learn about trilliums at Tryon Creek Natural Area’s guided nature walk. This beautiful natural area is a great example of our temperate rainforest climate: trees covered in moss with huge ferns lining the trails that lead to the creek. There’s also a Nature Center and more than 8 miles of hiking trails. 

Hoyt Arboretum will also be hosting a guided tour on Sunday.

“Lone Fir #1” by brx0 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Take a Tour of Lone Fir Cemetery

Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to retrace Portland’s history in an arboretum? Take your mom for a tour of Portland’s historic Lone Fir Cemetery. On Saturday, the historical tour will give you an insider’s guide to all of the marvels of the cemetery. Tickets are $10.

Attend the Camas Plant & Garden Fair

On Saturday, take a morning trip to Camas for the annual Camas Plant & Garden Fair. The event has a variety of plants and garden-related items for sale. There’s also fun for the whole family, including a free kids zone, petting zoo, and plant and garden experts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free.

Visit the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

This place is a real Portland gem. Nestled between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course is an urban oasis called Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. On the 9-acre property grows a collection of rare species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas, shrubs, companion plants and unusual trees.

It’s a great place to enjoy quality time with Mom. Admission is $8.95.

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