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 on Mother’s Day weekend. These are all great opportunities to make memories and celebrate your mom.

I’ll continue adding more events and activities so be sure to check back soon!

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

Photo courtesy of Parkrose Marketplace

Visit Parkrose Marketplace

On Saturday and Sunday, stop by the outdoor Parkrose Marketplace for a bite to eat, live music and handcrafted goods. Let Mom shop around and pick out her own Mother’s Day gift. The market is free to attend.

Moms Get Free Farm Entrance

Celebrate Mother’s Day on the farm. Plumper Pumpkin Patch is giving Moms free admission on Saturday, including a free donut and flower. Plumper Pumpkin Patch has lots of animals, play areas and a farm store. Admission for everyone else is $8.

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

Attend 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 $5 per person.

Photo courtesy of Portland Chinese Museum

Watch the Dragon Parade

The 6th annual Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration invites everyone to come out and celebrate as the 150-foot dragon shakes off the pandemic blues and reclaims its rightful place in Portland’s Chinatown for a special event. The parade makes it way from Chinatown throughout downtown from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May.

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.

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 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 Saturday and Sunday during Mother’s Day weekend and is free to visit.

“OMSI” by Another Believer is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Stop by the Ceramic Showcase

The 2022 Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase is taking over the Oregon Convention Center from Friday, May 6 through Sunday, May 8. Get up close and take in the details of many ceramic creations, including sculptures, wall art, and functional pottery for the home, garden, and work space. This event is free to attend.

Get a Free Admission to Portland Museums

Are you a Bank of America cardholder? You can get one free admission to Portland Art Museum, OMSI or Portland Japanese Garden on Mother’s Day weekend. Get all the details on the Museums on Us program and plan a trip to one of the participating attractions on Saturday or Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Portland Flea

Visit Portland Flea

If you’re looking for a great outdoor event on Sunday, take Mom 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 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 6 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 $10.

Stroll through Leach Botanical Garden

Looking for a fun free activity on Mother’s Day? Head to Leach Botanical Garden for fun activities and time spent together in nature. There will be free kids’ crafts and refreshments. This event is free to attend.

Photo courtesy of Dance Flashbacks

Go Dancing at the 2000’s Dance Flashback

Does your mom love to dance? Treat her to a night out on the town at the 2000’s Dance Flashback held at the Crystal Ballroom. The event is Saturday night and tickets are $10 at the door.

Peruse 175+ 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 175 of Portland’s best emerging brands, makers and artists. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

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. 

Visit Portland’s Independent Bookstores

There is something particularly comforting about searching for a new book. Portland has upwards of 12 independent bookstores where you can find intriguing titles that are worth talking about and sharing with one another. Start a new tradition at one of Portland’s independent bookstores and let Mom pick out a new book on your dime.

“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 Stories of the Stone Tour will give you an insider’s guide to all of the marvels of the cemetery. Tickets are $10.

Visit 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.

Photo courtesy of The Biggest Clothing Swap in the Northwest

Attend a Clothing Swap

Ready for a new-to-you wardrobe? Pack up some old clothes with Mom and attend the Biggest Clothing Swap in the Northwest. The swap takes place at the Crystal Ballroom on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. The cost of admission is one bag of clothing to swap as well as an entrance fee of $10 in advance ($3 processing fee) or $15 at the door. 

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