There are so many wonderful food and drink events and celebrations happening throughout the year in Portland. I’ve put together a guide to cheap Portland food and drink events so you know what to look forward to throughout the year.
Some are food events hosted at one location while others are week- and month-long celebrations that a bunch of local restaurants and bars participate in. I’ve also included national food holidays that offer lots of great deals on your favorite cuisine. The variety of food and drink events means there is something to look forward to each month in Portland.
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Whether you want to try some of Portland's best restaurants at a discounted price or you love exploring new takes on your favorite dishes and drinks, there really is a food and drink event for everyone.
What you won't find are festivals that charge exorbitant entry fees. For food events, it really should be about getting your money's worth while also taking in the tastes of familiar favorites and discovering new Portland restaurants and bars.
Cheap Portland Food and Drink Events
January
Cancelled in 2022
Celebrate Japanese New Year by filling up on delicious cuisine, such as gyoza, mochi, bento and much more. You'll also have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture with performing artists, exhibits and activities.
While not as popular as National Pi Day in March, local bakeries and pizza shops do embrace the holiday on January 23 by serving up special deals on slices.
February
This is a great event to try new takes on traditional dumplings. Restaurants across the city prepare dumpling specials, some filled with flavors you know and love, while others infuse other styles of cuisine and create a whole new take on these bite-sized dough pockets.
Every year on February 9, local pizza places have special offers on slices and whole pies. It's a great day to place an order at your go-to Portland pizza spot.
March
This is my favorite food event of the year. If you have been waiting to try an expensive restaurant, this is the time to do it. You get a three course meal at your choice of Portland's most revered restaurants for a steep discount. Each place has a special Portland Dining Month menu featuring some of its best dishes. This typically includes an appetizer, entree and dessert or drink.
Get sweet or savory (or both) on March 14 (3/14, get it?). Portland pie shops and pizza places rally around this food holiday by serving up $3.14 slices.
Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
The Oregon Convention Center transforms into a walking culinary delight for the annual Portland Seafood and Wine Festival. Taste some of Oregon’s best wines and munch on deliciously fresh seafood at the peak of Dungeness crab season. The event also includes activities for the whole family to enjoy.
For one week in March, Portland's best restaurants and bars serve $6 specialty cocktails available all day.
April
Meat lovers, vegans, dessert fiends, and veggie eaters unite. Portland Pizza Week is all about the $2 slice at Portland's many awesome pizza places. And the pizza is not your run-of-the-mill slice. Each restaurant puts its best pie forward to entice you to dine.
June
Here’s one more reason to indulge in your favorite breakfast pastry. On June 5, Portland donut shops offer free and discounted donuts.
July
There is a certain comfort that comes with taking a bite out of a salty, crispy, freshly cooked french fry. Treat yourself to this savory snack on July 13.
On July 19, there are so many ways to score a cheap scoop in Portland.
Celebrate a summertime classic on July 22.
How do you like your wings? Whatever way you wing it, there’s a bite for you on July 29.
August
Get $5 one-of-a-kind burgers available for one week only in August. Whether you like a classic burger or you want a break from tradition, Portland restaurants have something for everyone to take bite out of.
Jade International Night Market
Located in the the Jade District neighborhood, the free event features international vendors serving up a huge selection of savory and sweet cuisine. You won't want to miss the cultural performances, ranging from from Chinese traditional folk dance to Baile Folklorico to a marching band. The event takes place two Saturdays in August.
Love garlic? Head just outside the city to North Plains for the free annual Elephant Garlic Festival. Food vendors offer garlic inspired treats along with a parade, live music and more.
Tualatin has a three-day festival dedicated to these freshwater crustaceans. The festival features food, live performances and activities.
Every year on August 8, Rally Pizza in Vancouver celebrates its delicious homemade custard with a special deal for all its customers to enjoy.
September
Toast your favorite Portland bars and restaurants with a Negroni. Never had one? It is a delicious concoction of three simple ingredients: campari, gin and vermouth. Of course it isn't a simple as that for the master mixers. Each participating venue shakes it up with unique flavor additions.
The Polish Festival invites you to experience the food, dance, music and culture of Poland. Take a bite out of freshly made pieorgis, cabbage rolls, kielbasa and more.
Take a bite out of your favorite Portland burger on September 18.
National Coffee Day is September 29. Many coffee shops celebrate the much-buzzed with freebies and discounts.
October
During the month of October, Vancouver hosts its own dining month called Dine the Couve. Restaurants may offer a traditional three-course meal of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, or the menu can take a more unique approach by mixing in craft drink pairings, a variety of small plates, and other options. All of it comes at a set discounted price.
The largest vegan food festival in the Northwest takes places every October at the Oregon Convention Center. You'll be blown away by the variety of vegan products available at this event. Best of all, you get the try them for yourself.
I take great delight in nibbling my way through a deliciously curated cheese board. Celebrate your love of cheese and charcuterie at this special event.
Opa! Indulge in traditional Greek platters and pastries while exploring imported crafts and folk dance performances.
On October 4, indulge in your favorite Portland tacos. Some will have special discounts.
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