On a Budget
There are so many things to do in the Rose City — all without overspending.
A trip to Portland doesn’t require emptying your wallet. Along with plenty of free-to-visit attractions and things to do and see throughout the city, Portland also hosts dozens of no-cost events and festivals throughout the year. Read on for our picks of budget-friendly fun in the Rose City, and check out our events calendar to discover upcoming free events.
Affordable Attractions
All of these great local attractions are either free or offer affordable admission.
Explore On a Budget
Delve into your passions without emptying your wallet.
Cheap Things to Do in Portland for Weekend Adventurers
Bring your walking shoes, water bottle and day-pack for an affordable urban adventure that highlights several things locals love about Portland.
Cheap/Affordable Things to Do in Portland for Arts Lovers
Experience Portland’s stellar music scene, ample museums and galleries, arts walks and festivals — all without busting your budget.
Cheap Things to Do in Portland for History Buffs
Experience Portland’s history without breaking your budget.
Free Attractions
These local destinations are all free to explore, making them a favorite stop on any budget itinerary.
Rose City Parks
Explore the green spaces around Portland without spending a thing.
Budget-Friendly Fun
Discovering Portland's art scene without breaking the bank.
Southeast Portland Mural Crawl
Get your camera ready for these stunning examples of street art.
Portland Karaoke Bars and Nights
Choose from private suites, pop-up events, tiki drinks and Chinese food as you select your ideal Portland karaoke venue from among the city’s top spots.
Free Live Music and Comedy in Portland
Discover a new favorite comic or musician at Portland's free concerts and comedy nights, scattered across the city and scheduled throughout the week.
Upcoming Events

Spirit of Halloweentown
The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates Halloween all month long with haunted tours, costume contests and more.

Dahlia Festival
Celebrate the season of DAHLIAS. A Rainbow of Color. Stroll through almost 40 acres and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. The beautiful fields are open from August to September each year, closed on Monday and Tuesday. Pick out and order your favorite dahlias for Spring delivery and planting. Purchase…

Woodstock Farmers Market
The popular Woodstock Farmers Market features fresh produce, baked goods, fresh juices, sweets, cheese, meat and more from 30+ vendors, along with artisan-made products like jewelry, ceramics and art.

Chapman Swift Watch
Every September, spectators gather to see the world’s largest roost of Vaux’s swifts swarm and spiral into the chimney of a Northwest Portland school.

Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.

Hollywood Farmers Market
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to…

Rocky Butte Farmers Market
Rocky Butte Farmers Market, an iconic urban neighborhood market featuring affordable locally grown foods and artisan products, weekly children's activities, live entertainment, and a dog-friendly, energetic block party vibe, is back for the 2023 Season. The market's goal is to lower barriers to market participation for beginning and under-represented vendors and to strengthen connections within…

Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.

Lents International Farmers Market
Lents International Farmers Market opens on Sunday, June 4, 2023, and is open every Sunday through November 19, 2023. The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by…

Come Thru: Black & Indigenous Market
Come Thru Market is an incubator market centering on Black and Indigenous Farmers, Makers, and Friends. Come Thru supports BIPOC growers in taking their small business dreams to the farmers’ market environment. It’s a vibe – Come Thru and get what you need.

First Thursday in the Pearl District
Starting in 1986, First Thursday in the Pearl is a district-wide celebration on the first Thursday of each month. Originally a gathering of art collectors and dealers, the celebration has grown to a monthly event of over ten thousand people, including art enthusiasts, wine aficionados, and scenesters looking to see and be seen. Art galleries…

First Friday PDX
Located in Portland’s vibrant East Side Arts District, the First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday evening of every month year-round. Offering a gateway into Portland’s thriving arts culture, First Friday PDX includes more than 23 independent galleries, shops, and studios and a street exhibition from April to October. The self-guided tour…

PDX Pop Now!
The rescheduled 2023 PDX Pop Now! Festival is taking place October 6th, 7th, and 8th at Speck’s, Red Fox, and the Electric Blocks in collaboration with Friends of Noise. All Portland artists + all ages + free Lineup is coming soon. PDX Pop Now! was created when 14 people envisioned local music emboldened by local…

Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Portland Indigenous Marketplace (PIM) is a culturally-specific, community response organization. All members of PIM’s board and staff reflect the community served. As active Indigenous and Black Artists and Entrepreneurs, they utilize their extensive networks to connect with the community. The Indigenous and Black Artists and Entrepreneurs this organization serves through the Indigenous Marketplace programming are,…

Sitka Art Invitational
Exhibit and sale of artwork by 100 nature-inspired Northwest artists, including sculpture, ceramics, paintings, fiber art, photography, prints and more. Sales are shared 50/50 with the artists and Sitka Center for Art and Ecology's non-profit programs. Sitka Members only Friday, October 13 @ 10am

Portland Open Studios
For two weekends every October, Portland Open Studios invites visitors to explore the houses and offices of artists across the city.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

Portland Flea + Food
The Portland Flea + Food is a gathering place for the creators, curators and collectors held the last weekend of the month from April to October in Portland, Oregon. Every market features 80+ local artists, makers, and curators of the best vintage, handmade and locally sourced goods in town. Saturdays at Ecotrust: 721 NW 9TH…

Día de Los Muertos at the Portland Mercado
Join the Portland Mercado for its cultural celebration with local vendors, music, and a community altar. The Portland Mercado is a hub for Latino culture in Portland and an initiative of Hacienda CDC that provides affordable retail space for businesses to launch and grow.

Dia de Los Muertos Festival
Come and enjoy the Day of the Dead Festival to remember our loved ones who have passed on to Mictlan. It will begin with the Aztec Dance, with community altars, raffles, music, Mexican treats and much more. It is a family-friendly event, and everyone is welcome. Organized by: Mitotiliztli Tezkatlipoka and RISE EVENT SCHEDULE: 2:00…

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Portland’s Tree Lighting will be live in person at Pioneer Courthouse Square the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24th. Featuring a joyful sing-along with Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale from Pink Martini, local musicians and chorale singers, this event is the highlight of the holiday season downtown. Join in the celebration as Santa Claus flips the…

Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair
The Oregon Buddhist Temple will be hosting the 8th Annual Holiday Craft Fair. A wide variety of artisans and crafters will be there to share their wonderful handmade goods at affordable prices. Come enjoy a fun day of shopping.
Year-Round Free & Nearly Free Fun
All year long, Portland's calendar overflows with affordable (and sometimes free!) events.
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