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  • Attractions
    • women dances with large fans outside on a city street surrounded by people in colorful dragon costumesView All Attractions
    • Museums
    • Parks & Gardens
    • Family Friendly
    • Shopping
    • On a Budget
    • EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO
  • Culture
    • people dining at picnic tables in front of a food cartView All Culture
    • Arts
    • Beer
    • Biking
    • Cannabis
    • Cultural Communities
    • Craft Spirits
    • Food
    • Makers
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Outdoors
    • Sports
    • Weird
    • Wine
    • MORE CULTURE
  • Neighborhoods
    • aerial view of downtown area with buildings and roadways, bridges crossing a river to a smaller set of buildings that expand into the distanceView All Neighborhoods
    • Alberta Arts District
    • Belmont
    • Central Eastside
    • Division/Clinton
    • Downtown
    • Hawthorne
    • Lloyd
    • Mississippi
    • Northwest / Nob Hill
    • Old Town Chinatown
    • Pearl District
    • St. Johns
    • Sellwood-Moreland
    • Williams
    • ALL NEIGHBORHOODS
  • Region
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    • Near the City
    • Columbia River Gorge
    • Mount Hood
    • Oregon Coast
    • Willamette Valley
    • ALL REGIONS
  • Plan
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i
Every summer, Piano Push Play installs dozens of custom-painted pianos throughout the city, all free for anyone to play.
Credit: Ashley Anderson
Attractions

On a Budget

There are so many things to do in the Rose City — all without overspending.

i
Every summer, Piano Push Play installs dozens of custom-painted pianos throughout the city, all free for anyone to play.
Credit: Ashley Anderson

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.

Budget

Affordable Attractions

All of these great local attractions are either free or offer affordable admission.

More attractions
people sitting, walking in brick plaza with white columns

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, the city’s “living room” is close to shopping, restaurants, and hotels, and hosts hundreds of events each year.

people visiting a blooming Rose Garden in Washington Park

Portland International Rose Test Garden

The oldest official continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States, the Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park features more than 10,000 roses, great views of the skyline and the Cascades.

A large stone mansion with red roof surrounded by trees

Pittock Mansion

High in the West Hills, the Pittock Mansion offers picture-perfect views of the city and interesting insights into Portland's history.

Powell\'s City of Books

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell’s has grown into a Portland landmark and the world's largest new and used bookstore — and its location is at the heart of the city, bridging the Pearl District, downtown and the West End.

a museum exhibit featuring a wooden canoe

Oregon Historical Society

The Oregon Historical Society collection includes thousands of historic artifacts (including the “Portland Penny") that shaped the land now known as Oregon, with permanent and rotating exhibits and an extensive research library.

People attending an outdoor market, Portland Saturday Market

Portland Saturday Market

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

a steam locomotive inside a museum

Oregon Rail Heritage Center

The free museum features three vintage steam locomotives, including the one that pulled the U.S. Bicentennial Freedom Train in 1976.

tall bridge with circular bracing above a pond with ducks amid a forested park

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Round out your floral explorations of the Rose City with a visit to Southeast Portland’s lush Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The park boasts more than 2,500 rhododendrons, azaleas, with blooms from late February -June.

Someone stands in front of a rock wall.

The Grotto

This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres (25 hectares) of lush botanical gardens. No matter what time of year you visit, the Grotto offers calm, peace and introspection, transcending boundaries.

Smiling children riding the colorful, retro Disk’O at Oaks Amusement Park.

Oaks Amusement Park

In Southeast Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, Oaks Amusement Park has been providing families with carnival thrills and family fun since 1905.

Explore On a Budget

Delve into your passions without emptying your wallet.

Riding Max Light Rail

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.

mural on side of building on a city street

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.

People lounging and walking dogs on the green lawn of a park in front of a large water tower

Cheap Things to Do in Portland for History Buffs

Experience Portland’s history without breaking your budget.

5 to Try

Free Attractions

These local destinations are all free to explore, making them a favorite stop on any budget itinerary.

  • Portland Saturday Market

    Combining an arts show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, this riverside market has been a beloved Portland tradition since 1974. The largest arts-and-crafts fair in the country is open Saturdays and Sundays from March to Christmas Eve.

  • Hoyt Arboretum

    Founded in 1928 and home to 2,300 species of trees and shrubs from six continents, Hoyt Arboretum encompasses 190 ridge-top acres and 12 miles of hiking trails just minutes from downtown Portland.

  • Multnomah County Central Library

    The oldest public library on the West Coast boasts historic architecture, more than 17 miles of bookshelves and terrific artwork.

  • Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery

    With its first burial occurring in 1846, Lone Fir is the oldest cemetery in Portland and the final resting place of many of the city’s earliest settlers. Reconnect with the past through a quiet stroll or a guided tour.

  • Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University

    This free art museum features works by Northwest artists and Portland State University faculty and students, along with special events and exhibitions by national and international artists.

Happy Hours in Portland

If you sense it's five o'clock somewhere, Portland has you covered — whether you’re craving cocktails, beer, wine, pub food or pizza, read on to find the best happy hour to satisfy your appetite.

Read More

Rose City Parks

Explore the green spaces around Portland without spending a thing.

More Parks & Gardens
The International Rose Garden in Washington Park contains thousands of different types of roses and offers great city views.

Washington Park

Beyond picnics and verdant strolls, Washington Park offers up a zoo, two museums, a spectacular rose garden, an arboretum, one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in the world, all lined by one of the largest urban forests, Forest Park.

three cyclists ride on a muddy gravel path in Forest Park

Forest Park

Escape the city without leaving Portland; with 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike and supporting more than 112 bird and 62 mammal species.

a couple with a dog and another person sit on a park bench

Laurelhurst Park

Just north of Portland's Belmont neighborhood sits Laurelhurst Park, one of the city's most scenic escapes with over 300 trees, a duck pond and an array of free public events.

a person sits on a bench overlooking Portland at Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park

Mount Tabor Park, a century-old public space, is known for its open-air reservoirs, forested hiking trails, sunset picnics, epic city views, its annual Adult Soapbox Derby, and, yes, its volcanic cinder cone.

women pose in front of a wall of white roses

Peninsula Park & Rose Garden

Discover outdoor fun for the whole family — plus thousands of blooms — at Oregon’s oldest public rose garden.

Director Park

Director Park

Downtown Portland’s Director Park is a European-style, granite-paved plaza with outdoor seating and a fountain; a perfect respite from the bustle of the city.

A wooden sign reading \"Mill Ends Park Portland Parks & Recreation\" stands on a concrete ring enclosing a small planter filled with an evergreen bush and light green grass

Mill Ends Park

Located in downtown Portland, the world’s smallest park is kind of a big deal. The stories of how Mill Ends Park came to be hold a big surprise for 452 square inches.

sunrise through trees with grassy field on waterfront park

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Hugging the Willamette River in downtown Portland, this once bustling highway now offers a strollable, bikeable and dog-walkable public park with historical and cultural monuments, and kid-friendly fun.

Free Things to Do in Portland

Some of the best things to do in Portland are totally free. Connect with nature, discover local artists or learn something new.

Explore More

Budget-Friendly Fun

Discovering Portland's art scene without breaking the bank.

More Art
A man and a child skateboard on a sidewalk in front of a mural of a yellow banana with text reading. \"Art fills the void!\"

Southeast Portland Mural Crawl

Get your camera ready for these stunning examples of street art.

a crowd of people dancing at a night club

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.

A historic building with a variety of business signs

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

Editor's Pick
Spirit of Halloweentown
Sept. 16–Oct. 31, 2023

Spirit of Halloweentown

Courthouse Plaza Cost Varies

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

Editor's Pick
Attractions
Events
Fall
Halloween
Editor's Pick
Dahlia Festival
Aug. 2–Sept. 30, 2023

Dahlia Festival

Swan Island Dahlias Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Outdoors
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Woodstock Farmers Market
Ongoing

Woodstock Farmers Market

Woodstock Farmers Market Free

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.

Editor's Pick
Food & Drink
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Chapman Swift Watch
Sept. 1–30, 2023

Chapman Swift Watch

Chapman Elementary School Free

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.

Editor's Pick
Attractions
Events
Fall
Outdoors
Weird
Editor's Pick
Farmers Market at Portland State University
Ongoing

Farmers Market at Portland State University

Portland Farmers Market at PSU Free

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.

Editor's Pick
Food & Drink
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Hollywood Farmers Market
Ongoing

Hollywood Farmers Market

Hollywood Farmers Market Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Food & Drink
Outdoors
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Rocky Butte Farmers Market
Ongoing

Rocky Butte Farmers Market

Mannahouse Church parking lot at the base of Rocky Butte Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Food & Drink
Outdoors
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Portland Saturday Market
Ongoing

Portland Saturday Market

Tom McCall Waterfront Park Free

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

Editor's Pick
Attractions
Events
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Lents International Farmers Market
Ongoing

Lents International Farmers Market

Lents International Farmers Market Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities
Food & Drink
Outdoors
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Come Thru: Black & Indigenous Market
Ongoing

Come Thru: Black & Indigenous Market

The Redd on Salmon Street Free

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.

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities
Food & Drink
Shopping
Editor's Pick
First Thursday in the Pearl District
Ongoing

First Thursday in the Pearl District

Various Places in the Pearl District Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Art & Design
Performing Arts
Shopping
Editor's Pick
First Friday PDX
Ongoing

First Friday PDX

Eastside Portland Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Art & Design
Editor's Pick
PDX Pop Now!
Oct. 6–8, 2023

PDX Pop Now!

Various Locations Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Music
Editor's Pick
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
Ongoing

Portland Indigenous Marketplace

Various Locations Free

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,…

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Sitka Art Invitational
Oct. 13–15, 2023

Sitka Art Invitational

Oregon Contemporary Free

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

Editor's Pick
Art & Design
Exhibition
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Portland Open Studios
Oct. 14–22, 2023

Portland Open Studios

Various Locations Free

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

Editor's Pick
Fall
Makers
Tours & Itineraries
Editor's Pick
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Lake of the Commons Free

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

Editor's Pick
Events
Fall
For Kids
Halloween
Weird
Editor's Pick
Portland Flea + Food
Ongoing

Portland Flea + Food

Various Locations Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Food & Drink
Shopping
Editor's Pick
Día de Los Muertos at the Portland Mercado
Nov. 1–2, 2023

Día de Los Muertos at the Portland Mercado

Portland Mercado Free

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.

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities
Music
Editor's Pick
Dia de Los Muertos Festival
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023

Dia de Los Muertos Festival

Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities
Festival
Music
Editor's Pick
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Nov. 24, 2023

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Pioneer Courthouse Square Free

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…

Editor's Pick
Outdoors
Editor's Pick
Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023

Oregon Buddhist Temple Holiday Craft Fair

Oregon Buddhist Temple Free

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.

Editor's Pick
Cultural Communities
Shopping

More Portland Events

Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. Search by date, event type and more.

See All Events

Year-Round Free & Nearly Free Fun

All year long, Portland's calendar overflows with affordable (and sometimes free!) events.

SEE EVENTS CALENDAR
a twilight street filled with people browsing tents with items on display

Monthly Art Walks in Portland

Explore Portland's art gallery scene with three regular art walks, held in different creative neighborhoods around town.

a night image of the word LOVE spelled out in large letters made of hundreds of small bulbs attached to bicycles in front of a large brick building

Portland Winter Light Festival

Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival.

three children holding hands in a pool

Summer Free for All

Portland Parks & Recreation offers over 400 free events including free movie screenings, concerts and rock climbing.

native american woman on colorfully decorated horse waves in parade

Portland Rose Festival

Portland Rose Festival features multiple parades, waterfront carnival rides, concerts, races, fireworks and plenty of roses.

decorated paint reads please play me at a metro stop as an orange street car passes behind

Piano Push Play Brings Music to the People

Piano Push Play invites local artists to transform old, donated pianos into whimsical works of art which are distributed across the city.

people dressed as aliens at a parade

UFO Festival in McMinnville

Every May, thousands of visitors flock to the city’s famous UFO Festival, featuring four days of parades, costume contests and expert speakers.

an adult prepares to race a skull and crossbones-styled soapbox

Portland Adult Soapbox Derby

The PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Mt. Tabor Park pits grown-up kids against each other every August in pursuit of speed and laughs.

a crowd of bikers riding across a bridge during Bridge Pedal

Pedalpalooza Bike Festival

Portland's cycling culture peaks during summer's multi-week Pedalpalooza, featuring 200+ local-led, themed rides, all open to the public.

thousands of small birds swarm around a tall brick chimney at sunset

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.

A person sitting inside a large pumpkin paddling across a lake

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

a saxophone in a red velvet-lined case

The Jim Pepper Native Arts Festival

Portland saxophonist Jim Pepper's "Witchi Tai To" is the only song based upon a Native American chant to break into the Top 40.

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