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

Credit: Ashley Anderson

On a Budget

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

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

Know Before You Go

As of June 30, 2021, COVID restrictions have been lifted in Portland and the state of Oregon. While events are now allowed, some events may still be canceled, postponed or held virtually. Please check the event website for the most up-to-date information.

Happy swimmers spend a hot summer afternoon in the cool, clear waters of Punchbowl Falls.

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

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.

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.

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.

a museum exhibit featuring a wooden canoe

Oregon Historical Society

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

a closeup of a stone at the Japanese Memorial Plaza

Japanese American Culture

Connect with Portland's rich Japanese-American heritage at sites around the city.

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.

rows of benches face a rock wall and tunnel surrounded by moss, trees

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.

A sign post with dozen of city names in front of a historic building

Pioneer Courthouse Square

Located in the heart of downtown Portland, the city’s “living room” hosts hundreds of events each year.

Portland Saturday Market

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

$Powell\'s City of Books$

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 now at the heart of the city, bridging the Pearl District, downtown and the West End.

Oaks Amusement Park

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

mother and child walking through a field of wildflowers

Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island, the Manhattan-size isle is one of the largest river islands in the country just north of Portland, is where families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures with swimming, hiking, birding and local farms.

a biker and two picnicking people in front of a tree lined reservoir

Mount Tabor Park

Mt. Tabor Park, a century-old public space 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.

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.

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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.

Cheap Things to Do in Portland for History Buffs

Experience Portland’s history without breaking your budget.

two smiling people gathered around a piano on a street sidewalk, while one person plays the piano

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

a person walks through a light installation containing long strands of lights hanging from a panel overhead

Portland Winter Light Festival

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

a person standing in front of a speaker display and a painted wall

Design Week Portland

This annual springtime festival showcases Portland's creative community, with a week full of lectures, design events and open houses.

A tuba player wearing a red shirt, marching with a band in a parade

Portland Rose Festival

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

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.

Summer Free for All

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

Forest Park

Portland’s 5,200-acre urban forest, just minutes from the central city, stretches seven miles in length and contains more than 80 miles of trails.
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.
Powell’s City of Books

From humble storefront beginnings in 1971, Powell’s has grown into an iconic Portland destination. Occupying an entire city block, the world’s largest new and used bookstore offers frequent author talks, a rare book room and a coffee shop.
Multnomah County Central Library

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

a flock of Canadian geese take flight at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

Bird-Watching in Portland

Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area's dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.

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.

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Pedalpalooza

Multiple locations Free

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

Editor's Pick

Biking

Events

Festivals

Outdoors

Summer

Weird

Editor's Pick

Aug. 5–11, 2021

Sneaker Week

Various Locations Free

Sneaker Week offers fun events for sneaker addicts and footwear newbies alike.

Editor's Pick

Events

Festivals

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

First Thursday in the Pearl District

Various Places in the Pearl District Free

Started in 1986, First Thursday in the Pearl is a district-wide celebration that occurs 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 that includes art enthusiasts, wine aficionados, and scenesters looking to see and be…

Editor's Pick

Art & Design

Performing Arts

Shopping

Editor's Pick

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

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021

Chinese Festival

Pioneer Courthouse Square Free

Chinese Festival is back. As Oregon reopens the Chinese Festival is returning to Pioneer Courthouse Square. This year celebrate, once again, Chinese culture and community. Coming back are the spectacular performances, delicious Chinese food, music and arts from local artists and more. Come celebrate with a full day of programming suitable for all ages.

Editor's Pick

Cultural Communities

Festival

Editor's Pick

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

Aug. 13–15, 2021

Elephant Garlic Festival

Jessie Mays Community Park Free

The 23rd Annual Elephant Garlic Festival is a three-day festival celebrating, you guessed it, elephant garlic. The family-friendly event includes a parade, 10K run, live music, kids play area, crafts vendors and more. Fun stinks.

Editor's Pick

Festival

Food & Drink

For Kids

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

Portland Flea + Food

Nova Building Free

The Portland Flea + Food is a monthly market held on the last Sunday of the month in Portland, Oregon. Every market features 80+ local artists, makers, and curators of the best vintage, handmade and locally-sourced goods in town.

Editor's Pick

Food & Drink

Shopping

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