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’s plenty to eat, drink, see and 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

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

With 70 miles of trails within Portland city limits, 5,156-acre Forest Park is a popular escape for runners, equestrians and hikers alike.

Washington Park

Beyond big trees and picnic tables, Washington Park offers a zoo, two museums, gardens and more.

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.

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.

The Grotto

This serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland features 62 acres of botanical gardens.

Portland International Rose Test Garden

With great views of the roses and the skyline, the Portland Rose Garden in Washington Park is a must-see.

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

This Portland landmark is the world's largest new and used bookstore.

Powell’s City of Books

Covering an entire city block, Powell's is a landmark, a great bookstore and a microcosm of the city itself.

Oaks Amusement Park

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

Sauvie Island

Families can find an entire day’s worth of adventures on this island just northwest of Portland.

Free & Nearly Free

Sample food and beverage and plenty of the famous "Keep Portland Weird" spirit at these free and almost-free attractions.

Explore More

Passerby enjoy an impromptu Piano Push Play concert on the East Burnside instrument.

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.

The Waterfront Blues Festival draws crowds every Fourth of July weekend.

Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival

Every Fourth of July weekend, the Waterfront Blues Festival takes over downtown Portland’s Waterfront Park.

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.

The monthly First Thursday art walk in the Pearl District

Monthly Art Walks in Portland

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

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

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

Thousands of swifts soar across the sky at Chapman Elementary School.

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, expert speakers

Jim Pepper's saxophone at the National Museum of the American Indian.

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.

The Portland Spirit floats by Tilikum Crossing during the Winter Light Festival.

Portland Winter Light Festival

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

This local springtime festival showcases the city's dynamic creative community.

Design Week Portland

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

The Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade is a beloved June tradition in Portland.

Portland Rose Festival

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

Many Pedalpalooza rides are open to children —
and even pets!

Pedalpalooza Bike Festival

Portland's cycling culture peaks during June's multi-week Pedalpalooza (returning June 1–30, 2019), 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.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

This downtown riverfront park offers a 1.5-mile stretch of green along the Willamette River. Waterfront Park is home to many signature Portland events, along with Salmon Street Springs and the Japanese American Historical Plaza.

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.

Waterfowl 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.

Belt out your favorite karaoke hits in a private suite at Voicebox.

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.

Al's Den, at McMenamins Crystal Hotel, hosts free live music nightly.

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

Friday, Nov. 29, 2019

Every year, thousands of Portlanders gather at Pioneer Courthouse Square to celebrate the lighting of the spectacular 75 Douglas-fir tree provided by Stimson Lumber Company. Join up for a community sing-a-long (limited edition holiday songbooks will be available at the event or for download on our website). Pre-show entertainment begins at 5 p.m. With a…

Editor's Pick

For Kids

Music

Editor's Pick

Nov. 30–Dec. 1, 2019

BikeCraft

DoubleTree by Hilton Free

Find unique handmade bikey gifts for your whole crew at this year’s BikeCraft Holiday Gift Fair. When you’ve checked off your list, stick around for food, drinks, music and a comfy place to hang on a winter day. BikeCraft brings together the area’s best and brightest designers, artists, authors and crafters in a fun and…

Editor's Pick

Exhibition

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Dec. 5–22, 2019

Christmas Ship Parade

Willamette & Columbia Rivers Free

The Christmas Ship Parade started in 1954 with one lone sailboat from Portland Yacht Club. Bows of green with some ribbon where tied along the rails and it paraded on the rivers. The next year the parade started to grow Today, the Christmas Ship Fleet averages about 55 to 60 boats between the Columbia and…

Editor's Pick

Exhibition

Editor's Pick

Friday, Dec. 6, 2019

Gifted Holiday Night Market

ADX Free

ADX and Portland Made invite you to celebrate the holidays at Gifted: A Holiday Night Market. Local artists and makers include Ayumi Angel, Animal.Plant.Mineral, Sticker Ninja, Blendily, Clay Factor Ceramics, Otter Wax, Just Joey Rose, High Society Collection, Bitter Housewife, Sweet Body Laboratories, Mad Sass Soap, New Deal Distillery, Renee Staeck, Cat Odell, Midnight Pacific,…

Editor's Pick

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Ongoing

First Caturday

Laurelhurst Park Free

First Caturday is a day to reclaim the glory of the outdoors for our feline friends. It is a day for delightful outdoor cat-napping and socializing, and where cat owners can freely exchange information, friendship and joy to help make their cats happy and healthy. Some cats actually like leash walks; others like stroller walks…

Editor's Pick

Outdoors

Editor's Pick

Dec. 13–15, 2019

Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market

Oregon Convention Center Free

Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.

Editor's Pick

Arts

Events

Makers

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Friday, Dec. 13, 2019

The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition

Pioneer Courthouse Square Free

Together, Pioneer Courthouse Square and Portland Mall Management, Inc. are hosting the Sixth Annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition that was originally held throughout Downtown in the early ’90s. The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is a fun and festive event that will bring caroling groups of all ages to the heart of downtown.

Editor's Pick

Music

Editor's Pick

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019

Tuba Christmas Concert

Pioneer Courthouse Square Free

Downtown will pulse with the melodic sounds of big brass as nearly 300 tubas play in unison for the 29th Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in the heart of downtown. This event is free and open to the public.

Editor's Pick

Music

Editor's Pick

Dec. 19–24, 2019

Festival of the Last Minute

Portland Saturday Market Free

No time to check everyone off your “nice” list? No problem! ‘Tis the season for the Festival of the Last-Minute. With any welcome holiday tradition, Portland Saturday Market returns with its one-stop event for all those who’ve delayed starting their shopping — and those who simply don’t want to stop. Open daily from December 19…

Editor's Pick

Festival

Shopping

Editor's Pick

Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019

Stumptown SantaCon

Ankeny Alley Starting at $15

Starting at 2 p.m. at Ankeny Alley and Candy Ultra Lounge, Stumptown SantaCon spans 30 venues, a dance party in the street and three channels from Heartbeat Silent Disco at Santa’s Playground brought to you by the Barrel Room. 100% net proceeds go to support local charities. Last year, over $20,000 was raised. Costumes required….

Editor's Pick

Conventions

Nightlife

Editor's Pick