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.

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.

$\"Experience Oregon\" is a 7,000-square-foot permanent exhibit at Oregon Historical Society, reflecting the people, places and events that shaped the land that is now known as Oregon.$

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.

Mount Tabor Park

Open reservoirs, hiking trails and an extinct volcano await at this Southeast Portland park.

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.

$The city comes to life with dozens of free, family-friendly things to do all summer long thanks to Portland Parks and Recreation\'s Summer Free for All program.$

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.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University

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

The MAX Light Rail is a budget-friendly way to reach Washington Park.

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.

$Spot this eye-catching mural on Northwest Fourth Avenue and Everest Street in Portland\'s Old Town Chinatown.$

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.

$\"Experience Oregon\" is a 7,000-square-foot permanent exhibit at Oregon Historical Society, reflecting the people, places and events that shaped the land that is now known as Oregon.$

Cheap Things to Do in Portland for History Buffs

Experience Portland’s history without breaking your budget.

Editor's Pick

Jan. 28–Feb. 7, 2021

Fertile Ground Festival

Virtual Free

See Portland’s newest theater and dance works every January at Portland’s Fertile Ground Festival.

Editor's Pick

Events

Festivals

Theater

Winter

Editor's Pick

Feb. 5–Mar. 10, 2021

Cascade Festival of African Films

Virtual Free

VIRTUAL EVENT. Please visit the event website for current information. The 2021 Cascade Festival of African Films will be held virtually in 2021. The festival will remain free and open to the public, but films will be shown online. Visit the event website for more details and the list of films! Founded in 1991, the…

Editor's Pick

Black History Month

Cultural Communities

Festival

Film

Editor's Pick

Feb. 5–13, 2021

Portland Winter Light (non)Festival

Various Locations Free

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

Editor's Pick

Festivals

For Kids

Winter

Editor's Pick

Saturday, May 8, 2021

St. Johns Bizarre & Parade

St Johns Portland, OR 97203 Free

The St. Johns Bizarre is a uniquely crafted celebration that kicks off the summer street fair season in Portland with music, kids’ activities and more. Held annually on the second Saturday in May, the Bizarre brings music, crafts and food to the crowds attending the St. Johns Parade. After the parade, the entire six block…

Editor's Pick

Shopping

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