Cheap Things to Do in Portland for History Buffs

The Benson Portland Curio Collection by Hilton invites the public back once again for a live unveiling of the 2023 Gingerbread Masterpiece, a 52-year beloved holiday tradition. The architectural feat promises only one hint to this year’s theme: “A famous example of romanticism, this beautiful sight inspired one dreamer and creator to capture the imaginations…

Mark your calendars with the following dates for 2023. The Indigenous Marketplaces will be held in various locations in Portland, so double-check locations before heading out. The Indigenous and Black Artists and Entrepreneurs this organization serves through the Indigenous Marketplace programming are the greatest partners and contributors to this work. This amazing community of vendors…

Portland’s small business community is coming together to put the fun back into holiday shopping. The annual Portland tradition, Win Big! returns for the 2023 holiday season with more than 100 participating independent retailers and pop-up shops. To participate, download the Win Big Shop Small app to discover participating retailers or pick up a Discover…

What started as a lone ribbon-clad sailboat from the Portland Yacht Club in the 1950s became a decades-long nautical Christmas tradition with dozens of boats lighting up the riverfront.

Pioneer Courthouse Square is excited to host the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition — a fun, festive, and joyful competition bringing caroling groups to Portland’s Living Room and extending to a ten-block radius downtown. The top three caroling groups will hold a “carol-off” at the Square hosted by KGW’s Drew Carney, and the grand prize…

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.

The season of gifting is upon us. Get your holiday shopping done and support local Native artists at the Native American Youth and Family Center’s (NAYA) Native Made Winter Marketplace. You’ll find beautiful jewelry, clothing, crafts, prints and much more. There will be upwards of 50 makers joining for this special event. NAYA Marketplace is…

The PORTLAND BAZAAR is the city’s finest holiday gift showcase and sale. Started in 2011, their mission is to create an exciting event highlighting the skilled artists, makers and small businesses of Portland, Oregon. When you shop small, you are putting your dollars directly back into the community by supporting someone’s small business and their…

Each house in this quaint southeast neighborhood has been decorating for Christmas for decades. Mostly Tudors, the houses are adorned with not only beautiful sparkling lights but also nativity scenes, rotating Christmas trees and stunningly life-like replicas of Santa and Frosty. Come see the lights on Peacock Lane and you’ll find nothing but good, old-fashioned…

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…

Welcome you back downtown for this holiday tradition. Experience the sounds of big brass as over 200 tubas play in unison for the 32nd Annual Tuba Christmas Concert in Portland’s Living Room. Attending this seasonal performance is FREE for the public.

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

Local art enthusiasts know Fertile Ground Festival is where you go to see Portland’s newest performance works first. Produced by the nonprofit Portland Area Theater Alliance (PATA), this festival returns to Portland every January. Fertile Ground is distinct from other cities’ “fringe” fests because it only features local producers and non-juried, waving creators through an…

Every summer, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.

Join the Oregon Chinese Coalition for the Chinese Festival in the Square. Celebrate Chinese American culture and enjoy nonstop entertainment, delicious Chinese food, authentic arts and crafts, and much more. For more information visit pdxchinese.org.

The Portland Veterans Day Parade is an inclusive, nonpartisan, family-friendly event honoring all Veterans, past and present, living and deceased. It is officially permitted by the City of Portland and was established in 1974 by Vernon E. Ross, proprietor of Ross Hollywood Funeral Chapel. All community members are welcome to register to be in the…

Join one of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods and Light Up St. Johns with Ugly Sweater Holiday Celebrations. The St. Johns Boosters and local businesses present a series of celebrations to revel in the most festive of seasons: 11/6-1/1 | St. Johns Ugly Sweater Holiday Window Displays | Stroll the St. Johns Business District to see…

Open only from November 20-December 31, Sippin' on Sixth at the Courtyard City Center is a holiday bar with a decidedly tiki twist: think kitschy, over-the-top tropical decorations, festive original cocktails served in holiday mugs and plenty of good cheer. Opening Night 11/20: Each specialty cocktail purchase includes a complimentary lei with cranked-up holiday tunes…

PDX CONTEMPORARY ART is pleased to present Elefant Medium. A solo exhibition of new work by artist Jeffry Mitchell. Elephant (Medium) is one of a family of fonts and is a reworking of a traditional English extra bold serif style. Mitchell is drawn to its eye-catching style and graphic quality, as well as to its…

Running for the very first time from December 1st to December 31st, the Portland Holiday Hunt is a brand-new experience that captures the spirit of the holidays in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The mission is simple: to bring joy, wonder, and a dash of mystery to the holiday. Armed with a smartphone as their…

Support Portland's local makers with one-of-a-kind and easy-to-find holiday gifts with purpose all season long. It features 140 of Portland’s best local makers, artists and craftspeople under one roof, seven days a week from October 10 through December 23. The market includes a curated selection of specialty hand-crafted candles, gifts, fine and fashion jewelry, ceramics,…

Pop-up store featuring work by over 35 OPA members in a range of styles. Great gifts for friends, family and yourself. The Oregon Potters Association supports opportunities to advance creativity through activities with clay.

Rick Bartow lived and worked in Newport, Oregon until his passing in 2016. Bartow was a Vietnam Veteran, a lifelong musician and songwriter, a widower, an enrolled member of the Mad River Band of Wiyot Indians, and is considered one of the most important leaders in contemporary Native American art. This December Froelick Gallery will…

Create memories. Join Mrs. Claus for Storytime inside Barnes and Noble. Mrs. Claus will be the special guest at Barnes and Noble's weekly storytime, greeting children and reading aloud from her favorite holiday storybooks. Following the event, Mrs. Claus will be joined by North Pole friends for a Meet and Greet with families under a…

One-of-a-kind gifts made by artists for a special someone. Opening Friday, November 24 and continuing through the Holidays with a special event on Saturday, December 9 with Live Music and Refreshments.

If you want a light, laid-back live trivia experience, get it from the pub quiz industry leaders. It's Small Batch Trivia from Geeks Who Drink. Quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul. Each quiz consists of five rounds of five…

Modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the U.K., Geeks Who Drink is an authentic homegrown trivia quiz. It’s a great way to drink with friends without burning brain cells. And it’s where useless knowledge means everything. Quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100…

Modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the U.K., Geeks Who Drink is an authentic homegrown trivia quiz. It’s a great way to drink with friends without burning brain cells. And it’s where useless knowledge means everything. Our quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot…

Jo Bar is jazzed (pun intended) to once again have music flowing through and they hope to see you soon. See Annie Averre and Zsofia Tardy live at Jo Bar & Rotisserie. No cover

Come On Down To The People’s Jam, Where Space Meets The Earth And Dreams Come True. A trio will play the first set. There is a signup sheet with 10 tunes picked out, as well as openings for songs of choice and originals. This is not just a jazz jam. Any genre, style and flavor…

Bring your friends and show off your master skills at solving pup trivia. No need to sign-up in advance. Just show up. The Pub Trivia Nerd’s winning team will even get a prize for their useless knowledge.

This free, citywide art exhibition features 50+ local and global artists at 15+ venues across Portland and promises an exciting opening weekend. Through the theme of Social Forms: Art as Global Citizenship, this year’s biennial is a curated showing of the world’s leading contemporary artworks — some of which will debut for the first time…

The Oregon Society of Artists Gallery is proud to announce the 12 X 12 Art Show and Sale. One of our most popular exhibits, the 12 x 12, features affordable artwork, all under $225. The 12×12 Art Show and Sale at OSA will highlight premier works that celebrate art and culture in all of its…

First Thursday Artist Reception with Marci Marsden. Marci’s artwork is an expression of her love for color and pattern and influenced by the flow and movement of her modern dance days. Her paintings reflect the joy, determination and whimsy of her deepest self, and the strength that she has cultivated throughout her battle with Scleroderma.

Yes, it's December, but time is hurtling forward, and you're invited to Spring Forward into the unknown. Artists that tickle fancies and create exciting and moving narratives have been invited, including painters William Hernandez, Paul Rutz, Linda Cochrane, Amy Daileda, and LK Gallery-represented artist Jodi Burton. Meet all the artists during this First Thursday party,…

Modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the U.K., Geeks Who Drink is an authentic homegrown trivia quiz. It’s a great way to drink with friends without burning brain cells. And it’s where useless knowledge means everything. Quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100…

Modeled after pub quizzes in Ireland and the U.K., Geeks Who Drink is an authentic homegrown trivia quiz. It’s a great way to drink with friends without burning brain cells. And it’s where useless knowledge means everything. Our quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot…

If you want a light, laid-back live trivia experience, get it from the pub quiz industry leaders. It's Small Batch Trivia from Geeks Who Drink. Quizzes cover everything from Hungary to The Hunger Games, from science to sports, from the Billboard Hot 100 to Better Call Saul. Each quiz consists of five rounds of questions…

Portland comics Bjorn RG and Eliza Butler host this weekly show at Neighbors Taproom with curated lineups of local and nationally touring comedians. 21+

What Was Lost and What Remains is a collection of work addressing themes of loss, generational trauma, and gun violence in America. Still, it is also a container to hold space for these things that aren’t so easy to discuss. Artist Statement: How does loss change us? What is an acceptable amount of Loss? What…

Allow Ardiri Winery to appeal to your senses with delicious wines, stunning views, and intimate concerts by various local artists and performers. It features weekly concerts from a number of artists who bring the dulcet tones of jazz and funk to the winery while Ardiri brings the wine. Whether the Oregon forecast brings rain, shine,…

Zen Space Broadway is hosting a holiday open house and small shop event. All are welcome. There will be light refreshments available. Holiday gifts and stocking stuffers from local businesses will be for sale, as well as B12 shots from Limelight Aesthetics. There is plenty of parking at the Broadway location. The 2023 Cupping for…

Every Saturday and Sunday 11/25 – 12/17 DIY Bar will be having a holiday maker market in the courtyard. Expect local and handmade goods, delicious treats from Bread and Honey café, and festive vibes all around.

Enjoy a toasty beverage and pick up some one-of-a-kind holiday presents at The Writers' Block at a Holiday Pop-Up Sale. This festive event will feature photographic prints of legendary Portlanders and iconic bands by Alicia J. Rose, original paintings and prints by Marci Marsden and original paintings, made-to-order fanny packs, and custom Van's shoes by…

Enjoyr a dash of cheer and a sprinkle of holiday spirit at the 10th annual Trackers Holiday Faire. Step into a winter wonderland with families coming together to celebrate the season in festive style. Gather your loved ones and kick off the holidays with a show-stopping lineup of crafts, contests, archery, and classic holiday fun….

Enjoy the festive sounds of professional, strolling entertainers throughout the holiday season – including the Village Carolers, Plaid Tidings and the Yuletide Belles. This festive season, Bridgeport Village will feature a special community performance by the Flute Alliance on December 17 at 4 p.m. as a portion of its Sound of the Season series.

Come to the Lloyd Center Mall for the annual holiGAY market on the first floor at room 959 (formally Express, right next to the ice rink) for a curated shopping experience featuring LGBTQs2IA+ artists and designs from around the Portland-Metro area. Discover everything from home décor, unique accessories, ceramics, glass, and even retro-reflective wear. There…

Shop Local. Skip the holiday crowds and find unique gifts 100% hand-made by Vernon students, staff, families and alumni. Your friends and family will love these one-of-a-kind gifts. Free Kids craft area, delicious snacks and treats. Organic Jams And Pickles, Jewelry, Hand Knit/Crochet/Sewn Goods, Wood Crafts, Greeting Cards, Handmade Clothing, Ornaments, Original Art, Pottery, Plants,…

Each year Insomnia Coffee turns into a Holiday Makers Market featuring beautiful handmade goods and gifts created by local makers and artisans. Shop LOCAL for your holiday gift-giving. 12/9 — Cedar Mill Location: 12535 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97229 12/10 — 3rd and Main Location: 317 E Main Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Live Nativity Pageant ● Train Rides ● Petting Zoo ● Festive Music ● Thousands of Lights ● Photo Ops ● Yummy Treats In addition to the weekend event in December, Christmas lights will be from dusk to dawn every day beginning Thanksgiving weekend and through the end of the year. Seasonal music will also be…