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Free Things to Do in Portland
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy Portland.
They say the best things in life are free. Connect with nature, discover local artists or learn something new – all without spending a dime.
Free and Fun in Portland
Where can I find free things to do in Portland?
What are some free things to do in Portland with kids?
Where is the best view in Portland?
Where can I find murals or street art?
Explore the Southeast Mural Crawl, discover Portland’s Multicultural Murals, or walk through the sculpture garden outside the Portland Art Museum.
Central Library
Portland’s Central Library is the oldest public library on the West Coast. Built in 1913, the library boasts more than 17 miles of bookshelves and artwork, much of which reflects a “Garden of Knowledge” theme. Highlights include the ornately decorated stairs and a 14-foot (4 m) cast-bronze tree in the children’s room. The tree’s bark is a sculptural relief of images that intrigue children: vines, musical instruments, toys, ballet slippers, animals, storybook characters and letters.
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Portland was home to more working steam locomotives than any other city in the country, and you’ll find them at the volunteer-run Oregon Rail Heritage Center. Guided interpretation, presentations, exhibits and events tell the story of Pacific Northwest railroads and, during the holiday season, light-adorned “Holiday Express” trains tour passengers along the Willamette River. Located near OMSI and accessible via Portland Streetcar.
Explore History
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") that shaped the land now known as Oregon, with permanent and rotating exhibits and an extensive research library.
Chinese Attractions in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown
Explore local history at the Portland Chinatown Museum before visiting other neighborhood mainstays.
Monthly Gallery Walks
During the monthly First Thursday event, in Old Town and Pearl District, galleries stay open late, inviting the public to mingle with the artists and explore new exhibits. The streets buzz with performers, sidewalk artists and enthusiastic crowds, and many galleries offer free appetizers and wine. See a map of participating galleries.
Complementing First Thursday is Northeast Alberta Street’s Last Thursday event, which falls on the last Thursday evening of each month. Held on Northeast Alberta Street between 15th and 30th avenues, this event offers gallery shows, sidewalk vendors, and live music. Participating venues include Antler and Guardino Gallery and others.
Portland’s newest monthly art event is First Friday in the Central Eastside district. Several First Friday shows and events are held in artists’ studios, cafés and other nontraditional exhibit spaces.
Free Admission Days at Museums
The Oregon Historical Society has free admission days throughout the year. Check their website for details. At the Portland Art Museum, admission is always free for ages 17 and under.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University is a 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.
Forest Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, winter and fall are wonderful times to hike through Forest Park, the nation’s largest urban wilderness. This 5,000-acre (2023 ha) wilderness has seemingly endless trails for hiking, jogging and mountain biking that are relatively free of traffic during the cooler winter months. Autumn sees the park’s mostly evergreen forest dotted with vibrant fall colors. Although, anytime of year is a good time to escape to the quiet solitude of the woods — and all within a 10-minute drive of downtown.
The Grotto
The Grotto, a 62-acre Catholic sanctuary, is one of Portland’s most visited attractions, greeting more than 175,000 guests of all faiths each year. Visitors can stroll through this natural gallery in the woods; view the marble replica of Michelangelo’s famous Pietà, carved into the base of a 110-foot cliff. The entire lower level is free. Ride the elevator (about $10) to the top of the bluff for an impressive, panoramic view of the area’s highlights, including the Columbia River Valley, the Cascade Mountain Range and Mount St. Helens.
Hoyt Arboretum
Home to plants from seven continents, this 185-acre (75 ha) hiker’s paradise contains more than 2,000 species of trees and 12 miles of trails. At the south end of the Hoyt Arboretum is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. An interpretive center offers restrooms, maps and brochures.
International Rose Test Garden
In Washington Park, you can also explore one of the country’s largest and oldest rose test gardens for free. This is the largest of Portland’s rose gardens. Started in 1917, the International Rose Test Garden, just minutes from downtown Portland, has 10,000 rose bushes, spectacular views of the city and an on-site gift shop. Free tours are offered daily at 1 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Parks & Gardens
Lush forests, gorgeous gardens and scenic views await in Portland's parks and gardens
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.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
This year-round wonder houses an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, offering a peaceful escape in Portland's historic Chinatown.
Portland Japanese Garden
A haven of meticulously maintained, tranquil beauty, proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the Portland Japanese Garden offers meandering streams, intimate walkways and an unsurpassed view of Mount Hood.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Located in the heart of downtown Portland, Pioneer Courthouse Square is affectionately known as the city’s “living room.” Once a grim parking structure, the square is now a thriving urban park and one of the most-visited sites in Oregon, attracting more than 11 million visitors annually. The square’s on-site resources include TriMet’s bus and light rail ticket office. The square is also one of Portland’s leading outdoor venues, hosting 300 events yearly, from large-scale concerts to cultural festivals.
Portland Farmers Market
Enjoy live music and samples of wonderful locally grown and prepared foods. During peak season, farmers’ markets are held on most days of the week around the city.
Locations/dates: The flagship market is held year-round on Saturdays in the South Park Blocks at Portland State University. On Mondays, the market comes to Pioneer Courthouse Square (June-Sept.), and Wednesday’s market is held in the city’s Cultural District at Shemanski Park (May-October). Hours vary by location.
Portland Saturday Market
Even though the Portland Saturday Market shuts down in January and February, it’s still a great summer, fall and early winter attraction. You don’t have to buy anything, just browse through booth after booth of handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing and artwork. Street musicians, local performers, tarot card readers and international food kiosks round out the scene. The people staffing the booths are typically the artists who created the crafts for sale and they’re always happy to talk about their trade.
Affordable Attractions
Traveling on a budget? There's a lot to see and do without overspending.
Powell’s City of Books
Spend an afternoon exploring Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, covering an entire city block. Boasting more than 1 million titles, Powell’s is a mecca for bibliophiles searching for used, out-of-print, rare or autographed books. While the browsing is free, book-lovers will be hard-pressed not to purchase something — especially from the bargain tables. Browsers are welcome to take up to three titles into the coffee shop for perusing. Ride Powell’s three-door elevator — one of only a handful in the United States — or check out the Rare Book Room.
Free Events
Discover More Free Things to Do in Portland
Benson Hotel Annual Gingerbread Display
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…
Portland Indigenous Marketplace
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…
Small Shops Big Hearts: Win Big
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…
Christmas Ship Parade
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.
The Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition
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…
Farmers Market at Portland State University
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.
NAYA Native Made Winter Marketplace
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…
Portland Bazaar
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…
Peacock Lane
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…
Hollywood Farmers Market
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…
Tuba Christmas Concert
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.
Portland Winter Light Festival
Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at Portland’s annual Winter Lights Festival.
Fertile Ground 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…
Portland Pride
Every summer, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.
Chinese Festival
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.
Portland Veterans Day Parade
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…
Light Up St. Johns Ugly Sweater Holiday Events
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…
Sippin' on Sixth
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…
Elefant Medium
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…
Portland Holiday Hunt
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…
The Makers Fair Holiday Market at Rejuvenation
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,…
Ceramics Northwest
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.
FROELICK GALLERY: Rick Bartow Art Exhibition
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…
Mrs. Claus Storytime
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…
The Gift Show
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.
Small Batch Trivia at Bottle + Kitchen
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…
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Swan Dive
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…
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at The Civic Taproom and Bottle Shop
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…
Jazz at Jo Bar: Annie Averre & Zsofia Tardy
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
The People's Jam
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…
Trivia Night at the Hostel Cafe
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.
Social Forms: Art as Global Citizenship
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…
12 x 12 Art Show And Sale
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 with Marci Marsden
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.
Spring Forward: William Hernandez, Paul Rutz, Linda Cochrane, Amy Daileda and Jodi Burton
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,…
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Hopworks Urban Brewery
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…
Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Portland Cider
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…
Small Batch Trivia at Cascade Brewing
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…
Bangerz Comedy
Portland comics Bjorn RG and Eliza Butler host this weekly show at Neighbors Taproom with curated lineups of local and nationally touring comedians. 21+
Marcus Fischer–What Was Lost and What Remains
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…
Concerts at Ardiri Winery
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,…
Holiday Shop Small Open House + 2023 Cupping For a Cause
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…
Holiday Maker Market
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.
Holiday Pop-Up Art and Photography Sale
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…
Trackers Holiday Faire: Cookies, Crafts & Archery
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….
Sounds of the Season
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.
Spectrum Holigay Art Market
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…
Maker Fair at Vernon World School
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,…
Insomnia Coffee's Holiday Makers Market
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
Christmas on the Campground
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…
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