Emilly Prado
Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More
Cheap Things to Do in Portland for History Buffs
Experience Portland’s history without breaking your budget.
Emilly Prado
Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More
Know Before You Go
For any budget itinerary in Portland, we recommend getting an all-day TriMet pass ($5) good for the city’s public light rail, streetcar and bus.
To truly get to know Portland, it’s good to start with its historical roots. These beloved, longstanding local institutions and attractions allow you to explore the Rose City’s history without busting your budget.
Morning
Breakfast in Old Town
Estimated cost: $7–10
Start your morning with diner classics like cheesy Denver omelets and decadent chicken-fried steak and eggs at John’s Café ($7–10, cash only). This retro, family-run breakfast joint in Portland’s oldest neighborhood is perfect for early birds. John and Kristina Kapsopoulos have served customers in their cozy establishment since 1973 and eagerly share stories of yesteryear.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Step Back in Time Downtown
Estimated cost: $5
Next, head to the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center ($5) for an exploration of Oregon’s history of Nikkei, or people of Japanese descent living in the United States. Located in the heart of where Nihonmachi (Japantown) once stood, the center features a permanent exhibit that retraces the history of Japanese immigration and internment, while rotating exhibits have explored topics such as multi-generational storytelling, printmaking and photography. Walk around historic Old Town Chinatown with the aid of the free “Japantown PDX” app.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Take a quick stroll through the South Park Blocks (free), a Dutch elm-lined corridor developed in the late 19th century. Two blocks south of the Oregon Historical Society (free to Multnomah County residents, with ID), you’ll find Director Park (free), a modern spin on the park blocks. This former parking lot turned European-style plaza features a seasonal wading fountain, family games and cultural events in the summer.
A couple of blocks west, you’ll arrive at the Multnomah County Central Library (free). Built in 1913, it’s the oldest library on the West Coast! Peruse the library’s expansive collection, gorgeous Georgian architecture and works by local zinesters. Between April and October, you may even be able to snag a spot on the library’s free eco-roof tour. General library tours are offered a couple of times a month, all year.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Afternoon
Lunch in Northeast Portland
Estimated cost: $5–10
After all the knowledge-building works up your appetite, take TriMet bus line #6 to Northeast Portland’s Alberta Street for lunch. Budget-friendly choices include hefty, vegan burritos from family-owned El Nutri Taco ($6–10) or La Bonita ($5–9). Or opt for a gooey sandwich from Grilled Cheese Grill ($5–8) or wings and jojos from popular corner store Alberta Street Market ($6).
Alberta Street Black Heritage Walk
Estimated cost: Free
After lunch, head to Northeast Alberta Street for an educational self-guided walking tour of the area’s rich Black history. Debuted in 2019, the Alberta Street Black Heritage Markers are a series of five markers commemorating the accomplishments and experiences of African American residents from the Alberta neighborhood. The markers stretch along Northeast Alberta Street from 11th to 24th avenues.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Drink (And Dine) at School
Estimated cost: $10–12
End with dinner, drinks and educational entertainment at McMenamins Kennedy School. This quirky hotel and entertainment complex inhabits the refurbished site of a once-abandoned elementary school, originally constructed in 1915.
Happy hour offerings at the former school’s five bars and restaurants include $5 pints of brewed-on-site beer and pub fare like Cajun tater tots and cheeseburger sliders ($4.25–7). The Kennedy School hosts trivia twice a month and regular free history-themed events in the on-site movie theater, and offers a ceramic saltwater soaking pool ($5 per person, per hour) that’s open to non-hotel guests daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (don’t forget your swimsuit and towel!).
Portland on a Budget
Explore more wallet-friendly activities and attractions in Portland.
Upcoming Free Events
There's no need to break the bank with these upcoming no-cost events.
Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. The Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series will return for its 30th year on Tuesdays in July and August! From noon-1:00pm enjoy music from some of Portland’s best regional and local musical talent. With eight FREE concerts, dancing, some of Portland’s favorite food vendors at Carts…
Flicks on the Bricks
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. On five Friday evenings in July and August, the Square will be transformed into Portland’s largest outdoor movie theater for the entire community to enjoy! Flicks on the Bricks will kick-off on Friday, July 17 and continue through August 14 on Friday nights. IKEA will…
Oregon Northwest Merfest
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Oregon Northwest Merfest is a festival for the entire family that brings awareness to conservation with a fun “under the sea” theme. Join Oregon Mermaids for a day of mermaids, pirates, sea-themed entertainers, puppet shows and ocean-themed yoga. Oregon Mermaids impart their love of the…
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.
Portland Sunday Parkways
This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.
Sunday Parkways: Gateway
Head to Gateway in Northeast Portland for Sunday Parkways’ 4.8-mile loop of the neighborhood. One of the shorter routes of the summer, Gateway’s Sunday Parkways is a great option for families and friends who want to walk (instead of bike) at the event. Parks along the route include Hazelwood Hydro Park, Gateway Discovery Park, Knott…
Division/Clinton Street Fair and Parade
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. Celebrate the funky charm of one of Southeast Portland’s oldest neighborhoods at the Division/Clinton District’s annual Street Fair and Parade. The morning parade along Division and Clinton Streets will kick off a full day of live music, family fun, children’s events, great food, interesting art,…
Crafty Wonderland Spring Art + Craft Market
Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.
Montavilla Street Fair
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Stroll down Stark Street and enjoy district businesses, vendors, a farmer’s market and family-friendly entertainment and activities.
Portland Flea + Food
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. 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.
Chinese Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Join the Oregon Chinese Coalition for the city’s annual Chinese Festival in the Square! Celebrate Chinese American culture and enjoy nonstop entertainment, delicious Chinese food, authentic arts, crafts and much more.
Elephant Garlic Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. 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!
Pan African Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Oregon’s annual Pan African Festival celebrates the presence, resilience, strength, and influence of Pan Africans (Africans, Caribbean and African Americans) in Oregon. We believe the festival is a cultural vehicle to galvanize, mobilize and empower Diaspora Africans in Oregon. It is a springboard to community…
Multnomah Days
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Portland’s Multnomah Village is filled with character – as well as dozens of unique shops, galleries, restaurants, arts and more. The annual Multnomah Days Parade (dubbed “the biggest little parade in Portland”) is the neighborhood’s old-school street fair, starting with a parade and featuring vendors…
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.
India Festival
LIVE EVENT CANCELED. This event will now be held virtually, please visit the event website for current information. India Festival brings India to downtown Portland! This festival is a celebration of India’s Independence Day with live music, dance, food and other entertainment. India Festival is hosted by the India Cultural Association, a non-profit dedicated to…
Sunday Parkways: Green Loop
Sunday Parkways heads to the historic North Park Blocks forit s 7-mile route along Portland’s Green Loop. This ride will pass by multiple cultural hotspots, including the Portland Art Museum, North and South Park Blocks, Lovejoy Fountain, Portland State University and the city’s Central Eastside. To view the complete route (and find more rides), visit…
Art In The Pearl Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
The Art in the Pearl annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival occurs every year on Labor Day weekend in the Pearl District’s North Park Blocks. The Festival is free and requires no tickets for entry. Art In The Pearl has been named one of the top 10 Arts and Crafts Festivals in the country and…
Portland Dragon Boat Festival
Enjoy Portland’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, featuring dragon boat racing along with food vendors, a beer garden and more. The event features as many as 96 dragon boat teams from all over the world who race in Taiwan-style dragon boats.
Sunday Parkways: Northeast Portland
Come out and enjoy the last Sunday Parkways of the season with this 7.6-mile ride in Northeast Portland! Enjoy the walking/biking boulevard of Ainsworth along with the neighborhood greenways of Going street, Holman street and Alberta Court. Parks along this route include Alberta Park, Woodlawn Park, Fernhill Park and Khunamokwst Park. To view the complete…
Portland Greek Festival
The Portland Greek Festival is celebrated as the largest Greek Festival on the west coast with more than 15,000 people attending. This cultural experience features Greek food, music, dance and shopping! The Agora – the Greek marketplace features imported merchandise, clothing, jewelry, icons, flokati rugs and cookbooks. Among the fabulous food, exclusive cooking demonstrations, and…
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a water course.
Veterans Day Parade
Honor Veterans Day with Portland’s annual Veterans Day Parade. The Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Northeast 40th and Northeast Sandy Boulevard and travels down Sandy, ending at Sandy & 48th in front of Ross Hollywood Chapel, which is the site of the Veterans Memorial Flag pole. At the conclusion of the parade, there is…
St. Johns Bizarre & Parade
EVENT CANCELED FOR 2020. Please visit the event website for current information. 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…
Looptworks Retail Workshop Tour
Looptworks uses only what already exists to create new functional products (including upcycled bags, apparel and accessories). Looptworks is committed to upcycling and closed loop solutions. Its intent is to reduce and eliminate waste in its industry headed to the landfill. Participate and witness the Looptworks upcycling production and circular economy firsthand. Tour Schedule &…
Art Museum Photography Brown Bag Talk
Every third Wednesday of the month at noon, photography enthusiasts gather at the Portland Art Museum to hear talks by regional photographers, gallerists, historians, curators and collectors.
Chamber Music Northwest Presents Peter Schickele
Celebrate the great American composer and humorist Peter Schickele on his 85th birthday! Chamber Music Northwest’s program will include his acclaimed Spring Forward clarinet quintet.
Jaded: A Comedy Open Mic
A comedy open mic hosted by Eddie Churnetski and Benton Crider. 18+ until 8 p.m., 21+ after 8 p.m. If you are under 21 and would like to go up early, please message the Trash Amp Productions Facebook page.
Pizza Friday at Brooks
One of Brooks Winery’s most popular events is back! We are extending our hours and serving delicious pizza from our wood-fired oven as well as a salad and dessert option (sorry, no gluten free pizza option). Wines by the glass or bottle will be available for purchase. Come get your pizza on! Please note that…
Gresham Arts Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Celebrate art with free, family-friendly fun at the annual Gresham Arts Festival with more than 140 artists, live music, a break dance competition and more. The Gresham Arts Festival draws thousands from around the region each year to Gresham’s charming downtown streets to meet, browse…
CMNW Live from Boston: Beethoven’s Archduke Trio & More
In this new exclusive performance from their hometown of Boston, Chamber Music Northwest Artistic Directors Gloria Chien and Soovin Kim, along with cellist Paul Watkins, will play Beethoven piano trio masterpieces from “Archduke Trio.” Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.
Family Concert: Marita and Her Heart’s Desire
Presented by Chamber Music Northwest (CMNW) Summer Festival. Bring the whole family to this magical, mysterious and funny performance of Bruce Adolphe’s Marita and Her Heart’s Desire. Young Marita – whose role is played by the violin – goes on a journey searching for her heart’s desire and is joined by a menagerie of animals…
Open Labyrinth Walk
A public labyrinth walk held on the third Monday of every month on the beautiful wood labyrinth at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. No prior experience needed, and there is no wrong way to walk.
Protégés at the Alberta Rose
Discover the next generation of classical music stars in this program of Ravel, Mozart, and Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time performed by Chamber Music Northwest Protégé Project artists and mentors. Chamber Music Northwest’s Protégé Project is a world-class professional residency for emerging professional musicians. Since its founding in 2010, Chamber Music Northwest’s Protégé…
CMNW Live from Nashville: Edgar Meyer & Friends
From his home in Nashville, Grammy Award-winning bassist and composer Edgar Meyer preforms an evening of classical and crossover music, including a world premiere composed by CMNW Protégé George Meyer. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.
Brooks Brunch
Join us for Brooks’ inaugural all-day Saturday brunch! Our brunch menu will feature Chef Norma’s famous chicken and waffles and other delicious brunch dishes! Please note that reservations are required.
Chamber Music Northwest Summer Festival Grand Finale
Join David Shifrin in his final performance as Chamber Music Northwest’s Artistic Director. Preformance includes new clarinet solo written for him by David Ludwig and revisiting great performances of Bach’s Concerto for Violin and Oboe in C Minor with solos by oboist Allan Vogel and violinist Soovin Kim and more. Presented by Chamber Music Northwest.
Lents International Farmers Market
Lents International Farmers Market opens on Sunday, June 2, 2019 and is open every Sunday through November 24, 2019. The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by…
Classic Cabinets, Modern Design
Discover the advantage custom wood cabinetry provides when facing complex design challenges! By balancing period-appropriate architectural specifications with modern performance standards, and combining historic techniques and modern technologies, we break down how to tackle the toughest of challenges. Learn why wood, one of our most valuable, renewable resources, is a key component to achieving seamless…
Art Museum: Free First Thursday
Enjoy free admission to the Museum the first Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m.
Free First Thursday
On the First Thursday of the month from 5-8 p.m, the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education participates in the city-wide First Thursday Gallery Walk. During the First Thursday hours, the museum is open and free to the public.
Open Arts & Crafts: First Fridays
Come one, come all and join up for First Friday at Portland Craft Bar! Each First Friday of the month, the Portland Craft Bar will select a small art or craft to do in the studio and open for free to all people, all ages. Check the Bar’s website or its Facebook or Instagram feeds…
Dispatches: Zines From Grassroots Movements Around the World
Enjoy a pop-up reading library at Portland’s Independent Publishing Resource Center. Browse a selection of unique zines focused on grassroots movements, both local and global.
Electric Block Party
The Electric Block Party is an all-day, all-ages community-driven event in the Central Eastside Industrial District that celebrates Portland’s unique hip-hop and street art cultures with live-painting by diverse regional artists, live music, break and free-style dance battles, local art marketplace, youth activities, local food carts, live screen printing, skateboarding ramps, and more.