Emilly Prado
Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More
Cheap/Affordable Things to Do in Portland for Arts Lovers
Experience Portland’s culture without breaking your budget.
Emilly Prado
Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More
Portland boasts a stellar music scene, ample museums and galleries, and some of the best arts walks and festivals anywhere — and exploring them all doesn’t take busting your budget. This itinerary of cheap things to do in Portland is designed to help any arts lover make the most of a weekend day in the city.
Getting Around on a Budget
For each of our budget itineraries, we recommend getting an all-day TriMet pass ($5) good for the city’s public light rail, streetcar and bus.
Transit on the Cheap
Explore Portland on a budget with these wallet-friendly transportation options.
Biketown Bike-Share in Portland
Introduced in 2016, Portland’s bike-share program brings 1,000 smart bicycles to the central city.
MAX Light Rail
Beyond big trees and picnic tables, Washington Park offers a zoo, two museums, gardens and more, all bordered by one of the country’s premier urban wildernesses.
Electric Scooters (E-Scooters) in Portland
In April 2019, Portland launched a year-long citywide trial in of shareable electric scooters ("e-scooters"). Before boarding, check out our dos and don’ts for riding e-scooters in Portland.
Cheap Arts Activities in Portland
Breakfast and Browsing in Hawthorne District
Estimated cost: $7.50
Indulge in a heaping, music-themed breakfast sandwich at Fried Egg I’m in Love, which began as a beloved Portland food cart. Savor your gooey pesto and parmesan “Yolko Ono” sandwich ($7.50) amidst an egg-themed mural and plenty of yolk-yellow accents.
Stroll the boulevard and check out nearby murals using online maps from Portland Street Art Alliance (don’t forget to snap some souvenir photos in front of these works of art!). Next, do some vintage shopping — or browsing, to protect your pocketbook — at House of Vintage, Red Light or Savvy Plus. Hawthorne is known for its resale shops and even if you don’t buy, you’ll find plenty of entertaining eye candy.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Pedal Downtown for Public Art
Estimated cost: $6–7
Next, hop on a neon orange Biketown rental at a nearby kiosk for a quick ride to downtown Portland. You’ll pay a $5 sign-up fee plus $0.08 per minute, and the downhill ride will take about 15 minutes ($6.20).
Dock the bike and spend an hour or two scoping out some of the city’s expansive public art collection. Download this free walking map to explore more than 100 centrally located sites, both indoors and out. Standouts include Manuel Izquierdo’s The Dreamer (Southwest Third Avenue and Market Street) and Roland Hinton Perry’s Elk (Southwest Main Street and Third Avenue).
Don’t leave downtown without heading to the free Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University. Opened in 2019, this multi-floor museum features works by Northwest artists, as well as art by PSU faculty and students. The museum also hosts frequent events and rotates in works by national and international artists, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and David Hockney.
Lunch and a Concert
Estimated cost: $5–10
For lunch, pick up some food cart fare ($5–10) and head to the elegant Old Church for its Wednesday lunchtime concert series (free). Soak in the classics performed by concert pianists, cellists and other musicians in this impressive restored 1882 church-turned-concert hall.
Travel Time to Next Destination
Get Lost in a City of Books
Estimated cost: Free
Weave through nine color-coded rooms packed with books at the three-story Powell’s City of Books (free), open since 1971. (There’s a map to help you find your way.) On Sundays, visitors can join a free 45-minute tour. Any day, you can get a glimpse of the rare book room, which houses 9,000 volumes valued at $1.8 million. Their oldest book dates back to 1480! Don’t miss the stellar art book collection and frequent free reading in the top-floor Pearl Room.
Punk Rock Pizza
Estimated cost: $2–8
Across the street, grab a hand-tossed slice at Sizzle Pie and take a photo with the pizza-themed food pyramid mural. The punk rock pizza shop offers $2 half-slices, crave-worthy salads and plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Evening Entertainment
Estimated cost: Free–$6
Up the block, catch an art house film at the plush Living Room Theaters ($6 on Mondays and Tuesdays). Or duck into the basement of the Crystal Hotel for free live music from rotating musicians-in-residence at Al’s Den (free). Back on the eastside, you can also catch free local music at Rontoms‘ Sunday Sessions (free).
Affordable Fun
From free live music to wallet-friendly happy hours, having fun in Portland doesn't require breaking the bank.
Upcoming Free Events
There's no need to break the bank with these upcoming no-cost events.
Rhododendron & Daffodil Show & Sale
This annual show and sale returns every April to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. See gorgeous rhododendrons and daffodils on display, then stroll through the garden in full bloom — one of the city’s most iconic and beautiful natural areas.
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.
Trillium Festival
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Join us for the 40th annual Trillium Festival! MEMBER BENEFITS ‘Early Bird’ Entrance to plant sale 9 – 10am BUY 1 get 1 FREE Trillium Brunch 8-10am PLANT SALE Boskey Dell Natives will be selling plants in various sizes, including Trillium and other specialty native…
Hippity Hop Bunny Hop Through the Pearl
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Join us in the Pearl to celebrate Spring with fun activities, treats and a hug and picture with the Easter Bunny. Smiles, laughter and some sweet treats will bring a burst of energy to the streets throughout the day as the Easter Bunny goes out…
Easter Sunday at The Grotto
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Mass suspended until 4/14. Celebrate Easter Sunday at The Grotto, a serene woodland sanctuary in Northeast Portland featuring 62 acres of botanical gardens. Mass celebrating Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord will occur at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. April 12, 2020. Main…
Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza
This Easter Egg hunt features no hard boiled eggs — just cash prizes! There will be 50 eggs, each containing a golden ticket for up to $50 in Pix Patisserie treats. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. on Easter Sunday at this all-ages event. (Limit is one egg per guest.)
Earth Day with Forest Park Conservancy
EVENT POSTPONED. Please visit the event website for current information. Join Forest Park Conservancy’s celebration of the 50th annual Earth Day! Saturday, April 25, volunteers will be meeting up at trailheads throughout Forest Park, working to mend the trails and protect the forest from future invasive species. (Bringing friends and family is strongly encouraged!) After…
Party for the Planet
Celebrate wildlife everywhere with the Oregon Zoo’s annual Party for the Planet! With fun educational activities, up-close experiences with ambassador animals, roaming entertainment and more, Party for the Plannet offers something for everyone who wants to celebrate the Earth’s biodiversity and take action to protect wildlife.
Tryon Creek Earth Day Birthday Celebration
Join Friends of Tryon Creek at this annual Earth Day and Birthday celebration at Tryon Creek State Park. Come help the park’s “Eco Crew” remove invasive species and tidy the trails, then enjoy birthday cake, family-friendly activities and prizes for participants.
Portland Flea + Food
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.
Camas Plant and Garden Fair
Held the day before Mother’s Day, the Camas Plant and Garden Fair draws in thousands of people to enjoy and explore an amazing selection of plants, trees, garden art and supplies, and much more provided by local growers and vendors. Kids’ activities, live music, entertainment, fresh food, and the shops and restaurants of Downtown Camas…
St. Johns Bizarre & Parade
EVENT CANCELED. 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 attending the…
Portland Sunday Parkways
This family-friendly bike ride features local vendors and live entertainment.
Sunday Parkways: Southeast Portland
Get ready for the first Sunday Parkways ride of the year! Join bicyclists as they cruise along inner Southeast Portland and enjoy a delicious dose of summer time magic. This 7-mile route will explore the neighborhood greenways of Ankeny, Clinton, Lincoln, Salmon, Taylor streets and more, passing by Laurelhurst Park, Ivon Park, Colonel Summers Park…
Festival of Flowers
For more than 30 years, the Festival of Flowers at Pioneer Courthouse Square (in the heart of downtown Portland) has been one of city’s most renowned festivals. Every year, the Square works with a local artist or design firm to create a masterpiece of vibrant color utilizing more than 24,000 flowers and plant material, filling…
Pedalpalooza
Every year, Pedalpalooza brings over four weeks of biking fun with special rides and events throughout Portland. With over 100 different events (most organized by individuals), bikers of all persuasions are likely to find many events of interest. Nearly all events are free.
Fleet Week
Since the very beginning of the Rose Festival back in 1907, visiting ships and other fleet-related elements (like submarines) have been making their way to Portland’s waterfront. The City of Portland is known to be a favorite port of call for military (and non-military) visitors — and citizens enjoy making these visitors welcome! One of…
Portland Rose Society Annual Spring Rose Show
This annual rose show is the nation’s largest and long-running rose show, bringing more than 4,000 blooms to Lloyd Center in Northeast Portland. Explore a huge variety of roses, from the quarter-inch micro-minis to the 8 inch standard blooms.
Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races
The Rose Festival is proud to host the Portland Rose Festival Dragon Boat Races, an event that has been bringing an exciting Chinese tradition to Portland for more than two decades, beginning in 1989. Held on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge, the races feature exciting four-team heats held every nine minutes. More than…
Grand Floral Float Showcase
Take a closer look at this year’s Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade floats at the Grand Floral Float Showcase on Southwest Naito Parkway, adjacent to CityFair. These unique floats are meticulously decorated with natural materials like seeds and coconut flakes in addition to live flowers.
Portland Pride
Every June, the Portland Pride Festival & Parade makes a name for itself — and LGBTQ+ community members — all over town.
GeekCraft Expo
GeekCraft Expo is a curated craft market specializing in handmade, “geek”-themed crafts of all kinds; clothing, accessories, toys, home decoration, furniture, art . . . if it’s geeky and made by hand, it can be found at a GeekCraft Expo. Cosplay is highly encouraged and admission is free (you just need to pre-register).
World Naked Bike Ride
Every June, thousands of cyclists cruise commando through Portland streets as part of the World Naked Bike Ride.
Sunday Parkways: North Portland
Join Sunday Parkways in this 9.5-mile loop of North Portland, which will pass by Arbor Lodge Park, Peninsula Park & Rose Garden, Kenton Park, McCoy Park and Columbia Annex. An accessible ride (by EveryOne Rides) will return and be located at Arbor Lodge Park, adjacent to the universally accessible Harper’s Playground. To view the complete…
Noon Tunes Summer Concert Series
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 on the Square and interactive activities, the Square is sure…
Portland Picnic Wine Tasting Festival
Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy the fourth annual Portland Picnic in Westmoreland Park. Featuring tastings from an array of 100 wines from around the world. There will also be beer available from Level Beer and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy. A great selection of local vendors will be offering tasty food, live music, and…
Fete de la Bastille & Waiters Race
The Fete de la Bastille is the West Coast’s largest Bastille Day celebration. The festival is free and open to the public and attracts as many 8,000 participants. A fun tradition during this festival is the Annual Waiters Race. The popular Portland Waiters Race returns to Bastille Day and will start at 2 p.m. Racers…
Flicks on the Bricks
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 offer movie-goers a chance to sit in the “Best Seat…
Oregon Northwest Merfest
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 briny deep, its wildlife, the ocean beaches and conservation information…
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
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, craft and community booths, sidewalk sales for bargain hunters, and…
Crafty Wonderland Spring Art + Craft Market
Portland’s biannual art and craft fair boasts unique handmade wares from 225+ local vendors.
Montavilla Street Fair
Stroll down Stark Street and enjoy district businesses, vendors, a farmer’s market and family-friendly entertainment and activities.
Chinese Festival
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
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
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 capacity building, to increase understanding within and between communities and…
Multnomah Days
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 and performers from throughout the city (and beyond) the rest…
PDX 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
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 enhancing Indian cultural awareness.
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…
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 &…
Knowing the Columbia
Participating artists: Erik Sandgren, Sara Siestreem, Lillian Pitt, Genevieve Robertson, Fred Wah, Rita Wong, Santigie Fofana-Dura, Sapata Fofana-Dura, Ka’ila Farrell-Smith, Jonnel Covault. Description: Artists offer diverse perspectives on the river that shaped the Northwest. Through the use of a wide range of media, including print, video, painting, fiber weaving, poetry and installation, Knowing the Columbia…
Master of Appropriation: Found Photography in the Work of John Baldessari
Blue Sky is pleased to present a solo exhibition of work by John Baldessari from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation that highlights the iconic conceptual artist’s use of photography from the 1980s into the 2010s. Master of Appropriation comes at a pivotal time after Baldessari’s passing earlier this year, as…
