Get into the Portland groove by enjoying its abundance of events and activities. The city is a hotspot for festivals, films, concerts, outdoor activities, and more - many of which don't cost a penny. So there's no excuse to not go out, explore, enjoy, and get to know folks. The following is just a taste of what PDX has to offer. Tuck in, then go back for seconds.
An alphabet stew of local beer-makers host free events on Saturday, Feb. 17. From Alameda to Zoiglhaus via Baerlic, Coalition, Deschutes, Ecliptic, Grixsen, Hopwork, Krauski's, Labrewtory, Migration, Occidental, PINTS, Royale, Sasquatch, Three Mugs, Vanguard, Wayfinder, beer lovers (and who isn't?) will enjoy tastings, brewery tours, meet-the-brewer events, plus food and beer pairings at dozens of breweries. The participant list is at 47 and counting, so rally your friends, download Lyft, and start brew hopping.
Date: Feb 17
Cost: Free
Location: Multiple
If you're visiting, Portland Design Week is a chance to snoop through some of the city's most beautiful, original, and unusual homes as part of its Open House programming. The houses featured are, by and large, lived in and loved by the owners who volunteer to share them during this event, so it really is a chance to see how Portland lives.
Design-loving locals can volunteer for the festival. Roles include event organization, social media outreach, and photography, making it a great chance to get creative in the city you love.
Date: April 14-21
Cost: Free (mostly)
Location: Various
This sprawling series of events and activities is a welcome reminder that government with the people's interests at heart can be a Very Good Thing. Organized and funded by Portland Parks and Recreation, the 2018 Summer Free for All will include over 1800 "free, accessible, family-friendly" activities in city parks. Mark Ross, media and community relations coordinator for Portland Parks and Recreation, explained they are still accepting applications for the concert and film programs that will, eventually, provide lively entertainment. An extensive children's schedule includes Free Lunch + Play for kids under 18. Confirmed events thus far are the Fourth Annual Festival Latino on Aug. 11 and the Tonga Day Festival on Aug. 18.
Dates: Summer - TBA
Cost: Free
Location: Various
Get your summer groove on for free with Portland's Music On Main. This free concert series takes place on Wednesday evenings beginning in July (Oregon weather permitting, obviously). Held in the glorious Park Blocks, next to the Schnitz, it's the perfect chance to dance barefoot beneath the trees. Artists are mostly local or regional and programming runs the gamut of sounds and styles. The shows are from 5 to 7 p.m. so book a table for dinner in the Pearl afterwards, or mosey down to Old Town for a couple of drinks before sunset.
Dates: July 11 to Sept. 5 for a total of nine shows
Cost: Free
Location: Main Street, between SW Broadway and Park Ave., Portland
Seize this annual opportunity to explore the city's museums, whether you're a local who (like me) has never gotten around to visiting the Art Museum, or a visitor looking for a fantastic free introduction to Portland culture. Sponsored by Smithsonian Magazine, Museum Day Live provides two free admission tickets to participating institutions - just for the asking. Participating PDX museums include the Architectural Heritage Center, Blue Sky Gallery, Oregon Historical Society, Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center, Portland Art Museum, and the World Forestry Center.
Date: Sept. 22
Cost: Free
Location: Various museums
