Top 10 Freebies in Portland

by Ashley Gartland - Citysearch Contributor - 171 Reviews - 56 Lists

/4f/a5/7c/a8/0c/3a/47/28/a6/27/8d/07/bb/cf/3c/e8.jpg

Updated: April 14, 2009

Want to keep your social calendar full without emptying your wallet? Then select a few picks from these 10 free things to do in Portland. Soon, you'll be enjoying makeovers, author readings and art gallery shows without spending a dime of your own.

Gratis Hookups

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Blush Beauty Bar
    Read Reviews

    513 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210 (map)

    Come to this posh beauty boutique on the first Friday of the month for a Make Me Up! makeover. Your consultant will update your routine look with a glamorous one; you can then apply the $30 reservation fee to purchasing beauty products post-makeover to perfect the look at home.

  2. 2 Jamison Square Park
    Write a review

    810 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

    For a free, kid-friendly activity, head to this grassy neighborhood hangout and let the kids splash in the park's fountain all day long. Just make sure they don't spot the neighborhood ice cream parlor or hot dog stand while they're playing; suddenly a cheap activity could turn costly.

  3. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Central Library
    Read Reviews

    801 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205 (map)

    If you're still paying for New York Times bestsellers and movie rentals plus their accompanying late fees, it's time to get a library card. The little piece of plastic grants you free access to 17 branches, two million books and enough movies to keep you entertained for a year. And though those late fees still apply, they're much more reasonable for a penny pincher’s budget.

  4. 4 Museum Of Contemporary Craft
    Write a review

    724 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

    Many an art snob would pay a premium to view this contemporary museum’s rotating exhibits, which are absolutely, entirely free to visit. The staff invites guests to explore the genre of arts and crafts, and to partake in free and low-cost seminars, lecture series, and film viewings held throughout the year.

  5. 5 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Oregon Zoo
    Read Reviews

    4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221 (map)

    Watch the zoo's website for mention of free entrance days (they often fall on national holidays like Thanksgiving Day). Just know you aren't the only animal-lover rearing to see the baby elephant--the free entry days attract a crowd.

  6. 6 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Pioneer Courthouse Square Inc
    Read Reviews

    715 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97205 (map)

    Portland's "living room" hosts a full lineup of free activities from cultural festivals to choir concerts throughout the year but summer's the best time to sample the courthouse's free perks. The Flicks on the Bricks Outdoor Movie series runs from early July to mid-August; the Noon Tunes Summer Concert series kicks off in July and hosts live music shows every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer months.

  7. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Portland Art Museum
    Read Reviews

    1219 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205 (map)

    On the edge of the South Park blocks, families can enter this engaging museum for free on one day, every quarter. Visit the website for dates, then pack the kids up for a day of painting, Oregon Ballet Theatre performances, and, of course, art appreciation.

  8. 8 3 Star Rating: Average Portland Center Stage Ticket
    Read Reviews

    128 NW 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97209 (map)

    The free backstage tours at this Pearl District theater give locals a chance to see the inner workings of a LEED Platinum-certified theater. If you want to see a show from the front of the house--and have a few bucks to spare--look to snag last minute ticket deals by following the theater's blog and Twitter postings.

  9. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Portland Farmers' Market
    Read Reviews

    1001 SE Water Ave Ste 455, Portland, OR 97214 (map)

    Really, we encourage you to visit any of our city's weekly markets for the purpose of buying fresh local produce. But if it's not in your budget this week, know that you could make a free meal out of the samples vendors peddle each week.

  10. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Powell's City Of Books
    Read Reviews

    1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209 (map)

    We hate to put this well-known used book store on another list, but there's nowhere else in town that provides as many interesting--and free--author readings and book signings as Powell's. And if you've chanced to visit on an event-free night, remember: The books are always free for the browsing.

Advertisement