Free Things to Do in Portland, Oregon

Portland is a fascinating city filled with shopping, entertainment, good food and drink. Fortunately for residents and visitors alike, some of the best things to do in the city don't cost any money to enjoy. In fact, Portland is one of the easiest places to find free things to do - if you know where to look.

Here is a brief list of some of the many free things that the city of Portland has to offer.

Free Concerts
If you are looking to discover some of the great music that Portland has to offer but can't afford tickets to the Rose Garden Arena or the cover charge at a night club, go to http://portland.concertcoop.com and see what's playing in the city. You can easily search by date, neighborhood, price and genre. Easy to navigate, just click "free" on the price search and a generous listing of performances emerges.

Free Hikes
Are you an outdoors person? Portland is a city surrounded by and encompassing nature. If you'd like to take a nature hike without leaving Portland, go to the Portland Parks & Recreation website www.portlandonline.com for a list of trails in and around the city. Click on the "Find a Park" tab, enter your neighborhood and activity, and before you know it you will have a list of local places to trek without having to buy a tank of gas to get there.

Free Tasting
Do you enjoy sampling the many flavors that the city has to offer? Stop by Let's Brew on Stark to taste the free samples and choose your favorite beer. Like what you taste? The recipes are free too, so you can become your own brew master. www.letsbrew.net

Free Learning
Are you looking to expand your horizons? Check out Free School Portland at http://portland.freeskool.org. Free School Portland is a network of people teaching other people what they know. Whether you are looking to learn more about Yoga, Math, Art or Relationship Building, Free School Portland has something for you. Likewise, feel free to share your hobby with Portland by starting your own class or workshop about it!

Free Art
Interested in art but don't have the money for your whole crew to go to the museum? Check out First Thursday (from April to November). First Thursday is monthly event where 13^th street is blocked off from Everett to Johnson so that local artists can display their artwork for passers by. Galleries in this area are also known to have a little something local to nibble on, and a little wine to chase it down. Go to www.urbanartnetwork.com/pdx/ for more information.

Free Exploration
If all else fails put on a pair of comfortable shoes, grab a friend and see what you find! Portland is a unique blend of casual sophistication and properly funky inhabitants. Ask your neighbors and friends to keep their eyes and ears open for free events and you will be amazed at how quickly your calendar fills up with free activities and no-cost adventures all over Portland. Make sure that as you find your favorite free activities that you make note of them so that you can go back to enjoy them the next time that you or a friend are looking for something fun (and free) to do.

Want to read more about Portland by Denise Kawaii? Click the links below.
The Music Festivals of Portland, Oregon: Music in the City
Happy Hour in Portland, Oregon
Best Restaurants for Breakfast in Portland, Oregon