The holidays are a particularly lovely time of year, but if January brings the unwelcome arrival of large credit card bills, the fun can come to a crushing halt. Fortunately, if you’re searching for a single vacation or are hosting friends and family, the Portland area has a number of options to cut costs.
For those who enjoy art, culture, the great outdoors, or want to celebrate on a tight budget, here are some ideas.
A program called Arts For All was established to give those with less money more access to cultural events and the arts. Many arts and cultural events in the area offer $5 tickets to anybody with the Oregon Trail Card and food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For more information and to find out which arts groups provide free admission for kids and a sliding scale for adults, visit [email protected].
Peacock Lane: For many years, the people of Southeast Portland have been decorating their homes and welcoming guests who choose to drive, bike, or walk past the one block of homes decked out in Christmas splendor. This custom has been going on for decades. On December 15–31, the displays take place every night from 6–11 p.m. On December 15 and 16, only pedestrians are allowed. Everything is free, including cider and hot cocoa, and is available from December 15–24 starting at 6 p.m. (donations are optional). Don’t forget to pack your own cup. To learn more, visit peacocklane.org. Southeast Belmont and Southeast Stark streets are separated by Peacock Lane.
Ice Skating: OMSI on Ice is an indoor synthetic ice rink that offers a sense of winter without making you shiver if the weather outside is chilly. Adults (14+) pay $9 to enter, seniors (63+) pay $8, and children (ages 5–13) pay $7. Skate rentals are free (personal skates are not permitted), and entry to the OMSI museum is not required. The planned duration of OMSI on Ice is January 1, 2025. Visit omsi.edu/exhibits/ice-rink/ for more information. The address of OMSI is 1945 S.E. Water Ave.
On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, construction is underway on the Portland Art Museum expansion project.One of the Oregonians, Dave Killen
Portland Art Museum: On the first Thursday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., admission to the downtown museum is free. The Tomorrow Theater also hosts free shows on that day. Visit Portland Art Museum for more information. The Tomorrow Theater can be found at 3530 S.E. Division St., while the Portland Art Museum can be found at 1219 S.W. Park Ave.
Oregon Historical Society: A Fountain of Creativity: Oregon’s 20th Century Artists and the Legacy of Arlene Schnitzer is one of the current exhibits at the downtown Portland museum, which has three floors of exhibitions. Permanent exhibits include Rivers, Roses, and Rip City: The Remarkable History of Portland. Residents of Multnomah County who can provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or state-issued identification card, are admitted free of charge. To learn more, visit ohs.org. The address of the Oregon Historical Society is 1200 S.W. Park Ave.
Outdoor destinations in the Portland area: If you don’t mind wearing winter clothing, being outside in the fresh air can be a refreshing and incredibly cost-effective way to escape the holiday crowds. Places like Hoyt Arboretum, Mount Tabor Park, Laurelhurst Park, Tryon Creek State Natural Area, and Peninsula Park offer peaceful strolls, picturesque views, and verdant surroundings around the city.
The Albina Soul Walk is a musical journey into the past that sheds light on the rich musical culture of the Albina area, which was home to Black Portlanders’ homes, businesses, neighborhoods, and nightlife for many years until a number of residents were displaced due to discriminatory government policies and planning decisions. Enjoy musical selections from the Albina Music Trust archive, walk the one-mile self-guided audio tour, listen to Calvin Walker and Norman Sylvester narrate, and download The Albina Soul Walk app to get a feel of what was lost. See https://explore.echoes.xyz/collections/00LKCcEuSCPnHMBJ for more information.
Portland art galleries: The city is fortunate to have a wide range of galleries that showcase pieces by some of the most gifted artists in the area. These artists create in a number of media, such as painting, sculpture, photography, video installations, drawing, and much more. A list of galleries is available at travelportland.com/culture/visual-arts/, according to Travel Portland.
Get free rentals of films, TV series, music, and more: Hoopla and Kanopy allow you to check out a variety of material and see or listen to it on your own device, like a computer, phone, or television, if you have a Multnomah County Library card. Visit multcolib.org/streaming-tv-movies for more information.
My Discovery Pass: Multnomah County Library also provides its cardholders with free educational and cultural events through My Discovery Pass, which is a collaboration between the library and other neighborhood organizations. Enter your library card number and password to access the Multnomah County Library’s My Discovery Pass website, where you can look through complimentary tickets provided by nearby cultural institutions. If you prefer one, make a reservation, check the date and location, then print or download your pass just before you go. You are unable to cancel your reservation after your pass has been printed or downloaded. Multcolib.org/my-discovery-pass has more information.
Stories by
Kristi Turnquist
-
Portland-area punks wanted as extras for movie about the 90s punk music scene
-
Where to watch the Yellowstone Season 5 new episode streaming free tonight, or on demand: Actual release date, time
-
Bradley Angle extends compassion, care to LGBTQ+ people facing crisis: Season of Sharing 2024
-
America s Got Talent Season 20 open call auditions: Dates, how to register
-
Oregon coast resort wins Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award: The location is magic
Kristi Turnquist discusses entertainment and features. You may contact her at [email protected], 503-221-8227, or @Kristiturnquist.
Your support is essential to our journalism. Please sign up for a subscription at OregonLive.com/subscribe right now.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
