STARTING AT $70 and running all the way up to a piggy-bank-shattering $250, wristbands for MusicfestNW are a luxury that rewards purchasers with a treasure trove of music in a short period of time. Yet since most of us these days seem to live off mom, dad, and the Oregon Trail Card (if not all three), buying your way into MFNW isn't always an option for the barren pockets of many Portlanders. What if we told you that you could experience (almost) all the tinnitus-inducing good times of MFNW without paying a single dime? Well, it's true, thanks to our Cheapskate's Guide to MusicfestNW!

BRAND NEW, THE JOY FORMIDABLE
Thursday, September 8 at 6 pm
Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell
How do I get into this for free?: On the day of the show, both Jackpot Records locations (203 SW 9th and 3574 SE Hawthorne) will be handing out a select number of (free) Nike Sportswear passes—first come, first served. Keep on eye on Twitter (@jackpotrecords) for the announcement.

MSTRKRFT, REPTAR
Friday, September 9 at 9 pm
Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell
How do I get into this for free?: See above.

BLIND PILOT, SEBADOH, UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA, LITTLE DRAGON
Thursday, September 8, 10:30 am-4:30 pm, FREE
Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside
How do I get into this for free?: No matter how much we beg and plead, KEXP isn't coming to the FM airwaves in Portland anytime soon, but the next best thing is their annual daytime series at the Doug Fir. Big name bands, free sets, and they are open to fans of all ages.

RHETT MILLER, TYPHOON, DAN MANGAN, THE HORRORS
Friday, September 9, 10:30 am-4:30 pm, FREE
Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside
How do I get into this for free?: See above.

THE MOONDOGGIES, AVI BUFFALO, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY, THE ANTLERS
Saturday, September 10, noon-4:30 pm, FREE
Doug Fir, 830 E Burnside
How do I get into this for free?: See above.

DJ HANNUKA MIRACLE, TYPHOON
Thursday, September 8, 4-6 pm, FREE
Dr. Martens, 10 NW 10th
How do I get into this for free?: Just walk in the front door. While not a real doctor, Dr. Martens' "Three 4 Free" series welcomes some great bands to their downtown location for three consecutive days.

DJ SAFI, TED LEO
Friday, September 9, 4-6 pm, FREE
Dr. Martens, 10 NW 10th
How do I get into this for free?: See above.

DJ REV SHINES, DAM FUNK
Saturday, September 10, 4-6 pm, FREE
Dr. Martens, 10 NW 10th
How do I get into this for free?: See above.

NURSES, THE MINDERS, MORNING TELEPORTATION, POINT JUNCTURE WA, AGESANDAGES, Y LA BAMBA
Saturday, September 10, 11 am-3 pm, FREE
Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi
How do I get into this for free?: OPB Music knows how to party. You'll need to secure an RSVP, but that's easy. Visit opbmusic.org for more details.

RICHMOND FONTAINE, DREW GROW AND THE PASTORS' WIVES, PINEHURST KIDS, WHITE ORANGE & MORE
Saturday, September 10, 2-7 pm, FREE
Rontoms, 600 E Burnside
How do I get into this for free?: Burnside Distribution is behind this daytime event that will occupy two stages and include everything from the pristine pop sheen of Archeology to Gay Ghost, who not only sound like a rough-around-the- edges Blue Öyster Cult, but who also recently inked a deal with Bladen County Records.

THE BUILDERS AND THE BUTCHERS, WEINLAND, DIRTY MITTENS, PORCHES, BISON BISON
Saturday, September 10, 2-6:30 pm, FREE
Cravedog, 2119 N Kerby
How do I get into this for free?: In addition to the music, you can cram your foodhole with Voodoo Doughnuts, Saucy's BBQ, and then wash it all down with free beer from Gilgamesh.

REVERSE SHARK ATTACK, CYCLOTRON, BLOOD BEACH, PLUS SUPER SECRET GUESTS
Saturday, September 10, 8 pm, $5
East End, 203 SE Grand
How do I get into this for free?: You don't. It costs $5. But trust us, it will be worth it. We aren't going to spill the beans on the secret headliners (yes, plural) but if you know the MFNW lineup and you know East End, it won't be hard to take a guess at what awaits you at this cheap, sweaty, chaotic, and top secret show.

TU FAWNING, DOLOREAN, HEY MARSEILLES, WILLY VLAUTIN, PICKWICK, BLACK WHALES & MORE
Sunday, September 11, 2-11:30 pm, FREE
Rontoms, 600 E Burnside
How do I get into this for free?: Sponsored by Marmoset Music, this free day (and night) party unleashes 14 bands on a pair of stages both inside and out.


Read the rest of the Mercury's Officially Unofficial Guide to MusicfestNW