As the last days of summer float by, don’t think that all the fun is behind you. Fall events offer plenty of great opportunities to get outside and enjoy yourself, or head indoors for family fun and adventure when the weather turns wet.
This year’s slate of fall events includes more Oktoberfests than you can shake a beer stein at, open artist studios across the metro region, coastal happenings that involve sandcastles, kites and surfing, and much more. We’ve collected more than 35 fun events to put on your calendar. And, if you’re looking for Halloween happenings, stay tuned later in the season when we’ll round those up too.
SEPTEMBER
Rose City Comic Con
This fall season Portland favorite offers an ever-expanding guest list of dozens of top level animators, movie and television stars, comic book artists, novelists, and much more. Current guests scheduled to appear include Corey Feldman (let’s go “Goonies” fans!), David Harbour of “Stranger Things,” Wil Wheaton, Parker Posey, and Sean Astin. Cosplay with other fans, listen to panel discussions, get your comic books signed, or just take in the scene during this three-day must do event.
Sept. 5-7, Oregon Convention Center, 222 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd; admission badges start at $57; rosecitycomiccon.com .
Oregon Hop Festival (Woodburn)
TopWire Hop Project hosts the second annual festival that pays homage to the key ingredient in your favorite brew. Take in a harvest tour, taste two special anniversary beers and sample more than 20 craft brews, listen to live music and shop vendors offering plenty of food choices. There will also be family events including games, tractor rides, and open play spaces. Free parking.
Sept. 6-7, at 8668 Crosby Road N.E., Woodburn; admission $25, ages 20 and younger are free; eventbrite.com/e/oregon-hop-festival.
Pendleton Roundup
Head east for two weeks of Western-themed fun from car shows to outdoor concerts, to rodeo events, and not only one, but two parades. The scheduled is jam packed with family fun, music, and professional rodeos. There are also several Happy Canyon Night Shows where the American West comes alive. Learn more about early Native American culture, the travels of Lewis and Clark, and life along the Oregon Trail.
Sept. 6-13, throughout Pendleton; ticket prices vary; pendletonroundup.com/events.
Oregon Science Fest
The Oregon Science Festival, presented by OMSI, begins with Science Week, and includes five days of events in the Portland Metro Area and beyond. The museum hosts the two-day highlight event that includes workshops, tours, lectures and more that celebrate science education. Learn about fossils, or how to make a robot, and participate in creating a mural.
Various days Sept. 8-14, OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water Ave.; tickets $15-$20; free for members; omsi.edu/events/oregon-sci-fest.
Mount Angel Oktoberfest
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 in Munich, Germany. But you can get a taste of what that original wedding festival was like right here in Oregon. Mount Angel held its first Oktoberfest in 1966 and continues to provide a true Bavarian-style event with German music, dancing, food, beer, and a real community spirit. Locals go on Thursday to avoid the crowds. This popular festival often draws 300,000 guests a year to the tiny Willamette Valley town south of Woodburn.
Sept. 11-14, Mount Angel, on OR 214 south of Woodburn; most events are free; oktoberfest.org.
Seaside Sandfest
This is no amateur sandcastle day. Ten world-class, master-level sculptors work on large-scale artwork on the beach in Seaside and you’re invited to watch, and to meet the artists, and vote for your favorite creation. Bring your camera and the whole family.
Sept. 11-14, on the beach off the Promenade in Seaside; $2 gate fee; seasidesandfest.com.
Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire (Monmouth)
Step back in time in the mid-Willamette Valley at the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire, where you can watch jousting, eat a turkey leg or watch traditional Mongolian Horseback Archery (bet you’ve never seen THAT live before.) That’s just the beginning – there’s juggling and magic and belly dancing and a forest full of activities for the whole family.
Sept. 13-14, Grant Road, near Monmouth; admission $10 per day for kids and seniors, $22 for adults; shrewfaire.org/index.php.
Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival
Kite flying and beach going have gone hand-in-hand for a long time. And many generations of families flock to Lincoln City in September for the annual Fall Kite Festival. See hundreds of colorful kites fill the skies over D River Wayside Park. Experts in kite-miking and kite flying will give demonstrations. Other events generally include a kite art show, and the “Mega Fly” where hundreds of kites take to the skies at once. See the website for a complete schedule.
Sept. 19-21, D River State Recreation Site, Lincoln City; free; explorelincolncity.com/events/annual/fall-kite-festival.
Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic (Pacific City)
Head to the coast for this annual celebration in the sea beginning with an opening party and live music on the beach on Friday evening followed by two days of non-stop surfing including cross steps, cutbacks, and nose rides. If you love surfing, this is your weekend. At the end of the contest an awards ceremony on the beach brings everyone together to recognize the surfers’ achievements and honor this long-standing event. For those who can’t make it, the event will be livestreamed on Youtube.com.
Sept. 19-21, on Cape Kiwanda beach near Pelican Brewing; free to spectate; capekiwandalongboardclassic.com/the-classic.
Spotlight Family Festival
Music, dance, theater, and visual arts fill the Judy as families can explore fun activities and meet the artists that bring the arts to life. The lineup of artists had not been announced by press deadline. Check the website closer to the event dates. Aimed at ages 5 and older.
Sept. 20-21, The Judy, 1000 S.W. Broadway; tickets $10; nwct.my.salesforce-sites.com.
Elktoberfest
Beers, brats, and bands at this B.P.O.E. Elks of Vancouver annual membership drive. Enjoy German foods, live music, carnival games, and a chance to learn about Elks’ activities for the year.
Sept. 19-20, in the backyard at 11605 S.E. McGillivray Blvd, Vancouver; $10 admission; elks823.org/events.
Wings Over Willapa Festival (Long Beach, Wash.)
This annual event is on hold for 2025 due to lack of staffing and volunteers. Learn more here: facebook.com/wingsoverwillapa.
Festa Italiana
If you’re a fan of this beloved Italian cultural festival, you’ll know that it has moved locations a few times in the past few years. Please note the 2025 event will be held at the St. Philip Neri Church in Southeast Portland. Come for the food, but stay for live music performance, opera singing, a bocce ball tournament, raffle, and grape stomping.
Sept. 20-21, at the church, 2408 S.E. 16th Ave.; admission $7, ages 12 and younger free; portlandfesta.com.
Oaks Park Oktoberfest
If you can’t find a fun way to celebrate Oktoberfest this year, you’re not trying at all. The annual Oaks Park Oktoberfest combines the fun of the traditional Bavarian celebration with Oaks Park’s rides and games. Enjoy German food and beer, live polka bands, wiener dog races, Kinderplatz children’s activities, and local art and gift vendors.
Sept. 19-21, Oaks Amusement Park, 805 S.E. Oaks Park Way; admission (gate only) $4.50-$7.50; oakspark.com/oktoberfest.
Stevenson Mushroom Festival
Celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms during this event in the picturesque Columbia River Gorge. Unearth the secrets of fungi, taste culinary creations, and discover unique products offered by local and regional artisans. The “Mushroom Hunt” challenges you to collect stamps from participating locations to earn discounts at local restaurants and retailers and admission to presentations and demonstrations about mushrooms.
Sept. 26-28, throughout Stevenson, Washington, ticket prices vary by event; stevensonmushroomfestival.com.
Corvallis Fall Festival
The annual fall festival offers a juried art show, two stages of live music and entertainment, a Saturday night street dance, food and drink vendors, more than 150 art booths, and a fall festival fun run.
Sept. 27-28, Central Park, downtown Corvallis, 650 N.W. Monroe Ave.; corvallisfallfestival.org (no pets allowed).
Kennedy School Oktoberfest Brewfest
Polka until your thirsty, then down specially grafted brews celebrating Oktoberfest season. This annual event is open to all ages and features German-style beer, food, music and fun. Indulge in German fare while you celebrate with live music and 24 German-style beers and ciders, both imported and locally made.
Sept. 27, Kennedy School Gym, 5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.; $33 advance includes 10 tokens and tasting glass; mcmenamins.com/events.
OCTOBER
Portland Greek Festival
This festival can trace its history back more than 70 years when women in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland started an event to raise money for the building of a new church. Since then, community members have gathered to celebrate Greek culture through dancing, music, and wonderful food each fall.
Oct. 3-5, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 N.E. Glisan St.; admission $5, ages 10 and younger free; portlandgreekfestival.com.
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Head north into the Cascade mountains of Washington to visit this charming Bavarian-themed town that spends several weekends celebrating Oktoberfest. Lodging books up early, so make your plans now.
Oct. 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18; Chelan County, in the Washington Cascades; admission starts at $15, leavenworth.org/oktoberfest.
Bend Fall Festival
In central Oregon, fall can take its own sweet time arriving. You could show up in early October and still enjoy an 80-degree day. No guarantees, of course. But if you do come to Bend for the fall festival, you’re sure to enjoy more than 80 artist booths, plenty of live music, kids’ activities, demonstrations in printmaking, blacksmithing, and clay, and interactive arts installations.
Oct. 3-5, downtown Bend; free admission; bendfallfestival.com.
15th annual Portland Tattoo Expo
Each year some of the best tattoo artists in the region and nationally gather at this expo to show their work and meet with potential clients. You can even get a tattoo on site, but some exhibitors will book out before the show. If you want to guarantee you’ll get inked by a specific artist, you should request to get on their books in advance.
Oct. 3-5, Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive; admission $25 per day; portlandtattooexpo.com.
Portland Marathon
About 9,000 runners registered for 2024’s marathon and half-marathon races. You don’t have to get that serious about it, but if you’re planning on running it this year now’s the time to get those practice miles in. Spectators are welcomed and encouraged along the vast majority of the route. Be mindful of private property and make sure you clean up after yourselves. There’s even a neighborhood “cheer challenge,” see the FAQ page for details.
Oct. 5, various routes through Portland; marathon registration $85-$179; portlandmarathon.com.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame induction concert
The event will feature a live auction with autographed guitars from Iggy Pop, Devo, Alison Krauss, and others. Proceeds from the evening support OMHOF’s music in the schools programs, as well as scholarship programs. This year’s master of ceremonies is Tony Starlight. Performers include Pete Droge, Curtis Salgado, Casey Neill, Jim Brunberg, Mary-Sue Tobin and Gary Hobbs.
Oct. 11, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave.; $30 advance; omhof.org.
Hood River Valley Harvest Fest
Stroll through stands full of produce including apples, pears, squash, flowers, plants, herbs and more. If you normally get your apples from a grocery store, you may be wonderfully surprised to taste the explosion of flavor and feel the real crunch of an apple recently plucked from a tree. Stock up for the season. There will also be live music daily, arts and crafts booths, and plenty of food.
Oct. 10-12, Hood River Event Site, Portway Ave., Hood River; admission fee TBA; hoodriverharvestfestival.com.
Sitka Art Invitational
The annual juried art exhibition and sale brings together work by more than 100 nature-inspired regional artists. Art sales are split 50/50 between the artist and the Sitka Center. More than 2,000 local art collectors and enthusiasts attend the show each year.
Oct. 10-12, Oregon Contemporary, 8371 N. Interstate Ave.; admission by donation; sitkacenter.org/event.
Portland Open Studios
This annual event offers a chance for artists and art lovers to connect through the process of exploring the creative process without time pressure or in a large event space. Artists open their studios and share space with each other over the course of two weekends. Studio maps will be available closer to the event dates. See the website.
Oct. 11-12, 18-19, various venues; free; portlandopenstudios.com.
Disney on Ice “Let’s Dance!”
Unlike some Disney skating shows that pick one of the franchises favorite movies and play off those stories, this high-energy show features Mickey Mouse and his friends in a remix of favorite Disney tunes creating a party-like atmosphere. The show incorporates popular Disney stories like “Moana,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Frozen,” and encourages audience participation through singing and dancing. Expect vibrant visuals, fun choreography, and special effects, along with some of Disney’s most beloved characters.
Oct. 16-19, Memorial Coliseum; tickets start at $37; ticketmaster.com/disney-on-ice.
Portland Retro Gaming Expo
Calling all admirers of Atari games, arcade bums, and Super Mario super fans. Don’t miss this annual expo at the Convention Center that brings everything you loved about 80s and 90s gaming to one weekend show.
Oct. 17-19, Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd; tickets start at $40; retrogamingexpo.com.
Washington County Open Studios Tour
If you live on the west side of the metro area, you’ve got your own open studio event highlighting artists in Washington County. Artists in as many as 50 studios will open their doors to the public showing their talent and techniques.
Oct. 18-19, at various studios in Washington County; free admission; washcoart.org
Snowvana Portland
Does the change in the air bring on dreams of hitting the slopes? This is the event for fans of winter sports as it offers a huge gear sale (25,000 square feet), info from the best ski resorts, lift ticket deals, live music, and for the first time, an International Freeski Film Festival. There’s also a Kids Zone, guest speakers and vendors.
Oct. 24-26, Portland Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Drive; admission TBA; snowvana.com/portland.
Portland QDoc Film Festival
This film festival celebrates LGBTQ+ documentaries and their makers with three days of independent films hosted this year by Cinema 21. According to the promotors, QDoc is the only festival in the U.S. devoted exclusively to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender documentaries. The slate of films has not been announced. Sign up at the website for updates.
Oct. 24-26, Cinema 21, 616 N.W. 21st Ave.; ticket prices to be announced; qdocfilmfest.org
Ikebana International Chrysanthemum Show
Ikebana International’s Portland chapter celebrates the chrysanthemum in this special, two-day exhibition at Portland Japanese Garden. Fans of the flower festival may note it’s being held later in the fall for 2025. Still expect local ikebana artists from various schools, or styles, creating arrangements featuring chrysanthemums. The flower has been cultivated in Japan since it was first introduced in China in the eighth century.
Oct. 25-26, Portland Japanese Garden, 611 S.W. Kingston Ave.; show is free with garden admission $15.95-$21.95; japanesegarden.org.
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Arriving just in time for Halloween party planning, this traveling expo offers hand-selected vendors and dealers, artists, and small businesses that offer “all things weird.” What is that exactly? Well, let’s start with taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/Halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, animal skulls/bones, funeral collectibles, and yeah, stuff like that. If you read that list and think: “Wow! Cool!” this is the show for you.
Oct. 25-26, Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; admission $10, class registrations sold separately. Kids 12 and younger free; odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com.
NOVEMBER
Clark County Open Studios Tour
The season of open artists’ studios continues in Clark County with Clark County Open Studios Tour. The free, self-guided tour gives you access to local artist studios and a chance to see art created in real time.
Nov. 1-2, at various venues across Clark County including downtown Vancouver and Camas; free; artstra.org/about-open-studios.
Verboort Sausage & Kraut Festival
It’s been more than 90 years since the first sausage dinner was served at Visitation Parish in Verboort. And a lot has changed since the humble beginnings. That first dinner offered about 200 pounds of sausage to about 150 diners. Recent years the church has processed 14-16 tons of sausage to about 8,000 diners. While you’re there, shop the bazaar featuring handmade holiday décor, blankets, quilts, potholders and homemade baked goods. All proceeds benefit the church’s programs including offering subsidy for children who attend the Visitation Catholic School.
Nov. 1, Visitation Parish, 4285 N.W. Visitation Road, Forest Grove; prices to be announced; verboort.org/dinner.
Portland Book Festival
What’s better than curling up with a good book when the weather turns wintry? Nothing, except maybe curling up with hundreds of good books. Authors talk about their work and share inspiration at this annual event. The scheduled author list should be released about the time this feature posts. Most in-person authors will sign books immediately following their on-stage event, unless otherwise noted. Check the website for information.
Nov. 8, South Park Blocks and Portland Art Museum, 1912 S.W. Park Ave.; admission $18 advance, $25 day of, 17 and younger free; literary-arts.org/about.
Columbia Gorge Model Railroad Open House
Are model trains a Christmas thing? Naw. Scale model train displays are good anytime of year. The 78-year-old model train club based in North Portland offers a layout depiction of the Pacific Northwest in the 1950s, with architectural models of Union Station, Crown Point, Multnomah Falls Lodge and more. Come and see HO scale locomotives chugging up and down the gorge, delivering goods to Portland. All are welcome: ADA accessible and family friendly.
Open weekends Nov. 15-Dec. 7, at 2505 N. Vancouver Ave.; timed entry tickets are required in advance. Last year’s admission was $5 for ages 3-11, $12 general; cgmrc.com/events.
– If you have events you’d like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to [email protected] at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful.
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