Portland’s 5 Hippest Events This Fall

Portland is one of the most intriguing cities in the United States, and if you’re a local or visiting for the fall, there are a lot of great events and happenings to check out. Give these autumn Portland events a visit and you’re sure to see the charming, spooky, and relaxing sides of the city and culture.

Portland Fresh Hops Fest

The Portland Fresh Hops Festival takes place from noon to 8:00 p.m. from September 30th to October 1st in Oaks Amusement Park. Many different local breweries gather here, so mark it on your calendar if you’ve got a good palate for beer. Admission is free, and guests need only purchase a glass at the site to get drink tickets included. Minors are also permitted on Saturdays until 5:00 p.m. so feel free to bring kids for an earlier visit. The amusement park has enough to check out by itself, with roller skating, carnival games, minigolf, and more.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

On October 15th, this thrilling series of water races happens on the lake at Tualatin Commons. In the regatta, paddlers pilot boats made of gigantic, hollowed pumpkins or other gourds. Visitors have plenty to see besides the races, like a costume contest, pumpkin carving, pumpkin pie eating contests, a pumpkin weigh-off, and plenty more family activities.

Spirit of Halloweentown

Do you love Halloween and wish it lasted the entire month of October? So does St. Helens, only 45 minutes south of Portland, and they make that happen every year! This event celebrates the filming of Halloweentown in St. Helens, and features everything you’d expect from a great Halloween event, but spanning many days. Costume contests, trick-or-treating, and haunted tours in the old district await on every weekend in October. Be sure to visit on the start of October’s first weekend to see the lighting of the Great Pumpkin, an event marking the many festivities to come.

Feast Portland

This September food and drink festival is a great way to experience the diverse cultures within Portland, and all by trying some of the best dishes at the best restaurants. Feast Portland is the largest and most expansive food festival in Portland, spanning from September 15th to 18th this year. The event is also deeply connected to the local product, food truck, and brewery businesses throughout the city, and many of the involved businesses offer specific events that you can use to plan your visits.

Time-Based Art Festival

From September 11th to October 11th, the Time-Based Art Festival is back once again. This art festival emphasizes postmodern works that defy common categories or other artistic conventions, such as the divide between artist and audience. Visit the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art during the festival if you’re in the mood for a more cerebral and challenging attraction.

With these five events, Portland’s got plenty going on once the summer ends. Get out there and enjoy the still-pleasant weather by attending one of these exciting festivals.