Fall in Portland

The city’s arts offerings come into full swing every fall, with a seemingly endless array of things to do, see and experience. Autumn is the prime time to explore Portland’s independent theater, big musical productions, opera, ballet, and symphony scenes. In addition to celebrations of the spookiest season (which brings Halloween events, haunted houses, and festive pumpkin patches), Portland starts gearing up for the holidays. The city’s lack of sales tax means built-in savings when you shop (we recommend finding some made-in-Portland souvenirs to commemorate your trip to The Rose City). Fall heralds the return of Portland’s NBA Team, the Trail Blazers, along with locally beloved annual events like Portland Open Studios, the Giant Pumpkin Regatta, and the Portland Book Festival (just to name a few). Read on for our picks of the top things to do, see and experience during a fall visit to Portland.

Fall Weather

In September and October, days tend to be mild and partly sunny as the weather begins to cool. Rain showers become more common, and the leaves start changing color (making hikes and outdoor strolls more beautiful than ever). Temperatures — and rain — begin falling in earnest starting in November.

What to Pack

For a trip to Portland in the fall, we recommend packing several layers and a rainproof jacket. Old-school Portlanders tend to shun umbrellas, but they can come in handy to shield glasses and faces from heavier showers. To avoid getting stuck in the mud or drenched in a puddle, a pair of rain boots is also worth bringing on your trip to Portland.

Events in Portland Today, Tomorrow and This Weekend

See More Events

Things to Do in Portland Today

Today is a beautiful day to explore all that Portland has to offer. This page lists the best Portland events, festivals, concerts, tours and exhibitions that are happening today.

Things to Do in Portland Tomorrow

Are you going to be in town and looking for something to do tomorrow? There are so many fun things to do in Portland and tomorrow is the perfect day to explore.

Things to Do in Portland This Weekend

Looking for what to do in Portland this weekend? This page lists the best Portland events, festivals, concerts, tours and exhibitions that are happening this weekend.

Favorite Fall Events

The arrival of autumn in Portland brings plenty of things to do and see in and around Portland.

Go To Events

A Guide to Portland Retro Gaming Expo

This annual celebration of classic video and arcade games features expert panels, cosplay competitions, dozens of local and international exhibitors with rare finds, and a 30,000-square-foot “retrocade” with hundreds of games to play.

The Corn Maize on Sauvie Island

The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.

Portland Date Ideas for Every Season 

Fun things to do in Portland for adults out on a date night abound! Whatever the season, find gardens to wander through or sweet treats for your sweetie.

Grand Prix of Portland

Every fall since 2018, Portland International Raceway has hosted the celebrated open-wheel racing with the Grand Prix of Portland.

Portland Open Studios

For two weekends every October, Portland Open Studios invites visitors to explore the houses and offices of artists across the city.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.

The Portland Book Festival

Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.

Wine Country Thanksgiving

During Oregon’s premier tasting and cellar-stocking event, many local wineries open their doors to the public, offering samples of favorite selections.

Events By Month

Each month in Portland brings its own unique array of things to do, see and experience.

Full Calendar

September Events

As summer winds down, Portland ups the ante with performance art, live music and dining events throughout September.

October Events

October events in Portland include a giant pumpkin race, “can’t miss” film festival, corn mazes, haunted houses and other autumn and Halloween-themed events.

November Events

Portland in November gets cozy with downtown’s holiday tree lighting, Willamette Valley wine tasting and a festival to help you find a great book.