Fall in Portland
The arrival of autumn fills Portland’s calendar with cultural, wine and holiday events.
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 corn mazes), 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 Queer Film Festival, 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 in Portland Quick Facts
What is the coldest month in Portland?
Does it rain more in Portland or Seattle?
Contrary to popular opinion, neither Seattle nor Portland is the rainiest US city; they’re not even in the top ten. New Orleans ranks first, with 62.7 inches, and Miami, Birmingham, Memphis, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, Houston, and Atlanta all receive more than 49 inches of rain annually. Source: TripSavvy.
Is Portland cold in the fall?
Where are the fall colors in 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.
Upcoming Fall Events
Enjoy these festive autumnal events in and near Portland.
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Portland Farmers Market at Shemanski Park
With its carts and vendors selling delicious meals under a lush green canopy of trees, this downtown farmer’s market at Shemanski Park is a popular lunch spot for good reason. Portland residents and visitors also use this shaded destination to buy locally grown groceries for dinner — or supplies for an alfresco picnic. (Wednesdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m.)
Rose City Comic Con
Portland’s premier pop culture event, Rose City Comic Con, is produced locally with a weird and wonderful vibe unique to the Pacific Northwest. Now in its twelfth year, the ultimate goal remains the same — to deliver the most rewarding, memorable, laughter-inducing weekend ever. While comic books and their mega-talented creators remain the cornerstone of…
Portland Oktoberfest
Bring your steins, dirndls, and lederhosen – Munich’s favorite fest arrives in downtown Portland this fall. It's Oktoberfest at Pioneer Courthouse Square. With its picturesque setting in the heart of the city, Portland Oktoberfest invites locals and visitors alike to experience an unforgettable fusion of German heritage and Oregonian flair. Indulge in authentic Bavarian delights with…
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This annual race series consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse.
Fall Mushroom Show
Join the annual Oregon Mycological Society Fall Mushroom Show, where you can see beautifully displayed specimens from around the region and talk to mushroom experts. There will be vendors, books for sale, mushroom cooking samples, speakers and more. (The OMS Fall Mushroom Show is open to the public.)
Events in Portland Today, Tomorrow and This Weekend
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.
Events By Month
Each month in Portland brings its own unique array of things to do, see and experience.
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.
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