Search November Events
Portland welcomes the holidays and the winter season with these November events.
Though the temperature gets cooler, Portland’s events scene starts heating up every November. Special seasonal offerings include the annual Portland Book Festival in downtown Portland and special shopping events. Read on for some of our favorite November events and things to do in Portland, or check out our full events calendar to see everything on offer.
Saturday Market
Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert, and an open-air bazaar, Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. The largest arts-and-crafts fair in the country is open every Saturday in November.
The Portland Book Festival
Reinvented in 2015 as a one-day celebration, the Portland Book Festival draws more than 100 authors each year. The largest celebration of literature and literacy in the Pacific Northwest includes an extensive book fair, large-scale events, smaller panels, on-stage conversations, and readings, all held at and around the Portland Art Museum.
Art Walks
First Thursday, in the Pearl District and downtown, has been going strong since 1986. On the first Thursday of each month, galleries and businesses debut new exhibitions, stay open late and throw a soiree, complete with free wine and snacks and great people-watching. During Northeast Alberta Street’s Last Thursday, the art openings at galleries and open spaces set the scene for a boisterous street fair that attracts independent artists and performers.
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Farmers Markets
The Portland Farmers Market at PSU boasts 140 farmer and vendor stands, making it a great place to pick up not only harvest-time veggies like leafy greens and squash — but also some of the most iconic edible goods in town. The Woodstock Farmers Market runs on Sundays from June through November,  fresh produce, baked goods, and sweets, cheese, meat, and more, along with artisan-made products like jewelry, ceramics, and art.Â
Holiday Lights
On the day after Thanksgiving, thousands of people gather in downtown Pioneer Courthouse Square to see the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony of the spectacular 75-foot-tall tree and celebrate the official start of the holiday season. Also starting the day after Thanksgiving is the Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto, featuring nearly 160 indoor holiday concerts performed by many of the region’s finest school, church, and civic choirs. The annual holiday ZooLights display at the Oregon Zoo has gotten a grown-up spinoff. For two nights every November, BrewLights takes over the zoo. Tickets include adult-only access to the festive display and samples from local breweries.
More November Events 2022
Check out our editor's picks for top things to do in November in Portland.
Black in Oregon: 1840–1870
Oregon Black Pioneers’ traveling exhibition Black in Oregon: 1840–1870 highlights some of the Black individuals and families who came to Oregon during the years of legalized racial exclusion, when the provisional and territorial governments of Oregon explicitly barred Blacks from residency and all legal protections. These Black pioneers risked everything to build a better life…
First Thursday in the Pearl District
Started in 1986, First Thursday in the Pearl is a district-wide celebration that occurs on the first Thursday of each month. Originally a gathering of art collectors and dealers, the celebration has grown to a monthly event of over ten thousand people that includes art enthusiasts, wine aficionados, and scenesters looking to see and be…
Portland Book Festival
Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.
Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year-round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Market at PSU is located in Downtown Portland in the South Park Blocks between SW College & Montgomery Streets.
Hollywood Farmers Market
Year-round on Saturdays, the Hollywood Farmers Markets hosts 50+ vendors, bringing you the best of the region’s agricultural bounty. In addition to amazingly fresh, local food, you’ll find live music, children’s activities, and fun events throughout the season. April through September, every Saturday 8 AM to 1 PM,October and November, every Saturday 9 AM to…
Portland Saturday Market
Open every Saturday from March–December, Portland Saturday Market is the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the U.S.
Lents International Farmers Market
Lents International Farmers Market opens on Sunday, June 5, 2022, and is open every Sunday through November 20, 2020. The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by…
Carajita
Portland Latin American Film Festival Presents: Carajita DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & ARGENTINA / 2022 Directors: Ulises Porra and Silvina Schnicer Drama / Spanish with English subtitles / 89 minutes AWARDS: New Directors Award winner at San Sebastian International Film Festival 2021. Warner Media Ibero-American Feature Film Award winner at Miami Film Festival 2022. APIMA Award winner…
Portland Latin American Film Festival
The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVI Season at the Hollywood Theatre, with a mix of seven feature films, documentaries, and short films from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and the USA. Please visit the event website for information on additional screenings. PDXLAFF is a cultural promoter under…
Gay Skate
Roll out with your friends and loved ones to our monthly Gay Skate Session, held the 3rd Monday night of the month from 7-9 PM. Everyone is welcome at this all-ages event at Oaks Bottom. Admission tickets allow access to the Oaks Park Roller Rink for the selected Gay Skate Session date/time. Includes conventional skate…
Kumoricon
Kumoricon showcases anime and Japanese culture every November in Portland. Gaining its namesake (kumori) from the Japanese word “cloudy,” Kumoricon embodies the best parts of fandom and what it is to live in the Pacific Northwest. Stretching across generations, anime fans have gathered together for an amazing annual event. The Kumoricon family is growing with…
The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
America’s LARGEST interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show is now playing in Portland, OR. At The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you’ll tackle a challenging crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware — the criminal is lurking somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before…
Winter in Portland
The colder months bring some of the city's most beloved annual events and festivals.
Winter Walks in Portland
Trade muddy trails for winter walks along the smooth, paved walkways of Portland's parks, then treat yourself to a warm mug of coffee or tea.
Portland Winter Light Festival
Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at the annual Winter Lights Festival.
Winter Hikes in and Near Portland
Oregon’s great outdoors offers excellent adventures all year-round. Here are six Portland-area paths perfect for all-weather adventures.
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