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 arts 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.
More About Portland in November
What is the average November temperature in Portland?
Is November a good time to visit Portland?
What should I pack when visiting Portland in November?
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.
Holiday Lights
On the day after Thanksgiving, thousands of people gather in downtown Pioneer Courthouse Square to see the ceremonial lighting 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.
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.
More November Events
Check out our editor's picks for top things to do in November in Portland.
A Pittock Mansion Christmas
Pittock Mansion Christmas celebrates the wonderful world of animals with this year’s Critters Make Merry exhibit. From reindeer and polar bears to lions and mice and a few in between, volunteer decorators transform the Mansion’s rooms into enchanting animal havens. Tickets for this year’s event are limited due to capacity restrictions. All tickets must be…
Celebration of the Chrysanthemum
Chinese Symbol of Autumn: the Chrysanthemum Make way pumpkins, this is the season for chrysanthemums. At Lan Su we are celebrating the chrysanthemum in November with our Chrysanthemum Penjing Exhibit a unique artform that will inspire with wonder. The illustrious history of the Chrysanthemum is honored through presentations on Chinese medicine, floral art displays, cultivation…
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…
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 Wedge
This event has been Canceled for 2021. Please check the website for further updates. The Wedge is a Farmers Market-style festival celebrating cheese and everything that goes with it. Sample and purchase local, artisan cheese, specialty foods, beer, wine, and cider. This is a family-friendly event that’s open to all cheese lovers. Join more than…
Sitka Art Invitational
The Sitka Art Invitational is a juried art exhibition and sale held in Portland, Oregon. The event occurs annually the first full weekend of November and brings together work by over 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…
Woodstock Farmers Market
The popular Woodstock Farmers Market features fresh produce, baked goods, fresh juices, sweets, cheese, meat and more from 30+ vendors, along with artisan-made products like jewelry, ceramics and art.
Portland Book Festival
Portland Book Festival (formerly “Wordstock”) returns every November with an impressive (and extensive) lineup of local and national authors.
Was this page helpful?