October Events

Fall’s spookiest month brings some of Portland’s favorite events, spread all across town (some October events may even be near you now). Grab your rain boots and head to one of numerous nearby corn mazes and pumpkin patches, explore the region’s plentiful fall festivals or catch a Portland Trail Blazers game — and of course it would be frightful to miss the city’s many celebrations of Halloween and all things scary. Read on for some of our favorite October events and things to do in Portland, or check out our full events calendar to see everything on offer.

Farms & Festivals

Pumpkin Patches

Nothing says fall like picking out a pumpkin and decorating for the spooky season — you’ll find abundant pumpkin patches all around Portland, most of which host October events like festivals, live music and corn mazes. Sauvie Island, a massive river island just 10 miles (16 km) northwest of downtown Portland, has great options like Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm, Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch & Winery, The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island and Topaz Farm. West of Portland, in nearby Hillsboro, give Roloff Farms a try, or make the quick 30-minute drive south to charming Fir Point Farms (their farm animals are always a hit with kids).

Apple Picking

If apples and cider are more to your taste, there’s still plenty of apple-picking fun to be had in October — many orchards are found around the Portland region, while others may be near you now. Check out Draper Girls Country Farm, which hosts several fall festivals, and Kiyokawa Family Orchards, an Oregon classic that’s been operating since 1951. Back on Sauvie Island, Douglas Farm — a 5th-generation family operation — is also well worth a visit.

Hood River Orchard & Ale Festival

The biggest event of its kind in the state, the Hood River Orchard and Ale Festival features crisp craft ciders and fresh hop beers from dozens of Northwest breweries. Sample seasonal specials by Hood River locals like Double Mountain, Full Sail and Pfriem Family Brewers. The party also features live music, Willamette Valley wine, arts and crafts from local makers, and a family-friendly play area.

Hood River Valley Harvest Festival

Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, the Hood River Valley Harvest Festival is the Columbia River Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty. Load up on local favorites like fresh pears and apples, and taste local foods like hand-made pies and smoked salmon during this three-day festival.

Halloween

The Spirit of Halloweentown

The historic town of St. Helens, located 45 minutes from Portland, celebrates The Spirit of Halloweentown all month long with haunted tours, costume contests, trick-or-treating, celebrity appearances and more. The event started as a tribute to the 1998 Disney movie “Halloweentown” (which was filmed in St. Helens) and has grown every year since — today it’s a popular, family-friendly celebration of all things Halloween.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Watch and cheer people on while they paddle gigantic pumpkins across Tualatin Lake at the Commons during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This free, wacky annual event is the only one on the West Coast.

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Sports & Games

Portland Trail Blazers

The NBA season kicks off in October each year — get in on the fun and watch the 1977 NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers play at the Moda Center. While you’re there, dig into food and drink from top local purveyors, like food cart favorite Tamale Boy, ice cream by Ruby Jewel and Salt & Straw, burgers from Killer Burger and local brews at 10 Barrel Brewing. Blazers fans also cheer on the team at the nearby Spirit of 77 and other local sports bars.

Portland Retro Gaming Expo

The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is a locally produced event celebrating the colorful history of console, computer and arcade gaming. The arcade is massive, and all coin-operated games are set to free play for the weekend, making this event a hit with kids and adults alike.

Arts & Culture

Film Festivals

Portland has its fair share of film festivals — the Portland Film Festival is one you don’t want to miss. This week-long celebration of film (which MovieMaker magazine called “one of the coolest film festivals in the world”) is jam-packed with panels, workshops, guest speakers, networking opportunities, film premieres, financing talks, director Q&As and more.

Portland Open Studios

Portland has a thriving art scene that’s showcased during monthly art walks happening year-round. But every October, during Portland Open Studios, artists all over the city open up their spaces to allow a glimpse into their artistic process, offering the chance to witness the business of creative endeavor firsthand.