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This month, Portland offers harvest festivals, hoops, arts events and haunted houses.
Portland’s spookiest month brings some of the city’s favorite events. Grab your rain boots and head to one of several nearby corn mazes and pumpkin patches, explore Portland’s haunted hot spots and catch a Portland Trail Blazers game. And don’t 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.
Portland Trail Blazers
Watch the 1977 NBA Champion Portland Trail Blazers play at the Moda Center. Blazers fans cheer players on from October to April at the nearby Spirit of 77 and other local sports bars. While at the Moda Center, dig into local food and drink purveyors like Killer Burger, ice cream by Ruby Jewel, and Salt & Straw, food cart favorite Tamale Boy, and local brews at 10 Barrel Brewing.
Film Festivals
Portland has its fair share of film festivals, but the Portland Film Festival is one not to miss. The week-long celebration of film that MovieMaker magazine called “one of the coolest film festivals in the world” is jam-packed with networking, workshops, guest speakers, film premieres, financing talks, director Q&As and more. If you are looking for something with more of a Halloween vibe, try the H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival at the Hollywood Theatre and watch tales of gothic horror come alive on film.
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Watch and cheer people on while they paddle gigantic pumpkins across a lake during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This free, wacky annual event is the only one on the West Coast.
Hood River Hops Fest
The biggest event of its kind in the state, the Hood River Hops Fest features 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.
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, and more.
Portland Open Studios
Portland has a thriving art scene that is showcased during the monthly art walks happening year-round. However, every October, during Portland Open Studios, artists all over the city open up their spaces to allow a glimpse into their artistic process and the chance to witness the business of creative endeavor firsthand.
Hood River Valley Harvest Fest
Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest 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.
Upcoming October Events 2025
Check out our editor's picks for top things to do in October in Portland.
Fall Arts Scene
Portland's performing arts season comes into full swing in October.
Portland Theater
Portland has a well-established network of venues and theater companies and an increasingly dynamic and diverse small theater scene.
Classical Music in Portland
Classical music in Portland isn’t just the classics. Classical musicians offer new and innovative works, and an ongoing lineup of inspiring performances, from timeless works to modern interpretations.
Portland Open Studios
For two weekends every October, Portland Open Studios invites visitors to explore the houses and offices of artists across the city.
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