Search September Events
Enjoy some of Portland's largest festivals and seasonal events every September.
Every September, Portland’s calendar overflows with events and things to do. Catch the seasonal migration of thousands of Vaux swifts as they nest for the month at a local elementary school, dig into one of the nation’s largest foodie festivals (where you can taste dishes by culinary stars from around the world), and choose from multiple arts festivals and cultural offerings. Read on for some of our favorite September events, or check out our full events calendar to see everything on offer.
Art in the Pearl
More than 100 artists offer up their creations, from painting and photography to jewelry and hand-crafted furniture, for Art in the Pearl over Labor Day Weekend in the North Park Blocks, with food vendors, musicians, and family activities rounding out the offerings.
Rose City Comic Con
Every year fans of all stripes descend on Portland for one of the biggest pop culture events in the city, Rose City Comic Con. Held at the Oregon Convention Center, you can catch panels with your favorite celebrities, get access to artists, writers and creators and witness next-level cosplay – or craft a costume of your own!
Chapman Swift Watch
Every September, the towering smokestack of Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland attracts as many as 16,000 swifts looking for a place to hunker down for the evening. The Chapman Swift Watch attracts hundreds of onlookers who flock to a nearby grassy bank at sunset and watch in awe as the shadowy clouds of birds fly acrobatically to roost inside the craggy chimney for the night.Â
Fall in Portland
Enjoy the magical transition from summer to fall in Portland with these beloved activities.
Fall Hikes Near Portland
These fall hikes near Portland prove that autumn is an ideal time to explore Oregon wilderness, admire seasonal flora and fauna, and visit nearby farms.
Portland’s Best Spots for Fall Color
Autumnal beauty abounds in Portland, and there are plenty of prime places to revel in leaf-crunching relaxation.
Bird-Watching in Portland
Catch sight of 200+ types of birds at the Portland area’s dozens of prime bird watching destinations, including sanctuaries, refuges and urban parks.
Dahlia Festival
Swan Island Dahlias open their fields every year for the annual Dahlia Festival. Stroll through almost 40 acres (16 hectares) and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 varieties. You can also shop for locally handmade items at the Sunday Market while enjoying a delicious treat from a food cart, take a flower arranging class or relax and enjoy some live music.
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.
Time-Based Art (TBA) Festival
During the Time-Based Art Festival, presented by the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) visual artists, musicians, dancers and other creatives from all over the world push boundaries with installations, performances and interactive art experiences.
Dragon Boat Festival
Enjoy Portland’s annual Dragon Boat Festival, featuring dragon boat racing along with food vendors, a beer garden and more. The event features as many as 96 dragon boat teams from all over the world who race in Hong Kong-style dragon boats along Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
El Grito Fiestas Patrias
Hosted by the Mexican consulate in Portland, El Grito is a celebration of Mexican independence at the Moda Center. With mariachi bands, Aztec dancers, traditional food, drink, and more, Portland’s fiesta is one of many celebrated at Mexican embassies worldwide.
More September Events 2025
Check out our picks for top things to do in September in Portland.
More September Events
Explore more things to do and see in September in Portland.
Celebrate Negroni Week in Portland
You can do good while sipping delicious twists on a classic cocktail during Portland’s Negroni Week, when proceeds benefit dozens of charities.
The Corn Maize on Sauvie Island
The Corn Maize, located on Sauvie Island north of Portland, offers visitors eight acres of physical and mental challenges in a cornfield.
Grand Prix of Portland
Every fall since 2018, Portland International Raceway has hosted the celebrated open-wheel racing with the Grand Prix of Portland.
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