Enjoy These Fun Fall Festivals in Portland This October
Celebrating October in PDX
While some of us may still be mourning the end of summer, there are plenty of activities and events this fall in Portland that make the change of seasons a bit more bearable. October in Portland is one of the best times of the year, with harvest fests and corn mazes, basketball season heating up, and arts events galore—not to mention the gorgeous fall foliage that makes Portland so totally unique.
No matter where your interests lie, autumn in Portland is a special time of year, with entertaining festivals and events. While spring and summer may attract a more touristy crowd, autumn in Portland is the perfect time to get a feel for the city that locals know and love. When it comes to exploring Portland in the fall, whether you’re new in town or have lived here for years, start with this list of festivals.
Annual Apple Tasting
A wonderful and family-friendly tradition, the Annual Apple Tasting Event is put on by the Portland Nursery. With over 60 varieties of apples (and pears!) come with the kids, the grandparents, friends and neighbors. The nursery provides tastes of the different kinds of apples as well as a fun, fresh-pressed cider making demonstration. And the apples are all only 99 cents a pound!
The apple tasting lasts for 6 days in mid-October and is free to attend! Find out more info from the Portland Nursery website.
Portland Tango Festival
The Portland Tango Festival takes place every year for one week in October. The festival is in its 22nd year—which makes it the longest running Tango festival in the entire US! Dance the night away in Northeast Portland inside the Jupiter Hotel and Norse Hall. Don’t know anything about the Tango? That’s okay! This festival features classes and dances for all levels of dancers, even the absolute beginners.
Passes are still on sale and prices vary depending on the experience you’d like to have. You can choose a singular class or an all-access pass for the dedicated Tango fans.
Portland Halloween Comicfest
The Halloween Comicfest is fun for everyone! Participate in “The Greatest Costume Contest Ever” or enjoy the huge selection of comics at every store. Meant for both those new to comics and those who have been reading for years, if you are looking for a fun and family-friendly festival and place to wear your costume this Halloween this may be the place for you.
The Comicfest is free to attend and stores all over the Portland area are participating.
The Spirit of Halloween
Remember Halloweentown? That old Disney movie where Marnie and her siblings find out they’re witches and must save Halloweentown from the threat of evil? The filming for that movie took place in the charming Oregon town of St. Helen’s, just 40 minutes north of Portland. Now, every Halloween season, the town comes together to get spooky and celebrate The Spirit of Halloweentown, still alive in St. Helens.
The festival features haunted town tours, a Great Pumpkin Lighting ceremony, and tons of opportunities for trick-or-treating. This festive event is a perfect way for the whole family to get in the spirit of Halloween. The festival takes place every weekend in October, so don’t sweat it if you can’t make it for the actual All Hallow’s Eve.
Fall Activities in Portland
In addition to these fun festivals, you’ll also find a plethora of farmers markets selling an abundance of local fruits and veggies harvested in the fall. What’s your favorite activity to do in Portland in the fall? Leave a comment and share with us.