Ahhhh, fall. My favorite season! I can smell it in the air just after a rain or in the cool of the evening, I see it as the hills are sprinkled with color, and I taste it in a million pumpkin-spiced products at every coffee shop and bakery!
The Willamette Valley may be lush and green throughout the year from our mild temperatures and copious amounts of rainfall, but it also bursts to life in colors, smells, and tingling mist and fog, making autumn in the Northwest one of the best places on earth to get out and enjoy all that the season offers!
To get you started, here is a list of 35 things you must do in our area these next three months…
September
- Oktoberfest
Grab a pint and practice your polka at these family-friendly Oktoberfests near/in Portland! - End of summer sales
Everything summer-y is on sale right now. Stock up for next year at the mall, Freddies, Target or even at a consignment sale! - Gorge on pumpkin-spiced everything
From coffee to waffles, this is the month where people make everything pumpkin-spiced! - Apple picking and cider squeezing, oh my!
- Bird migration watching
Many know about the Swifts in the chimneys in Portland, but did you know there is more bird watching this time of year at the Fernhill Wetlands in Forest grove? - Hike
It’s a beautiful time to take a weekend hike! Try one of these PMC family-approved hikes! - Run a race
With the temperatures cooling, there are some great upcoming runs in Portland and the surrounding areas! Check out Running in the USA for the largest list! - The Fruit Loop
Here are PMB’s favorite Fruit Loop finds! - Take in a sporting event
Hops just won the championships, but Timbers are kicking off, and soon it will be Blazer season! - Admire the changing colors
Find out where to go to admire the colors on the fall foliage blog
- Go on a beer tour
Of course moms like beer, too! Whether it’s a walking, cycling, driving, or even boating tour, there’s a lot of ways to hit up the local breweries this fall! - Star gaze with the Rose City Astronomers
October
- Mmmmm…Apple and cider festival!
- Get an early start on Halloween costume shopping
- Pumpkin Patching
Hit up a pumpkin patch…there are A LOT - Check out these hard cider festivals
- Kick leaves
Then rake them into a pile and kick them again! - Get some inspiration at the Fall Home and Garden Show
- The Grotto
Many people only go to the Grotto during the holiday lights, but it’s BEAUTIFUL in the fall, too! - Head to the beach
Take a lovely drive out to the Oregon coast - Go to the zoo
There are lots of seasonal fun things planned for the animals to celebrate fall, as well as a fun Howloween celebration! - Take a Willamette Valley wine tour
Check out PMB’s favorite family-friendly wineries - Haunted Houses
Leave the littles and scaredy cats at home, and get freaked out at these goulish fun houses - Watch people use pumpkins as boats in the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
- Trick-or-Treat
Don’t forget to take the costumed kids Trick-or-Treating. Try these PMB alternatives to going door-to-door!
November
- Visit a craft fair or bazaar
There are many, amazing holiday bazaars this time of year from America’s Largest to the Harvest Moon, and every one in between. Got a favorite or a place that lists them all? Please leave in the comments! - Eat some sausage in Verboort
- Give back
Tis the season of giving! Use this list for a great start. - Go to a Veterans Day parade
- Catch a show at the Keller Auditorium
- Visit the Beautiful Pittock Mansion
- Get out on the town
Bundle up, stroll around and explore the shopping and food scene of the Pearl District - Civil War
Watch the Oregon Civil War Game in person on the 3oth - Drive through Winter Wonderland at PIR
- Get ready for Christmas
Even before Thanksgiving, everyone is gearing up for the biggest holiday with tree lightings, Santa meet n’ greets, and much much more. It’s been a great fall, now let it snow! Check out the PMB Winter Bucket List for holiday and winter seasonal fun!
Thank you! We are moving to Portland from Sydney, Australia at the end of this month and this is just what I needed. I’ll be throwing the family into this list! ?
I couldn’t leave a comment on pumpkin pick article, but I recommend Old McDonald’s Farm for a sweet laid-back experience with animals to visit. They sell pumpkins and have food and activities. http://oldmcdonaldsfarm.org/activities/pumpkin-pick-event/
[…] is officially fall. Pumpkin spice lattes have been in full swing for a month and it’s time for us to tote our […]
Woah such an exhaustive list. Thanks Wynter!
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