OCTOBER 2018 EVENTS
Calendar Listing for Oregon and Southwest Washington
(Updated Regularly)

Dine the Couve
October 1 - 31
(Southwest Washington)

During the entire month of October, restaurants from across the city of Vancouver will offer special 3 for $23 menus that showcase what they do best.  That means it can be the traditional three-course meal of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, or eateries can take a more unique approach by mixing in craft drink pairings, a variety of small plates, and other options.  Feeling ambitious (and hungry)?  This year, 31 restaurants are participating—that's one menu to try each day of the month!...More 

Wild Mushroom Celebration
October 1 - November 15
(Washington State)

Celebrate fabulous fall fungi on the Long Beach Peninsula with the annual Wild Mushroom Celebration‘s series of events honoring the Pacific Northwest's delectable, edible wild mushrooms.  Chefs, innkeepers and foragers take pride in featuring and celebrating this natural treasure through the fall harvest season!...More

FashioNXT Week
October 3 - 6

The annual FashioNXT Week premieres collections in a production that TIME Magazine lists #1 in the US outside NY FW. Extraordinary designers and brands from all over the USA and the world come to Portland, a cutting edge city, to premiere what’s next in fashion and fashiontech.  FashioNXT is from Oct. 3 - 6 at various locations...More

Pumpkin Pageant
Friday, October 5
(Southwest Washington)

Along with fun sales and featured fall items, participating downtown businesses will have their own artfully carved pumpkins on display. This year's Pumpkin Pageant is paired with a Disney Costume Contest at the Camas Farmers Market...More

Bend Fall Festival
October 5 - 7

All the beloved Bend Fall Festival traditions return for a family-friendly event to remember.  Pumpkin painting, gourmet food and wine, the Harvest Market, Family Fun Street, Fine Artist Promenade, live music, Kids Harvest Run, and more!  Prepare to have your appetite whetted by the crispness of the season and an outstanding collection of vendors.  Do a little holiday shopping in the most unique marketplace in Central Oregon!...More 

BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival
October 5 - 7
(Southwest Washington)

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem located just 20 minutes north of the greater Portland-metro area, and hosts hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife.  The Refuge is also the home of the annual BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival - the celebration of the fall migration of the Sandhill Crane, hosted by the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Thousands flock to Ridgefield every year for the celebration.  They'll have activites for all ages: the Sandhill Crane Tour, bird walks, bird language workshops, a variety of hikes, kayaking and big canoe river trips, bluegrass music from local bands, vendors, food and more...More

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival
October 5 - 7

The annual H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival screens films containing literary horror and weird tales similar to the stories of H.P. Lovecraft, and offers panel discussions, author readings, gaming, and art...More

Portland Greek Festival
October 5 - 7

Fun for the whole family, the Portland Greek Festival is attended by more than 15,000 guests annually.  They'll have cultural performances, delicious Greek foods, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, fine jewelry imported from Greece, tours of the church, and a children's corner...More

Clark County ScareGround's
Haunted House Scream Park
October 5 - November 4
(Southwest Washington)

The Clark County ScareGround's is the Northwest's premier all-ages Halloween event located on the 170-acre Clark County Event Center campus in Ridgefield, WA.  Featuring four Haunted Houses, the Scream Parlor, Midway & Exhibits, photo ops, and ghouls galore!  The ScareGround's is the #1 destination for a scary-good time this October...More 

Old Apple Tree Festival
Saturday, October 6
(Southwest Washington)

Strongly rooted in our community, Vancouver’s legendary Old Apple Tree turns 192 this year.  The family-friendly, free event offers live music, tree care workshops, Vancouver Land Bridge tours, kids’ hands-on arts and crafts, and food for purchase.  The popular free apple pressing also returns to the event, and the public is encouraged to bring clean apples and containers to participate.  During the festival, the City of Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Commission will be giving away a limited number of tree cuttings from the Old Apple Tree...More 

Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival
October 6 - 7

The weekend festival will include kite flying demonstrations by experts, FREE kids' activities, running of the bols, performance by featured fliers, Kids Kite Parade on the Beach, and some of the most colorful “big” kites in the world!...More  

Portland Miniature Show
October 6 - 7

Have you ever owned a dollhouse?  Then you know what fun there is in fantasy and "make believe."  At this event, you will meet 40+ vendors who make things for dollhouses owned by adults.  Everything in real life can be reproduced small enough to fit in a dollhouse.  Even YOU!  Have your picture taken in 3D and a resin statute of yourself made to go into your dollhouse!  Adults $7.00 - Under 12 FREE.  FREE parking. Handicap accessible...More

RaSani Fair
October 6 - 7

This is a delightful experience to open your heart and feed your soul.  Oregon's Largest Body Mind Spirit Expo...Raise your consciousness with 100+ independent, alternative holistic practitioners and exhibitors to enhance your personal journey.  With massage, energy work, life coaching, aromatherpy, natural remedies, alternative health, medical intuitives, animal communicators, psychic readings, astrology, sound healing, chakra balancing, crystals, aura photos, art, jewelry and unique gifts.  Featuring 30 FREE presentations and an amazing Heal the Earth Raffle benefiting Family Tree Relief Nursery...More

Portland Tango Festival
October 11 - 15

The Portland Tango Festival is the longest running US festival dedicated to the authentic social dance and culture of Argentina.  As it is in our tradition, this year we are hosting amazing teachers and performers that will make your participation a great pleasure and an opportunity to deepen your Tango experience...More

Portland State of Mind
October 11 - 25

Cheer for the Vikings at homecoming. Find a career or internship.  Play augmented reality. Hear from best-selling author Cheryl Strayed.  Get scared out of your mind at a haunted house.  The possibilities are endless during Portland State of Mind, PSU’s 14-day festival of knowledge and culture...More 

Green Building Slam
Friday, October 12

Gather together with a hundreds of green building enthusiasts for a night innovation and inspiration.  This celebration is produced by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild and partners Sustainable Northwest Wood, Passive House NW, and PHIUS will be the final event for the Portland Sustainable Building Week...More 

2018 Tillamook County Quilt Show
October 12 - 13

Hosted by the Tillamook County Quilt Guild, this year's theme is called "Memories by the Sea."  The event features the guild's first quilt made for 1976.  You can help make an American Hero Quilt; visitor prizes every half hour, raffle quilt tickets,  and quilts for sale.   It will be held from Oct. 12 - 13 at City Hall in Bay City that is along North Hwy. 101.  Times are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Admission is $5 each, Children 12 and under are FREE.  It's family fun for all.  Call (503) 440-1829. 

Goin' with the Flow: Vintage Trailer Rally
Saturday, October 13

Florence is about to be invaded by vintage-mania!  Tour over 40 of some of the rarest vintage trailers on the west coast!  They’ll be decked out with memorabilia inside and out.  Meet the owners and learn about this growing-in-popularity travel hobby.  Keep your eyes peeled as they’ll take the route down Bay Street in Old Town on Friday when most will arrive and upon departure throughout the day Sunday...More  

Hot Import Nights
Saturday, October 13

Experience the ultimate import attraction.  Hot Import Nights the nation's largest and most unique indoor/outdoor car, music, and pop-culture festivals.  The events are attended by thousands of automotive and entertainment enthusiasts each year...More

TEDxMtHood
Saturday, October 13

Join along for this annual event. They will present talks and performances by 12 - 15 incredible community members who have an idea worth spreading.  You can enjoy some food, specially curated TED Talks around the theme "Decomposers," and two action breaks designed to give your body and break a break...More

Cranberrian Fair
October 13 - 14
(Southwest Washington)

A celebration of local harvest including all things cranberry kicks off the Fall season on the Long Beach Peninsula.  Foods, crafters, local artists, and more will showcase the area’s rich heritage during this popular fair.  Collectible Cranberrian Fair buttons are $5 each and cover admission to all events at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum. The Cranberry Museum is FREE, hosting a variety of local artists offering handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, paintings, cranberry vine baskets, baked goods, and more.  The Cranberry Trolley will run during the fair and self-guided tours of cranberry harvesting will be underway at the Pacific Coast Cranberry Research Foundation...More

One Sky, One World Kite Fly for Peace
October 13 - 14
(Southwest Washington)

The One Sky, One World Kite Fly for Peace was born out of the Cold War, when a kite featuring American and Soviet flags on each side of a globe was presented to Russian officials by an American dignitary.  The kite was received as a symbol of global peace and understanding, and the event has been celebrated across the world ever since.  Join the celebration as it enters its 30th year.  Participants can build, buy and fly kites...More  

Portland Feis
October 13 - 14

Hosted by Murry Irish Dance, they offer an authentic Irish cultural experience for dancers and musicians of all ages. Our goal is to bring Irish traditions to a new generation, keeping this vibrant culture alive and thriving in the Pacific Northwest.  The Portland Feis features dance and costume competitions...More

Salmon Homecoming
October 13 - 14

Kids, parents and grandparents from all over our region will have ample opportunity to come to celebrate the return of these iconic fish.  Over the course of this 2-day event, there will be drop in salmon viewing, a guided mushroom walk, a tour of a salmon restoration site and a campfire with hot drinks.  In collaboration with the Native American community, Salmon Homecoming will include cultural activities, including indigenous drum groups, a salmon bake and storytelling, walks honoring the cultural significance of salmon, education and indigenous science programming.  Metro naturalists will be on hand to help you spot the salmon and explore other parts of the park’s 1,000 acres of old-growth forest, hiking and equestrian trails and river beaches...More 

Portland Open Studios
October 13 - 14 & 20 - 21

Remarkable art can seem to have appeared finished and never looked any other way than it does and as though no person made it. Portland Open Studios seeks to pull back the curtain, showing you the person, exposing the process. Artwork is remarkable because it was made by an interesting, fallible person who has a creative experience with their media and tools to make something from nothing.  Yes, art is magic, but it's the everyday kind and all of of us can learn to cast the spell!  Take a self-guided artist studio tour to visit over 100 artists in their natural habitats...More

Great Columbia Crossing 10K
Sunday, October 14

Experience the glory of the Columbia River during the Great Columbia Crossing 10k, a unique opportunity to race across the bridge that spans the Washington-Oregon border. The Astoria-Megler Bridge is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America and provides the venue for this fantastic 10k...More 

Chef's Nite Out
Sunday, October 14

Come join us to sip and sample over 60 different foods and beverages from vendors around the Willamette Valley. All proceeds go to the Marion Polk Food share to help fight hunger...More   

Northwest Health and Nutrition Conference:
Exploring the Science Behind Plant-Based Nutrition
Friday, October 19

The ninth annual Northwest Health and Nutrition Conference will bring experts on diet and nutrition from around the country to speak on the impacts of plant-based nutrition on health and chronic disease prevention and treatment.  This one-day conference is designed for physicians, naturopathic and chiropractic doctors, dietitians, nurses, and other health care professionals interested in learning the latest information on plant-based diets with respect to clinical nutrition and the effects of diet on chronic disease prevention and control...More

Zombie Brewfest
Friday, October 19
(Southwest Washington)

Dress like a zombie and taste some brews. There is a costume contest to win prizes! You do not have to be dressed as a zombie to win but it’s encouraged.  21+ and older only.  Entry is $15 per person and you receive a glass and 8 drink tokens.  They'll also have a special menu, Rojo the Llama and music at the event...More  

81st Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival
October 19 - 20

The 81st Annual Klamath Basin Potato Festival is October 19 - 20 in Merrill, Oregon.  The 'Spud Bowl' is at Lost River High School Friday night.  On Saturday, the Parade begins at 11 a.m., featuring our Potato Festival Queen and Court, high school bands and many others.  Afterward there is a FREE BBQ with BBQ beef and locally grown baked potatoes, exhibits and vendors, arts and crafts, as well as a beer garden featuring several craft brews and live music. This historical community festival is a great experience for all ages...More  

Snowvana
October 19 - 20

Snowvana returns bigger than ever for two days of celebration to kick off the 2018-19 ski and snowboard season. This year’s festival will feature many exciting new activities and celebrity athlete appearances.  They'll also have films, music, lots of gear for purchase and a party.  Mark your calendar now for the biggest pre-season party in the Northwest!...More 

Pendleton Horse Fest
October 19 - 20

Produced by Oregon Horse Country, the Pendleton Horse Fest is going to be the largest equine focused trade show and educational program in northeastern Oregon.  This event is sure to have something for everyone -  booths to shop, clinicians, demonstrations, energizing educational workshops, and fun competitions. If you love horses or are a horse owner, this is the event of the year that you don’t want to miss!...More 

Portland Retro Gaming Expo
October 19 - 21

Fun for all ages, this event is for creating awareness of, and appreciation for, classic video and arcade games. The Portland Retro Gaming Expo will have speakers and panels, video gaming tournaments, exhibitors, live collectibles auction, huge FREE play arcade, cosplay contest, and more...More 

Hillsboro Air Fair
Saturday, October 20

Hosted by the Port of Portland, come out and explore one of Oregon’s busiest airports: take a tour of the airfield, try your hand at flying into Hillsboro Airport on a simulator, see aircraft up close, and more!  Hillsboro Airport Air Fair has something for everyone!..More 

LaPine Loop
Saturday, October 20

Come explore flowing single track, meandering rivers and high desert forest as you race to collect all the checkpoints before time runs out. With minimal elevation gain/loss and easier navigation, this race is our best race for novice racers, but never fear seasoned racers, there is certainly a "PRO" course for extra challenge...More  

Oregon Garden: Barn Dance & Pig Roast
Saturday, October 20

This is a 21+ only event that includes line dance lessons featuring a DJ and pig roast dinner with drinks...More 

Surfsand Resort Dog Show on the Beach
Saturday, October 20

Hosted by Surfsand Resort, bring your favorite Fido to strut their stuff!  It's a fun day on the beach with your pooch!  Join along for prizes in over 20 canine categories and a hot dog roast!  It will be held, rain or shine, at 148 W. Gower in Cannon Beach.  Time are from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m...More 

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Saturday, October 20

If you’ve never been to the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta odds are you’ve never seen anyone sit inside a giant pumpkin let alone race one across a lake dressed as a superhero or the tooth fairy.  Over the last 14 years the award-winning West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta has become Oregon's most anticipated Fall event. Spectators come from not only the Pacific Northwest but also from all over the United States and Canada.  The event includes a Regatta Run, Terminator Weigh Off, variety show, costume contest, pie eating contest, vendors and more...More

All About Fruit Show
October 20 - 21

“The All About Fruit Show”, is for fruit enthusiasts of all ages!  See and taste hundreds of varieties of heirloom fruit from the Pacific Northwest including apples, pears, plums, grapes, kiwis, quince, and more. Home Orchard Society aims to help lots of folks launch into the pleasure of growing good fruit at home.  If you love fruit or want to grow your own fruit trees, this is the place to be.  The event includes a large fruit contest, speakers, cider pressing demos, plants and trees for purchase, and more...More  

Fall Antiques & Vintage Sale:
Medford Armory Benefitting DOGS for better LIVES
October 20 - 21

The Fall Medford Armory Antiques & Vintage Sale Benefitting DOGS for better LIVES takes place indoors Saturday, October 20, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 21, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  $6.00 admission with FREE return and FREE parking.  Fabulous selection of antiques and collectibles, dealers from five states. Antique evaluation and identification $3.00 per item...More

Gorge Fruit & Craft Fair
October 20 - 21

The Gorge Fruit & Craft Fair is a fun way to celebrate the region's harvest season.  You can enjoy the best from the Columbia River Gorge: great food, local wine, arts and crafts, flower show, and more...More

Portland VegFest
October 20 - 21

Portland VegFest is a 2-day event celebrating plant-based living, with free food samples, health and nutrition speakers, chef demonstrations, bookstore, restaurants, films, and activities for kids and teens.   Inclusive to everyone!...More 

Portland Film Festival
October 22 - 28

The annual Portland Film Festival, presented by Comcast NBC Universal, brings more than 200 independent and mass audience films to the city.  Featuring films, workshops, educational panels, networking events and parties, the Portland Film Festival is one of Oregon’s largest film festivals and was named “one of the coolest film festivals in the world,” by Movie Maker Magazine...More 

America's Largest Antiques and Collectible Show
October 26 - 28

Attending an Antique & Collectible Show can be an emotional and fun-filled journey into the past.  Pricing for many of the treasures you find at the show are modest and there is nothing like coming home and unwrapping your newly found discoveries.  For many, it's a second chance at owning an item that you may have thought you'd never see again in your lifetime.  Some items you'll find at the show include pop collectibles, vintage clothing, glassware, silverware, antique radios, movie memorabilia, collectible toys, porcelain dolls, Star Wars collectibles, and much more!  This show also includes a show within a show - The 45 table Portland Custom Knife Show.  Want to have an item appraised? Accredited appraisers will be at the show during all public hours, providing verbal market evaluations for $7 per object with all proceeds to the Portland Police Sunshine Division...More

Kumoricon
October 26 - 28

Altonimbus Entertainment is proud to continue an annual tradition of bringing fans together for a jam-packed extravaganza of everything that it means to be a fan of anime and Japanese popular culture. Gaining its namesake (kumori) from the Japanese word "cloudy", Kumoricon embodies the best parts of fandom and what it is to live in the Pacific Northwest.  They will have cosplay, games, dances, special guests, panels and artists...More  

Knot Another Fiber Festival
April 26 - 28

Held annually since 2011, this event offers quality instructors offering a workshop, Spinning Circle, Happy Hour, marketplace of vendors and a no-host gathering at Spooky's Pizza...More

Fall Used Book Sale
October 26 - 29

Held annually, thousands of donated books and materials will be for sale.  You can purchase gently used books from many categories, audiovisual materials, sheet music, comics, pamphlets, and maps.  The Fall Used Book Sale is from Oct. 26 - 29 at the Lloyd Center Doubletree's Hotel Exhibit Hall: 1000 NE. Multnomah St. in Portland...More

Fall Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 27

Enjoy Wilsonville’s Fall Harvest Festival that's a FREE event for all ages.. They'll have pumpkin decorating, a costume parade for kids and for pets and horse and wagon rides. The library will provide story time.  Participants are asked to bring food or grocery donations to benefit Wilsonville Community Sharing...More 

Mount Pisgah Arboretum: Mushroom Festival
Sunday, October 28

The Mushroom Festival returns for another fun-filled day of family-friendly activities!  They'll have a huge mushroom exhibit, guided nature hikes, music, a Kids' Booth, culinary demonstrations, Cider Booth, and the Fantastical Scarecrow Contest...More

Scary Run
Sunday, October 28
(Southwest Washington)

Get out your Halloween costumes and be prepared to be scared out of your wits. If the running doesn’t increase your heart rate, being chased by monsters, zombies and psycho freaks will!  Earn your post-event party by running or walking a Half Marathon, 10K or 5K in beautiful Washougal.  Festive food and drink to follow the race!...More 

Portland National College Fair 
October 28 - 29

Start your college search for FREE at a NACAC National College Fair.  Admission representatives from schools across the country are all gathered in one place.  Their goal: To encourage you to learn more about their institutions, and help you sort through the qualities you’re looking for in a college...More 

Northwest Filmmakers' Festival
October 31 - November 5

The Northwest Filmmakers’ Festival is the Northwest’s premiere showcase of new work by leading regional filmmakers. This touchstone annual event brings artists and audiences together for a community celebration including current northwest film exhibition, and Northwest Filmmakers’ Summit.  Annually, Northwest Fest draws more than 400 entries from Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington...More


ONGOING EVENTS:

Podcast Series: Holistic Nature of Us
Every Tuesday

My intent is to take us, you and I, into a better understanding of the concepts behind our holistic nature and how that ties directly to the holistic nature of the world around us.  It's time for practical action and profound inner change so our natural world is valued once again.  Released every Tuesday: Go to: www.judithdreyer.com for more details.