Image courtesy of Tualatinoregon.gov

Overnight we went from 80 degree days to the undeniable fall weather and before we know it, it’s going to be full-blown winter. Time to get out there and enjoy those fall activities, while we still find the rain “refreshing”. There is no shortage of things to do around our pretty city, ranging from your classic pumpkin patch and hay maze adventures to watching grown adults race in pumpkin boats. Here are a few of our top picks:

Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch: Not only can you pick out your perfect pumpkins here, but you can do so with a beer in hand. This pumpkin patch is so much more than your average muddy field of gourds. It offers a 2.7 mile Corn Maze in the shape of Damian Lillard (even a hunted corn maze a night), hayrides, farm market, and a petting zoo.

Haunted Houses and Ghost Tours: Another fall classic is signing yourself up to be scared to death. There are three main haunted houses – Fright Town at the Rose Quarter, 13th Door in Beaverton and Fear Asylum in Milwaukie. Or if haunted houses aren’t your thing then take the “Beyond Bizzare Ghost Tour” to visit some of Portland’s most haunted locations. Not only do you get your own ghost hunting equipment, you will get to hear the spooky tales of Portland’s seedy past.

Killer Beer Week: From October 20th – 29th Brew Public hosts a plethora of beer-themed events across Portland. Whether pumpkin beers, Bend beers or Recovery Beerunch is your thing, they have the suds for you.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta: On Saturday, October 21st, the 13th annual Pumpkin Regatta brings together giant pumpkin racing enthusiast from far and wide. Enormous, 1000 lb pumpkins are hollowed out and then used as boating vessels in the race across the Lake at Tualatin Commons. If watching participants fumble across the lake in giant pumpkins isn’t enough for you, there will also be pumpkin bowling, golf, a children’s costume contest and more.

Bollywood Thriller Custom Dance Party: TheWhiskey bar offers you an alternative to your typical been-there-done-that Halloween party. Friday, October 27th, choreographer & DJ Prashant, DJ Ki and Jai Ho! Dance Troup host the dance party themed as an ” Indian wedding gone awry”. There will be costume contests, live dance performances and even an opportunity to learn how to shake your hips, Bollywood style, from the pros.  

Portland Film Festival: The festival runs from October 30th through November 5th, across seven different theatres and educational studios. Not only can you catch film premiers but the fest also offers networking, workshops, guest speakers, talks on financing, director Q&As and more. Portland Film Festival is a non-profit organization with a mission to nurturing filmmakers and audiences, alike. Go check out their schedule and show your support to independent filmmakers.