PORTLAND, Ore. — We're about a week into September and in a matter of just a few weeks, Portland will be filled with autumn leaves! With many festivities and celebrations across town, there are a ton of options to fill up your weekend while enjoying the end of summer.
When: Sept. 7-8
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland
What's going on: The annual Portland Dragon Boat Festival is back. Races run pretty much the length of Tom McCall Waterfront Park, but the festival itself will be down at the south end, between the Hawthorne Bridge and RiverPlace, as in the past. This includes food vendors, which features Cousins Maine Lobster, a beer garden, entertainment and merchandise.
For more information about the events, click here.
When: Now- Oct. 31 (closed on Friday, Sept. 6 due to the heat)
Where: The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island, 16511 Northwest Gillihan Road, Portland
What's going on: Fall celebrations are already here! And nothing screams fall family fun time like a corn maze and a pumpkin patch. This year, The Maize is turning 26 years old. It just opened last weekend on Sauvie Island and will remain open through Halloween. Grab your pumpkin spice lattes and head on over to The Maize to kick start fall before the official start of the season.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Aug. 23-Sept. 2
Where: John's Marketplace (all three locations)
What's going on: Although it's only September, Portland has an array of Oktoberfest events going on nearly every weekend this month to satisfy your beer-swilling desires. If you're not familiar with John's Marketplace, it features a notoriously huge selection of beer, so they know their stuff when it comes to its consumption — and they've got three locations at which to get an early start on the Oktoberfest festivities.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Now through the end of September
Where: Chapman Elementary School, 1445 Northwest 26th Avenue, Portland
What's going on: The swifts are back, and they're early this year. All month long around sunset, you can sit out and watch the speedy little birds swarm through the sky before funneling down the chimney at Chapman Elementary School. The viewing draws crowds of people to the Northwest Portland site. Experts say the swifts are following a 30-year migration pattern that includes Chapman’s chimney.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Now-Sept. 30
Where: Swan Island Dahlias, 995 Northwest 22nd Avenue, Canby
What's going on: Ever dreamt of walking on a rainbow? Here's your chance. The annual Dahlia Festival is underway in Canby with almost 40 acres of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 dahlia verities. The festival also features picnic tables, food carts, live music on the weekend, classes and more. Admission and parking is free.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Clinton Street Theater, 2522 Southeast Clinton Street, Portland
What's going on: Summer might be coming to an end, but it's still street fair season! The Division Clinton Street Fair will be a day filled with food, drinks and live performances. The fair will be free and anyone is welcome to attend.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Sept. 8, 2-7 p.m.
Where: Ventura Park, Portland
What's going on: Here's a festival just for the kids! The Multicultural Kids Festival celebrates diverse cultures and music. There will be a Mexican folkloric performance, a dance party for the kids, and of course foods, from different cultures.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Sept. 6-8
Where: Oregon Convention Center, 77 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, Portland
What's going on: Calling all gamers, sci-fi fans, and cosplay artists! The Rose City Comic Con will be held this weekend, and there will be an immersive Star Wars fan experience, a cosplay parade for kids and author signings.
For more information about the event, click here.
