PORTLAND, Ore. — We're two weeks 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 kicking off fall soon.
When: Sept. 12-15
Where: 5 Garfield Street, Mount Angel
What's going on: Looking to experience just about the closest thing to a real German Oktoberfest here in Oregon? Mount Angel is the place to be this weekend. We're talking beer, German-style food, beer, dances, beer, the Oktoberfest Olympics, beer, walking and road races, beer, wiener dog races, beer, arts and crafts, beer, military vehicles, beer, traditional Bavarian clothing — and copious amounts of beer.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Sept. 15-Oct. 13, every Sunday from 4-8 p.m.
Where: Bar Carlo, 6433 Southeast Foster Road, Portland
What's going on: Chef and owner Melinda Archuleta of Bar Carlo in Southeast Portland will be launching a series of "domingueando," a celebration of the art of leisurely Sundays that features all-day happy hour, every Sunday from 4-8 p.m. The weekly event will include live music, art, pop-ups and weekly seasonal food specials, and handcrafted "cantaritos,' or cocktails.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Sahalee Park, 99 Southeast 7th Street, Madras
What's going on: Central Oregon is kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a parade, live singing and dancing, an international street fair with local vendors, a kids' activity area, booths representing Latin American countries, and a variety of food and drinks.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Sept. 14-15
Where: 3900 North Interstate Avenue, Portland
What's going on: Come out, celebrate and experience Polish culture. Have a chance to try some pierogi (dumplings made with either cheese and potato or cabbage and mushroom), bigos (stew made with sausage and cabbage), kielbasa (sausage), or placki ziemniaczane (potato pancakes). And save room for Polish deserts, such as chrusty (deep fried pastry twists) or sernik (Polish cheesecake), that you can wash down with some Polish beer. There will also be numerous live performances, polka contests, exhibits about Polish history and culture, activities for kids and more. Admission is free for all ages; all food and drinks can only be purchased with festival tokens.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Now-Oct. 31
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 kickstart fall before the official start of the season.
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 to do that, or at least, something close to it. The annual Dahlia Festival is underway in Canby with almost 40 acres of stunning dahlias featuring over 370 dahlia varieties. The festival also features picnic tables, food carts, live music on the weekends, classes and more. Admission and parking is free.
For more information about the event, click here.
When: Sept. 15-16
Where: Moda Center, 1 North Center Court Street, Portland
What's going on: Portland celebrates the independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries from Spain starting Sunday with El Grio Fiestas Patrias, paying tribute at the Rose Quarter Commons. Organizers say this is the most important holiday celebrated by Oregon's Hispanic community, featuring folkloric and Aztec dancers, live mariachi, salsa, cumbia and pop music. There will also be traditional food and drinks, and vendors.
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 each year. Experts say the swifts are following a 30-year migration pattern that includes Chapman’s chimney.
For more information about the event, click here.