Looking for fun things to do in Portland, OR? Read on for five of our favorite Portland-area events from our family-friendly Kids Calendar.
It’s officially peak pumpkin season, Portland! Whether you’re cheering on costumed paddlers at the Giant Pumpkin Regatta, celebrating salmon homecoming, or squeezing in a little daytime trick-or-treating, there’s no shortage of fall fun this weekend. Grab a cozy sweater, a thermos of cider, and your little pumpkins — here’s what’s happening around town.
Be sure to double-check details on the event host websites, as they are subject to change.
🎃 West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
This one-of-a-kind Portland tradition features costumed racers paddling giant pumpkins across Lake of the Commons — it’s as weird and wonderful as it sounds. There’s also live entertainment, food vendors, and plenty of fall photo ops.
📍 Lake of the Commons, Tualatin
🎟 Free
🕙 Sunday, October 19, 10 am-4 pm
👉 Details here
Can’t get enough pumpkin fun? Visit one of our favorite pumpkin patches or hunt for Mike Bennett pumpkins in Bridgeport Village.
Halloween Ball at Northwest Children’s Theater
Costume parade, live performances, sing-a-long, dance party, and MORE! This is Halloween fun you don’t want to miss.
📍 The Judy
🎟 $15
🕙 Saturdays and Sundays, at 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm, through October 26
👉 Details here
Lot more fabulous live performances happening this weekend:
Kids older? Check out OBT’s Dracula.
Want to see a Portland kindie icon? Red Yarn & Pivot Youth Dance Along.
Love music and Wonderwood Springs? Music with Mr. Ben.
Feeling splurgy? Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance.
🍬 Daytime Trick or Treating
Daytime trick-or-treating season kicks off this weekend! Parents love it because costumes get extra mileage — and kids don’t have to stay up late! There are multiple events happening across the metro area, so you can pick your favorite neighborhood haunt.
📍 Various locations
🎟 Free
🕙 Saturday-Sunday
👉 Details here
Kids love treats but have outgrown trick-or-treating? Check out the Depressed Cake Shop Pop-Up Bakery supporting Baby Blues Connection at Sellwood Community House.
🐟 Salmon Homecoming at Oxbow Regional Park
Celebrate the return of salmon to the Sandy River with guided walks, storytelling, drumming, and cultural demonstrations. It’s a beautiful, educational way to connect kids with the land, water, and Indigenous traditions that keep this region thriving.
📍 Oxbow Regional Park, Gresham
🎟 Free with $5 parking
🕙 Saturday, October 18, 11 am-4 pm
👉 Details here
🌽 Wilsonville Harvest Festival
Kick off fall at Wilsonville’s community harvest celebration with carriage rides, games, live music, a costume parade, and more. Free pumpkins (courtesy of Nichols Family Agency) from Frog Pond farms!
📍 Stein-Boozier Barn in Murase Plaza
🎟 Free
🕙 Saturday, October 18, 10 am-1 pm
👉 Details here
Also happening this weekend: Fall Fest in the Forest in West Linn.
Looking for even more events?
And that’s just the start! It’s an especially festive weekend in the metro area — with the grand openings of both Oak Lodge Library and Concord Park & Community Center and Rassekh Park. Celebrate culture and community at Milagros’ 30th Anniversary Día de los Muertos Celebration, or climb aboard a Pirates & Pumpkins River Cruise for an unforgettable fall adventure. Halloween fans will love the Grimoire Exhibition Halloween Market, while movie buffs can enjoy a free outdoor screening of Hocus Pocus at Yesteryear Farms. Plus, don’t miss Bard Storytime at Wonderwood, or a special local author storytime featuring Grizelda the Green Hates Halloween.
Still planning your spooky season? Find even more family-friendly ideas in our Halloween Guide!
We hope you have the best weekend!
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