Don’t miss out on Portland’s spook-tacular events this October! Check out Shawn Realty’s top five Portland events this month.
1. Portland Marathon
📅 Oct 6 | 💵 Cost Varies
The Portland Marathon is the perfect way to experience the city, featuring four bridge crossings, a downtown start and finish, and a tour of iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. For its 52nd running on October 6th, the event offers a marathon, half marathon, kids run, and a new 10K distance. With 9,000 runners expected, there’s a race for everyone. If you’re not running, check out the route and cheer on participants across the city.
Location
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204
2. Matsutake Hunting at Mt. Hood
📅 Oct 11-12 | 💵 $50
Join fellow Friends of JAMO for a matsutake mushroom hunting trip on Mt. Hood from October 11-12. The event includes orientation and guided collecting from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., meeting in Zigzag. Participants bring their own lunch, and there’s an optional potluck afterward. Weather may impact plans, and mushroom abundance varies. Non-members are welcome to join.
Location
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
411 NW Flanders St STE 100, Portland, OR 97209
3. Portland Film Festival
📅 Oct 16-20 | 💵 Cost Varies
The Portland Film Festival is a non-profit organization celebrating storytelling and supporting filmmakers and audiences. It highlights the people, ideas, and artistry behind filmmaking while providing educational and entertainment opportunities. Committed to equity, the festival welcomes all, regardless of background or ability, and offers filmmakers one of the largest audiences on the West Coast. Enjoy Portland’s biggest film festival from October 16-20.
Location
Various Locations
4. Howloween
📅 Oct 19-27 | 💵 Free with admission
Join the zoo’s Halloween celebration over the last two weekends of October! Trick-or-treaters in costume can explore fun activities while learning about wildlife habitats. Enjoy live entertainment, including magic and puppet shows. All treats are sourced from companies using deforestation-free palm oil, supporting the zoo’s mission.
Location
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221
5. West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
📅 Oct 20 | 💵 Free
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta returns to Tualatin Lake at the Commons on Sunday, October 20th. Spectators can enjoy the quirky event where costumed competitors race giant pumpkin boats across the lake. The festivities begin the day before with a pumpkin weigh-off at the Pumpkins and Pints event at Stickmen Brewing. This unique and free event has been a local favorite since 2004, offering fun for all ages.
Location
Tualatin Lake at the Commons
8325 SW Nyberg St, Tualatin, OR 97062
Source: travelportland.com
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