What's Happening in Portland this Season?

Portland is one of those cities where there’s always something going on. From music to art to comedy, there’s no shortage of creative outlets and unique experiences to be had in the city, and autumn is one the best times to explore.

What's Happening in Portland this Season?

Whether you’re looking for a great vacation getaway or looking at apartments, and are interested in seeing what the city has to offer, here are a few experiences you need to check out this fall in Rose City.

Spirit of Halloweentown

Did you know that Northern Oregon was the filming location of everyone’s favorite Disney original movie, Halloweentown? That’s right! Just about a 45 minute drive from the center of Portland is the town of St. Helens, where Halloweentown is said to be set. From September 18th through Halloween you can visit the town as they celebrate spooky season and the movies filmed here that put this town on the map (including another fan favorite, Twilight). If you’re only visiting Portland for a short amount of time it may seem silly to drive out of the city for a little ol’ festival, right? Wrong.

There is SO much to do during the Spirit of Halloweentown festival. If you’re a fan of the movie, you can take pictures in the Plaza Square, where many of the scenes were shot, and recreate some of your favorite movie moments. Check out the Haunted Hotel experience for a family-friendly Halloween attraction, or visit the Museum of Peculiarities and Oddities and see some real-life eerie pieces that may be even more frightening than a haunted house jump-scare.

Beyond Van Gogh

If you’ve been looking to check out “that cool Van Gogh exhibit everyone’s talking about,” now is your chance. Portland will be hosting the Beyond Van Goghh immersive experience Starting November 19th, 2021. This experience breathes new life into the works of an already unforgettable and unique artist and allows you to experience his pieces in an entirely new way. The opportunity will only be available for a limited time, so be sure to grab tickets while they’re still available.

Holiday Ale Festival

The Holiday Ale Festival in Portland is back for 2021. This over-21 event is a great place to grab a taste of one of the many local craft beers and ciders, many which were brewed just for this annual event. Aside from the delicious drinks, the overall atmosphere and spirit of the crowd is really what makes this an unforgettable weekend.

If the Holiday Ale Fest isn’t already part of your holiday tradition, it should quickly become a yearly adventure for you, your friends, and your family, as it has for so many others. This year’s runs this year from December 3rd-5th. Oh, and don't forget to dawn your favorite ugly holiday sweater!