Getting Into Fall Events in the Rose City
It’s November, and the weather may have changed a bit, but that won’t stop Portland from having a festival or a party (or several of them!).
It’s fall in the Rose City and we’re just getting into the holiday season. This month, Portland has so many events worth catching. So whether you’re looking for food, drink, or family fun, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Here’s a roundup of some of the best.
Week One – Food, Drink, Gifts, Sports, and More
The first week of November kicks off with a bang. Whether you’re looking for a place to sample Oregon wines and beers, pick up gifts for loved ones, prepare yourself to hit the slopes, or get into advocating for women’s rights, this is the week for you.
Portland Ski Fever & Snowboard Show- 11/2-11/4 at the Portland Expo Center is your chance to check out the latest gear and sell some of your used equipment.
Gluten-Free Food Allergy Fest- 11/3-11/4 also at the Portland Expo Center is a food show dedicated to those looking into going gluten-free and those looking for new products.
Time Out for Women & Girls 2018- 11/9-11/10 at the Oregon Convention Center, is a fellowship event for Christian women and girls.
Holiday Food & Gift Festival- 11/9-11/11 also at the Oregon Convention Center, is an opportunity to knock out your holiday shopping early while sampling locally made food.
NW Food & Wine Festival- 11/10 also at the Oregon Convention Center--once you get your shopping handled (or before even) make sure to wander the aisles at this event to sample the best in NW wines and locally made food items.
Week Two – Honoring Veterans and a Little Dance
In the second week of the month, things slow down a little as the city pauses to honor our veterans, before we get into the holiday spirit with a little dance.
Veterans Day Parade- 11/12 in Hollywood. Venture out to NE Sandy Blvd. on Monday the 12th to honor our country’s veterans.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker- 11/13-11/14 at Keller Auditorium. MC Kurtis Blow comes to town with a hip hop take on the famous Tchaikovsky ballet.
Week Three – So Much Turkey, So Many Lights
The third week of the month will be, as always, dominated by the giving of thanks and the bombarding of retail establishments that comprise the Thanksgiving holiday for so many of us. But if you’re looking for something a little different to do, Portland has you covered!
Turkey Trot Relay & 5K- 11/21 at the Portland Speedway--for those looking to get a little exercise in before the holidays destroy their willpower.
ZooLights- 11/21-1/5 at the Oregon Zoo. The five-week run of ZooLights kicks off the day before Thanksgiving. Those in the know take the Washington Park and Zoo Railway train in.
Columbia Bank/ORRC Turkey Trot - 11/22 at the Oregon Zoo. If you didn’t trot enough earlier in the week, or couldn’t make it, get to the zoo for this Oregon Road Runners Club-sponsored event.
Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree - 11/23 at Keller Auditorium-back again for an all-new show featuring a former Miss America.
The 34th Annual Tree Lighting Festival- 11/23 at Pioneer Square. Get your family down to Portland’s “Living Room” for the lighting of the “family” Christmas Tree.
The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights - 11/23-12/30 at The Grotto on NE Sandy Blvd. A petting zoo, a church choir, beautiful Christmas light displays and the only church in a cave in the entire state.
Week Four – Beer, Wine, and Trees
The last week of November brings us full circle and continues with the holiday festivities, with multiple events devoted to beer and wine, and a festival of the trees.
Wine Country Tours and Tastings - 11/23-11/25 in the Oregon Wine Country. Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to tour Oregon Wine Country. The tasting rooms are open, the barrels are tapped, and the wine is flowing.
BrewLights- 11/27 at the Oregon Zoo. If you thought it couldn’t get any better than ZooLights, imagine ZooLights with a local beer in your hand.
Safeway/Providence Festival of Trees- 11/29-12/1 at the Oregon Convention Center--an indoor winter wonderland of trees and festive holiday displays sponsored by local businesses and organizations.
So Much to Do During November in PDX!
November, like every month in this beautiful, wonderful city, is a month full of things to do. Whether you’re looking for family fun, food and drinks, shopping, or something completely different, Portland probably has exactly what you’re after. So put on your raincoat and get out there to see what the city has to offer you this month!