Curator’s statement
Portland is one of those places that just glows in the fall—it’s the time of year that I look forward to the most. With fiery foliage, cozy cafés, and some of the best food and drink in the Pacific Northwest, it’s the perfect place to slow down and savor the season. Whether you’re exploring forested trails, browsing local makers at a weekend market, or sipping Pinot Noir, Portland makes autumn feel magical. It’s a city that feels both grounded and alive—and in the fall, it truly shines.
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Things to do in Portland
Welcome to Halloweentown! St. Helens, Oregon, transforms into a real-life Halloween movie set each fall: giant pumpkins, spooky decor, and all the nostalgic magic from the beloved film.
Sip some wine at Ponzi Vineyards in Sherwood, OR
This modern, elevated tasting room is perched on a hillside in the Chehalem Mountains with stunning valley views. It’s known for its elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the vibe is relaxed yet upscale—perfect for a fall afternoon close to the city.
Warm up with a latte at The Dragonfly Coffee House
Located in Northwest Portland’s Alphabet District, The Dragonfly Coffee House is the kind of spot that feels like a warm hug on a chilly fall morning. With rich coffee, a friendly barista team, and a cozy interior full of plants and Pacific Northwest charm, it’s the perfect place to relax, journal, or watch the rain roll in. Other honorable mentions for coffee include Barista, Good Coffee, and Coava Coffee Roasters.
Wander through The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island
The Pumpkin Patch is the original pumpkin patch on Sauvie Island, open daily through October with hayrides, a corn maze, animal barn, coffee cart (Pumpkin Perk), a café, and a sprawling pumpkin field to explore. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for that classic autumn farm experience just 20 minutes from downtown Portland.
Stroll through the Portland Japanese Garden
This serene spot is breathtaking during peak foliage, when Japanese maples change the landscape in reds and oranges. Quiet, meditative paths and koi ponds make this one of the most peaceful places in the city. The Gardens are within Washington Park that also has hiking trails and gardens.
Explore the Portland Saturday Market or Makers’ Markets
Fall is the perfect time to bundle up and browse handmade goods, vintage finds, and warm treats from local artisans. You’ll find seasonal gifts, fall-themed candles, and hot apple cider at these festive outdoor markets.
Take a day trip to Silver Falls State Park
Nicknamed the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls offers an unforgettable fall hike with 10 waterfalls along the trail. The colorful leaves, misty trails, and rushing water make this a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Cozy up with a book and local brew at Rose City Book Pub
This unique pub-bookstore hybrid is pure Portland and perfect for rainy days. Grab a pint, find a comfy chair, and browse the shelves—it’s a local secret that feels like home.
Experience Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens
Each October, the historic town of St. Helens, where the Disney Channel movie Halloweentown was filmed, transforms into a real-life Halloween wonderland during the Spirit of Halloweentown festival. It’s free to explore and the plaza and movie set photo ops are open to all.
Weekend attractions: Saturdays and Sundays offer ticketed experiences like the Haunted House, parade events, themed vendor village, and celebrity meet‑and‑greets, especially during the Great Pumpkin lighting weekends
Indulge in a fall tasting menu
Local chefs highlight the season with mushroom risottos, roasted squash, and cider-glazed everything. Try St. Jack, Canard, Screen Door, or Luce for an elevated, cozy fall dining experience you’ll be dreaming about all winter.
Catch a show at the Keller Auditorium or Alberta Rose Theatre
From touring Broadway musicals to local music acts and indie film nights, Portland’s arts scene comes alive in the fall. Grab a pre-show dinner nearby and make a night of it.
Places to eat & drink in Portland
Starting off our brunch at Broder Söder with some Æbleskivers
Screen Door (Burnside & Pearl District)
Portland’s definitive spot for Southern soul food—with crispy fried chicken, sweet potato waffles, and biscuits and gravy that draw long brunch lines. Despite the weekend wait-list, the food and nostalgic charm are totally worth it. Reservations aren’t accepted—brunch is walk‑in only, and expect a line.
Mediterranean Exploration Co. (Pearl District)
Delicious Mediterranean flavors—from grilled octopus and lamb kebabs to chickpea pastries—served in a stylish, open room with big-group appeal. Perfect for fall evenings when you want warming spices in a refined yet lively setting. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
Kann (Southeast Portland)
James Beard–winning Haitian cuisine by Chef Gregory Gourdet, offering dishes like epis-rubbed chicken thighs with root vegetables and creative plant-based bites. It’s a standout choice for adventurous food lovers seeking bold, soulful flavors. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Expatriate (Concordia neighborhood)
A swanky, Prohibition-era cocktail bar with a menu of refined small plates—think tea-leaf salad, creative nachos, impeccable fried chicken sandwiches, and one of my favorite burgers in the city. The moody interior feels tailor-made for cozy fall nights. Reservations are recommended for tables. Walk-ins are usually fine at the bar.
Laurelhurst Market (Northeast Burnside)
A steakhouse and butcher shop in one—great for a hearty meal on a chilly night. The cocktails and sides (especially the mac and cheese) are just as good as the meats. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Eem (Northeast Portland)
Thai BBQ meets tiki bar—think brisket curry, smoked pork shoulder, and coconut cocktails. The flavors are bold and comforting on cool evenings. Reservations are not accepted—go early or plan for a short wait.
St. Jack (NW 23rd/Slabtown)
Classic French bistro fare like steak frites, escargot, and onion soup, served in a candlelit space that feels made for fall. The bar upstairs, La Moule, is equally inviting with killer cocktails. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Broder Söder
Broder Söder is a charming Scandinavian-inspired brunch café located inside Nordia House on SW Oleson Road, known for its Æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls served with house-made lemon curd and lingonberry jam) and Swedish hash in a cozy wood-paneled setting with Nordic design touches. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations, but the wait—often spent browsing the nearby gift shop or giant troll sculpture on the Nordic Northwest campus—is part of the experience.
Kachka (SE Portland)
A go-to for modern Russian comfort food, offering pelmeni, infused vodkas, and hearty fall-friendly dishes like borscht and mushroom stroganoff. The moody, modern interior hits differently once the weather cools. Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends.
Multnomah Whiskey Library (Downtown)
Imagine plush armchairs, crystal chandeliers, and more than 2,000 whiskey bottles lining the shelves. Old‑world sophistication at its best. Reservations are recommended.
Need to know
Fall festivals and markets: From fall festivals and apple tastings to handmade craft markets and First Thursday art walks, check local event calendars (like Travel Portland or Willamette Week) for seasonal happenings.
Fall colors and photo ops: Don’t miss leaf-peeping in places like Laurelhurst Park, Mt. Tabor, the South Park Blocks, and anywhere along the Eastbank Esplanade. Bring your camera or phone because golden hour here is gorgeous.
Support local: From food carts and indie bookstores to vintage shops and neighborhood bars, Portland thrives on small business. You’ll have a more authentic experience (and better stories) when you shop and eat local.
Getting around: While Portland’s MAX Light Rail and streetcar provide coverage within the city, many locals prefer more flexible and direct ways to explore, like renting a Biketown bike or hopping on an electric scooter to navigate neighborhoods at your own pace. For day trips outside the city, such as Sauvie Island or St. Helens, renting a car is highly recommended to maximize your freedom and schedule. Ride share like Uber and Lyft are also an option!
Pack for layers: Fall weather in Portland can be unpredictable—mornings might start chilly and foggy, afternoons can be sunny and warm, and evenings turn crisp. A light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Travel Advisor
Ryan Shelly
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