Portland and Area Activities Planner - October 18, 2024

by Geri And Tim Penner

WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?
Excerpts From
TravelPortland .com
TualitinValley.org
TravelOregon.com

	WICKED Oct. 16–Nov. 3 So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED — the untold true story of the Witches of Oz — transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story.
	HOWLOWEEN Oct. 19–27 The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this Halloween tradition over the last two October weekends. Costumed trick-or-treaters can learn about healthy habitats for wildlife with engaging activities throughout the zoo. Bring your treat bags and join the trail of activities. Live entertainment — including magic shows, puppet shows and more — will occur on both weekends. In keeping with the zoo's mission, all the treats come from companies committed to using deforestation-free palm oil. Activities are best suited for children ages 2-10, but all are welcome.
	PACIFIC NW REPTILE & EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOW Oct. 19-20 The Pacific NW Reptile and Exotic Animal Show is a public trade show. #PACNWRS is the longest running and largest show of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm Sunday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
	PORTLAND FILM FESTIVAL Oct. 16–20 Portland Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing filmmakers and audiences and celebrating the power of a good story. The festival focuses on the people, ideas, technology, skills and artistry behind filmmaking and provides entertainment and educational opportunities to the public. The festival stands by the belief in equity for everyone, regardless of background, socioeconomic means or physical ability. The festival offering its filmmakers one of the largest audiences on the West Coast. Portland Film Festival is Portland, Oregon’s largest film festival by filmmakers for filmmakers.
	ROLOFF FAMILY FARMS Oct 4-27 Fri-Sun Roloff Farms is the home of the Roloff family, made famous by the television series “Little People, Big World.” The farm is only open to the public during pumpkin season. Throughout October, enjoy a pumpkin patch and a new scenic trail walk around the grounds. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
	THE CORN MAIZE AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH Aug. 31–Oct. 31 Located on Sauvie Island, , a rural escape just 13 miles (21 km) north of downtown Portland, the Corn Maize offers visitors eight acres (3 hectares) of exciting twists and turns. But it’s not all about getting lost in nature; Two 16-foot (5 m) observation bridges provide picturesque panoramas with great views of the island and Mount Hood, as well as the maze itself. Every year, the cornfield is carved with a different pattern, and the design is always sure to stump maze-goers while delighting fans of public art. Starting at the end of August, the maze is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and stays open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in October (and on select days leading up to Halloween).
	CARSON GOLF & SPA RESORT Year-Round Driving east on either side of the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood filling the windshield, the stunning scenery leads to an enchanted place where you can choose your own adventure, relax and enjoy the magical hot water of Carson Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for luxury and a comfortable overnight stay or something a bit more rustic with a camping option, Carson Hot Springs in Washington has something for everyone.
	PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS VS UTAH JAZZ Fri Oct 18 7:00 PM Watch the Pacific Northwest's only NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers compete this season. Cheer along with Rip City at the Moda Center and become part of a Portland tradition.
	DIA DE MUERTAS: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE Oct. 13–Nov. 3 Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Life is a compilation of artistic installations and art exhibits across the State of Oregon, based on the community tradition of Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead has grown in popularity worldwide. In the United States, it is known as an entertaining Mexican party. While it is related to Halloween, at least in terms of timing and the symbol of the skeleton, it is much more than just costumes and candy.
	CENTRAL EASTSIDE MUERTOS CELEBRATION Oct. 13–Nov. 3 Ideal PDX, Milagro Theater, and Central Eastside Together present a family-friendly Dia los Muertos celebration in Southeast Portland. Discover local Latine artists’ interpretations of the Day of the Dead, as well as various activities, from a show at Milagro Theater to conversations around elements in altars, and a Bike Ride Altar Tour.
	HOFFMAN FARMS STORE Sept 18-Oct 31 Our farm features an authentic pumpkin patch (pick your pumpkin directly out of the field!) and over 20 varieties of pumpkins for you to choose from! Take the scenic route and pull a red wagon down to the field and take in the glory of the scenic Scholls Valley. Access via wheelchair is off-road but not extremely rugged. We are offering a 10-acre corn maze this year and train rides on The Scholls Valley Railroad every 15 minutes or less. We are located just outside of Beaverton, Oregon, approximately 7 miles off of highway 217 and just beyond the Urban Growth Boundary. You will be surprised at how close it is to the hubbub of city life but how picturesque and rural our farm is. Take a break from it all and come pick out a pumpkin and enjoy our family farm. We have ample picnic space and something for the whole family to enjoy!
	ROCKY HORROR SHOW Oct 11-13, 18-20 The Rocky Horror Show follows Brad and Janet, a newly engaged couple who get caught in a storm and end up at the home of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist. There, they meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rock-n-roll biker, a creepy butler, and a eccentric maid. Watch as they witness Dr. Frank-N-Furter unveil his latest creation, Rocky, a Frankenstein-style muscle man with blonde hair and a tan! Madness and mayhem ensue in this cult classic you won't want to miss. Join us as we do the time warp again!
	PORTLAND LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL Sept 25–Nov 24 The Portland Latin American Film Festival announces its XVIII Season at the Hollywood Theatre, featuring feature films, documentaries, and short films from Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Mexico, Argentina.
	FALL HARVEST CELEBRATION Sept. 28–Oct. 27 Tickets include: Sunflower field, maze and optional u-cut sunflowers (as long as Mother Nature allows) Sorghum mazes for kids U-pick pumpkin field Hayrides Visit the animals Hay maze Farm tire and mini tractor playgrounds Tire swing Farm market featuring pre-picked pumpkins Cornhole and horseshoes Free Parking Duck races Tractor trikes Order from the bar all day and grill starting at 11 a.m.
	SPIRIT OF HALLOWEENTOWN Sept. 28–Oct. 31 It’s no “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” or” Night of the Living Dead,” but once in the 1990s, the peaceful waterfront city of St. Helens was overrun by something worse than zombies or headless horsemen — a Hollywood movie crew! Now, every October the lovely Oregon town just 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Portland transforms into a Halloween haven. Each year, St. Helens, the filming site of the nostalgic favorite “Halloweentown,” remembers its entry into lighthearted Halloween canon with Spirit of Halloweentown a fun, family-friendly celebration of the spookiest holiday around. The celebration of the creepiest day of the year extends into every weekend in October, starting with the lighting of the Great Pumpkin in the city plaza.
	THE FEAR PDX HAUNTED HOUSE Sept. 13–Nov. 1 PORTLAND'S LARGEST HALLOWEEN EVENT: All-new haunted houses, one location, one ticket. 2024 Attractions: Toxic Carnage The Mansion Blood House 2 Scarecrow Metal Massacre Rotten Pulp Poison Apple Festival Tormented Chopped Slasher Shed
	UNDERHILL HAUNTED HOUSE Oct. 4–Nov. 2 Visit the Trio of Terror: Underhill Manor Terror Ship The Salvage Yard For little ones under 12 (and those of all ages that are a little Haunted House-phobic), the Kids Monster Fest is an immersive matinee experience because haunted houses are so less scary in the daylight. Kids Monster Fest will give you chills and a few scares but in a wholesome, kid and family-friendly environment. It is the only Halloween event targeted toward families with children (and you adult scaredy cats, too).
	OAKS PARK SCARE GROUNDS Oct. 4–Nov. 2 Portland Oregon’s ONLY Scream Park returns this fall to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, the historic Oaks Amusement Park. The Event features three horrifying haunted walkthrough attractions, amusement rides, themed side attractions, mini golf, roller skating, concessions and so much more. Alcoholic beverages are available for adults 21+
	LENTS INTERNATIONAL FARMERS MARKET Sundays, Jun 2 – Nov 24 The Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) is the only one in Portland with an intentional international focus. LIFM provides fresh, affordable and culturally appropriate produce to the diverse community of Lents neighbors. Founded in 2006 by a community of volunteers and then run by Zenger Farm, it is an important sales outlet for immigrant and new farmers and small food-business owners. The market features culturally specific products, including Northwest-grown traditional Mexican produce and Asian greens.
	STERNWHEELER RIVER TOURS Year-Round This once primary mode of transportation has become more of a fun commodity for tourism, as river cruise ships provide visitors a chance to get out on the water and take in the sights of their new surroundings. Oregon joined in on the trend in the early 1980s. Since then, several non-steam-powered sternwheel riverboats have been built and operated on major waterways in the state, primarily on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers in Marion County. Each is a fun ride for visitors and locals alike as they seemingly tug along and transport them to yesteryear.
	HIGH LIFE ADVENTURES Year Round Enjoy a tour of 8 zip lines in a beautiful setting. Join two tour guides on an exhilarating zip line experience around and over a seven-acre lake. A mile of zipping, sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. Take your team to the next level: High Life Adventures also offers customized Team Building Programs to challenge your group while bringing them together as a team.
	PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET Mar. 9–Dec. 15 Combining the vibes of an art show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, the Portland Saturday Market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest continually operating arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, drawing up to one million visitors during its annual season.
	ST JOHN'S FARMERS MARKET May 4–Dec. 14 The St. Johns Farmers Market will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every Saturday May 4 through November 23, the weekend before Thanksgiving. There will also be a Holiday Market on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The market is held at the corner of N. Charleston Ave. and N Central St, next to the St. Johns Bachelor Club. The 2024 season has a full vendor roster, including new and returning small businesses spanning local, sustainably-grown agriculture, artisan food, and handmade arts and crafts, Some exciting new products at the market this year include organically grown vegetables and quail eggs from Tiny Acre, a St. Johns-based small scale organic farm; breakfast burritos from Poblano Pepper Mexican Food; and plant-based, farmer-forward pastries and treats from Poppy Shop. To see which vendors are scheduled for each week, check out the interactive market map: https://maps.managemymarket.com/6336
	PORTLAND INDIGENOUS MARKETPLACE Ongoing Portland Indigenous Marketplace will host the Indigenous Marketplace. Over 30 vendors, food, art exhibits, and more will be present. A marketplace specifically for Indigenous/Black vendors, all the artists/entrepreneurs featured on Indigenous Marketplace have Indigenous/Black ancestry. Vendors sell their hand made and original designs.