Fall Events Near Portland, Oregon | October 2026

October in the Portland area brings crisp mornings, colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, and plenty of reasons to spend a weekend outdoors. From watching costumed competitors race giant pumpkins across a lake to exploring a family farm filled with fall activities, there are seasonal experiences for just about every age. If you are looking for something fun to do around the Portland metro area this month, these two Tualatin destinations are worth adding to your fall calendar.

1. West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta: A Pumpkin Race Like No Other

Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Tualatin Lake at the Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg Street, Tualatin
Admission: Free

If you think pumpkins are only meant for carving, decorating, or baking into pies, the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta might change your mind. Every October, this unusual event brings costumed competitors to Tualatin to paddle enormous hollowed-out pumpkins across the water while spectators cheer them on. The tradition began in 2004 and has grown into one of the area's most recognizable fall festivals.

The pumpkins used in the races can weigh more than 2,000 pounds before being hollowed out and transformed into floating vessels. Watching competitors steer these oversized gourds around the lake is part of the fun, especially when costumes, unexpected turns, and enthusiastic crowds add to the excitement.

More Than Just Pumpkin Racing

The pumpkin races are the main attraction, but there is plenty to enjoy throughout the day. The festival includes pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, games, crafts, food vendors, live entertainment, and a children's costume contest. Visitors can also enjoy performances from local entertainers, including The Pillage People, an a cappella group known for its pirate-themed songs and sea shanties.

The main pumpkin races are scheduled for noon and 2 p.m., giving visitors a chance to explore the festival before and between heats. Since admission is free and many activities are available at no cost, this can be a fun option for families looking for a seasonal outing without committing to an expensive ticketed attraction.

Make a Full Weekend of Regatta Activities

The fun begins even before race day. On Saturday, October 17, the annual Pumpkins and Pints event takes place at Stickmen Brewing Company in Tualatin from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors can watch the Terminator Giant Vegetable Weigh-Off, featuring oversized pumpkins and other giant vegetables grown by members of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers.

The event also features wood-fired pizza and craft beer available for purchase. If you enjoy unusual local traditions, the weigh-off offers a behind-the-scenes look at the giant vegetables that help make the following day's races possible.

Parking near Tualatin Lake at the Commons may be limited during the festival, so plan ahead and check the city's event website for current parking and shuttle information before leaving home.

2. Lee Farms Fall Festival: Pumpkins, Hayrides, and Classic Farm Fun

Dates: September 19 through October 31, 2026
Location: 21975 SW 65th Avenue, Tualatin
Admission: Ticketed, with general admission and activity wristband options

For a more traditional fall outing, Lee Farms offers a seasonal experience centered on pumpkins, outdoor play, farm animals, and fresh treats. Located in Tualatin, this family farm gives visitors a chance to enjoy the harvest season without traveling far from the Portland metro area. The festival runs through October 31, making it an option for families planning a visit later in the month.

The pumpkin patch is a natural starting point. Visitors can look for pumpkins to bring home, explore the farm grounds, and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere that makes October a favorite time to visit local farms. Whether you are decorating your porch, planning a carving night, or simply looking for an autumn photo opportunity, the farm offers plenty of ways to get into the spirit of the season.

Activities for Kids and the Whole Family

Lee Farms offers several attractions designed to make the visit more than a quick stop at the pumpkin patch. Festival activities include hayrides, a corn maze, animal displays, a playground area, slides, bounce activities, and other outdoor games. The available activities make it possible for families to spend a good part of the day exploring instead of rushing from one attraction to the next.

The farm has different admission and activity wristband options, so visitors can choose an experience that fits their plans. General admission includes access to the farm grounds and selected attractions, while activity wristbands provide additional access to activities such as slides, bounce pillows, hay mazes, and wagon rides. Check the current ticket options before visiting because activity access and availability can vary.

Do Not Leave Without Visiting the Market and Bakery

One of the highlights of a farm visit is enjoying seasonal food, and Lee Farms adds to the experience with its farm market and bakery. Visitors can shop for fall decorations, produce, baked goods, and seasonal treats while exploring the property.

Pumpkins and autumn-themed treats are part of what makes the season special, and the market gives visitors a chance to bring a little of that farm atmosphere home. If you are planning a family outing, leave time to browse the market rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Lee Farms lists regular fall festival hours as Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, October 31, the farm plans to close at 4 p.m., with the last entrance at 3 p.m. Activities may be weather-dependent and conclude before closing, so confirm the schedule before heading out.

Which Fall Event Should You Choose?

Both events offer a different way to enjoy October in the Portland area, and the best choice depends on the kind of day you want to plan.

The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is ideal if you want something unusual, entertaining, and budget-friendly. Its free admission, giant pumpkin races, live performances, and festival games make it a strong option for families, visiting friends, or anyone who wants to experience a distinctly local tradition.

Lee Farms is a better fit if you want a longer farm visit with pumpkins, hayrides, a corn maze, animal displays, and activities for children. Because admission and some activities require payment, reviewing the ticket options ahead of time can help you plan your budget.

You could even visit both during the same October season. The Regatta takes place on October 18, while Lee Farms remains open through October 31, giving you flexibility to choose separate weekends for each outing.

What This Means for You

One of the best parts of living around Portland is having access to a variety of seasonal experiences without needing to plan a long road trip. From community festivals in Tualatin to farm traditions across the Willamette Valley, October offers opportunities to spend time outdoors, discover local businesses, and create memories with family and friends.

For buyers exploring Canby, Wilsonville, Tualatin, Sherwood, or other communities south and southwest of Portland, local events can also help paint a picture of everyday life beyond the home itself. Access to parks, farms, seasonal festivals, and neighborhood activities can be an important part of finding a community that fits your lifestyle.

When you are deciding where to live, it is worth looking beyond the listing photos and considering what you want your weekends to look like. Sometimes, the small traditions close to home are what make a place feel like your community.

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Jennifer Schurter serves buyers, sellers, and investors throughout South Clackamas County and the North Willamette Valley — including Canby, Oregon City, Wilsonville, Aurora, Hubbard, Molalla, Woodburn, Newberg, Sherwood, Tualatin, West Linn, Lake Oswego, and the greater Portland metro south. Her goal is simple: to be the most knowledgeable, most responsive, and most genuinely helpful real estate agent in the area — every single time. Jennifer is a licensed Oregon real estate broker with Real Broker LLC.

Have questions or want to get started? Connect with Jennifer here. She'd love to hear from you.