As we transition into the fall months, there’s still a little bit of warm weather left and plenty of fun things to do all around Oregon and Washington. We have a round-up of the best activities and events happening around the Northwest this September. We’ve even started including events happening in Spokane, home of our new Summit Mortgage Corporation branch! Head to our calendar for more information including locations, times, and any updated event information.
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September Events in Oregon & Washington
Oregon State Fair – September 1-5
The Oregon State Fair started it’s yearly tradition of food, farm animals, and fun back in 1858. This year is no exception to the rule with musical performances by Foreigner, Melissa Etheridge, Pat Benatar, and more. Check the Oregon State Fair website for a full list of activities, concerts, and special events.
Art in The Pearl – September 3-5
The 19th Annual Art in The Pearl festival features over 100 artists, musical performances, food, and art education in the Northwest Park blocks of Portland. Artists will be selling everything from paintings to furniture, as well as competing for the coveted Best In Show title.
T:BA – September 8-18
This yearly festival, presented by the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, brings modern art and performance to venues throughout the city. Each year, TBA features globally renowned artists who reflect current culture. This festival is about the interaction between artist and audience through live performance, music, film screenings, workshops, and visual art installations.
Spokane County Interstate Fair – September 9-18
Held each year at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, the Spokane County Interstate Fair is one of the cities’ largest and longest running annual events. This classic county fair is a place where one can, “…visit the past, explore the future, and enjoy the wonders of the present…” and thrives on Spokane community participation.
Beaverton Celebration Parade – September 10
This fun celebration of the Beaverton community begins with a 5k Family Fun Run and ends with the 59th Annual Beaverton Celebration Parade. The parade has more than 100 festive floats, marching bands, local businesses, and community groups participating.
Spokane Restaurant Wars – September 10
Restaurant Wars was created to highlight some of the great restaurants and chefs in the Spokane community like The Blackbird and Wandering Table. The free event showcases eight of the top local restaurants. Bracelets (just $17) allow attendees to enjoy small plates from each of the restaurants – in addition to the free live music, chef demos, and more.
Feast Portland – September 15-18
Celebrate the inspiring culinary creations of the Northwest at Feast Portland – called the best food festival in the country by Thrillest. This event features chefs from all over the country at various large-scale events, classes, small dinners, and panels at venues throughout the city. Feast Portland is also a great way to support the community. The festival has donated over $230,000 to charities like Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest – September 15-18
Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel, Oregon attracts more than 350,000 people a year. The festival celebrates its German and Bavarian heritage with cultural music, food, a traditional biergarten and weingarten, and much more.
Valleyfest – September 23-25
Valleyfest has been an annual tradition in Spokane Valley since 1990. Held at Mirabeau Point Park and CenterPlace Regional Event Center, the festival includes entertainment and fun for the whole family.
Museum Day Live! – September 24
Museum Day Live! is a great opportunity to visit local museums in Oregon or Washington for free! Download two tickets from the Museum Day Live! website to a participating museum and your admittance will be free. Visit the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Portland Art Museum, Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, and many more.
September Activities
Check out these on-going activities to enjoy during the month of September.
Vaux’s Swifts at Chapman Elementary School
Witness the incredible site of Vaux’s Swifts roosting for the evening at sunset from the field of Chapman Elementary School in Northwest Portland. Audubon Society volunteers are typically on hand to provide information on this fall-migrating bird. Free parking is available at nearby Montgomery Park and SELCO Community Credit Union.
Hillsboro Hops Baseball
Catch the tail-end of the baseball season with a Hops game at the Ron Tonkin Field in Hillsboro. This minor league team promises plenty of fun for baseball fans of all ages.
Fall Foliage
Where are the best spots to see fall color in Portland? Travel Portland has compiled a list of places to stop and take in the beauty of autumn.
Local Cider Bars
The Northwest is known for it’s quality apple harvest. The best way to celebrate fall’s bounty? Visiting some of Portland’s best cider bars.