Autumn in the Pacific Northwest is a magical time! The weather is crisp and refreshing in the morning and often sunny in the afternoon. The kids go back to school, so the towns are quieter. Pumpkins and wild mushrooms are proudly displayed in local markets, and the sunrises and sunsets seem more intense like they are providing a late-summer encore. For many people in the Pacific Northwest, Fall is their favorite season. It’s the perfect time for a road trip too! These are the best can’t-miss Fall activities on the Oregon (and Washington) Coast.
Astoria Sunday Market
The Astoria Sunday Market continues until October 13th. It is a beloved tradition and fun for the whole family. It combines fresh produce, tasty food, local handicrafts, art, and live music, in a lively downtown street market type of atmosphere we all love. Stroll through downtown stores and shops while you’re at it. With plenty of downtown parking, the nearby waterfront River Walk, and the charming Astoria Trolley, you might want to return every Sunday.
Rod Run to the End of the World
September 7th-8th is The Rod Run to the End of the World, an annual event on the Long Beach Peninsula. The Beach Barons are host to this classic car show. Vehicles from 1989 and older are showcased and judged in a bunch of categories. Participants enjoy a festival-style atmosphere with vendors and lots of delicious food while chatting with car owners and automotive enthusiasts from around the world.
Peninsula Rhythm & Blues Festival
Get your friends together for great blues music, delicious food, and local beer and wine at the Port of Peninsula in Nahcotta Washington, September 13th-14th. There is plenty of parking at the Peninsula Rhythm & Blues Festival, and camping is available next door in Morehead Park! New for 2019 is a giant tent, so rain or shine, it’s sure to be a fantastic time! Featured performers include Matt Schofield, Bayou Boyz, North Coast Blues, The Ty Curtis Band, Norman Sylvester, and many other great artists.
Oktoberfest in Tokeland, WA
Put September 21st on your calendar and head to beautiful Tokeland, WA for Oktoberfest. Enjoy Bavarian OOMPAH music, authentic German-style beer and traditional Oktoberfest food like sausage and strudel. The venue is at the Historic Tokeland Hotel & Restaurant.
Pacific Northwest Brew Cup
September 27th-29th in beautiful Astoria, Oregon is the Pacific Northwest Brew Cup. The Pacific Northwest Brew Cup is a beer festival held annually during the last full weekend in September. It features many northwest beers on tap, along with fantastic live music, local food vendors serving up tasty grub, and even some activities for kids. Admission is always free, but to taste beer you have to purchase a souvenir mug ($12 each) and some tokens ($1 each).
Wings over Willapa Sept 26th – 29th
The second annual Wings Over Willapa Festival is a highly anticipated event where people connect with birds, nature, and art in a celebration of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge. Nestled in Washington State’s famous Long Beach Peninsula, you’ll enjoy a weekend full of fascinating guided tours, artist workshops, educational presentations, and other fun-filled events. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started with the hobby, bird and nature lovers of all ages will have plenty to do.
Wild Mushroom Celebration
October 1st to mid-November on the Long Beach Peninsula is mushroom madness during the annual Wild Mushroom Celebration. Celebrate the flavorful fall fungi as chefs, innkeepers, and mushroom foragers take pride in the festivities surrounding this natural treasure of the fall harvest season!
Fall Kite Festival in Lincoln City
The Fall Kite Festival in Lincoln City is October 5th – 6th this year. Held on the beach at the D River State Recreation Site, the annual Fall Kite Festival is a longstanding favorite family tradition. Enjoy two full days of superb kite-flying activities and “let your heart soar.”
Razor Clam Digging
Digging for razor clams is a cherished family tradition for both locals and visitors. The Northern Oregon and Washington Coasts are a fantastic place to dig for fresh razor clams. From Seaside to Astoria, and over to the Long Beach Peninsula, it’s like a treasure hunt in the sand! Oregon and Washington have different rules and seasons, so make sure you check the regulations before setting out to dig. The limit is 15 clams per person per day.
Cranberry Fair in Ilwaco
October 12-13 is the Cranberry Fair in Ilwaco, Washington. It celebrates the local harvest and all things cranberry. You’ll find a variety of cranberry foods, crafters, artists, and much more as they showcase the regions rich cranberry heritage. Fun and intriguing craft demonstrations include authentic rug hookers and a skilled blacksmith.
We are so blessed to live in an area with such a wide variety of splendid activities year-round, but the Fall is especially bountiful. Grab your camera and bring your family and make sure you catch the best of these can’t-miss Fall activities on the Oregon and Washington Coast.
