Make the most of the cooler temps this month with activities that celebrate fall! All over the Valley this month you can find pumpkin patches, fall carnivals, and haunted houses. From the quilt show to Chef’s Nite out, to a giant pumpkin regatta, you won’t want to miss these extra fun--and extra Oregon--events!

 

October 1-31

It’s wouldn’t be fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch! And Oregon is filled with family farms that are happy to oblige so you can pick one near you. Activities vary from pumpkin picking to hayrides, corn mazes, hay bale mazes, petting zoos and pony rides! Every farm has its own activities and hours, so please call to confirm before you visit. Farms are listed by county. 

When: All month long

Where: Marion/Polk Counties

More Information: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/ORpsalem.php

 

October 5

Come and join the fun at the Oregon State Capitol for the fifth annual Oregon's Bounty. Enjoy children's activities, demonstrations, face painting, a free pumpkin patch, small animals, antique tractors, and crops that we raise right here in Oregon. Admission is free. 

When: 10-2pm

Where: State Capitol           

More Information: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/capitolhistorygateway/Pages/Events.aspx

 

October 13

Chefs’ Nite Out is exquisite evening of fine food, beverages and desserts. Each year, over 50 food and beverage purveyors from in and around the mid-Willamette Valley participate in the annual event, donating their time, talent and product. All proceeds from this event benefit Marion-Polk Food Share, feeding more than 40,000 people each month in Marion and Polk counties. Each ticket includes food and beverage tasting.

When: 4:30-7pm

Where: Salem Convention Center

More Information: https://www.marionpolkfoodshare.org/event/chefs-night-out/

 

October 19

If you’ve never been to the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta odds are you’ve never seen anyone sit inside a giant pumpkin, let alone race one across a lake!

Over the last 14 years, the award-winning West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta has become Oregon's most anticipated Fall event. Admission to the festival is free as are most of the activities. Food and souvenirs available for purchase.

When: 10-4pm

Where: Tualatin Lake of the Commons - 8325 SW Nyberg St

More Information: https://www.tualatinoregon.gov/pumpkinregatta

 

October 19

The annual Barn Dance at the Oregon Garden is the place to get your country-western fix! Line dancing, dance lessons, and a BBQ dinner round out the evening, and you can also purchase an overnight package that includes tickets, accommodations and breakfast for two.   

When: 5-11pm

Where: Oregon Garden 

More Information: http://www.oregongarden.org/events/barn-dance/

 

October 26

Halloween comes twice this year! Join us on the last Saturday in October for Trick or Treat Salem, where you can walk around downtown Salem and get treats at more than 50 locations! It’s a free, all-ages event and costumes are encouraged but not required.     

When: 3-6pm

Where: Downtown Salem

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/trickortreatsalem/?eid=ARAnCVNpwYH1lCCLI8GQIRYW9XZc9cAKZ9JWQPAA00v9qO_xY_qrP43WggJ-uCprS58zwlqnIbPyZlNA