Portland and Vancouver Fall Events September 26-28 2025 | Must-See Festivals and Activities

Fall is the perfect time to explore vibrant cultural and food festivals in the Pacific Northwest. This year, Portland and Vancouver offer an exciting lineup of fall events from September 26 to 28, 2025, showcasing everything from historic grist mill cornbread tastings to quirky festivals and artisan cheese celebrations. Whether seeking family-friendly outings or unique local experiences, these Portland and Vancouver fall events provide a fantastic way to enjoy the season’s crisp air and festive atmosphere.

Cedar Creek Grist Mill Cornbread Day 2025

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 (recurs annually on the last Saturday of September)
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Cedar Creek Grist Mill – 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland, WA 98674
📞 Phone: (360) 225-5832
💲 Price: Free
🌐 Website: Cedar Creek Grist Mill

About the Event

Think you know cornbread? At Cornbread Day, the Cedar Creek Grist Mill proves you wrong—in the most delicious way. Expect cornbread baked with fruit jams, hot peppers, bacon, cheese, herbs, and other surprises. Guests sample different varieties and vote on their favorites, making it part food festival, part friendly competition.

The best part? All of the cornmeal is ground right there at the historic 1876 water-powered grist mill—one of the last of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. No electricity, just good old-fashioned water power.

What to Expect

• Free cornbread tastings in creative flavors (sweet, savory & spicy)
• Live demonstrations of the mill in action
• Take-home flour or cornmeal, freshly ground onsite (while supplies last)
• Gorgeous fall scenery—perfect for photos and a family outing

Pro Tips

✔ Arrive early—popular flavors run out fast
✔ Parking is limited—carpool if you can
✔ Wear comfy shoes, as the grounds are rustic
✔ Bring a camera for that perfect autumn backdrop

Fee Free Day: National Public Lands Day at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site – 1501 E Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661
📞 Phone: (360) 816-6230
💲 Price: Free (entrance fees waived)
🌐 Website: National Park Service – Fort Vancouver NHS

About the Event

Every September, communities nationwide come together for National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the United States. In honor of this celebration, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will be waiving entrance fees on September 27, 2025.

It’s the perfect chance to explore one of the region’s most important cultural landmarks. Fort Vancouver has stood as a trading post, military outpost, and center of Pacific Northwest heritage for 200 years. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into history through its reconstructed fort, Pearson Air Museum, barracks, and beautiful grounds.

What to Expect

• Free entrance to the historic reconstructed Fort Vancouver
• Educational talks and living history demonstrations
• Opportunities to connect with park rangers & volunteers
• Explore four unique sites: the Fort, Vancouver Barracks, Pearson Air Museum, and McLoughlin House
• Special bicentennial programming honoring 200 years of Fort Vancouver

Why Go

National Public Lands Day isn’t just about free entry—it’s about connecting with history, culture, and the outdoors while supporting conservation. Whether you’re bringing kids for an educational day, exploring as a history buff, or enjoying the open spaces with friends, Fort Vancouver is the place to be on September 27.

Pro Tips

✔ Arrive early to make the most of the day—there’s plenty to explore.
✔ Wear comfortable shoes; the grounds are large and best enjoyed on foot.
✔ Bring water and snacks for a full day of exploring.
✔ Don’t forget your camera—fall colors + historic backdrops = amazing photos.

The Craig Stein Oktoberfest – Vancouver, WA

📅 Dates: September 26 – 28, 2025 (Recurring daily)
🕒 Times:

• Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  📍 Location: Esther Short Park – 301 W 8th St., Vancouver, WA 98660
  💲 Price: Check official site for tickets & details
  🌐 Website: Craig Stein Oktoberfest

About the Event

Raise your steins high—The Craig Stein Oktoberfest is back at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver for three days of authentic Bavarian fun! 🎉

This annual community celebration not only serves up German food, beer, live entertainment, and local vendors, but it also carries forward the philanthropic legacy of Craig Stein. Every pint poured and pretzel shared helps support local charities, making this event a true “Prost with purpose.”

What to Expect

• A wide variety of German-style beers & local craft brews
• Traditional Bavarian food (pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel & more)
• Live music, dancing & festive performances
• Local vendors and pop-up shops
• Community-driven fundraising for local charities

Why Go

Oktoberfest is all about good food, great beer, and even better company, but here in Vancouver, it’s also about giving back. The Craig Stein Oktoberfest celebrates community spirit in a way that makes every sip and every song more meaningful.

Whether you’re coming for the authentic Bavarian vibes, the family-friendly atmosphere, or the chance to support a good cause, this is one fall festival you don’t want to miss.

Pro Tips

✔ Bring your ID—this is a beer-forward event (21+ for alcohol).
✔ Dress festive! Dirndls and lederhosen welcome.
✔ Plan to come hungry—food vendors bring hearty, traditional flavors.
✔ Make it a weekend—each day has a unique schedule of performances & vendors.

Portland Weird Fest 2025 – Embrace the Quirky Side of Portland

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Oaks Amusement Park – 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202
💲 Tickets: Available online (check official site)
🌐 Hosted by: Weird Portland United

About the Event

Get ready to let your weird flag fly! Portland Weird Fest 2025 is back this September, bringing a full day of unapologetic oddities, eccentric performances, and offbeat fun at the historic Oaks Amusement Park.

Presented by Weird Portland United, the festival celebrates the city’s one-of-a-kind creativity, amplifying local dreamers, risk-takers, and innovators who keep Portland’s culture proudly weird. From bizarre artistry to playful performances, this event is the ultimate showcase of everything quirky and unconventional.

What to Expect

• Curious Performances – Avant-garde circus stunts, interactive theater, and acts that defy convention.
• Eccentric Artistry – A gallery of unconventional art that challenges and delights.
• Weird Workshops – Try your hand at pickle sculpting, cryptozoology, or even channel your inner alien.
• Whimsical Music – Local bands and musicians with truly eclectic sounds.
• Weird Characters Everywhere – Roaming oddballs, performers, and eccentric surprises around every corner.

Why Go

Portland Weird Fest isn’t just a day of entertainment—it’s a celebration of the city’s identity. In a time when Portland is constantly evolving, this event keeps its quirky spirit alive, inviting both locals and newcomers to dive into the fun side of “keeping Portland weird.”

Whether you’re a lifelong oddball or just curious, this is your chance to experience the heart of Portland’s eccentric culture all in one place.

Insider Tips

✔ Wear your quirkiest outfit—it’s encouraged!
✔ Come early—events and workshops fill up fast.
✔ Perfect for families, groups, or anyone who wants to laugh, play, and embrace the unexpected.
✔ Don’t leave without trying a weird snack or joining a hands-on workshop.

The Wedge 2025 – Portland’s Artisan Cheese Festival

📅 Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (VIP entry at 10:30 AM)
📍 Location: Portland Night Market – 100 SE Alder St, Portland, OR 97214
🎟 Tickets: $25 advance / $30 at the door (VIP & add-ons available)
👥 Ages: 21+ only
🌐 Presented by: Oregon Cheese Guild

About the Event

Calling all cheese lovers —The Wedge 2025 is back and better than ever! This farmers market–style festival is dedicated to celebrating artisan cheese and everything that pairs perfectly with it. Hosted at the vibrant Portland Night Market, the event features both indoor and outdoor vendors, rain or shine.

Organized by the Oregon Cheese Guild, The Wedge showcases the best in local cheese-making, while also raising awareness and support for Oregon’s thriving artisan dairy community.

What to Expect

• Hundreds of Cheese Samples – From sharp cheddars to creamy bries, taste and take home your favorites.
• Beverage Pairings – Wine, cider, beer, and spirits available with an add-on tasting ticket.
• Specialty Foods – Breads, jams, charcuterie, and more—perfect companions to your cheese haul.
• VIP Perks – Early entry at 10:30 AM, a gift bag, and extra cheese vouchers for the true cheese connoisseur.
• Community Impact – Proceeds support Oregon’s artisan cheesemakers through the Oregon Cheese Guild.

Ticket Details

• General Admission (Advance): $25 (includes samples + $5 cheese voucher)

• At the Door: $30

• Beverage Add-On: $15 (includes commemorative tasting glass)

• VIP Entry: $75 (early access, gift bag, two $5 vouchers)

Insider Tips

✔ Bring a tote bag—you’ll want to stock up on artisan goodies.
✔ Arrive early to beat the crowds (VIP entry is worth it if you’re serious about cheese).
✔ Great for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone who loves discovering Oregon-made flavors.
✔ Indoor & outdoor setup—so it’s on rain or shine!

Portland and Vancouver Fall Events September 26-28 2025

With so many diverse Portland and Vancouver fall events happening September 26-28, 2025, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From traditional celebrations like Oktoberfest and historic tours to creative gatherings like Weird Fest and artisan food tastings, this weekend offers a rich taste of Pacific Northwest culture. Mark your calendar and get ready to create lasting memories at these unmissable fall festivals.

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