Vancouver WA Fall Events October 2025: Pumpkin Pageant, BirdFest & Dozer Day

Fall is in full swing in Vancouver, WA, and the first weekend of October 2025 is packed with family-friendly festivals, seasonal traditions, and community celebrations. From the Pumpkin Pageant & Wizard of Oz First Friday in Camas, to the beloved BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, to the hands-on excitement of Dozer Day at the Clark County Event Center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These events highlight what makes life in Vancouver WA and the surrounding Portland metro area so vibrant: small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival 2025

📅 Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
📍 Location: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, 301 N. Third Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642
📞 Phone: 360-887-9495
💲 Price: Free
🌐 Website: BirdFest & Bluegrass

About the Festival

The BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival is Ridgefield’s signature fall celebration, bringing together nature enthusiasts, families, and music lovers for a day of outdoor fun. This annual event highlights the return of the Sandhill Crane to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and shines a light on the refuge’s important role in protecting endangered species, migratory birds, and natural habitats.

This year’s Bird of the Year is the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) — a majestic raptor that thrives near rivers and wetlands.

What to Expect

• Live Bluegrass Music — Jam out downtown with local and regional bluegrass bands.
• Birding Adventures — Join guided hikes, explore the auto tour route, or visit the refuge’s photo blind.
• Family Fun — Hands-on crafts, kids’ activities, and nature-based learning stations.
• Local Shopping — Vendors, food stalls, and crafts in downtown Ridgefield.
• Education & Conservation — Learn about habitat restoration programs and how to support the refuge.

Pro Tips

• Bring binoculars and a camera for birdwatching.
• Arrive early to enjoy both the downtown festivities and the refuge tours.
• Wear layers — October weather can be crisp in Ridgefield.

Dine the Couve 2025

📅 Dates: October 1–31, 2025
📍 Location: Participating restaurants across Clark County, WA
💲 Price: 3 for $33 dining specials
🌐 Website: Dine the Couve

About the Festival

This October marks the 10th anniversary of Dine the Couve, Vancouver’s official dining month. For the entire month, local eateries, breweries, and wine tasting rooms will feature special 3 for $33 menus, making it the perfect time to try something new or revisit an old favorite.

Each fixed-price menu includes three courses — think soups, salads, appetizers, entrées, desserts, and even craft beverages — all for just $33.

What to Expect

• Exclusive Menus — Dozens of Clark County restaurants are serving up curated dishes you won’t find any other time of year.
• Craft Pairings — Many spots include wine, beer, or cider options as part of their menus.
• Restaurant Pass — Download the Dine the Couve Restaurant Pass to see menus, track your dining adventures, and unlock prizes.
• Grand Prize Giveaway — Check in at 5 participating restaurants during October for a chance to win a $100 gift card to a local restaurant of your choice.
• Share the Fun — Post your foodie finds with #DineTheCouve on social media.

Pro Tips

• Make reservations early — some restaurants book up quickly.
• Pace yourself — with a full month to explore, you can sample multiple spots without missing out.
• Use the dining pass for the best experience and to get entered into the prize drawing.

Old Apple Tree Festival 2025

📅 Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Old Apple Tree Park, 112 Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98660
📞 Phone: 360-487-8308
💲 Price: Free
🌐 Website: Old Apple Tree Festival

About the Festival

The Old Apple Tree Festival celebrates Vancouver’s rich heritage and the legendary Old Apple Tree, planted in 1826 at Fort Vancouver and recognized as the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest. This beloved community event brings together history, food, music, and family fun in a lively outdoor setting.

What to Expect

• Live Music — Enjoy performances from The Ottomatics, River Twain, and the JT Wise Band.
• Apple Fun — Taste and purchase fresh apples, plus try cider pressing (bring your own apples and container, or buy them onsite). About 15 lbs of apples makes 1 quart of cider.
• Free Tree Cuttings — Urban Forestry Commissioners will give away cuttings from the Old Apple Tree (while supplies last).
• History & Tours — Join walking tours of Fort Vancouver Village, the Historic Orchard, and the Land Bridge.
• Family Activities — Kid-friendly crafts, food vendors, and plenty of hands-on fun throughout the day.

Pro Tips

• Bring your own apples and a clean container if you’d like to press cider.
• Arrive early to get one of the limited Old Apple Tree cuttings.
• Wear comfortable shoes for tours and walking around the park.
• Pack a picnic blanket or chairs to enjoy the live music.

Pumpkin Pageant & Wizard of Oz First Friday 2025

📅 Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Historic Downtown Camas, 304 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA 98607
📞 Phone: 360-216-7378
💲 Price: Free
🌐 Website: Pumpkin Pageant & First Friday

About the Festival

The 19th Annual Pumpkin Pageant & Wizard of Oz First Friday transforms Downtown Camas into a festive fall wonderland. From carved pumpkin contests to costume parades, this community event is a beloved autumn tradition for families, friends, and neighbors.

Dress as your favorite Wizard of Oz character, explore decorated pumpkins throughout downtown, and enjoy an evening of music, games, and fall-themed shopping and dining.

What to Expect

Pumpkin Pageant — Vote for your favorite carved or decorated pumpkins by local businesses. Your vote enters you into drawings for fun fall prizes!
Costume Contest — Adults, kids, and groups can compete for prizes by showing off their best Wizard of Oz-inspired costumes. Contest begins at 7:00 PM at Journey Church. Sign up between 5:00–6:45 PM.
Live Music & Entertainment — Performances throughout town to set the autumn mood.
Art & Galleries — Explore exhibits at Second Story Gallery, Gallery 408, and RedDoorGallery.
Games & Activities — Pumpkin-themed games, photo ops, and plenty of hands-on fun for all ages.
Local Shopping & Dining — Fall specials at downtown shops and restaurants.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early to sign up for the costume contest before spots fill up.
• Bring your camera — the photo ops and costumes are always Instagram-worthy.
• Park nearby and plan extra time to explore shops and galleries.
• Warm layers recommended — October evenings in Camas can be chilly.

Dozer Day 2025

📅 Dates: Saturday, October 4 – Sunday, October 5, 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (both days)
📍 Location: Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, 17402 NE Delfel Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642
📞 Phone: (360) 608-6746
💲 Price: $15 per ticket
🌐 Website: Dozer Day 2025

About the Festival

Dozer Day® is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on construction experience where kids (and kids at heart!) get the chance to climb into the driver’s seat of real heavy machinery. Guided by professionals, participants can safely operate dozers, excavators, and other massive equipment while learning about their functions and capabilities.

Beyond the fun, Dozer Day® doubles as a community fundraiser, with proceeds supporting nonprofits across Clark County. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for young people to explore future careers in construction and engineering.

What to Expect

• Hands-On Machine Time — Safely operate real construction equipment under expert supervision.
• Career Exploration — Meet industry pros and discover pathways into construction and engineering fields.
• Family Activities — Games, activities, and exhibits designed for kids of all ages.
• STEM Learning — Educational demonstrations that connect science, technology, and real-world machinery.
• Community Impact — Net proceeds benefit local nonprofits, making it fun with a purpose.

Pro Tips

• Buy tickets early — this event is very popular with families.
• Dress for the outdoors — closed-toe shoes and layers recommended.
• Bring a camera — your little ones in big machines make for priceless photos.
• Expect crowds — plan to arrive early for the best experience.

Vancouver WA Fall Events October 2025 | Pumpkin Pageant, BirdFest & Dozer Day

Whether you’re looking for fall traditions, live music, family fun, or a chance to explore local culture, Vancouver WA’s October events have you covered. Spend your weekend celebrating community, nature, and seasonal festivities right here in Southwest Washington — all just minutes from Portland. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and make the most of this action-packed weekend in Vancouver WA.

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