What to do in Oregon in September
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It may still be warm outside, but the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes and the Vaux's swifts means autumn is on its way.
Oregonians can celebrate the return of crunchy, colorful leaves and flannels by donning a cowboy hat and heading to the rodeo, knitting in a cozy bar or dancing under the Harvest Moon.
Now through the end of migration
Chapman Elementary School's chimney is home to the annual roosting site for migrating Vaux's swifts — but only for a few weeks. It's a natural, extraordinary phenomenon to behold.
- Set up a chair and blanket just before sunset, and join the chorus of Portlanders oohing and aahing. Early birds can catch them funneling out of the chimney in the morning, too.
Friday-Sunday
Weirdos, unite! Entertainment enthusiasts will descend on the Oregon Convention Center to celebrate video games, television shows, live-action role playing, and comic books.
Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival
Saturday-Sunday
A scenic two-hour drive east from Portland will take you to the shores of this quaint beach town known for its annual kite festival.
- There'll be workshops on how to make your own colorful, flying piece of art, performances and a big march through the Wind Gardens.
Saturday-Sept. 14
The 114th annual festival celebrates Oregon's western cowboy roots. There's barrel racing, beauty pageants and, of course, bull riding.
Knit Club at Moully's Wine Bar
Sept. 12
Pop-up art gallery Ethereal Reflections hosts an evening of knitting (with a tutorial for beginners, too) for Portland's arts and crafts community. Meet a fellow hobbyist, enjoy a glass of wine, and crochet your dog a scarf.
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm
Sept. 14 through Jan. 19
Get an inside look of The Beatles' meteoric rise to stardom through the lens of one of its most famous members — more than 250 pictures will be on display at the Portland Art Museum.