9 can't-miss events in Portland this October
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Praise the Lorde. Photo: Joseph Okpako/WireImage/Getty Images
While it may be the start of "spooky season" for some, Portland celebrates all year long. The month of October offers the opportunity to amp it up a notch, all while celebrating the changing of seasons.
Here are nine events you shouldn't miss this month.
Portland Night Market
Friday-Saturday
It's back! And Halloween-themed.
- There's something for everyone — more than 175 artisan vendors, pumpkin carving stations, face painting, baby goats, photo booths, flash tattoos and more.
Hood River Orchard & Ale Festival
Saturday
More than three dozen local breweries and cideries will post up along the Columbia River waterfront for a day of sipping ales, live music and food trucks.
Near Flesh: A Celebration of Katherine Dunn
Oct. 7
Portland author Katherine Dunn, known for her cult-favorite novels about odd misfits, died in 2016, but several of her works have been published posthumously.
- "Near Flesh," a collection of Dunn's short stories, will be discussed by Omar El Akkad and Jeff VanderMeer at Literary Arts.
Portland Open Studios
Oct. 11-19
Peek inside the workspaces of the city's highly disciplined artists, from wood carvers and glass blowers to printmakers and ceramists.
"Practical Magic" at Tomorrow Theater
Oct. 18
Midnight margaritas are now forever associated with witches thanks to this camp classic, featuring heavy hitters like Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest. Hang on to your husbands!
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Oct. 19
Here is your annual opportunity to watch grown adults in mandatory costumes paddle across Tualatin's Lake of the Commons inside giant pumpkin boats.
Lorde at Moda Center
Oct. 21
Touring her new album, "Virgin," unconventional pop star Lorde gives everyone a safe space to cry on the dance floor while scream-singing "Green Light."
- If laughing is more your vibe, Adam Sandler plays Moda a week later.
Blazers v. Timberwolves
Oct. 22
The Blazers are officially back, and so is Damian Lillard. He may not be on the court at all this season as he recovers from a torn Achilles, but, hey, at least he's home.
Spirit of Halloweentown
Now through Oct. 31
St. Helens hosted Hollywood movie crews back in the late '90s and has never let it go. The whole town's commitment to the bit is reason enough to make the 45-minute drive from Portland.