Portland Fall Fashion Week

Shadow of Montgomery Park, October 1-4

Of course Portland’s fashion week would be in the spookiest month. Take the streetcar to NW Industrial Street in your finest for local designer shows and after parties. Shows feature swimwear, bridal couture, hair and makeup.

Manhattan Short Film Festival

Clinton St. Theater, October 2-4

GoLocalPDX’s Best First Date Pick! Six continents. Ten short films. One winner. Audience members vote for their favorite at the end all across the globe. The grand prize winner will be announced on October 5th. Tickets are only $8 for the 7 pm screenings.

Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club Farewell Tour

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, October 4

The infectious hits of the Buena Vista Social Club need no introduction. Don’t miss the farewell tour of this 1990’s Afro-Cuban group.  Blowing up the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on October 4th, shake your thang to “Candela” and “Hasta Siempre.” Tickets at portland5.com.

Photo courtesy of portland5.com

Portland Tango Festival

Norse Hall, October 8-12

With over 80 hours of dance time over four days, beginners and experts share the floor with workshops, DJs and a grand ball on Saturday night. Sunday features the gala dinner and show with music by Perola.

Portland Tattoo Expo

Portland Expo Center, October 9-11

If you’re thinking of a tat for the first time or want to add a unique piece to your collection of neck tatts, peruse 300 of America’s best tattoo artists and vendors. One day tickets are $20 and 3-day passes $40.

The 15th Annual Wild About Game

Welches, Oregon, October 11

On October 11th, Portland and Seattle chefs will battle for the $1,000 grand prize and the crown of “the meatiest celebration in the Northwest.”  Mt. Hood’s Resort at the Mountain hosts the 15th annual festival to sample the trendiest new meat: wild game. Rub shoulders with the leading Northwest restaurateurs. Taste contestants’ entries, sip wine, and shop at the ‘Artisan Marketplace’ at over 25 local food and drink booths. Doors open at 11:30 am. You will leave full and happy. Reserve tickets for $65 (21+).

12th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Tualatin, Oregon, October 17

This one’s for the kids. This Halloween season, take pumpkin love to a whole new level. Hosted on the Tualatin Lake of the Commons, (8325 SW Nyberg St., 10 am-4 pm, free admission), the 12th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is a boating experience you have to see to believe. Cheer on teams of boaters as they race in massive hollowed out squashes. Pumpkin decorating, face painting, 5K Run/walk, food vendors and hilarious costumes are inevitable.  If you’re interested in being a racer, you have until October 1st to sign up for the lottery, from which 20 people will be selected to row a provided pumpkin. Don’t rock the pumpkin.

Barn Dance

The Oregon Garden, October 24

If you’re sick of being a good hipster and coolly nodding your head at shows instead of breaking a sweat, then the Oregon Garden’s Barn Dance is for you. Learn how to line-dance, drink beer, and eat roast pig. A night of square dancing will make even the coolest hipster smile (21+). Prizes for the best western digs. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

“Spellbound” Scary Storytelling

Alberta Abbey, October 24

Get your fright on with storytellers from Portland Story Theater, spinning creepy, hackle-raising yarns all evening long. Discount tickets only $11 (21+). Show starts at 8 pm.

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses

Keller Auditorium, October 25

Nerd alert! This strange 90-piece symphony and choir will play music from Nintendo’s 90s classic, while game images are projected onto a giant screen. One night only. Tickets start at $44.

Photo courtesy of portland5.com