Our Monthly Picks Around Town: September 2026
September in the Portland metro is a sweet spot. The crowds thin out, the weather stays golden, and the event calendar stays packed. From Bavarian beer fests to dragon boat races, this month has something for everyone. Here's our roundup of the September events we think are worth clearing your schedule for.
ZOOTOBERFEST
September 11-12 | Oregon Zoo
This special fall gathering at the Oregon Zoo pairs the fun atmosphere of a Bavarian beer fest with the wildlife of the zoo, featuring the best breweries the Northwest has to offer, plus live music, food carts, and chats with zookeepers. It's a 21+ event, and every ticket purchased supports the zoo's wildlife conservation work.
CLINTON STREET FAIR
September 12th | SE Clinton Street from 25th-28th
One of SE Portland's most beloved neighborhood events takes over several blocks of Clinton Street with live music, local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities for the whole crew. It's a free, fun-filled day in one of Portland's most charming neighborhoods...don't miss it!
September 12th-13th | Tom McCall Waterfront Park
A beloved Portland tradition since 1989, this free festival celebrates the city's relationship with its sister city Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with colorful dragon boat races on the Willamette River, with teams of friends, coworkers, and more competing in thrilling sprints under the Hawthorne Bridge.
VANCOUVER WATERFRONT BLUEGRASS FEST
September 12th-13th | Vancouver Waterfront
This free, family-friendly festival brings a lineup of traditional pickers and contemporary string bands for a weekend of rhythms, harmonies, and world-class picking. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the crew, and enjoy some of the best bluegrass the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
MT. ANGEL OKTOBERFEST
September 17th-20th | Mt. Angel, Oregon
This annual Bavarian-inspired gathering brings world-class entertainment, German food and drink, arts and crafts, wiener dog races, street dances, and so much more. Whether you're raising a stein in the Biergarten or cheering on the Oktoberfest Olympics, this one is a tradition worth making time for.
NEGRONI WEEK
September 21st-27th | Multiple Portland Venues
For one week, bars and restaurants around the world mix classic Negronis and creative variations in support of the Slow Food movement's mission to foster a more equitable and sustainable food system. It's the perfect excuse to try a new spin on the iconic three-ingredient cocktail while giving back to a great cause.
More From Our Blog
Past Monthly Picks
September in the Portland metro is a sweet spot. The crowds thin out, the weather stays golden, and the event calendar stays packed. From Bavarian beer fests to dragon boat races, this month has something for everyone. Here's our roundup of the September events we think are worth clearing your schedule for.