Music
Chrysanthemum Festival
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
A joyful community sing-along led by Portland’s own Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini, with many of Portland’s finest musical artists and chorale singers. Portland’s Tree Lighting Ceremony is the highlight of the holiday season in downtown. Join in this holiday tradition as Santa Claus ‘flips the switch’ to illuminate nearly 10,000 colorful lights on the City’s Tree that will shine bright throughout the holiday season.
Multi-day events
BrewLights
Portland Saturday Market
Excursions & Trips
Please note that departure times are subject to change; final trip times are approximate and will be confirmed closer to the event.
Aurora Colony DaysStep back in time at Aurora Colony Days, a beloved heritage festival celebrating the history and traditions of this charming historic town. Your visit includes:
- Browsing an open-air market filled with antiques, crafts, and artisan goods.
- Living history demonstrations highlighting the colony’s past.
- Classic car displays and vintage vehicles.
- Live music, local food vendors, and a lively festival atmosphere.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sat 8/8
Price: Res $51 / Non-Res $77
Registration Website: https://www.auroracolony.org
Spend the day at Seaside, a classic Oregon Coast town with a lively promenade, sandy beaches, and a variety of shops and eateries. Take in ocean views, explore local shops, and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
Highlights of this outing include:
- Walking along the Seaside Promenade and beach.
- Browsing local shops, boutiques, and souvenir stores.
- Enjoying the classic seaside town atmosphere with cafés and oceanfront views.
- Lunch will be on your own and paid individually; we will not be dining as an organized group.
Date / Time: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Thu 8/13
Price: Res $37 / Non-Res $56
Registration Website: https://www.seasideor.com
Reconnect with nature and experience the calming presence of horses during this unique retreat focused on communication and trust-building. The day includes:
- Hands-on activities designed to build confidence and connection with horses.
- Guided interactions with gentle horses in a peaceful outdoor sanctuary.
- Learning about horse behavior, communication, and emotional awareness.
- A relaxing group picnic surrounded by open skies and natural beauty.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Thu 8/27
Price: Res $94 / Non-Res $142
Registration Website: https://oregonhorsemanship.com/
Enjoy a lively day exploring the Camas Vintage & Art Faire, where historic downtown streets transform into a vibrant outdoor marketplace. Highlights include:
- Browsing unique vintage treasures, antiques, and handmade artworks.
- Meeting talented local artists and craft makers.
- Live music performances throughout the festival.
- Local food vendors and the welcoming charm of downtown Camas.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sat 8/29
Price: Res $52 / Non-Res $79
Registration Website: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire/
Get a behind-the-scenes look at artisan cheese making and spirit distilling at TMK Creamery. This day trip includes:
- A hands-on cow milking experience and an opportunity to meet the dairy cows.
- Learning how farmstead cheeses and unique craft spirits are created.
- Sampling delicious cheeses and spirits directly at the source.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Tue 9/8 (Tour #34866)
Price: Res $107 / Non-Res $160
Registration Website: Register Online
Celebrate Indigenous culture at the annual NAYA Neerchokikoo Powwow. This cultural excursion includes:
- Immersing yourself in traditional dance and witnessing spectacular ceremonial regalia.
- Listening to powerful, historic drum groups.
- Supporting Native communities by shopping local Native vendors.
Date / Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat 9/12 (Tour #34867)
Price: Res $59 / Non-Res $88
Registration Website: Register Online
Explore Elk Rock Garden, a breathtaking hillside estate overlooking the Willamette River. This scenic tour includes:
- Strolling peaceful, winding pathways to discover rare international plants.
- Viewing rocky cascades and beautifully curated garden landscapes.
- Taking in stunning autumn views of the river and Mount Hood.
Date / Time: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Tue 9/15 (Tour #34868)
Price: Res $47 / Non-Res $70
Registration Website: Register Online
Join the old-school fun at St. Josef's annual Grape Stomping festival. This festive outing includes:
- Jumping into giant wood barrels to experience crushing grapes by foot.
- Enjoying live music and a lively harvest festival atmosphere.
- Relaxing on the scenic patio to toast to the new vintage.
Date / Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 9/26 (Tour #34869)
Price: Res $77 / Non-Res $115
Registration Website: Register Online
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Portland Craft Chocolate Festival. This tasty escape includes:
- Meeting artisan chocolatiers and learning about their craft.
- Sampling premium small-batch chocolate creations.
- Shopping local treats while discovering the fascinating journey from bean to bar.
Date / Time: 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Sat 10/3 (Tour #34870)
Price: Res $94 / Non-Res $144
Registration Website: Register Online
Join the community celebration at Clackamas Community College honoring Indigenous Peoples Day. This gathering includes:
- Experiencing moving traditional performances and song.
- Hearing insightful guest speakers share history and legacy.
- Viewing cultural exhibits during an inspiring day of community unity.
Date / Time: 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10/10 (Tour #34871)
Price: Res $53 / Non-Res $88
Registration Website: Register Online
Enjoy a private tour of Frog Pond Farm in Wilsonville. This autumn farm outing includes:
- Getting up close to feed and interact with resident llamas, goats, pigs, and chicks.
- Experiencing a crisp day filled with classic, nostalgic farm fun.
- Enjoying gorgeous farm backgrounds perfect for fall photo ops.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Thu 10/15 (Tour #34872)
Price: Res $77 / Non-Res $96
Registration Website: Register Online
Board a historic locomotive in Garibaldi for a gorgeous autumn rail journey. This trip includes:
- Winding along scenic Tillamook Bay and the Nehalem River.
- Taking in vibrant autumn foliage from the comfort of a historic train.
- Dedicated free time to explore the coastal surroundings and grab lunch.
Date / Time: 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat 10/24 (Tour #34873)
Price: Res $113 / Non-Res $141
Registration Website: Register Online
Go behind the scenes at the Oregon Humane Society Portland campus. This educational tour includes:
- A walkthrough of the state-of-the-art animal care facility.
- Learning about innovative behavioral rehabilitation programs.
- Discovering the profound dedication and work behind life-saving animal rescues.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Tue 11/10 (Tour #34874)
Price: Res $69 / Non-Res $86
Registration Website: Register Online
Go behind the scenes at the Gamblin Artists Colors factory to see how premium oil paints are crafted in Portland. This unique tour includes:
- Observing the traditional manufacturing and milling process up close.
- Learning the fascinating science behind color making.
- Discovering what makes these materials a favorite for global artists.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Wed 11/18 (Tour #34875)
Price: Res $52 / Non-Res $86
Registration Website: Register Online
Discover the art of traditional basketry during an interactive workshop. This hands-on experience includes:
- Guided instruction with the expert educators at Trackers Portland.
- Learning how to source, manipulate, and work with natural organic materials.
- Creating and taking home your very own hand-crafted basket.
Date / Time: 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Tue 11/17 (Tour #34876)
Price: Res $97 / Non-Res $146
Registration Website: Register Online
Enjoy a guided tour of the world-class gem, mineral, and fossil collection at the historic Rice Museum. This trip includes:
- Exploring unique geological exhibits and viewing rare extraterrestrial meteorites.
- Seeing the famous, world-renowned Alma Rose rhodochrosite.
- Learning about the history and preservation of historic Northwest treasures.
Date / Time: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Fri 11/20 (Tour #34877)
Price: Res $73 / Non-Res $109
Registration Website: Register Online
Experience winter magic during the Christmas Festival of Lights at The Grotto. This evening holiday outing includes:
- Walking beautifully illuminated forest pathways.
- Enjoying incredible live choral performances inside the world-renowned chapel.
- Gathering around outdoor fire pits to share seasonal warmth and camaraderie.
Date / Time: 3 p.m.–9 p.m., Tue 12/1 (Tour #34878)
Price: Res $82 / Non-Res $123
Registration Website: Register Online
Stroll through a traditional German-style holiday market nestled inside the Oregon Garden. This festive trip includes:
- Savoring the sight of millions of twinkling, intricate light displays.
- Sipping authentic warm beverages to stay cozy.
- Exploring classic vendor booths filled with unique handmade gifts.
Date / Time: 3:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., Sat 12/19 (Tour #34879)
Price: Res $98 / Non-Res $148
Registration Website: Register Online
Experience ultimate holiday magic at the iconic Pittock Mansion during its Christmas celebration. This final seasonal trip includes:
- Viewing spectacular, professionally styled seasonal displays inside the historic chateau.
- Learning about the history of early Portland high society.
- Taking in unparalleled, panoramic winter views of the city below.
Date / Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Tue 12/22 (Tour #34880)
Price: Res $73 / Non-Res $109
Registration Website: Register Online
Take a look at the wonderful day trips we've enjoyed earlier this year! These programs are currently concluded.
- Otter Wildlife Tour (3/11): A behind-the-scenes trip to the Oregon Zoo's Steller Cove to meet the otter care team and explore marine conservation.
- Wolf Haven Sanctuary (3/26): A guided walk through an internationally recognized refuge to observe rescued wolves and study prairie restoration.
- Portland Bridge Tour (4/9 & 4/16): An engineering and cultural history tour of Portland's iconic river crossings, inspired by the LO Reads book Tilt.
- Secret Lives of Bees (4/30): An immersive apiary and pollinator garden walk with local beekeepers, complete with a specialty honey tasting.
- Live Jazz at The Benson (5/13): An elegant, cultured evening enjoying live music from local jazz artists paired with dinner at a historic hotel.
- Magic in the Mountains Event (5/30): A premium wine country outing at The Allison Inn & Spa, featuring tastings from 35+ regional wineries.
- Berry Picking & Picnic (6/11): A relaxed farm-to-table trip harvesting fresh seasonal fruit with a group picnic at South Barlow Berry Farm.
- The Covered Bridges of Lane County (6/25): A scenic historic drive through the Oregon countryside to marvel at century-old timber bridges.
- Western Antique Airplane & Automobile Museum (7/11): A trip to Hood River for a vintage transportation car show and massive historic aircraft collection.
- Villa Catalana Cellars (7/14): A unique Mediterranean-inspired botanical garden tour mixed with a private vineyard wine tasting.
- Oregon Coast – Cannon Beach (7/23): A free-guided day of beach walking by Haystack Rock and exploring art boutiques and local eateries.