Hello, weekend!  Are you ready for the holiday season?  The holiday season is officially underway, and while some of us aren’t quite ready, Portland is!  Check out these fun activities to do this weekend.

Stimson Lumber Tree Arrival – November 9th

Technically this event occurs a little before the weekend starts, but it was too good of a feature to skip.  If you’re in town, go to Pioneer Square to kick off the holiday season.  The event will take place downtown and celebrate the Stimson Lumber Tree Arrival. Festivities include several performances, free hot chocolate, and more!  You’ll be able to spot this tree every single day for the rest of 2017.

Haunted Pub Tour – November 9th – 12th

Just in case you feel like you missed out on the Halloween festivities earlier this year, you still have a chance to enjoy a haunted pub tour.  In addition to the paranormal, this tour will uncover Old Town’s wicked past. While there’s plenty of nightlife and restaurants available to enjoy now, Old Town used to be home to many of Portland’s law breakers and opium fiends. In the 1800’s, locals even avoided this area to avoid kidnapping. If you feel like you’re up for a spooky adventure, grab a ticket and enjoy pub fun (responsibly) all weekend long.

Holiday Food & Gift Festival – November 10th – 12th

Do you like to complete holiday shopping early in the season?  If so, the 27th Annual Holiday Food & Gift Festival  at the Oregon Convention Center is the perfect event for you. You’ll find one of a kind homemade gifts featuring art, toys, decor, and more.  Plus, there will be a large gourmet food area where you can sample and purchase plenty of food items.

Portland’s Veteran’s Day Parade – November 11th

It is Portland’s only nationally-recognized Veterans Day Parade, and a great way to honor those who have served in the military. Everyone is welcome to attend, participate, and volunteer.  If you would like to enjoy the festivities on Saturday at 9:30 am, head to the beginning of the parade at Northeast 40th Avenue and Northeast Hancock Street or set up a chair along the route as they travel east on Northeast Sandy Boulevard to Northeast 48th.

Wordstock: Portland’s Book Festival – November 11th

Literary Arts is happy to present Wordstock: Portland’s Book Festival on Saturday from 9am – 6pm. The festival features author events, writing workshops, a book fair and pop up events. While Wordstock’s Festival is taking place at the Portland Art Museum, there will be several other events around town to celebrate the occasion.  If you love to read and want to enjoy readings from various authors, take your inner bookworm for a stroll around Portland for the entire day.