What To Do in Portland in October 2025

The rain has started, and there may be other troubles in our city. But October also has plenty of fun, some tasty treats, and an educational opportunity to recommend it:

🤓 Learn Something New

PUGS — Portland Underground Graduate School — has relaunched this year. Their old building was sold, but they have found new venues. It’s a chance to learn something new at a reasonable price (discounted based on income too). The fall offerings include:

• Tree Allyship
• Rewilding 101
• Finding The Great Work of Your Life
• Financial Freedom 1

🎬 Tis The Season To Enjoy a Scare

Portland’s local independent movie theaters are screening some new and classic films for the Halloween season. Here are a few standouts:

• Oct. 2:
  • Toxic Avenger | Clinton Street Theater
• Oct. 4:
  • Deafula (Q&A with producer) | Hollywood Theatre
  • Rosemary's Baby | PAM Cut’s Tomorrow Theater
• Oct. 5:
  • Elvira: Mistress of the Dark | Clinton Street Theater
• Oct. 11:
  • Suspiria (2018) and Suspiria (1977) (double feature) | PAM Cut’s Tomorrow Theater
• Oct. 31:
  • Hausu (House) | PAM Cut’s Tomorrow Theater
  • The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the Clinton Street Cabaret | Clinton Street Theater
  • The Ring | Hollywood Theatre

🍲 Comfort Yourself and Warm Up With Tasty Soups

Portland has many tasty soup options for a rainy October day. Here are some places to try (or return to) this season:

• Pho from Pho Oregon or Pho Hung
• Chowder at Ox
• Vietnamese soup at Ha VL or Rose VL
• Beef noodle soup at Wei Wei
• Tomato čorba at Alma

📲 Do you have a favorite soup recipe or a favorite spot to get soups? Please email us.

🍁 Other Tips and Good Times:

• Reminder: It’s time to get a flu and COVID shot.
• Fall foliage alert: Fall leaves reach their peak in mid-October. Check our guide to fall hikes for some ideas of where to go.