There is a fire in the fireplace, the fuzzy socks have been moved from the back of the dresser drawer and the raincoats have been dusted off for the season ahead. There is a lot going on this weekend in the Portland area, but there are so many apple festivals that we couldn’t narrow it down to just one or two. Move over, pumpkin spice. It’s apple time! Here is a list of some of the places our families will be tasting the best of the season this weekend:

All Weekend

Hood River Harvest Fest

Presented by Pacific Power and produced by the Hood River County Chamber, this old-fashioned fall festival brings together more than 125 vendors offering local produce and food products, plus arts and crafts, wine, cider and beer tastings. Held along the scenic Hood River waterfront, this is the Columbia River Gorge’s biggest celebration of the region’s incredible fall bounty. Youngsters will love the kids’ activity area, complete with bouncy houses, face painting and other activities. They can also watch world-record giant pumpkin carver Scott Cully craft detailed designs into a 600-pound pumpkin. All festival-goers ages 15 and up are invited to take part in the popular pie eating contests on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. Hood River Event Site; Adults $6 Daily, Seniors $3 on Friday/$5 Sat & Sun, Active Military $3 on Friday/$5 Sat & Sun, Kids under 12 are free. Friday 1-6, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5. nwkidsmagazine.com/events

Gourmet Apple Tasting at Portland Nursery

You actually get two full weekends to hit up the apple goodness at Portland Nursery! Taste 50 different PNW grown apples & buy your favorites for just 99 cents per pound at the 30th annual celebration. Live music, fun kids’ stuff & applicious treats are part of the fun!
Note: Friday activities are different each weekend.
10/13 – Opening Day! Streudel, tasting, cider press, kid tent is open (pumpkin painting is happening).
10/20 – School Field Trip Day! Kid’s tent is closed, but there are scheduled activities for kids. Puppets 9-11, Juggler 11-1. The event is still open to the public.
The festival is in full celebration mode on Saturdays and Sundays. Live music, community vendors, tasting, streudel, kids’ tent, scarecrow contest, cider press demos, free popcorn, hard cider tasting. Portland Nursery (5050 SE Stark St), Oct 13-15 and 20-22 from 10am-5pm. Free, nwkidsmagazine.com/events

Oct 14

Heirloom Apple Festival at Smith Berry Barn

Head out to Washington County for this 24th Annual Heirloom Apple Festival to celebrate everything apple (and pear…and pumpkin)!! They will be grilling up chicken apple sausages & onions along with delicious home-made apple pie, pumpkin cookies, caramel apples, hot apple cider and more. Plus, there will be alpacas and live music from Woodlander from 1-3pm! Smith Berry Barn, 12-4pm. Free entry, nwkidsmagazine.com/events

AppleFest at Oregon Heritage Farms

This fall festival will feature hay rides, apple slingshot, pumpkins, and a concessions stand benefitting Hilhi’s baseball and softball teams. With music by Get Rhythm and a balloon artist and face painting, there is plenty to keep your little ones entertained. And did somebody say “fresh apple cider donuts and apple slushies”? Oregon Heritage Farms, 10-5. Free entry, nwkidsmagazine.com/events

Oct 15

Cedar Mill Cider Festival

This annual fall celebration is all about fun, food, history and community! Bring the family for free fresh cider, lunch, music, crafts and history. Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation Department provides kid-friendly activities while you shop and visit community partner info booths. JQA Young House grounds, 1-4pm. Free entry, nwkidsmagazine.com/events