October is marching on, friends! We’re getting deeper into the harvest season and closer to Halloween, so I hope you’re ready for some awesome autumn celebrations.

Oct 14-15

Meet and Greet with a NASA Astronaut at OMSI

This weekend closes out World Space Week at OMSI, and to mark the event, the museum will be hosting a real NASA Astronaut! Dr. Mike Barratt has worked for NASA since 1991, was the Flight Engineer for two space expeditions in 2009, and currently serves in the NASA International Space Station. Friday and Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. will be presentations and Q&A’s open to the general public, so come out to learn all about life in space! Free (registration required), omsi.edu

Oct 14-16

Hood River Valley Harvest Fest

Revel in the abundance of the Hood River harvest season at the Columbia River Gorge’s biggest fall celebration. Nestled in the Hood River Valley, there will be more than 125 vendors offering local produce and foods, arts and crafts, wine and beer, and many more lovely things! New this year is the Full Sail Brewing Entertainment Tent, hosting local musical acts throughout the festival. Drink sales from the tent will benefit The Arc of Mid-Columbia. It’s time for a good ol’ fashioned fall festival! Kids under 12 free. $3-6, hoodriver.org

Oct 15

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Whether you’re a northwest native or new to town, the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is not an event to be missed! Spectators from all over the United States and Canada gather at this award-winning event to ring in the fall season with ridiculous, costumed races in 1,000 lb. pumpkins across the Lake at Tualatin Commons. There will also be a pumpkin weigh-off, kids’ costume contest, pumpkin golf and bowling, clown and magic shows, hot, yummy foods, and more! Free, tualatinoregon.gov

Oct 15

Venetian Masquerade Ball

It’s time to dance the night away in pure Venetian style! Join Portland Revels for their first ever family-friendly masked ball. Get gussied up in your own costume or rent one from them (rental info on website). Masqueraders will learn several different dance styles, some of which are the same styles featured at the Christmas Revels, and then join the grand march. Kids 4 and under get in free. $7.50-16, portlandrevels.org

Oct 16

Sound in Motion: Portland Taiko presents TaikoProject

Grab a seat and be a part of Los Angeles-based TaikoProject’s Portland debut. TaikoProject blends the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with a contemporary sense of Asian-American identity, blending past, present and future with creativity and empowerment. TaikoProject has an impressive, award-winning track record, having performed alongside artists like Stevie Wonder, Usher, Alicia Keys and many more. They are the first American taiko group to win the prestigious Tokyo International Taiko Contest. Be there and feel your heart beat to the rhythm! $22-26, portlandtaiko.org