Happy Tuesday, everyone! 

Did you know August is my least favorite month? I think it’s a mix of bad memories and the active feeling of summer slipping away. The sun set at 8 p.m. and I was shocked - it sounds so melodramatic but it’s true! 

Despite the waning weather, September is a month I do look forward to; there’s so much wonderful autumn activities, food and events that make the transition into cooler weather a little easier. (Also… soup season!!) 

Cheers from the lakeside,

Em Chan

Fall is enroute, the evidence apparent by the sun setting earlier, leaves changing color and the return of rainfall. September is a packed month of events held outside, as the sun is (hopefully) less brutal. Events are listed in each category in date order. From outdoorsy activities to food and drink celebrations galore, there is something for everyone. 

One of my absolutely favorite festivals is Mt. Angel’s Oktoberfest, this year happening September 11-14. Tune in next week for the roundup of info, insights, and my recommendations for the German festival!

The 76th annual Salem Art Fair and Festival is also Sept. 12-14 in Bush’s Pasture Park. Artists from the Mid-Valley in disciplines including 2D and 3D mixed media, ceramics, glass, metalworks and more will have their work and wares out. There will also be entertainment for the main stage and children, plus community groups also tabling. As a fundraiser for the Salem Art Association, members have free entry while non-members can buy tickets online or in-person for one day or the entire weekend. A wonderful experience for those who love art or interested in getting involved. 

Some of the most fun in fall I’ve had are autumn festivals held in small towns. You can check out the Sublimitiy Harvest Fest (Sept. 5-7) and Bauman’s Harvest Festival in Gervais. The Sublimity Harvest Fest includes monster trucks, live entertainment, vendors of all kinds, pull events (trucks and other vehicles literally pulling things!) and more.

Bauman’s first event of September will be a one-day cider maze and sunflower Saturday, Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cider stations will be hidden inside the corn maze, plus u-cut sunflowers available for the special event. Check online for ticket pricing. The other harvest festival activities will be going on though the farm’s harvest fest kicks off Sept. 20 and goes into October.  

The annual Fall Kite Festival in Lincoln City will be held Sept. 19-21 at the D River State Recreation Site. There will be expert kite demonstrations, kite-making, performances, displays and more. 

The Outer Realms: Wanderfest is a whimsical queer-friendly art market being held at Bush Park on Sept. 27 from 3-10 p.m. The family-friendly event will include art, music, dancing and food vendors. This is the art market series’ first outdoor market. 

Up for some dancing fun? The Boot, Scoot and Brew will be on Sept. 6 at Riverfront Park Gerry Frank Ampitheatre. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m there will be live music, food and drinks, vendors, raffles, and dancing! There will be country music performed live for you to dance into the night. This is a family friendly event. 

Runners! The Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, 5k and Kids Race happening on Sept. 14 is still accepting participants! The course begins at Riverfront Park, and finishers get a special medal, plus a complimentary wine pour, glass of craft beer or cider. There will be music and food trucks to enjoy after the run. This is more of an advanced run as all participants must complete the event in under 4 hours and 30 minutes. Participants must register online prior to the race.

Wine lovers, maybe you’d like to participate in the 34th annual Oregon Grape Stomp Championship and Harvest Celebration out in Turner from Sept. 20 - 21? The annual event is held at the Willamette Valley Vineyards’ Estate in the Salem Hills. There will be wine tasting, live music, costume contest, special food menu and of course, grape stomping. There is a grape stomp competition for teams and a kids grape stomp. Check the site for admission fees for grape stomp participants and GA. 

If that’s a little too busy for you, the Hop and Heritage Festival out in Independence is also happening on Sept. 20. Did you know the small town was the historic hop capital of the world? This festival celebrates that history with beer tastings, vendors, live entertainment, kid zone and Beer Garden in the downtown area. There will also be a cornhole tournament for teams of two! 

Families with children may enjoy the 2nd annual Storybook Character Adventure on Sept. 26. It is a fundairser for the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the community, providing free books for children. Held at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum, bring your kids to explore the museum, listen to story times, and meet with storybook and Disney characters. 

Have an idea you’d like to see us cover in a future Tuesday send?

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