Fall is beginning to settle into Clark County, bringing cooler mornings, changing leaves, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season. September is one of our favorite times of year to explore the community, with farmers markets still in full swing, outdoor events on the calendar, and the first signs of fall showing up at local farms and throughout the landscape.
If you’re looking for things to do in Clark County this month, there’s plenty to choose from. We’ve rounded up a few of the season’s standout events happening from mid-September through early October, with something for families, outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone looking for a reason to get out and enjoy where they live.
September offers the best of the late summer harvest, and luckily there are still plenty of opportunities to visit farmers markets in Clark County before the season winds down.
The Vancouver Farmers Market continues its weekend markets downtown through 3pm on the weekends until October 31, with local produce, flowers, prepared foods and more surrounding Esther Short Park. It’s a great place to stop on a Saturday or Sunday to stock up on seasonal ingredients, or simply enjoy a morning downtown.
Meanwhile, the East Vancouver Market showcases over 50 small businesses offering a diverse range of farm, food, and artisan products at the Columbia Tech Center. Browse a selection of the best the area has to offer, each Thursday from 10am-2pm through the end of the month.
It’s also worth exploring the community farmers markets throughout the county, where you can typically find a range of regional, seasonal produce and locally made goods.
For a closer look at the September skies, check out the Vancouver Audubon Migratory Bird Celebration at the Water Resources Education Center.
This free, family-friendly celebration with Vancouver Audubon offers an opportunity to learn more about the birds that pass through Southwest Washington during migration and the habitats that support them. The day includes bird walks, games, crafts, beginner binocular workshops, nest box building, and opportunities to connect with local conservation organizations.
With the Columbia River and surrounding wetlands right outside, it’s a natural fit for anyone who enjoys birding, nature, or simply spending time outside. Nearby, the Columbia River Renaissance Trail makes it easy to turn a visit into a seasonal walk along the waterfront.
Get an early taste of fall at Alderbrook Park’s 14th Annual Oktoberfest. Set on 63 acres in Brush Prairie, Alderbrook Park offers plenty of space to make a day of it, with hiking trails, a private lake, lawns, and family-friendly recreation throughout the property.
The Oktoberfest celebration brings food, beverages, competitions, vendors, and more to the park as summer gives way to fall. With activities including pedal boats, mini golf, train rides, a petting zoo, and play areas, there’s plenty to explore before or after the festivities.
By the end of September, the first classic signs of fall are arriving at local farms. Bi-Zi Farms Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Festival begins its 2026 season on September 26, offering wagon rides, a corn maze, farm animals, pumpkin picking, and activities for kids.
The Pumpkin Patch opens September 26-27 and then will be in full swing from October 1-31, from 10am to 6pm each day aside from Mondays. For families, it’s hard to beat an afternoon of fall activities at the farm, especially as Halloween approaches.
This year, Bi-Zi will also be offering a nighttime corn maze on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 to 10 pm, beginning on September 26 and continuing through October.
The first weekend of October brings one of Vancouver’s favorite local traditions. The Old Apple Tree Festival takes place October 3 at Old Apple Tree Park, celebrating the oldest living apple tree in the Northwest.
This free, family-friendly event features children’s activities, food, live music, apple tastings, cider pressing, and walking tours of the historic orchard and surrounding Fort Vancouver sites. The annual festival is a great way to welcome October while celebrating a small but fascinating piece of local history!
By October 10, fall programming has hit its stride. ilani’s Oktoberfest Biergarten brings Bavarian-inspired food, German and craft beer, music, contests, and games to the ilani rooftop in Ridgefield.
The event offers two sessions on October 10, from noon to 3 pm, and 4 to 7 pm, for guests 21 and older with valid photo ID. (ilaniresort.com)
For a family-friendly alternative, Bi-Zi Farms continues its Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Festival throughout October, with wagon rides, pumpkins, a corn maze, and other farm activities.
One of the best things about living in Southwest Washington is all the ways you can enjoy the changing seasons without going far. A Saturday morning at the farmers market, a walk along the river, an afternoon at a local farm, or an evening at a community festival can all easily become part of your plans for September.
Whether you’re looking for Clark County events to fill your calendar or simply want to make the most of the season, it’s a great time to get outside, explore somewhere new, and enjoy the community around you.
There’s plenty more ways to explore the area in the months ahead as well, from fall festivities and outdoor activities in Clark County to cozying up in your home and finding new connections within your own neighborhood.