Fall fun can be as simple as jumping in a pile of leaves like my kids used to do.

One of the pluses of living in Lake Oswego is enjoying the seasons and with fall just around the calendar, I’ve put together a lineup of some nearby fall-worthy events you might want to put on your calendar.

September 1-October. The Portland Maize on Sauvie Island. Follow two miles of twists and turns (and dead ends) over eight acres of corn fields while you try to find your way out of this popular maize. While no maps are provided, trivia cards are provided to help you maneuver your way around. The estimated time to finish is between 30-40 minutes—see where you fall in that average range. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily through September. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October. Cost: $6/adults 13+; $4.99/youth 6-12; $4.99/seniors. 16511 NW Gillihan Road, Portland on Sauvie Island. 503.621.7110.

September 13-16 (Mt. Angel Oktoberfest) September 21-23 (Oaks Park Oktoberfest). These are two of the bigger Oktoberfest celebrations held in the area. Both feature oompah bands, Bavarian dancing, wiener dog races and of course, the biergartens. Check their websites for fees and hours.  (Mt. Angel)  (Oaks Park).

October 6. Lake Oswego Wine Walk. This popular annual event lets you see art, hear music and taste wine while visiting local merchants in Lake Oswego. Read my previous posts for more information. Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost: $40/person. Check-in at the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce to receive your wine glass and yoke at 459 Third Street. 503.636.3634.

October 12-14. Hood River Valley Harvest Fest. Celebrate the region’s bounty by loading up on Hood River favorites like pears and apples and sampling local beer, wine and cider. With over 120 vendors to choose from, you’ll find lots to bring home, including some holiday gifts thanks to local artisans. Kids will find lots to entertain them in the kids’ activity area and if you’re 15 or older you can enter the pie-eating contest on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Hours: Friday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cost: $6/adults; $3/seniors on Friday, $5/seniors Saturday and Sunday; Kids 12 and under free. Hood River Event site just north of Exit 63 off Interstate 84. 541.386.2000.

October 12-14 and 19-21. Portland Nursery Apple Tasting. Stay close to home and sample close to 60 different varieties of apples and pears. Other traditional fall activities round out the occasion including a fresh-pressed cider demonstration and tasting, live music, scarecrow contest, apple strudel, live music and kids’ activities. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 5050 SE Stark. 503.231.5050.

October 13. Horse Drawn Wagon Rides at Last Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market. It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to Lake Oswego’s Farmers’ Market but a good old-fashioned hayride could soften the blow. Reservations are required for the rides on the hour; first come first served seats are available for rides on the half hour. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (last ride at 12:30). Cost: $8/aduls; $5/youth 0-12. Millennium Plaza Park, 200 1^st Street, 503.675.2549.

October 20. West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Enjoy all things pumpkin including wacky races by costumed characters paddling 1,000 pound pumpkins across the Tualatin Lake of the Commons. Other festivities include a pumpkin weigh-off, pie-eating contest, kids’ costume contest, pumpkin golf and bowling and clown show. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:000 p.m. Free. 8325 SW Nyberg Road, Tualatin. 503.691.3076.

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