Things to Do in Lake Oswego in November

November brings plenty of ways to enjoy Lake Oswego, from local art and live music to community gatherings, library programs and the start of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a little creative inspiration or a festive way to kick off the holidays, there’s something on the calendar for you.

Here are some November events to add to your calendar!

November 1–30: Explore Two Local Art Exhibits

Tiny Art Show at the Lake Oswego Public Library

The Lake Oswego Public Library’s fifth annual Tiny Art Show returns November 1–30, featuring miniature masterpieces created by library patrons on 3-by-3-inch canvases. Stop by the second floor during library hours to see the creative results of this community art project. Bookmarks featuring submitted artwork will also be available during the second half of the month.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street

Stairwell Gallery: Enter Enchanted Worlds—The Magical Art of Sara Star

Throughout November, visitors can also explore Sara Star’s magical artwork in the Library Stairwell Gallery. Stop by to discover an imaginative collection celebrating enchanted worlds and artistic expression.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Sunday, November 1: Pet-a-Palooza at the Lake Grove Farmers’ Market

Bring your four-legged friends for Pet-a-Palooza, a pet-themed market featuring a costume contest, pet portraits and vendors offering treats and gear for furry companions. You’ll also find fresh produce, local makers and tasty food. It’s a fun way to spend time with your pets while supporting local businesses.

Time: 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Location: Hallmark Drive


Sunday, November 1: Great Pumpkin Toss

Wondering what you should do with your Halloween pumpkin? How about tossing it off a fire station training tower? Bring your carved or uncarved pumpkin to Westlake Park for this free, family-friendly event hosted by the Lake Oswego Fire Department, with participation from Lake Oswego Police and the Library. Participants can climb the tower and drop their pumpkins toward a target below.

The event also supports Hunger Fighters Oregon, a local food pantry. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations, particularly Thanksgiving and holiday ingredients.

Time: 2–5 p.m.

Location: Westlake Fire Station, 14165 Bunick Drive


Monday, November 2: Mindful Artist Series

Looking for a creative way to slow down and recharge? Join local teaching artist Elizabeth Higgins for weekly workshops focused on creative expression, mindfulness and supportive community connection.

Collage & Connect, a four-week series exploring paper collage, color, texture and intuitive creativity.

Designed for all skill levels, these workshops emphasize creative expression and connection rather than perfection. Participants can experiment with found papers and layered designs in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Time: The November sessions run Mondays, November 2, 9, 16 and 23, from 1–3 p.m. Tuition is $79 for residents and $119 for nonresidents, with materials included. Register online for #34837.

Location: Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G Avenue


Tuesday, November 3: Election Day

Don’t forget to vote! If you haven’t mailed your ballot, Lake Oswego offers ballot drop boxes at City Hall and Westlake Park. Get your ballots in by 8:00 p.m.

  • City Hall: 380 A Avenue, upper parking lot near the main entrance
  • Westlake Park: 14165 Bunick Drive, south of the covered park area

Tuesday, November 3: Two Library Programs

Pony Bead String Lights for Tweens

Fifth- through eighth-graders can create a colorful, glowing garland using pony beads and battery-powered LED lights. The finished 4.5-foot decoration can brighten up a bedroom or make a fun gift.

Time: 5–6 p.m.

Cost: Free; registration required: 503-697-6580. Space is limited to 10 participants.

Native Flutes with Tommy Graven

Enjoy an evening of music with Tommy Graven as part of the Library’s First Tuesday Music series. The program offers in-person seating on a first-come, first-served basis, with a livestream available for those who prefer to listen from home.

Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Wednesday, November 4: Library Building Tour

Curious about the future of Lake Oswego’s public library? Take a tour of the existing building and learn about the challenges shaping the City’s long-range planning process.

The library is facing significant seismic, water intrusion, building-system and accessibility issues. The tour offers an opportunity to see the facility firsthand and better understand the discussion about future library needs.

Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m. Other dates and times are available. Sign up online.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Wednesday, November 4: Rezoning for Housing Open House

Lake Oswego is studying how rezoning certain mixed-use and nonresidential areas could create more capacity for housing. The City’s housing needs analysis anticipates a need for approximately 4,850 additional homes over the next 20 years.

Attend this public workshop to learn about the project, hear how potential areas for further study will be identified, and share your thoughts on how Lake Oswego should accommodate future housing needs.

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: City Maintenance Center, 17601 Pilkington Road


Thursday, November 5: Brian Doyle Celebration and Book Release

Celebrate the life and work of beloved Lake Oswego author Brian Doyle at a special presentation of Wonder Is a Lovely Place to Be: 365 Days of Wit, Wisdom, and Irrepressible Imagination, a collection of essays, poems and sketches by Brian Doyle and Mary Miller Doyle.

Mary Miller Doyle and John and Cindy McPhee will read selections from the book, while retired Lake Oswego Public Library director Bill Baars hosts the program. Apple and marionberry pie—two of Brian’s favorite flavors—will be served.

Participation is free, and no registration is required. Seating is limited, and a livestream will be available.

Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Friday, November 6: Brian Doyle Day

November 6 marks the birthday of Brian Doyle, the celebrated novelist and essayist who was a longtime Lake Oswego resident and enthusiastic supporter of the public library.

Stop by the library to remember Doyle, share a thought inspired by his writing and pick up a Brian Doyle bookmark. It’s also a chance to reflect on his memorable message: “Be tender and laugh.”

Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Friday, November 6 – December 20: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Enjoy this classic holiday musical live on stage at the Lakewood Center.

Time: Wednesdays, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday 2:00 p.m. matinees on November 21 and December 5; Wine (or Whiskey) on Wednesdays on December 2 and 16. Tickets are $56/Adults; $30 Youth under 25.  Purchase online.

Location: Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street


Sunday, November 8: Celebrate Diwali with Classical Indian Dance

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with a special performance by Beaverton’s Nartana School of Kuchipudi Dance.

Kuchipudi is one of India’s eight classical dance forms, known for its lively tempo, expressive movements and intricate footwork. The performance honors Diwali, a major South Asian festival associated with light overcoming darkness and good overcoming evil.

Admission is free, and no tickets are required.

Time: 2–2:45 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Sunday, November 8: My Father’s War Stories: Tales & Tunes from the Greatest Generation

Award-winning actress and singer Joan Freed brings to life the remarkable wartime journey of her father, First Lieutenant Mitchell Gould, who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Through his letters, personal stories, and music of the 1940s, Freed offers a moving portrait of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Her performance highlights the humor and humanity that helped soldiers endure the hardships of war, with songs such as Irving Berlin’s “This Is the Army, Mr. Jones” adding warmth and nostalgia.Discover the fascinating history of the Lake Oswego Hunt Club during this installment of the Oswego Heritage Council’s Pints from the Past series.

Tickets available online. $40 reserved seating.

Time: Dessert reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by performance at 7:30 p.m.

Location: Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street


Tuesday, November 10: Pints from the Past—History of the Lake Oswego Hunt Club

Presented by Kathryn Sinor, Horsin’ Around: History of the Lake Oswego Hunt Club explores how a group of local horseback riders evolved into a longstanding community institution. Learn how the club, real estate developer Paul Murphy and generations of riders and horses became part of Lake Oswego’s story.

Admission is free, and registration is not required. Seating is limited, with a livestream available.

Time: 6–7 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Friday, November 13: Live Well Dance

Love big-band music? Head to Christ Church Parish for an evening of dancing with the Millennium Dance Band, performing music inspired by the big bands of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, along with classic ballroom favorites.

All ages are welcome. Guests 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Time: 7–9 p.m.

Cost: $7 per person at the door

Location: Christ Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road


Saturday, November 14: Lakewood in City Lights

Enjoy an evening of live performances, dinner and live auction to support arts education at the Lakewood Center. Ticket information online.

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Ironlight, 525 Third Street


Sunday, November 15: Creating Enchanted Worlds with Sara Star

Meet artist Sara Star at this special artist’s talk connected to her Stairwell Gallery exhibit, Enter Enchanted Worlds—The Magical Art of Sara Star. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the artist and the inspiration behind her imaginative work.

Time: 2–3 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Saturday, November 21: Reunion Farmers’ Market

Just in time for Thanksgiving, some favorite Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market vendors return for a special fall market at Millennium Plaza Park.

Shop for fresh local produce and seasonal ingredients, including pumpkins, sweet potatoes and mushrooms. You’ll also find local artisans, live music and inspiration for your holiday table.

It’s a lovely opportunity to stock up for Thanksgiving while supporting local farms and makers.

Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Location: Millennium Plaza Park


Saturday, November 21: Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

Slow down and savor the sights and sounds of the harvest season with an old-fashioned horse drawn wagon ride through downtown Lake Oswego. All reserved tickets for rides on the hour have been taken. First come, first serve tickets available for purchase onsite on the half hour. $15 adults; $10 youth (ages 0-12).

Time: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 .

Location: Millennium Plaza Park 200 First Street


Saturday, November 21: Bling Your Thing for Teens

Teens in grades 9–12 can add some sparkle to everyday belongings at this creative library program. Bring a small or medium-sized item—such as a phone case, water bottle, hairbrush or pencil case—and decorate it with rhinestones.

The program is free, but registration is required. Space is limited to 10 participants.

Time: 2–4 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


Friday, November 27: 62nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Festival

Kick off the holiday season at one of Lake Oswego’s favorite community traditions!

The City’s 62nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Festival brings an afternoon of festive activities, live entertainment and holiday cheer. Browse the Holiday Marketplace for local food, artists, makers and seasonal gifts. Other highlights include photos with Santa, reindeer from Timberview Farm, Winery Row, letters to Santa with the Lake Oswego Police Department, and performances by local high school show choirs and the Millennium Concert Band.

The highlight of the evening is the Millennium Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

Gather your family and friends and join the community to welcome the holiday season.

Time: 3–7 p.m.

Location: Millennium Plaza, 200 1st Street


Sunday, November 29: Learn to Wrap with Furoshiki

Make your holiday gift-giving a little more sustainable with the Japanese art of furoshiki, the traditional cloth used to wrap and carry items.

In this free library workshop, librarian Alicia Yokoyama introduces participants to techniques demonstrated by gift-wrapping expert Megumi Inouye. Learn how to wrap items such as tins and bottles beautifully using reusable fabric rather than disposable paper.

All materials are provided, but registration is required. Space is limited to 10 participants.

Time: 2–3 p.m.

Location: Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street


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Kevin Costello kevin.costello@cascadehasson.comn 503.939.9801

Riley Costello riley.costello@cascadehasson.com 971.322.6205

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About lovelakeoswego

I feel pretty lucky—I live where I work and I love where I live. As an added bonus, I get to work with my daughter, Riley. As Realtors in Lake Oswego, we get to share that enthusiasm with clients every day. Through this blog, with the help of my freelance writer wife, Genita, we’d like to share that enthusiasm with you. The quality of life you’ll find in Lake Oswego belies its size—there is so much to experience here from a fireworks show over the lake on the 4th of July to the Festival of the Arts--one of the premier arts events in the region. So please check in each week for another reason why we love Lake Oswego and who knows—maybe you’ll fall in love too! If you’re interested in experiencing Lake Oswego personally, please feel free to contact us either on Kevin's cell at (503) 939-9801, Riley's cell at (971) 322.6205, via email at kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com or riley.costello@cascadehasson.com or check our website by clicking the link in the "Contact me" section in the right-hand column. I would love to show you around.
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