It is a great time to visit Hood River, as the colors turn to red, yellow, and orange, and the summer crowds die down there is still plenty to do with fresh apples ripening along the fruit loop and a lineup of autumn festivals to celebrate the season. Both the popular Hood River Hops Fest and the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest are gearing up to spread some autumnal joy throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The festivities kick off with the 19th annual Hood River Hops Fest on Saturday, Oct. 7, when beer lovers raise a glass to the return of fresh hop season. The festivities don't stop there, as the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest returns Oct. 13-15 to celebrate the abundant fall harvests. With more than 70 vendors displaying local produce, handcrafted arts and crafts, and a diverse range of wine, cider, and beer tastings, Harvest Fest encompasses the very best that Hood River has to offer. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Hood River waterfront, visitors can immerse themselves in the scenic beauty while enjoying the bounties of the season.

“Fall in the Hood River Valley is one of the most magical times of the year, and Hops Fest and Harvest Fest provide the exclamation point on a season full of events, experiences, and activities after the summer crowds have departed and before the snow starts falling in the mountains,” says Katie Kadlub, CEO for Visit Hood River. “Vibrant fall colors, majestic waterfalls, and a quieter time of year, combined with signature events that showcase the beer and agriculture that Hood River is famous for, are the recipe for an ideal getaway.”

Oregon’s largest single day fresh hop event, the Hood River Hops Fest is right around the corner on October 7, 2023. The festival has grown to encompass the conveniently located downtown Hood River Columbia Lot near Double Mountain Brewery and Full Sail Brewing, and boasts over 70 beers and ciders, primarily fresh hops from the pacific northwest. There is plenty to do outside of the beer too, with a full craft/arts marketplace featuring 10 vendors showcasing jewelery, watercolor artists, artisan soap, ceramics, and more. Another 10 food providers will be on-site with everything from sushi, to tacos, corndogs, bbq, crepes, coffee, and Chinese dumplings. Let’s not forget music, 4 different bands will fill the venue with sounds from 1130am to 7pm.

The Gorge Translink is encouraging festival attendees to leave the driving hassles behind and consider taking public transportation to and from the event.  The Columbia Gorge Express shuttle offers an easy and affordable way to travel from Gateway station in Portland to the shuttle stop just one block away from the popular event in downtown Hood River.  As a special offer, festival attendees who arrive car-free will receive one free drink token to be used at the Hops Fest.  

The Gorge Pass is an annual pass that allows riders to travel to or from the Portland/Vancouver and all around the Gorge.  For only $40 per adult for year-long use ($20 for youth under 17), the GOrge Pass can be downloaded onto your smartphone via the Token Transit app or purchased as a physical pass that fits in your wallet.  Go to www.gorgepass.com for how to buy.  

From the Portland/Vancouver area, riders can catch the Columbia Gorge Express from the Gateway station. They can then enjoy dramatic fall views up the Gorge, arriving in Hood River in just over an hour. Once there, they will immediately transfer to the local Hood River Connect, which drops them at 4th and Columbia – just one block away from the Hops Fest. 

Hops Fest is a celebration not to be missed. All the essential details, including musical performances, ticket information, and more, can be found at hoodriverhopsfest.com.

The following weekend, from Oct. 13-15, the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest offers a cornucopia of autumn delights, from decorative gourds and pumpkins to freshly baked goods and freshly picked fruits. A tradition that's been upheld for 41 years, it’s a magnet for those who cherish the hues and flavors of fall; information and ticket information can be found at hoodriverharvestfestival.com.

For more information on Hood River or to book a stay at one of Hood River’s lodging options, visit https://visithoodriver.com/stay.

About Visit Hood River:

Located at the crossroads of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the magnificent Cascade Range and just an hour from Portland, Hood River offers outdoor recreation, dramatic vistas, historic landmarks, bountiful fruit, and fantastic food, wine, beer, and cider. With accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to historic B&Bs, Hood River is a four-season destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, weddings, corporate events, and more. It was named a Best Adventure and Explorations Town by the 2023 Sunset Travel Awards and Nature Lovers Destination in the 2022 Sunset Travel Awards, a Top 10 Wine Destination for 2017 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and 2015 Best Adventure Town in the West by Sunset magazine. Visit Hood River supports economic development, community development, and destination marketing for Hood River, Cascade Locks, Mosier, Odell, Parkdale, Pine Grove, and Mount Hood. For more information, call 800-366-3530 or visit www.visithoodriver.com.