What’s Happening Around South Hillsboro: Things to Do This Fall
October is here, and fall is in full swing around Hillsboro. From community celebrations and live music to Halloween activities and family-friendly events, there’s plenty happening around South Hillsboro and the greater Hillsboro area this season.
Whether you’re looking for something to do this weekend, planning ahead with the kids, or simply want to know what’s happening around town, here are a few events and local updates worth having on your radar.
Coming Up at a Glance
Hillsboro Art Walk
First Tuesday means another Hillsboro Art Walk. Spend the evening exploring Downtown Hillsboro with local art, live music, food and community throughout the Cultural Arts District.
It’s an easy way to make an evening of downtown while discovering local artists, businesses and creative spaces along the way.
Hillsboro Turns 150
This is one of the bigger events on Hillsboro’s fall calendar. The city is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a free community event alongside the Downtown Hillsboro Farmers’ Market.
The celebration will feature live music and entertainment, kids activities, free snacks, Farmers’ Market vendors and more.
If you haven’t been downtown in a while, this might be a particularly good Saturday to make the trip.
Live Music at Walters Cultural Arts Center
October also brings a couple of performances to the Walters Cultural Arts Center.
Molly in the Mineshaft performs October 9 at 7:30 PM, bringing bluegrass music to the Walters stage.
Later in the month, Black Belt Eagle Scout performs October 23 at 7:30 PM for an evening of indie rock.
HalloWetlands at Jackson Bottom
Halloween meets the wetlands at this family-friendly seasonal event at Jackson Bottom.
HalloWetlands is a fun excuse to visit one of Hillsboro’s best-known natural areas while adding a little Halloween spirit to the afternoon.
Jack-O-Float at SHARC
October 24 has another family-friendly option later in the day: Jack-O-Float at SHARC.
The floating pumpkin patch puts a Hillsboro spin on the traditional fall pumpkin outing and makes this one of the more unusual Halloween activities on the local calendar.
Día de Muertos Celebration
Toward the end of the month, Walters Cultural Arts Center hosts a Día de Muertos celebration featuring traditional dance and drumming.
It’s another opportunity to experience some of the arts, culture and community programming happening around Hillsboro this fall.
There’s Something New at Evergreen Park
You don’t necessarily need an event on the calendar to find something new to do around Hillsboro.
A new nature-themed playground is now open at Evergreen Park, with features designed to encourage climbing, swinging, sliding and imaginative play.
For families looking for another park to add to the rotation this fall, it’s worth checking out.
Explore Hillsboro Parks & Recreation →
More Changes Coming to Shute Park
Shute Park is also getting a new nature-themed play area designed to give children another place to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor play.
Planned improvements include a small nature-based play area, an accessible pathway, a four-foot fence, seating for caregivers, landscaping and new plants.
Looking for More Fall Activities?
Hillsboro Parks & Recreation offers activities for a wide range of ages and interests throughout the season, including sports and fitness, art, nature and science, and music.
Programs are available for early childhood, youth, teens, adults, older adults and all ages, so it’s worth checking the activity calendar if you’re looking for something beyond the bigger community events.
More Ways to Get Outside This Fall
You don’t need a scheduled event to enjoy fall around Hillsboro. Local parks, trails and natural areas offer plenty of options for an easy afternoon outside as the season changes.
Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, Orenco Woods Nature Park, Noble Woods Nature Park and the Rock Creek Trail are just a few places to keep in mind.
Jackson Bottom is especially worth having on your radar if you enjoy nature-focused activities. In addition to its trails and wildlife viewing, the preserve hosts educational programs and seasonal activities throughout the year.
Explore Hillsboro Parks & Nature →
Keep an Eye on What’s Happening This Fall
One of the nice things about living in South Hillsboro is that you don’t have to go far to find something happening. Some activities are close to home, while others are just a short trip to Downtown Hillsboro, Jackson Bottom, Orenco or one of the city’s community and cultural centers.
We’ll continue adding local events, neighborhood updates and happenings worth knowing about as new activities are announced.
