🍂 October is just one sleep away which means it’s time for a lot of annual traditions. Pumpkin patches, leaf peeping, PSLs (pumpkin spice lattes), cute costumes, apple cider donuts, homemade pumpkin seeds, and — in our house, at least — that 13-foot Home Depot skeleton, “Spooky Friend” (nicknamed in an attempt to spare our young children nightmares).

What are your favorite fall and Halloween traditions? I’ll include your best ideas in a future section (and try some out myself)!

🥁🥁🥁 aaaand now our first birthday shout-out (refer three buddies to LO Flow and you can get a custom call-out too!):

🎂 Happy (early) 42nd birthday, Samantha! ❤ your friend, Jess.

-Kerrie

PS. Keep reading for a free community workout opportunity in the local business section.

Wednesday, October 1

Freedom to Read Month Giveaway: The Bluest Eye (LO Public Library, 10am). LO Public Library is giving away free copies (library’s second-floor reference desk) of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye while supplies last. Get yours in preparation for the October 26 event with featured speaker and cultural expert, Dr. S. Renee Mitchell, examining the enduring impact of this critical piece of literature.

Medical Gaslighting (LO Adult Community Center, 10-11:30am). Medical gaslighting is a widespread issue that undermines trust in healthcare, and in this talk, Dr. Alicia Patterson explores how patient voices—especially those of women, people of color, and older adults—are too often dismissed. Participants will learn to recognize its signs, understand its roots, and gain tools to advocate confidently for themselves and others.

Weekday Tennis - Singles and Doubles (LO High School, 5:15-7:15pm). Looking to serve up some outdoor exercise and new friendships? Play some tennis with the Lake Oswego 20-40s Social Meet-up Group. The group has a lot of other events too so be sure to check them out.

Portland Film Festival (Portland, October 1-5). Recently named one of the world’s coolest film festivals by MovieMaker, this weeklong event features workshops, guest speakers, premieres, and networking.

Friday, October 3

44th Show of Gems, Minerals, and Fossils (Hillsboro, October 3-5). Explore a vibrant showcase with 40+ dealers offering rocks, minerals, fossils, jewelry, and gems, along with over 70 fascinating exhibits—including displays by junior collectors and competition pieces. Families can enjoy a kids’ corner with games and prizes, an interactive fossil area, gold panning lessons, and more.

Milburn’s Haunted Manor (Hubbard, OR, every Saturday/Sunday in October). Do you like to be scared? Really scared? Rated the number one haunted house in Oregon the last four years, prepare to scream in The Dark (an immersive pitch black series) or The Manor (a more traditional haunted house vibe).

Portland Greek Festival (Portland, October 3-5). For more than 70 years, the Portland Greek Festival has celebrated Greek culture with authentic food, music, dance, and traditions. Now one of the largest festivals of its kind, it draws over 15,000 guests each year and is recognized as an official Oregon Heritage Tradition.

Saturday, October 4

Bulky Waste & Mattress Recycling Event (Lake Oswego, 9am-12pm). Say goodbye to your old bulky items like dishwashers, stoves, dryers, water heaters, furniture, mattresses, scrap metal, clean untreated wood, and mattresses at this free disposal event.

Savor the Season: Food & Wine at Sokol Blosser (Dayton, 11am-4:30pm). Savor a seasonal multi-course tasting at Sokol Blosser Winery in the Dundee Hills, where each dish is crafted with fresh, foraged ingredients and paired with award-winning wines. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Oregon while taking in the stunning beauty of wine country.

LO Wine Walk (Downtown, 1-5pm). The 11th annual Lake Oswego Wine Walk transforms downtown into a wine lover’s delight with over 35 local businesses hosting more than 70 wine tastings. Participants receive 12 one-ounce pours (pace yourself!), small bites, a custom wine glass, and a tasting map.

Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market (Millennium Park Park Plaza, 8:30am-1:30pm). With a few more weeks until the close of the Farmer’s Market for the winter (October 25th), now is your time to stock up on fresh produce, flowers, and more. The Bylines will bring the smoky jazz vibes to the experience.

Sunday, October 5

First Sunday Market in Lake Grove (Lake Oswego, 11am-2:30pm). Savor the season with this month’s theme, Sip & Shop. Sample wines and beverages from local makers as you browse farm-fresh goods, artisanal creations, and festive fall treats—the perfect blend of community charm and a cozy Sunday afternoon.

Shut up and Write! (Ava Rosteria, Lake Oswego, 3-6pm). Need to get some words out? This is a quiet, supportive hour of writing alongside other writers—no sharing, no feedback, just focused time to get words on the page. Come for the writing and stay for optional socializing afterward. Hosted by Shut Up and Write! Portland.

Keyboard Masterworks: Old & New (Lake Grove, 1-2pm). The Lake Grove Concert Series kicks off its 11th season with organist Jeff Wood, performing a mix of timeless works by Bach and Franck alongside contemporary pieces by David Hicken, Bryce Dessner, and Fujii Kaze. This free, family-friendly one-hour concert invites audiences of all ages to discover music both old and new in a beautiful setting.

Portland Marathon (Portland, 7am) — 10K/Half/Full marathon. I’ll be there. Will I see you there?

Monday, October 6

Portland Mercury’s Wing Week 2025 (Portland, September 29-October 5). Forget the “best week of your life”—the Portland Mercury’s Wing Week is about to top it. Enjoy one-of-a-kind chicken wings at Portland’s favorite spots for just $10 an order.

Pacific Northwest Rail Escape - Overnight Trip (Seattle, October 6-9). Embark on a four-day, three-night rail escape to Seattle aboard Amtrak, where you’ll stay at the historic MarQueen Hotel and explore highlights like the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pacific Science Center, and Pike Place Market.

Tuesday, October 7

Art Series: Birding in Brushstrokes (LO Adult Community Center, 11am-1pm). Discover where nature and creativity come together in a 3-part watercolor series with artist and bird enthusiast Ronna Fujisawa. Explore the beauty of birds while learning techniques to capture their movement, color, and form—no experience needed and all materials provided.

First Tuesday: Mid-Autumn Festival with Heart Strings Mandarin Music Trio (LO Public Library, 5:30-6:30pm). Join the Heart Strings Mandarin Trio—performing a rich selection of songs from across Asia to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

City Council Meeting (LO City Hall, 5:30pm). Do you have an idea of how things could be improved around town? Share your POV and hear from your community.

Wednesday, October 8

Functional Wellness: Heart Disease (LO Adult Community Center, 10-11:30am). Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., yet many of its risk factors can be prevented. In this talk, Caryl Kenworth shares practical strategies around diet, exercise, stress management, and screenings to help lower risk and spot early warning signs.

Mark Your Calendars:

2025 Monster Mash (October 31, Christ Church Parish). Join Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation for Halloween fun! Come in costume and stroll trick-or-treat stations for candy and toys. Special appearances by LO Firefighters, Police, Park Rangers, and Tryon Creek Rangers. Free for ages 0–12.

We are getting ready to add local business sponsors to our weekly coverage. Are you interested in advertising? Fill out our survey and we’ll be in contact.

Thursday, October 2

Indoor Playground at LORAC (LO Recreation and Aquatics Center, 9am-1pm). With rain back in the forecast, it’s the perfect time to line up indoor play spots for little ones (ages 0–4). LORAC offers a fun and affordable option.

Friday, October 3

Baby Sign Language (Lake Oswego Public Library, 10:30-11am). Baby Sign Language helps infants (0–18 months) and their caregivers build a unique bond through songs and stories that incorporate playful signing.

Triskelee Farm Fall Fest (West Linn, Friday, Saturday, Sundays in October). Looking for a relaxed, crowd-free way to enjoy fall pumpkins? Free admission to the pumpkin area with the option to purchase a kids’ activity pass, which includes a farm scavenger hunt, bounce house, games, and pumpkin decorating.

Movies in the Pumpkin Patch: Halloweentown (Wilsonville, 6-10pm). Yesteryear Farm transforms its pumpkin patch into a cozy, family-friendly outdoor movie spot. Movies begin at dusk with food trucks on site. Check the host’s website for weather updates.

Saturday, October 4

Bauman’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Drop (Gervis, 1pm). Bauman’s Harvest Festival is home to some of the nation’s largest pumpkins. Seriously, world records have been set at this event. These giant pumpkins—many weighing over 1,000 pounds—remain on display, making this one of the premier pumpkin competitions in the country. The festival offers 30+ family activities, farm animals, rides, mazes, and delicious treats like their famous apple cider donuts, all with free parking included.

From a Hole in the Ground (Northwest Children’s Theater, Portland, September 27 - October 5,11am or 3pm). Nominated for a 2025 Oregon Book Award, From a Hole in the Ground is an original fairy tale of mischief, nature, and a lingering generational curse. Best for older kiddos.

Sunday, October 5

First Sunday OMSI $5 Days (Portland). Explore the museum’s permanent exhibit halls and labs for just $5 per person on the first Sunday of each month.

Monday, October 6

Music and Movement in Mandarin (Lake Oswego Public Library, 10:30-11am). Join us for a program featuring songs, movement, instruments, and stories. All levels of Mandarin fluency are welcome. Recommended for ages 2–5.

Wednesday, October 1

Moda Center | Stevie Nicks | 7pm show

Friday, October 3

Moda Center | Benson Boone | 8pm show

Headliner’s Club | Taken by the Sky (Fleetwood Mac) | 8pm

Gemini Club | Beadheads | 9pm

Saturday, October 4

Headliner’s Club | Beat Division performs Duran Duran | 8pm

Gemini Club | Girl Crush | 8:30pm

Sunday, October 5

Moda Center | Playboy Carti | 7pm show

Wednesday, October 8

Edgefield | Turnstile | 4:30pm doors, 6pm show

I just learned of a new trend with Gen Z — “The Great Lock-in.” The idea is focus intensely on your personal goals, habits, and routines during the last four months of the year, instead of waiting for a new year to make a resolution. With this in mind, I recently connected with Will Cath, a local fitness and wellness business owner with over 15 years of group fitness and personal training experience, working with clients ranging from youth to older folks to become stronger, healthier, and happier. Will is hosting a free community workout in Lake Oswego on Monday, October 6th from 9:30-10:30am at Ironlight. Registration link here. Let Will know you heard about him through LO Flow if you get the chance. Look forward to seeing you there!

Soccer

Football

High School Sports (LO Lakers)

High School Sports (Lakeridge Pacers)

Upcoming Running Events

Great Pumpkin Run (October 25) — 5k/10k/Half-marathon near Sellwood. Costumes encouraged + Halloween vibes.

17700 Upper Cherry Lane | 5 beds, 6.5 baths | 7,189 sq ft

Price: $5,295,000

Saltwater pool? ✅ . Walls practically made out of windows? ✅ . Views of three mountains? ✅ . Really large orb perched in the yard that is maybe meant to represent the moon? ✅ . This house is dialed into luxury — industrial modern interior, heated steel plate floors, a coordinated home automation system, and panoramic views. I would tour this home just to get the backstory of the orb. This is luxury living with a touch of mystery.

Listed by: Terry Sprague @ LUXE Forbes Global Properties

Book: The Signs: The New Science of How to Trust your Instincts

Just started this one and it has me both intrigued and spooked. Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart blends compelling personal stories, cognitive science, and ancient wisdom to argue that the “signs” (from loved ones who have passed on, an intuitive understanding of what you should do next, etc.) that we often dismiss as coincidence are actually pathways to deeper intuition and meaning. She offers practical tools and mindset shifts to help you recognize, interpret, and act on these signals—guiding you toward better decisions, clarity, and purpose.

Book: Cobalt Red

Guaranteed you won’t look at your phone the same way after this one. The decision to upgrade your phone for that slim new profile or extra lens doesn’t make as much sense when you understand the supply chain required to produce phone batteries. The punchline? Child slavery and lots of it. Harrowing, unflinching read but better than turning away.