2024 Fall Bucket List
Autumn is a special time of year in Southern Oregon; as farmers harvest their summer crops, the leaves change vibrant colors, and families venture outdoors to take in the last warm days of the year. Celebrate the season’s turning at one of Grants Pass’s many harvest festivals and fall events. From hayrides and pumpkin patches to art festivals and autumn hikes, the whole family will enjoy plenty of fun happenings.
1. Fort Vannoy Fall Festival Oct 1st – Oct 31st
The a-MAZE-ing Fort Vannoy Fall Festival returns October 1st for a month of family-friendly fun. From their 8-acre corn maze to their cow train and pumpkin chunker, plan a hay day with the kiddos at this beloved Southern Oregon fall event. While there, enjoy face painting, food vendors, their farm stand, petting zoo, and pumpkin patch daily from 10am-6pm. Wind your way through the corn maze, where the stalks reach heights up to 12ft. For the braver ones, experience their “23 Screams Haunted Corn Maze” on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Art Along the Rogue Oct 4th-6th
Every October, the streets of Grants Pass transform into a patchwork of color during the annual downtown chalk art festival. This year marks the 21st anniversary of Art Along the Rogue, one of Oregon’s largest art and music festivals. The theme for this year is “Unsolved Mysteries,” inspired by the TV show.
The festivities take place along H and 5th Street, where you’ll find dozens of arts and crafts booths, food vendors, and nonprofit tents. The festival kicks off on First Friday, with bands taking the stage from 5 to 9 p.m. Many local shops will extend their hours and offer special promotions, refreshments, and gifts for the First Friday Stroll.
For the inspiring artist in your family, 2 x 2 children’s squares are free and on a first-come, first-served basis with chalk provided. There will be 450 gift bags of chalk and supplies for the young artists, so make sure to pick one up at the festival! Special thanks to the City of Grants Pass, community sponsors, and volunteers for making this an awesome free family event!
3. Explore Golden Ghost Town
One of Southern Oregon’s most famous haunts can be found along Coyote Creek, just north of Grants Pass. The once thriving mining town of Golden, located near the community of Wolf Creek experienced a mining boom during the mid to late 1800s as miners moved from California to the Rogue Valley. Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour around the property where you can explore the church, schoolhouse, general store, and the Coyote Creek wetlands where the miners once worked. Golden has gotten quite a bit of attention in the past few years, including being featured on the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Hunters”. Is Golden really haunted? Maybe, maybe not…you decide!
4. Fall Uncorked Barrel Tour Nov. 23rd
Southern Oregon’s Wine Country celebrates its harvest with this annual Fall Uncorked event. For a day of wine and food, head to the scenic Applegate Valley and take a self-guided tour to the 19 different vineyards and tasting rooms spread throughout the valley. From Grants Pass, take the short drive along Williams Highway where you’ll be greeted by beautiful mountains and stunning farmland. At each of the wineries, enjoy tastings straight from the barrel before it comes to market and tour around the estates. Each variety comes with its own food pairing. Additionally, attendees gain membership status for the day, which includes a 15% discount on all wines taken home. Tickets are $49 and come with a commemorative wine glass.
5. Book a Guided Fishing Trip
Considered a crown jewel of Western Whitewater, the Wild and Scenic Rogue River is world-renowned for its salmon and steelhead and offers year-round angling opportunities. Autumn is prime time to plan a fishing trip in Grants Pass. Summer steelhead swarm this section of the Rogue now through October while fall coho and chinook peak September- November. Learn more about local angling opportunities and guided trips here.
6. Downtown Safe Halloween Oct. 31st
Safe Halloween returns to downtown Grants Pass on Thursday the 31st from 3-5pm. Plan an afternoon of trick-or-treating in the Historic District where downtown merchants will be handing out goodies.
7. See Fall Color at a Park
One of the best ways to enjoy fall in Grants Pass is by visiting one of the local city and county parks. Head to Reinhart, Riverside, Tom Pierce, and Indian Mary Parks for some of the best colors around.
8. Score Fresh Produce at the Growers Market
Heirloom tomatoes, pumpkin pies, foraged mushrooms, and vibrant dahlias are only a few of the amazing things you’ll find at the downtown Growers Market this fall. With over 100 vendors, visitors can score fresh-picked vegetables and fruits, wild-caught seafood, and handcrafted soaps and tinctures. Additionally, enjoy live music and a bevy of food trucks while strolling around the market. In conjunction with the Growers Market, the Makers Market across the street adds to the fun. The outdoor market takes place spring through fall at the corner of 4th and F Street Saturdays from 9am-1pm.
9. Take a Hike
Whether you’re looking for an easy family-friendly trail or a strenuous hike to get your blood pumping, Grants Pass offers hikers a slew of options. Waters Creek and Limpy Botanical trails are mostly level loop hikes that showcase beautiful creeks and mossy forests. Closer to town, try the Skycrest Trail at Cathedral Hills or hike up to Dollar Mountain for a birds-eye view of downtown. In the Applegate Valley, explore the trails at Enchanted Forest and East Applegate Ridge and afterwards, drop by a local winery. For an entire day of outdoor fun, plan a daytrip to Crater Lake or explore the Upper Rogue’s Barr Creek Falls.
10. Stroll Around the Historic District on First Fridays
Attend an “Alive at Five” First Friday Stroll in historic downtown Grants Pass. Every first Friday of the month, downtown shops and restaurants hold special events and promotions, featuring live music and complimentary refreshments. First Friday,Oct 4th kicks off Art Along the Rogue with vendors, food trucks, and bands playing at the Owl Lot stage. November and December First Fridays are a great opportunity to score some great deals on Christmas presents!
