Fall Bucket List: 13 Ways to Celebrate Autumn in Grants Pass
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 turning of the season at one of the many harvest festivals and fall events around Grants Pass. From hayrides and pumpkin patches, to art festivals and autumn hikes, there’s plenty of fun happenings the whole family will enjoy.
1. Fort Vannoy Fall Festival Sept 30th- Oct 31st
The a-MAZE-ing Fort Vannoy Fall Festival returns September 30th, 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 6th-8th
Every October, the streets of Grants Pass transform into a patchwork of color during the annual downtown chalk art festival. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Art Along the Rogue, one of the largest art and music festivals in Oregon. This year’s theme is “Blockbusters on the Block” and it’s shaping up to be the largest AATR to date. 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 5-9pm. Many local shops will be extending their hours and offering special promotions, refreshments, and gifts for First Friday Stroll. From 10:45am-9:15pm Saturday, enjoy dancing and cross-genre bands as artists work on their street murals. Drop by Wildlife Image’s booth and say ‘hi’ to their animal ambassadors. The 3-day festival comes to an end Sunday with poetry reading, live music, and vendors from 9:30-6:16pm. This year there will be two featured 3D artists along with the talented sponsored artists. Additionally, an artist will be installing two permanent crosswalk murals at the intersection of G and 5th street on Sunday.
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. 18th
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 Tuesday 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. Annular Solar Eclipse
The 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse will be visible from Southern Oregon shortly after 8 a.m. on October 14th before reaching “annularity” a little after 9 a.m. Unlike 2017’s total solar eclipse, the moon won’t completely obscure the sun, instead onlookers will see a beautiful “ring of fire”. You don’t want to miss this rare astronomical event, plan a trip to Grants Pass and see it for yourself!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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 6th 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!
12. Downtown Tap Walk Oct. 14th
The annual downtown tap walk is one of the largest beer events in the area and is taking place Saturday, October 14th. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, breweries are placed inside of downtown businesses where attendees can shop, snack, and sip locals brews. This 21+ and over ticketed event starts at Elegance Boutiques, where participants will receive a commemorative pint glass, an insulated re-usable tote, and a map of participating businesses. For those who’d prefer not to walk, hop aboard their free trolley service. Get your tickets at the Chamber of Commerce or buy online. $40 pre-sale or $45 day of.
13: Get Spooked at a Haunted House
Last but not least..lucky number 13…and yes, it falls on a Friday this year! If you love haunted houses, you’ve come to the right place. Grants Pass doesn’t have just one—but two haunted houses to scare you this year! One Eleven Theatre Company returns to haunt you with their 2023 Haunted House, “Nightmare on Redwood” at the Josephine County Fairgrounds! This spooktacular Halloween event is recommended for guests 10+ and the perfect spot to take your family, friends, or date. Tickets are sold at the door.
Dates/Times:
Preview Night ($7):
Thu 10/19 – 6:30- 9:00pm
Regular Haunted House Dates ($10):
Fri & Sat 10/20 & 10/21 – 6:30-10:00pm
Sun 10/22 – 6:30-9:00pm
Thu 10/26 – 6:30-9:00pm
Fri 10/27 & Sat 10/28 – 6:30- 11:00pm
Sun & Mon 10/29 & 10/30 – 6:30-9:00pm
Tues 10/31 (Halloween!)- 6:30 -11:00pm
Frightmare Theatre ghouls have been delightfully scaring the Southern Oregon community every fall since opening in 2010.The nonprofit theatre is run entirely by volunteers with all proceeds going towards the Brighton Academy School’s operating fund. Visit them at the old Movie Six Theatre at the Grants Pass Shopping Center.
Dates/ Times:
Fri & Sat 10/13 & 10/14 5:00 – 9:00pm
Fri & Sat 10/20 & 10/21 5:00 – 9:00pm
Fri & Sat 10/27 & 10/28 5:00 – 10:00
Tuesday 10/31 5:00 – 10:00
Admission $10.00
*Low scare upon request
