8 Reasons to Visit Port Angeles, Washington this Fall
Every Fall, Port Angeles, Washington Hosts a Ton of Events! From Crab and Mushroom Festivals to Family-friendly Fall Festivals, Fitness Events and Fun Runs, You'll find Plenty of Things to Do in the Fall here.
Eat, drink, ride, and run this autumn during an event extravaganza in Port Angeles!
Hey foodie, fitness, and family fun fans, you’ll want to head to Port Angeles this fall for 8 events you absolutely can’t miss!
The fall weather and foliage will be at its best for leaf-peeping, exploring downtown Port Angeles, running, hiking, and biking around the Olympic Peninsula and in the Olympic National Park so make a plan to head to Port Angeles, Washington this fall!
1. Field Arts & Events Hall – Tons of Upcoming Concerts, Performances, Art, Films & Events
This state-of-the-art performing arts center and event space brings a whole lot of culture to the Olympic Peninsula and the City of Port Angeles. There’s too much to list, so we recommend going to the website to see all of the upcoming events. We also recommend stopping by this show-stopping venue along Port Angeles’ vibrant waterfront in downtown — it’s a gorgeous building with stunning views. Walk through the Laura Cooksey Gallery for rotating art exhibits, then sit and stare at the Salish Sea through the large glass windows while you sip on a warm latte and a snack at the Waterfront Coffee Bar.
2. Goat Run (Great Olympic Adventure Trail Run) – Every September
Come run the scenic Olympic Adventure Trail! The GOAT Run is a half marathon and full marathon trail run in Port Angeles, Washington along the Olympic Adventure Trail. This point-to-point course traverses Kelly Ridge and ends at sparkling Lake Crescent inside Olympic National Park. As you run, you’ll take in the amazing autumn colors along forested trails and creek crossings. Plus, hero views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic mountains, and perhaps a well-deserved dip in Lake Crescent after you cross the finish line.
3. The Big Hurt – Every September
If you dig duathlons, this multi-sport race will challenge you like no other. The name really says it all. The four legs of this race consist of a 1) 16.5-mile single-track trail mountain bike course, 2) a 3-mile kayak race at Hollywood Beach, 3) a 30-mile road bike course from Hollywood beach to Freshwater Bay and along the Elwha River Road, and finally, 4) a 10K run along the paved portion of the Olympic Discovery Trail. Join the after party at the finish line in downtown Port Angeles!
Bring the kiddos along for The Little Hurt which happens on Sunday following The Big Hurt. This athletic event is open to kids in the 4th grade through the 9th grade.
The Big Hurt Photo by Jay Cline
4. Fall Fest in Port Angeles : A Beer Festival & A Family Fun Fall Festival - Every September
The Fall Fest happens at the Extreme Sports Park in Port Angeles, which will certainly get you into the fall mood! Enjoy craft beer, live music and activities at the Beer Fest happening every September. Reserve your camping spot early. There will be food vendors and activities like a helicopter rides, a choo choo train, ziplining, petting zoo, carnival games, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and more.
5. Dungeness Crab Festival – Every October
The Dungeness Crab Festival is one of the most acclaimed food festivals in the country! This annual crab and seafood festival comes with free admission and celebrates the world-famous Dungeness Crab, named after the nearby village of Dungeness, and the bounty of the sea here on the Olympic Peninsula. Featuring over a dozen restaurants, the Grab-a-Crab Derby, local wine and craft beer, plus crafts and merchant vendors, live music, and of course, plenty of fresh crab to eat! Purchase your fresh whole crab dinner tickets in advance now.
6. Pacific Northwest Fiber Exposition (PNWFX) – Every October
Whether you are experienced or a novice to the fiber arts or knitting world, come to the Pacific Northwest Fiber Exposition in Port Angeles, Washington at the Vern Burton Center for the fourth annual PNW Fiber Exposition. You can learn weaving and felting techniques. Have you been yearning to spin Art Yarn? Its chunky and can be sparkly and has lots of texture. Learn how to spin it and create your own art. Shop the FREE marketplace for crafty finds or attend an artsy fiber workshop (reserve ahead and get your tickets for workshops).
7. Celebration of Shadows Festival - Every October
Celebrate the arrival of fall in Port Angeles, Washington with a FREE fun festival, Celebration of Shadows Fall Festival, in Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. Register for a pumpkin carving workshop during the day and join the evening festivities. Enter the Pumpkin Carving Contest with prizes. Enjoy the seasonal -- and illuminated-- decorations nestled throughout the outdoor sculpture park in Webster’s Woods. Listen to spooky stories by experienced storytellers, watch professional shadow theater performances, get hands-on at the interactive art stations (for all ages), and nosh on delicious food and craft beer in the meadow.
8. Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival – Every October
If you’re a fan of fungi – whether for medicinal, culinary or curiosity reasons – we recommend attending the Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival featuring several days of workshops, excursions like mushroom hunting, food and drink, vendors, and more. There are both free and all-access tickets available. This is a family-friendly event.