October 2026 Newsletter: From Oregon’s Coast to the Cascades
October 2026 Newsletter: From Oregon’s Coast to the Cascades
October has a way of changing the pace of Oregon. The beaches feel more open, the forests begin to glow, and small towns fill their calendars with food, music, art, and fall traditions.
This is the month for taking the scenic route. Spend a morning following the flavors of the coast, wander through a harvest market in Bend, or plan a weekend around an event you may not have heard of yet. With Meredith Lodging’s professionally managed homes across the Oregon Coast and Central Oregon, you can settle into the region instead of simply passing through.
Discover October Events on the Coast
Newport, Oregon Coast Jazz Party
October 2–4, 2026 Newport, Oregon
The Oregon Coast Jazz Party returns to the Newport Performing Arts Center for a weekend of live performances, improvisation, and musical collaboration. Thirteen musicians will come together for four sessions across the weekend. A Newport vacation rental puts you close to the performances, the bayfront, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Between shows, take a walk along the waterfront, find a warm place for dinner, and let the weekend unfold without rushing from one activity to the next.
Elements of Art Studio Tour
October 2026 Florence, Oregon
The Elements of Art Studio Tour offers a closer look at Florence’s creative community. Visit local studios, meet artists, and discover the stories and techniques behind their work. A Florence vacation rental gives you an easy starting point for exploring the studios, dunes, beaches, and nearby scenic stops. Choose a home with room to spread out, then spend the evening looking through the day’s finds.
Finders Keepers Glass Floats
Throughout October Lincoln City, Oregon
Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers program gives beachcombers the chance to discover hand-blown glass floats hidden along the shoreline. October is a good time to search, with cooler weather, fewer summer crowds, and plenty of open beach to explore. A Lincoln City vacation rental lets you return to the beach more than once during your stay. Add a pet-friendly rental if you want your four-legged companion to join the search.
Octoberfish Festival
October 3, 2026 Charleston, Oregon
At the Octoberfish Festival, the fishing village of Charleston celebrates its coastal character with local food, art, music, and community activities. The festival takes place at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology and offers an easygoing day out for families and curious travelers. Choose a Coos Bay vacation rental and pair the festival with a harbor walk, a visit to nearby beaches, or a drive along the South Coast. If the ocean is calling but you prefer a quieter setting, explore Bandon vacation rentals for a longer South Coast escape.
Great Columbia Crossing 10K Run/Walk
October 11, 2026 Astoria, Oregon
Walk or run a 10K across the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River, which is a popular annual event that takes participants across the scenic Lewis and Clark Bridge between Oregon and Washington. The 6.2-mile course offers beautiful Columbia River views and a memorable way to experience the area on foot. Open to runners and walkers, the event is a fun community tradition for participants of different ages and fitness levels.
Circles in the Sand
October 24-25, 2026 Florence, Oregon
On Heceta Beach, artists create an enormous labyrinth that visitors can walk through before the tide erases it. Circles in the Sand is part beach walk, part art experience, and entirely temporary. Stay in Florence or browse Yachats and Waldport vacation rentals for a slower Central Coast weekend. Add time for Cape Perpetua, local cafés, and a sunset that does not need much planning.
Find Fall Events in Central Oregon
Bend Fall Festival
October 2-4, 2026 Bend, Oregon
Downtown Bend turns festive during the Bend Fall Festival, with pumpkin painting, a harvest market, family activities, food and drink vendors, and live music. It is a lively way to welcome the season and enjoy the creative side of Central Oregon. Stay in a Bend vacation rental and make the festival one part of a longer weekend. Walk through downtown, explore the Old Mill District, and return to your rental when you are ready for a quieter evening.
Escape the Museum: The Curse of the Curate’s Collection
Fridays & Saturdays, October Bend, Oregon
For something a little different, try Escape the Museum: The Curse of the Curate’s Collection at the Deschutes Historical Museum. This interactive escape-room experience is based on a local history mystery and runs throughout October. Bring friends, older children, or anyone who enjoys solving clues. Afterward, your Meredith Lodging home becomes part of the experience: order dinner, compare theories, and see who can solve the mystery first.
Pretzel Fest
October 10, 2026 Bend, Oregon
Pretzel Fest brings together award-winning beer, homemade pretzel pairings, and live music for a relaxed autumn evening in Bend. It is a good fit for a trip with friends or a casual weekend for two. Browse Meredith Lodging’s resort collection for homes that combine private space with amenities such as pools, hot tubs, golf, and fitness centers.
Choose Your October Setting
For a classic coastal weekend
Explore Oregon Coast vacation homes with room for slow mornings, beach walks, and evenings by the fire. Look for a home in Newport, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, or Cannon Beach when you want attractions and dining nearby.
For a quieter beach escape
Choose Gearhart, Yachats, Waldport, or Rockaway Beach for a less hurried stay. Meredith Lodging offers coastal homes that include cozy cottages, oceanfront properties, and pet-friendly options.
For a mountain or high-desert retreat
Explore Central Oregon vacation rentals in Bend, Sisters, Sunriver, and surrounding resort communities. A mountain home gives you a comfortable base for fall drives, local events, cycling routes, and evenings spent under a wide-open sky.
For a trip with your dog
Browse pet-friendly Oregon rentals and bring the whole household along. The coast offers plenty of room for long walks, while Central Oregon provides trails, open spaces, and scenic drives to enjoy together.
