You won’t need to worry about traffic, parking or long waits for dining on the North Coast in the fall, when these popular summertime destinations slow down and return to their rejuvenating roots. Need a special reason to visit? Time your trip around a food, drink, arts or outdoor-focused event. Here’s what’s going on this fall in this dreamy northwest corner of the state.

Astoria

Sept. 28-30
Pacific Northwest Brew Cup is an annual beer festival that features live music, food vendors, kids’ activities and Northwest beers. Event admission is free, but to taste beer you’ll need to purchase a souvenir mug and tokens.

Oct. 14
Great Columbia Crossing 10K Run/Walk, the 36th event that lets visitors walk or run over the famous Astoria-Megler Bridge (and the only time of year it is closed to vehicle traffic). Make sure to register in advance.

Seaside

Sept. 29
Help volunteer at the annual SOLVE Seaside Beach Clean Up, which also happens coastwide as part of the global effort to keep beaches healthy and reduce the impacts to marine life.

Oct. 26-27
Come with or without costume to the Seaside Sashay Square Dance Festival, where the Hayshaker Square Dance Club invites you to join in the fun.

Cannon Beach

Oct. 20
Dog Show on the Beach is an annual benefit for the Clatsop County Animal Shelter, featuring prizes for pups in more than 20 categories along with a raffle and a hot dog roast.

Nov. 2-4
The town’s renown art scene comes alive during the Stormy Weather Arts Festival, with artist showcases, demos, concerts and events including a fashion show and the Art in Action Dinner and Auction.

Tillamook

Sept. 22 and Oct. 27
Explore Tillamook’s new thriving arts scene with the Tillamook Downtown District Art Walk, an evolving community art show (on the fourth Saturday of the month) that features different venues and artists each month. Pharmacy Mall

Pacific City

Sept. 14-16
The city’s 20th annual Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic is a major event for surfers and surf fans. Watch more than 175 surfers compete, and join in a Friday night dinner, beach bonfire and beer garden hosted by Pelican Brewery.

By Jen Anderson

Cannon Beach photo courtesy of Surfsand Resort