Things to Do in Southwest Washington This Weekend: October 16-18, 2026

Looking for something to do around Southwest Washington this weekend?

We're officially getting into the second half of October, which means pumpkin patches and fall activities are still going strong, but there are also some fun local events happening that you might not have on your radar.

We've rounded up a few ideas for October 16-18, from a big Día de Muertos celebration in downtown Vancouver to getting outside, exploring Ridgefield, checking out the farmers market and, of course, finding a pumpkin patch.

🌼 Celebrate Día de Muertos in Downtown Vancouver

Saturday, October 17 | Vancouver

This is one of the events that really stands out to us this weekend.

Día de Muertos returns to Esther Short Park on Saturday afternoon, bringing traditional Mexican dancing, live music, guest artists, catrinas, luminarias, an ofrenda and activities for all ages.

The event is presented by Vancouver Ballet Folklórico and the City of Vancouver and is free and open to everyone.

When: 2-8 p.m.
Where: Esther Short Park, downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free

The celebration is about remembering and honoring loved ones who have passed, while also celebrating life, love and connection. There will also be food, crafts and family activities.

Get the full Día de Muertos details from the City of Vancouver.

This feels like one of those events that's worth making an afternoon out of. Grab lunch downtown, walk around Esther Short Park and then stick around for the celebration.

👻 Take a Haunted History Walking Tour

Friday, October 16 or Saturday, October 17 | Downtown Vancouver

If you've been waiting all year for an excuse to do something spooky, here you go.

The Clark County Historical Museum's Haunted History Walking Tour is happening Friday and Saturday night. The one-mile walking tour explores some of the stranger and more mysterious stories connected to downtown Vancouver.

When: 7 p.m.
Where: Clark County Historical Museum, 1511 Main St., Vancouver
Cost: $20

You can find tour details and tickets on the Clark County Historical Museum's October calendar.

It's a pretty good October date-night idea, especially if you like your local history with a little bit of ghost story mixed in.

🐾 Spend Saturday Learning About Local Wildlife

Saturday, October 17 | Vancouver

For something a little different, Columbia Springs is hosting (Not So) Scary Nature Day.

The family-friendly event focuses on creepy, crawly creatures and hands-on science and nature activities. It's designed for all ages, so it's a fun option if you have kids who are curious about bugs, animals and the slightly less glamorous side of nature.

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Columbia Springs, 12208 SE Evergreen Hwy, Vancouver

You can get more information about (Not So) Scary Nature Day through Vancouver's Downtown Association.

We like this one because it's the kind of local activity you might not know about unless you were looking for it.

🐾 Try Your Hand at Tracking Wildlife

Saturday, October 17 | Vancouver

Here's another one for the nature lovers.

The Water Resources Education Center is hosting Trail Trackers, a beginner-friendly class where you'll learn how to identify animal tracks, scat, feeding marks and other clues wildlife leaves behind.

The class is designed for adults and kids ages 8 and up.

When: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver

You'll spend about two miles walking and looking for signs of wildlife, including some off-trail areas and uneven terrain.

See the Trail Trackers details and registration information through the City of Vancouver.

If your idea of a good Saturday involves being outside and learning something new, this one could be a fun change of pace.

🧹 Do a Little Good in Ridgefield

Saturday, October 17 | Ridgefield

If you'd rather spend part of your weekend giving back, the City of Ridgefield and Ridgefield Garden Club are hosting an Ivy Pull at Abrams Park.

Volunteers will spend the morning removing invasive English ivy, helping restore habitat for native plants, trees and wildlife.

When: 8:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Abrams Park, 400 Abrams Park Road, Ridgefield

Gloves and tools are provided, although you're welcome to bring your own. Just wear clothes that can get dirty and sturdy shoes.

Find the Ivy Pull details and RSVP through the City of Ridgefield.

It's a simple way to spend a Saturday morning outside while doing something positive for a local park.

🀄 Try Something Completely Different in Ridgefield

Saturday, October 17 | Ridgefield

Here's one we definitely wouldn't have guessed we'd find on the calendar: a Mahjong Pokémon Party.

The Ridgefield Multicultural Initiative is combining Chinese-style mahjong with a Pokémon theme. Beginners are welcome, so you don't need to already know how to play.

When: 2-5 p.m.
Where: View Ridge Middle School, 23714 NW Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield

Get the Mahjong Pokémon Party details from the City of Ridgefield.

And honestly, this is exactly the kind of quirky local event we love finding for these guides.

🧺 Make a Morning of the Vancouver Farmers Market

Saturday, October 17 | Downtown Vancouver

Of course, there's always the Vancouver Farmers Market.

The downtown market is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. next to Esther Short Park, with local produce, food, handmade goods and other vendors.

You could easily pair a morning at the market with Día de Muertos later in the afternoon and make a full day of it downtown.

🎃 Still Haven't Made It to a Pumpkin Patch?

There's still plenty of time.

If a pumpkin patch is somewhere on your October to-do list, this weekend is another good opportunity to get out there.

And rather than send you to just one farm, we've put together a full guide with pumpkin patches around Vancouver, Southwest Washington and Portland.

👉 Check out our Vancouver WA & Portland OR Pumpkin Patch Guide

Whether you're looking for pumpkins, corn mazes, fall treats, family activities or just a good place for fall photos, we've got several options to choose from.

🔔 End the Weekend with Some Live Music

Sunday, October 18 | Downtown Vancouver

If you're looking for something to do Sunday afternoon, the Distinctly Bronze West Handbell Concert is a pretty unique option.

More than 100 handbell musicians from around the country, Canada and Hong Kong are coming together for a concert at the Hilton Vancouver Washington.

When: 4-5:30 p.m.
Where: Hilton Vancouver Washington, 301 W. 6th St., Vancouver
Cost: $5 cash preferred

Visit Vancouver WA has more information about the Distinctly Bronze West concert.

Handbells might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think "Sunday afternoon plans," but that's part of what makes local events fun. You never know what you'll find.

What Are You Up To This Weekend?

One of our favorite things about living in Southwest Washington is that there are always little pockets of things happening around the area.

Some weekends are all about big events. Other weekends are a farmers market, a walk through a local park, a pumpkin patch or stumbling across something you've never tried before.

Whatever you end up doing this weekend, we hope you get outside, explore a little and enjoy this time of year around Southwest Washington.

Have a favorite local event or fall activity we missed? Send it our way. We're always looking for more things to do around Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground and the surrounding communities.