Festive markets, brilliant foliage, crisp afternoons in the pumpkin patch… no matter which fall activities strike your fancy, Chehalis is sure to treat! Some folks have a seasonal checklist, while others prefer to see where the autumn breeze takes them. Either way, here are a few local fall events and activities to put on your radar this season.
Fall Events
The Country Chicks Fall Market returns to the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds in Chehalis on September 30 and October 1. Grab your concessions, then shop vintage, upcycled, and handmade goods. Buildings open at 10 AM for shopping, and entry is $6 per person or $5 for seniors. Bring your dancing shoes and stay for the Chehalis FFA Fundraiser Dance from 6-10 PM.
If that’s not enough festivity to sate your appetite for autumn fun, then bundle up for the second weekend of October, because there are THREE other fall markets to enjoy in Chehalis this year. Peruse the Autumn Market at The Shed on the weekend of October 6, which kicks off with a fall-flavored cocktail party Thursday evening. Another local favorite, the Adna Fall Festival returns to Adna Floral on October 7th at 10 AM, closing October 8 at 4 PM. Last but not least, the second annual Harvest Market by Gemini Events takes over the Jester Auto Museum on October 8, beginning at 9 AM.
The Veterans Memorial Museum is holding their next “Cruzin to the Muzeum” car show on Saturday, October 8 at 3 PM, followed by live music from Primetime Band at 4 PM. There is plenty more live music to be found around Chehalis this fall, with shows at local restaurants every week in October. Follow the Facebook pages of Flood Valley Brewing, Garbe’s, Jeremy’s Farm to Table, Market Street Pub, McFiler’s Restaurant, and Riverside Golf Course to find out who’s playing.
October 22 will bring twice the magic this year with two mystical events benefitting Chehalis seniors. The family-friendly “Witchy Day” Market at Twin Cities Senior Center will be open from 10 AM – 4 PM. In the evening, the LOFT will host “Night of Magic,” a benefit show for Lewis County Seniors that begins at 6 PM. Tickets are $80.
Fall Activities
You might think of farmers markets as a summer activity, but the Chehalis Farmers Market runs all the way through October! Stop by Boistfort Street in downtown Chehalis on Tuesdays between 11 AM and 4 PM for fresh produce, locally crafted goods and décor.
For a delightful combination of history and live experiences, purchase tickets or book an event at the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum. The experiences are a blast and are set in the stunning autumn scenery of the Chehalis Valley. Ready for an extra-magical experience? The Wizard Express is returning this year for a stationary event on October 1 and 2. If you miss the Wizard Express, don’t fret. Annual Pumpkin Trains will open on October 22 and 23 with stationary events at the depot. Tickets are available online through the Steam Train website.
Don’t let Washington rain dampen your fun this fall; if you’re not a fan of rain showers, there’s more indoor fun to be had at our other two Chehalis museums. Visit the Veterans Memorial Museum for one of their outstanding events, stirring tales from living veterans, or to see hundreds of displays honoring our nation’s history. To discover local history, stop by the Lewis County Historical Museum in downtown Chehalis.
Nature lovers note: fall foliage peaks in southwest Washington around mid-October, and it is spectacular to behold. Chehalis is the perfect starting point for a scenic drive toward the ocean, to Mt. Rainier, or along the White Pass Scenic Byway. If the sheer number of beautiful destinations overwhelms you, the White Pass Scenic Byway has you covered with their road trip itineraries. Save a few bucks by visiting on State Park Free Days, which are: October 10, November 11, and November 25 this year. Bring a warm jacket and some boots in case our Washington rain surprises you on your trip.
Feeling inspired by our lovely, temperate autumn? You can channel that creativity into beautiful art with a local class. Call the folks at Book ‘n’ Brush at (360) 748-6221 for a class schedule. Their community of artists offers instruction in drawing, acrylics, watercolor, oils, and pastels. If you prefer a more casual setting, Flood Valley Brewing hosts periodic Paint and Sip Nights.
The Chehalis Timberland Regional Library holds weekly StoryTimes for families with children, and they have an extra-special Spooky StoryTime on the books for Halloween season. Grown-ups can enjoy their own story time with the return of Tales and Ales, put on by the Chehalis Timberland Library and hosted by McFiler’s Restaurant. The next reading will be from “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl on October 26 at 7 PM.
We haven’t forgotten that classic fall staple – pumpkin patches! Chehalis has two, and there are more to be found across Lewis County. Check out WillyTee’s Pumpkin Patch to the east, at 3415 Jackson Highway, or go west to Parkerosa Farms at 292 Chilvers Road in Chehalis. WillyTee’s is open on weekends from 10 AM to 7 PM and you can visit Parkerosa starting October 2nd from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays. For more farm-fresh fall produce, you’ll want one of the numerous farms in Chehalis and around Lewis County.
Halloween Events
Once the pumpkins are decorated, tell the family to get their costumes on and head to downtown Chehalis because we’ve got oodles of Halloween fun in store. On Sunday, October 30, stomp, slither, or sneak through the Trunks with Treats event at the Veterans Memorial Museum. The party begins at 5 PM and admission is by donation. (Pssst… museum admission is free on event days!)
Trick or Treat Transit is a “go” this year, as well. Hop on the transit in downtown Chehalis on October 31, where the bus will take you and your little monsters to stops in the Twin Cities. The stops include The Lewis County Mall, Lewis County Historical Museum, Twin City Town Center, and Centralia Downtown Plaza.
No matter the season, there’s fun to be found in every corner of Chehalis. Make sure to follow Experience Chehalis on Facebook for more happenings around town and, if you’re on Instagram, tag #ExperienceChehalis and tell us how you’re falling in love with Chehalis this season!
Festive markets, brilliant foliage, crisp afternoons in the pumpkin patch… no matter which fall activities strike your fancy, Chehalis is sure to treat! Some folks have a seasonal checklist, while others prefer to see where the autumn breeze takes them. Either way, here are a few local fall events and activities to put on your radar.
Written by Chelsea Barr