Don’t want to make small talk at the Halloween party? Just channel your inner regal statue. | Photo via @caniciete
Portland does Halloween like it does most other things — on its own level. So why not dress the part?
We thought of Portland-inspired costumes that don’t require spending an arm and a leg. Just know that we expect pictures if you try one.
A Dr. Martens boot
Hang on, don’t recycle those Amazon boxes in your garage just yet. Cut them into something resembling a boot beloved by punk rockers and emo youth, spray paint it black, and lace it up with some black rope from the hardware store. Don’t forget the yellow pull tab in the back.
Portlandia
True to her (literal) form, the City of Roses’ patron “Copper Goddess” will lend you a helping hand by sharing her benevolent visage. Spray paint an old sheet with metallic copper paint and tie it toga-style over one shoulder. Craft a trident with an old broomstick and a wire coat hanger. Bonus points if you crouch heroically for photos.
A Forest Park tree
From a stately pine to a colorful maple — or even a stump, because hey, Stumptown — this costume can be created with foraged items and allows so much room for creativity. Just be prepared for hugs wherever you go and watch out for Timber Joeys.
3 reasons Monsters of the Abyss is a must-see exhibit
Presented by Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Dive back in time to explore what lurked beneath the surface. | Photos provided by Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is diving to new depths this fall — and Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present is an experience you’ll have to see to believe.
This new feature exhibit takes Portlanders into an immersive underwater world of prehistoric giants, fascinating fossils, and real-life monsters that inspired myths + legends.
Here’s what you can expect (and why you won’t want to miss it):
Ancient creatures | From massive mosasaurs to a spine-chilling Spinosaurus, discover predators that once lurked beneath the surface.
Fossils + facts | Explore millions of years of evolution, from early sea creatures to their present-day descendants, through daily educational programming.
Live animals | Meet some of today’s underwater animals up close.
Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present runs through February 16, 2026, at OMSI.
Snag your tickets. Pro tip: Admission also includes access to OMSI’s permanent exhibit halls and science labs.
The 112-year-old Broadway Bridge will be closed for repairs for six months starting Monday, Oct. 13. Bus and streetcar traffic will be rerouted and some stops will be closed — get the full details.
Portlander
Seattle scientist Mary Brunkow — a graduate of Portland’s Saint Mary’s Academy — has won the Nobel Prize. She shares the award with Fred Ramsdell + Shimon Sakaguchi for groundbreaking research in immunology. It’s pretty advanced stuff. See if you understand this Nobel Prize-winning discovery. (KGW 8)
Opening
Finally, some Two Buck Chuck on the east side. The Trader Joe’s at Oregon Trail Center will open tomorrow morning, marking the first of its kind east of I-205. (Oregon Live)
A posthumously curated collection of poems, letters, and drawings about cats by lauded Portland author Ursula K. Le Guin was published this week. Grab your copy + check out other offerings by Le Guin at Powell’s.
Legacy
Portland Chef Justin Woodward, known for his work at Castagna and OK Omens, recently died at 43 years old. Woodward’s legacy in Rose City encompasses memorably out-of-the-box dishes and a tangible impact on Portland’s food scene. (Portland Monthly)
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Pro Tip
Pro Tip
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Presented by Brad's Deals
Unbox these hidden benefits of your Prime membership. | Photo provided by Brad’s Deals
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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
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