1. Old Apple Tree adds new twist
Who said you can’t teach an old apple tree new tricks? The Old Apple Tree Festival has added a sudsy upgrade to the proceedings at this year’s fest, which runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 7 at Old Apple Tree Park, 112 S.E. Columbia Way, Vancouver. For the first time in the Festival’s history, it features a “Cider Garden,” which is for those 21 and older and will be stocked with hard ciders from four local establishments: English Estates Winery, Tooley Bender, Jester and Judge and Moulton Falls Winery. The festival still features a regular lineup of arts and crafts, walking tours, live music, tree-care workshops and a limited number of cuttings from the Old Apple Tree. Admission to the festival is free, but the hard cider garden has two ticket options: buy a $10 ticket for entry and five tasting tickets, or a $20 ticket, which includes entry, a 32-ounce growler and 10 tasting tickets. 360-487-8308 or www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/old-apple-tree-festival-october-7
2. Harry Potter Invasion
Look around downtown Camas: It’s Harry Potter! It’s Ron Weasley! It’s Hermione Granger! No, it’s just people dressed like Hogwart’s favorite students. Break out your best Harry Potter costume in advance of Halloween for Camas First Friday: Pumpkin Art and Harry Potter, which runs 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at Northeast Fourth Avenue in downtown Camas. At 7 p.m., there will be a costume contest for adults and kids, as well as Harry Potter inspired crafts and activities. First Friday includes its usual dose of art shows, art galleries and shopping. Participating businesses will compete in a carving contest, and voting on the best pumpkin enters you to win a fall-themed basket, courtesy of iQ Credit Union and downtown merchants. Free. 360-904-0218 or downtowncamas.com/event/october-first-friday-pumpkin-pageant-harry-potter-costume-contest-2017
3. ‘It’s Tapped!’
Feel the shoulder burn at Northwood Public House and Brewery’s third annual Oktoberfest from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 7 and 8. Styled in the fashion as the German shindig, the brewery at 1401 S.E. Rasmussen Blvd. in Battle Ground will transform into a Bavarian-style beer hall for the weekend with a special German food menu and a large selection of German beers. Participate in the stein-holding contest — and feel like your arms are about to fall off. Then listen to live music from San Francisco-based rock band “Those Darn Accordions,” or acoustic trio “Big Yellow Taxi.” And have no fear about what to do with the kids, because the Oktoberfest is open to all ages and provides family-friendly fun such as face painting, a coloring contest and the chicken dance. Admission is free. 360-723-0937 or northwoodpublichouse.com
4. Crack the Maze
Get lost on purpose this weekend in Walton Farm’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze at 1617 N.E. 267th Ave. in Camas. On the opening weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 7 and 8, the maze is the main attraction but will be accompanied by rides around the farm on a barrel train or hay wagon. Kids can check out the animals, or as a familyperuse pumpkins in the patch looking for the plumpest one. The maze and patch will be open through Oct. 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; $12, seniors 55 and older are $10, and kids younger than 2 get in free. 360-834-2810 or www.waltonsfarms.com
