What To Do in Portland in November 2024

There’s an election in a few days. It’s raining. So here are some tips to surviving — and even thriving — in the month ahead.

🗳️ Election Season Till Tuesday

For many of us, time may drag between now and Election Day. As a bit of a news junkie, I have tried to limit myself (with limited success) to checking for news updates once a day. Maybe it’s time for yoga, meditation, or gummies — or to focus on local races. Check out the City Cast Portland guide to local races.

And don’t forget to cast your ballot.

🥧 Savor the Start of Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is weeks away, but it’s time to plan ahead: Get your pie from Lauretta Jean’s or Keeper Coffee (orders open tomorrow, Nov. 1). They’ll sell out fast.

If you’re looking for fine dining on Thanksgiving, it’s time to reserve now. Places like Bullard Tavern or Abigail Hall fill up fast. You can also find meal kits from restaurants too, including Quaintrelle's, which offers everything but the turkey.

Get a holiday-season reservation at Huber’s for a festive Spanish coffee. They’re full for Thanksgiving Day, but thankfully it’s turkey day there every day. (Tip: Bring cash so you can tip your bartender at your table.)

🌧️ Get Out in Front of Those Rainy Season Blues

We’re into the rainy season now. Here are some suggestions for dealing with that:

Get outside. All the rain means snow in the mountains, so consider taking up a winter sport. Tip: City Cast Portland executive producer John Notarianni is on the lookout for discount passes to Timberline. The resort doesn’t advertise the deal much, but has a habit of releasing three weekday passes for the price of roughly a single lift ticket between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.

Plan something active inside. This tip is from City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza, who is taking tennis lessons.

Find fun ways to get yourself out of the house. City Cast Portland producer Giulia Fiaoni is taking herself to karaoke. (You don’t even need to drink, but do tip the KJ.)