Explore Washington Park

Pine Pruning Demonstration
2025-11-09 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Pruning pines to achieve the look they have in spaces like Portland Japanese Garden requires meticulous care and years of learning. In this demonstration, Pete Putnicki, Japanese Pruning Specialist and former Senior Gardener at Seattle Japanese Garden, will discuss the maintenance of pine trees. This program will start with a tour of the Garden focusing on pine trees, followed by a lecture and demonstration. The demonstration will focus on candling, needling, growth regulation, and pruning techniques. Please note this demonstration does not include hands-on practice for participants.

Fall Discount Days
2025-11-09 09:30 - 15:30 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
We invite you to connect with nature from Monday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 9, with $13 zoo admission. Timed-entry tickets must be purchased in advance online.

Hand-built Nature Mugs
2025-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Make a cozy mug inspired by nature in this fun hand-building ceramic class. We will turn a slab of clay in this beginner-friendly class into a usable work of art complete with the imprints of your favorite nature objects. Each participant will make one mug which will be fired, glazed, and returned at a later date. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Family Studio
2025-11-09 10:00 - 17:30, 2025-11-15 10:00 - 17:30, 2025-11-16 10:00 - 17:30, 2025-11-22 10:00 - 15:30, 2025-11-22 10:00 - 17:30 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Perfect for visitors of all ages, this dedicated space invites families to sit down, pick an activity, and linger during their visit to the Garden. Whether you’re folding intricate origami creations or coloring vibrant pages inspired by the beauty of the Garden, there’s something to spark creativity and joy. This interactive space offers a welcoming environment for all to explore their artistic side, providing a relaxing and engaging experience for both children and adults alike. Take a moment to unwind, create, and connect with nature through these hands-on activities. Included with garden admission.

Tree Time! Preschool Walk
2025-11-10 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-11-15 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-11-17 10:00 - 11:15, 2025-11-22 10:00 - 11:15 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Tree Time! preschool walks are a safe and fun way to get outside with your little one. Come join us for a story and guided walk on the trails at Hoyt Arboretum. We will use all of our senses to explore the natural surroundings and maybe even get our hands dirty! Staff and trained Arboretum volunteers will introduce you and your family to the plants, trees, insects, mushrooms, and more found at Hoyt Arboretum. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum, and registration is required through their website.

Veterans Day
2025-11-11 09:30 - 15:30 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
The Oregon Zoo is proud to offer FREE admission on Veterans Day for military members, veterans and their families. Complimentary admission includes up to three tickets per active military personnel/veteran (four tickets total). Families of deployed military personnel will also be given free admission. To receive free admission on November 11, visitors must reserve tickets in advance online and, upon entry, present a military or veteran organization ID, discharge papers, or other official military identification. Families of deployed military personnel must also show an active duty ID. The Oregon Zoo thanks you for your service.

Forest Field Day: Hibernation and Winter Survival
2025-11-12 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-13 13:00 - 15:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Ever wonder where all the animals go when it gets cold outside? Join us in November to learn about some of the most commonly found creatures at the Arboretum and what they do to keep warm in the winter. What kinds of animals are hibernating? What types of adaptations do they have? What would you put in your winter survival tool kit? Students will practice their expanded knowledge through games, journaling, stories, and more. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Cultural Performance: Koto by Mitsuki Dazai
2025-11-12 13:15 - 14:15 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Enjoy a free koto performance by Mitsuki Dazai at 1:15pm at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. Included with garden admission.

BrewLights
2025-11-14 16:30 - 22:00, 2025-11-15 16:30 - 22:00 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Experience the twinkling magical wonderland of ZooLights— kid free! Brighten the season at BrewLights, November 14 and 15! This ZooLights beer festival experience is for folks 21+. Cut loose without kids or daytime crowds and enjoy dozens of the Northwest’s best breweries and cideries, plus live music, food carts and more. See the zoo get lit! With the magical meadow light show, glowing train ride, vibrant sparkling tunnels and a variety of interactive displays. BrewLights is the region’s most impressive light display—perfect for gathering friends, raising a glass and snapping selfies.

Learn Calligraphy with Botanical Inks
2025-11-15 10:30 - 13:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Did you know ink can be made from trees? It’s true! The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the best ink-making trees around. Join us for a fun workshop to explore the art of calligraphy with hand-made botanical inks derived from local walnut, oak, alder, and other trees and plants. Taught by Portland-based calligrapher and illustrator, Molly Chidsey. In this workshop you will learn how ink is made from trees and plants, what modern calligraphy is and how it is different from handwriting, how to use a paint brush with natural inks to make shapes and letters, and how to letter your own name in calligraphy with a natural ink of your choice. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Giving Season: Eco-Art Collage, Gratitude, & Reciprocity
2025-11-16 10:30 - 13:00 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
As we move into the season of giving, this workshop centers around themes of gratitude and reciprocity. Using natural elements like leaf prints or mushroom stamps, we’ll create collages that become meaningful gifts or meditative keepsakes. You will learn: How to use eco-art and collage as expressive and sustainable art forms, ways to infuse gratitude and intention into handmade art, and the value of reciprocity—both in nature and creative acts. You will leave with: A handmade eco-collage or print to gift or keep, tools to continue sustainable art-making at home, and a renewed sense of connection and appreciation for the season’s gifts. This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Cultural Demonstration: Ikebana
2025-11-16 13:15 - 14:15 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, has been translated as “living flowers” or “giving life to flowers.” Join us from 1:15-2:15pm for an ikebana presentation by Nana Bellerud from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. Included with garden admission.

ZooLights Member Preview
2025-11-16 16:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-16 16:30 - 21:00 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Join us for Member Preview night, where zoo members enjoy exclusive early access to ZooLights! This special event is the perfect chance to experience the sparkling holiday wonderland of ZooLights with your family and friends before it opens to the public. Members get 20% off regularly priced ZooLights tickets!

ZooLights Sensory-Friendly
2025-11-17 16:30 - 20:30 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Sensory-Friendly night allows guests with different sensory processing needs and their families to enjoy the wonder of ZooLights. Lighting and sounds are modified to provide a sensory-friendly experience, and guests can pause in available cool-down spaces. Participation is limited to minimize crowds.

Cultural Performance: Oregon Koto-Kai
2025-11-19 13:15 - 14:15 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Enjoy a free koto performance by Oregon Koto-Kai at 1:15pm at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center. Included with garden admission.

Cultural Demonstration: Tea Ceremony
2025-11-21 13:15 - 14:15 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
Portland Japanese Garden will offer free public demonstrations of Chadō, the Way of Tea, at the Cathy Rudd Cultural Corner in the Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center from 1:15 – 2:15pm. The Way of Tea is intrinsically linked to Japanese gardens and understanding the kokoro (heart) of Japanese gardening. Included with garden admission.

ZooLights
2025-11-21 16:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-22 16:30 - 20:30 | Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Add some sparkle to your holiday season! The region’s most impressive light display returns with ZooLights, November 21 through January 4. Every year, ZooLights dazzles visitors of all ages with wildlife-inspired light displays and a whole lot of seasonal fun. It’s the ideal place to gather friends and family, snap photos and make lasting memories. Looking for the perfect holiday date night? Bring that special person in your life to ZooLights. See the zoo in a whole new light! Check out the magical meadow light show, along with a variety of interactive displays. Hop on the zoo train and see dozens of life-size animal lanterns along the route. Walk through vibrant tunnels of glittering lights and take in the glowing festive atmosphere.

Pressed Flower Holiday Gifts
2025-11-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR, 97221, United States
Come create some botanical gifts for the holiday season at Hoyt Arboretum! Artist and maker Bri Rossi will bring her collection of pressed flowers and plants for you to craft with and will guide everyone through how to adhere the preserved plants to a variety of surfaces. An assortment of paper, glass and wood materials will be provided to create botanical collages, vessels, cards, bookmarks, etc. – all adorned with pressed flowers. All materials will be provided, but feel free to bring any additional items made of glass, wood or paper that you would like to decorate. Enjoy a mindful afternoon crafting with nature and give something handmade with love this holiday season. No prior experience needed! This event is coordinated by Hoyt Arboretum and registration is required through their website.

Member Only Mindfulness Tour
2025-11-23 09:00 - 10:00 | Portland Japanese Garden, 611 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR, 97205, United States
This intimate tour focuses not on meditation, but instead on learning to bring mindful awareness to oneself, and the world around us, through intentional observation and connections. An experienced guide will provide a foundation for the art of contemplative exploration throughout various Garden spaces, and gently guide awareness away from the busyness of everyday life, back toward the connection to nature and experience of peace.
