Things to do coming up for you

PRIEST RIVER – There’s lots of fun to be had with fall on the horizon. Plenty of local events are coming up, including one of Priest River’s noted autumnal tradition, Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 5 p.m. The public is invited for an afternoon of local beer, delicious food, live music, games, craft vendors and more in downtown Priest River. Games include Hammerschlagen, corn hole tournaments, keg curling, stein holding and arm wrestling. There is no entry fee. People are encouraged to wear their favorite fall flannel or festive attire and come celebrate the season. This year there are five beer vendors, six food vendors and 11 craft vendors.

“I really think for the Priest River area it’s that people like to get out and socialize and have something to do without going too far,” said Tiffiny Simpkins, Priest River Chamber of Commerce Vice President. “And every year we’ve had something new and exciting like the arm wrestling, and the last two years we’ve opened up to craft vendors and people really like that.”

Learn more at www. visitpriestriver.com/oktoberfest.

Bear Aware and Cider Pressing

Join the Pend Oreille County Library District with WDFW and the Kalispel Tribe to support their local bear abatement efforts and get some apple cider in the process at the Usk Community Hall Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. People can bring apples from their trees and staff will press them. Bring cider containers as well. Need some help getting to hard-to-reach fruit? Borrow an apple picker from the Calispel Valley Library.

In Her Shoes

Mark the calendars for In Her Shoes, an eye opening and interactive community event hosted by Crime Victim Services that raises awareness about the realities of domestic violence and the strength of survivors. The event offers participants the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers survivors face while learning how to help create a safer, more supportive community. The evening includes interactive experience, survivors panel and dinner Saturday, Oct. 3, 5-7 p.m. at Newport High School.

Parental discretion advised for kids under 13.

Go to www.pofcn.org/ events to reserve a spot or contact Marlaina Bradley at [email protected]. This event is free.

Banned Books Week Oct. 4-10

This year Banned Books Week 2026 takes place Sunday – Saturday, Oct. 4-10. The annual weeklong event celebrates the freedom to read and highlights the dangers of censorship.

Join the Pend Oreille Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. for a discussion of ‘They Called Us Enemy’ by George Takei at the Newport Library. The book is based on Takei’s experiences as a child in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Takei is the honorary chair of Banned Books Week this year.

The Priest River Library will have a display of banned books throughout the week available for patrons to borrow.

For more information, go to www.bannedbooksweek. org.

Night Science

The public is invited to a free science education event featuring two piggy- backed presentations on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Indian Creek Community Forest, located at 1802 Indian Creek Road, Newport.

Beginning at 8 p.m., Healani Johnson, Assistant Wildlife Biologist from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will speak about local bat species and how bats are identified by their unique sounds.

At 9 p.m., local amateur astronomers will provide views of the night sky objects through their telescopes. Laser-guided tours of major constellations will also be conducted.

For both presentations, red-lens flashlights will be available on loan to see in the dark by preserving your natural night vision. White-light flashlights are discouraged because they cause the eye pupil to contract instantly and take several minutes to restore night vision for the holder and neighbors. Children are welcome but should be accompanied and controlled by an adult.

If weather conditions are unsuitable, indoor presentations may substitute for one or both outdoor ones.

The free event is sponsored by Selkirk Alliance for Science, Pend Oreille County Library District, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kalispel Natural Resources Department, Responsible Growth Northeast Washington, and Create Arts and Community Center.

Biblio Mania

Book lovers, head to Create Arts Center Saturday, Oct. 17 for Biblio Mania: A Craze for Collecting Books, Saturday, Oct. 17. This is a chance to meet local authors and talk about books. For authors who would like to participate, there’s a $15 fee and registration is due Saturday, Oct. 3. The event is free to the public and refreshments will be served.

For more information, go to www.createarts. org.