Fall has officially settled over Lewis County: the farmers markets are pouring out winter squash and apples, the fairgrounds fill with pumpkins and handmade goods, and a certain wizard express is chugging down the Chehalis River Valley. This week the calendar is a warm mix of harvest, family fun, and a chance to weigh in on how the county is run. Here is what is happening around the county from Monday, September 21 through Sunday, September 27.
Chehalis Farmers Market
Tuesday, September 22 · 10 AM – 3 PM
NE Boistfort St & N Market Blvd, Downtown Chehalis — Free admission
The Chehalis Farmers Market keeps its Tuesday rhythm going through October, and late September is a gorgeous time to shop. The stalls are full of the fall lineup: winter squash, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, garlic, greens, and sweet corn, plus cheeses, farm-fresh eggs, honey, artisan breads, jams, cut flowers, and handmade crafts. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and WIC/FMNP benefits, runs rain or shine, and is a lovely excuse to wander downtown Chehalis with a full bag and a friendly hello to neighbors.
Centralia Farmers Market
Friday, September 25 · 10 AM – 3 PM
Centralia College campus, 620 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia — Free admission
Friday's market on the Centralia College campus is nearing the end of its 2026 season, so this is one of the last chances to shop it before it closes. September Fridays bring late-summer fruit, sweet corn, and early-fall produce alongside local jams, honey, baked goods, salt water taffy, flowers, and handmade soaps and crafts. It is an unhurried, neighborly market that pairs perfectly with a wander through downtown Centralia afterward. Grab a last bag of the season and support the folks who grow and make it here.
Country Chicks Fall Market
Friday, September 25 · 10 AM – 5 PM · Saturday, September 26 · 10 AM – 4 PM
Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, 2555 N National Ave, Chehalis — $6 at the door
The big fall market of the season lands at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds this Friday and Saturday. The Country Chicks Fall Market brings more than 130 vendors of vintage, repurposed, farmhouse, and handmade goods, along with a healthy dose of good old-fashioned "junkin'." Think antiques, primitives, barn-fresh decor, handmade crafts, and plenty of pumpkin-season finds. There is food and coffee on site, so you can shop, snack, and take home a little piece of the season. It is a fun, festive way to spend a fall day in Chehalis.
The Wizard Express
Saturday, September 26 · Departures at 11 AM & 3 PM
Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum depot, 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis
Climb aboard for a bit of family magic. The Chehalis-Centralia Railroad rolls out its "School of Wizardry Express," a 75-minute round trip through the scenic Chehalis River Valley in 1920s historic coaches, hosted by award-winning magician "Headmaster" Jeff Evans. Expect magic, mystery, managed mischief, and plenty of trivia and adventure games along the way. Riders are encouraged to dress up in cloaks and wizard hats, and a marketplace at the depot sells treats and trinkets before boarding. Seating is general admission, so arrive a little early to pick your spot. Children ages 8 to 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and it is a wonderful outing for the whole family.
Lewis County Board of Commissioners
Tuesday, September 22 · 10 AM
Hearing Room, Historic Courthouse, 351 NW North St, Chehalis — Open to the public
Want to see how the county makes its calls? The weekly legislative meeting of the Lewis County Board of Commissioners happens Tuesday morning at 10 AM in the board's Hearing Room on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse. Agendas are posted in advance on the county's website, so you can see what is being discussed and weigh in during public comment. It is one of the simplest, most direct ways to take part in local government and stay in the loop on the issues shaping Lewis County.
Lewis County Drug Court “Roots to Rise” Benefit Dinner
Sunday, September 27 · 4 – 6 PM
120 Chilvers Rd, Chehalis — Benefit dinner, tickets in advance
Sunday brings a chance to support a cause that changes lives right here at home. The Foundation for Therapeutic Courts of Lewis County hosts its "Roots to Rise" benefit dinner for the Lewis County Drug Court, an evening meal that raises support for recovery court participants working to turn their lives around. It is a warm, community-centered way to close out the week, and every seat goes toward helping neighbors rebuild. Tickets are available in advance through the foundation, and it is a wonderful way to give back before the month turns.
Also happening this week
The Lewis County Planning Commission also meets on Tuesday evening at 6 PM at the Lewis County Community Development & Environmental Health Building in Chehalis, open to the public for anyone curious about land use and growth in the county. And for the little ones, the Timberland Regional Library branches in Centralia and Chehalis keep their free storytimes and teen hangouts running all week, an easy no-cost way to get the kids out and into the community.
For evening entertainment, McFiler's Chehalis Theater & Bar (543 NW Pacific Ave) runs karaoke Monday, Friday, and Saturday nights and live trivia on Tuesday at 6 PM, while The Hub Bar & Grill in Centralia (110 S Tower Ave) hosts karaoke Tuesday and Friday nights and trivia on Wednesday at 6 PM. Friendly spots to unwind with neighbors after the harvest.
This is the week Lewis County brings in the harvest: fill a market bag, wander the fairgrounds, ride a wizard express, and raise a hand for neighbors in recovery. There is a little something for everyone.
