If summer ushers in a carefree mood and outdoor markets aplenty, fall carries with it a more grounding sense of nostalgia. Think cozy wool blankets, crisp, moonlit nights by the campfire, and the fall edition of Rose City Vintage Market, coming to Portland Expo Center Saturday, October 12 through Sunday, October 13.

“Everybody’s gearing up for something” at this time of year, which brings a special, anticipatory energy to the October market, says Pamela Perry, who produces Rose City Vintage Market along with Mindy King. From mid-century modern pieces that hearken back to the heyday of in-home entertaining, to vintage Christmas decorations and one-of-a-kind gifts, adding Rose City Vintage Market to your list of pre-holiday activities gives the bustling shopping season an old-school twist.

“It’s a very nostalgic show in the fall,” Perry says. Compared with the summer market, which features a caravan of traveling vendors, this more intimate indoor event primarily highlights businesses that hail from the Pacific Northwest. One vendor even plans to have an Airstream trailer on display, in one of the market’s many nods to the retro, PNW camping aesthetic. Heavy plaid flannels and other cold-weather threads complete the loose theme.

But you don’t have to remember sipping from a retro thermos to appreciate the throwbacks at Rose City Vintage Market, where more than 200 seasoned vendors eagerly share their expertise with fellow finders and market newcomers alike. Love thrifting old-school Levi’s and concert tees (or know a young vintage fanatic who does)? Rose City Vintage presents an ideal opportunity to grab closet staples while branching out into new categories—or maybe taking on a compelling DIY project—in a convivial and supportive atmosphere. Offerings run the gamut from thrifty finds to heirloom pieces.

“We always want to introduce vintage to the next audience and the next generation,” Perry says. “How do you bring these pieces into your house to complement the hand-me-downs, or the things you had from college? How do you create this really cool vintage vibe?” Dealers answer that question by styling their wares in room-like displays. Shoppers leave Rose City Vintage Market with fun new additions to their home, and with inspiration for how to incorporate them, too. “I want shoppers to be inspired about how they can adopt a vintage lifestyle for themselves, because it looks cool, because it’s sustainable, and because you’re getting better quality,” Perry says.

Plenty of market mainstays will be setting up shop, including Melissa Halvorson—also known as MML Poubelle—who plans to bring Scandinavian wares aplenty. “The spoils of a recent trip to Sweden will be a main feature,” she says.

Previous visitors to Rose City Vintage Market will see quite a few new booths this time around, too: About 10 percent of the October vendors are brand new to the show, Perry says. “The PNW has a vast amount of talent. Along with our tried and true dealers, we like to include a percentage of ‘new-to-the-show’ dealers each time.” Among them is Angelique Davis at Thee Lucky Bastard, a beloved local dealer who specializes in antique and vintage curiosities; and Doug Roach at Gray PDX, who curates repurposed vintage geared toward the next generation.

Beverage tastings from a few local companies make for a welcome pit stop. Family-owned winery Bacus Vineyards will have multiple varieties available, including their excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Non-alcoholic refreshments will make an appearance, too.

But hunting for swoon-worthy finds takes precedence at the market: “You’re always chasing after that fun little thing you found last time. You’re always telling the story of it,” Perry says. First Pick tickets offer especially dedicated shoppers a chance to shop the market early on Saturday, for the best chance at finding something to write home about.

“There's a certain urgency in October,” Perry says, since most markets wind down come summer’s end. “It's kind of that last chance to get in there and find those great things before the year ends.” Whether you hope to snag a once-in-a-lifetime piece, or just bask in a little nostalgia, Rose City Vintage Market is the best way to welcome the season in style. For more information, visit rosecityvintagemarket.com.