Winter arrives and a number of inhabitants warm up to some cold-weather projects, including Peter and Nance, who strike pasta from their diet to keep down their weight, and the proprietors of Stu's Stews food cart, who try to stir up business as the weather gets chillier. In other goings-on, Candice's son visits the bookstore; and Bryce and Lisa's newly opened Outlet Hotel offers a getaway package.
Iris and Spyke rustle up a gang of former MTV personalities in an attempt to wrest the cable music channel from the tween set. Also: Sandra develops a crush on a guy in her meditation class; and Kath and Dave shoot a video about how to construct a tent.
The mayor recruits Fred and Carrie to go door-to-door in Seattle to entice residents to relocate to Portland; a pedicab driver rustles up riders. Also: Peter and Nance make a stop at the Doily Shoppe in preparation for the opening of their bed-and-breakfast; and Toni and Candace try to find out who's behind a bad online review of their restaurant.
Nina throws herself an extravagant birthday party that will include horseback rides, sunrise yoga and a tapas dinner, which thrills Kath and Dave, who've just returned from Spain and are eager to share their knowledge of all things Iberian. A couple who've attended so many birthday parties in the past year that they're broke seek a bank loan in order to afford to make an appearance at Nina's soiree.
Concerned parents put together a band that plays music for children; and the Portland Nerd Council produces a public-service announcement. Meanwhile, a couple have an uneasy lunch at a vegan restaurant; and the Feminist Bookstore holds a comedy night.
The mayor steps down after being involved in an environmental scandal; and a Battle of the Gentle Bands is waged by local musicians. Meanwhile, an inspector stops by Peter and Nance's bed-and-breakfast; and the Gutterpunks try to locate a missing cat.
Portland's interim mayor hopes to turn the position into a full-time job with help from Fred and Carrie, while a couple experience wedding interruptus and town baristas devise a coffee-shop manifesto. Later, Kath and Dave have problems finding seats at a restaurant; Joaquin's friends get to the bottom of his mysterious disappearances; and the Rats become authors.
Peter and Nance prep for the opening of their bed-and-breakfast by hosting their friends; and a local furnituremaker is featured in the "Man Issue" of a magazine. Meanwhile, the Steampunks head to a convention, while an emboldened Fred takes a date out for a third time.
Carrie and Fred's roommate complicates their relationship; Portland is overrun with art projects; coyotes are threatening Kath and Dave's neighborhood; students inspire their teacher; visitors tour the Historical Punk House.
The Rats relocate from their recently gentrified neighborhood; first-time parents peruse child-rearing manuals; and Gahvin takes his girlfriend to a movie. Also: Alexandra and Carrie dine at a communal table; and a student inspires a teacher.
Electricity is shut off for the entire City of Portland due to unpaid bills at the Mayor's Office. Peter and Nance have a mysterious guest at their bed and breakfast. Kath and Dave go into survival mode. Fred and Carrie team up to find Mr. Mayor and restore power to the city.