Oregon Summer Festivals
While a summer road trip is always wonderful in and of itself, a fun way to make it even better is to take advantage of a local festival that is occurring at the time of your travel. Planning your journeys around community events adds an air of festivity and can showcase the best a destination has to offer. Summer in Oregon means there’s always something going on and you’ll have no shortage of choices in planning a road trip to coordinate with a scheduled festival. Do plan early as often lodging options on festival weekends are heavily booked long in advance. Always check that dates and times are current before heading out, as festival dates have been known to change. Also, recognize that the festivities probably will add larger crowds and change your experience.
About Leif’s Summer Roadtrip Series
This summer we will publish a series of articles that combine two of my greatest passions; cars and the Pacific Northwest.
Should you decide to try one or a few of the overnight trips we’ll present, you and your travel companions will enjoy The Area’s less widely known but truly iconic scenery and experiences en route to your destination.
If you find these articles valuable or have suggestions for new ideas or improvements, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at webmail@leifs.com.
– Leif
This is by no means an exhaustive list of summer festival options in Oregon, but it should get you started thinking on how you can combine festival fun into your summer road trip adventuring:
Britt Festivals
The Britt is grouped as designated ‘Festivals’ (plural) because it goes all summer long in one form or another. The Britt Festivals are set in an outdoor amphitheatre in Jacksonville and feature a wide selection of classical, jazz, blues, folk, bluegrass, world music, pop, and country artists with performances held on weekdays and weekends. Make a weekend of it by staying overnight in nearby Ashland or Medford.
Varied Dates June through September
Bach Festival
For two weeks, Eugene becomes home to the Bach Festival, featuring a series of choral-orchestral concerts centering around the music and influence of J.S. Bach. There are several performance options daily and family events on the weekends.
June 24-July 14, 2013
Oregon Summer Quilt Expo and Sisters Outdoor Quilt Festivals
www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org – www.oregonsummerquiltexpo.com
The name is a bit of a misnomer, because the Sisters Indoor Quilt Festival is held not in Sisters but at the fairgrounds in nearby Redmond. This is the world’s largest indoor quilt show, featuring exhibits, lectures, classes, and vendors sure to please serious quilters. The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Festival is held simultaneously in Sisters on July 13th and offers chances to further explore the town’s charm on foot.
July 11-14, 2013
Oregon Country Fair
For 44 years, the Oregon Country Fair has been delighting visitors with unique entertainment, food, crafts, and much more in Veneta, located 12 miles from Eugene. Dance, eat, and people watch at this one of a kind gathering. Kids are welcome and costumes are optional!
July 12-14, 2013
Fort Dalles Days and Rodeo
Fort Dalles Days features a family friendly street fair in historic downtown The Dalles. 3K, 5K, and 10K run/walks, a real cowboy breakfast, a true hometown parade, and the namesake rodeo make this a cant miss event. Experience the Wild West and the beautiful Columbia Gorge, close to home yet a world away.
July 12-20, 2013
Dory Days
Celebrate Pacific City’s iconic dory boats for three days in July with a parade, marine and artisan fair, live music, fishing contests, and fish fry. It’s fun for the whole family in true coastal style!
July 19-21, 2013
Flashback Cruz
www.centraloregonclassicchevyclub.com/flashback.html
Calling all cars ’79 and older! A 28-year old car show in Bend along the Deschutes River, Flashback Cruz includes nightly music and lots of chances to see classic Chevys in action with awards being given in several categories.
August 2-4, 2013
Dunefest
For five days, the sand dunes in Winchester Bay are overtaken by thousands of ATV enthusiasts in this, the country’s premier ATV event. There are drag races, challenges, exhibitions, a kids’ safe riding area, displays of quads and show buggies, and of course food, music, and vendors.
July 31-August 4, 2013
Mountain Bike Oregon
A smaller event catering to experienced mountain bikers, this festival features three days of riding in and around Oakridge and the foothills of the Cascades. Ride amongst giant old growth trees, lush ferns, creeks, waterfalls, and mountain meadows full of wildflowers with some new friends. You’ll camp beside the Willamette River and all meals are included.
July 19-21 and August 16-18, 2013
Carlton’s Walk in the Park
A local charity benefit in this quaint Oregon small town, the family-friendly Walk in the Park event in Carlton’s central park space features local artisans, live music, an antique car show, a quilt show, and a showcase of Pacific Northwest Cuisine and Oregon wines. Overnight in one of the wine country’s B&B’s or classic inns.
August 17-18, 2013
Port of Toledo Wooden Boat Show
www.portoftoledo.org/pot_wbs_main.html
If you like the Oregon coast and wooden boats, Toledo is the place to be for this old-fashioned, down-home, waterfront festival. See Pacific Northwest boat builders in action and enjoy local food, music, art, and family fun.
August 17-18, 2013
Northwest Art & Air Festival
Art from 70 northwest vendors, air (hot air balloons), and top-name music acts grace Albany for three days in August. There’s also a car show and the Reptile Man in the Family Fun Zone.
August 23-25, 2013
Oregon State Fair
There’s nothing like the Oregon State Fair! Carnival rides, livestock exhibits, concerts, and much more- including a plethora of ‘fair cuisine’ all await you in Salem on 185 acres. Camping is available to create a full weekend of fun at the fair.
August 23-September 2, 2013
Learn More
Britt Festivals
Bach Festival
Oregon Summer Quilt Expo
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
Oregon Country Fair
Fort Dalles Days and Rodeo
Dory Days
Mountain Bike Oregon
Dunefest
Flashback Cruz
Carlton’s Walk in the Park
Port of Toledo Wooden Boat Show
Northwest Art & Air Festival
Oregon State Fair
