Wednesday, April 1, 2015

10 Southern Oregon Spring Festivals You Don't Want to Miss


Spring is here and with the beautiful weather comes all of the fun things that it brings with it.  Not only the hiking, biking, running and other wonderful outdoor activities, but the real start to festival season!  Living in Southern Oregon we are fortunate enough to have so many native plants and trees, unequaled seafood and of course we are home to incomparable craft beer and local wineries;  our festivals are one of the best ways to showcase all that we have to offer. Here are 10 of our favorite picks of festivals that you should not miss this spring and summer!

Pear Blossom April 10th & 11th, 2015 in Medford
Pear Blossom starts with the Pear A Fare, Street Fair and Smudge Pot Stroll on Friday; followed by the Pear Blossom 5k, Mayor’s Cup Fun Run & 10-Mile Run Saturday morning.  Then the Pear Blossom Parade starts at 11am which has grown from 20 wagons and youngsters in the first event to today’s 150 entries with 4000 participants and 25-30,000 enthusiasts lining the parade route.  The Pear Blossom is a pillar in our community emphasizing family values, commitment and pride in our Rogue Valley.  Scholarships for area high school senior girls have been a hallmark of the Festival Association since 1991.  And if that is not enough fun finish off the day with the Street Fair on Saturday which is open until 5pm!
Rogue Valley Fermentation Celebration – April 24th & 25th, 2015 in Medford

The Rogue Valley Fermentation Celebration will gather some of the best breweries and whiskeys from across the West. Food complimentary to craft beer and whiskey will be available at the event. Get your tickets for either Friday from 5-10pm (VIP early entry 4pm) or Saturday from noon-10pm.
The Rogue Valley Fermentation Celebration was inspired by the Little Woody beer festival in Bend, which has drawn thousands to Central Oregon in the name of specialty wood-aged beers for the past five years. Beer was originally created and aged in wooden barrels, a traditional technique that Bend celebrates.

Ahh Shucks! Oyster Feed - Saturday April 25, 2015 from 12-4pm in Charleston
Locals and visitors gather together to celebrate our love for Oregon oysters!  Oysters will be prepared in a variety of ways and served with dipping sauces, baked beans, coleslaw, bread and drink (soda, coffee, or tea). Shrimp cocktails can be added on for $1 extra! Gourmet hotdog meals ($8 Adults Meal/$5 Child’s Meal) are available for the non-oyster fan. Live Music from local musicians.
South Coast Celtic Festival – Friday, May 1st – Sunday, May 3rd in Coos Bay

This is the fifth Celtic Fest, and we’ve been growing every year. This year, we’re adding “fringe events” the week before the festival in addition to Saturday’s workshops, free entertainment, and evening concert.  Our Saturday evening concert will begin at 7 p.m. with the Oregon Coast Pipe and Drum Band. Next The Stomptowners will take the stage with sean-nos singing and percussive dance, followed by fiddler Hanneke Cassel with cellist Mike Block and guitarist Christopher Lewis.


Roseburg Beer Week – Saturday, May 16th, 2015 in Roseburg

We are embarking on our 2nd annual large scale fundraising event Saturday May 16, 2015 3pm - 10pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Our "BREW HA HA", will feature craft beer tastings, live bands, fun games and fine food. Admission is $12.00 which includes a tasting glass and four tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets are available for $1.00 each. Food will be provided by Smokin' Friday BBQ and Old Soul pizza. Proceeds benefit Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity.
Azalea Festival – Friday, May 22nd in Brookings

Spend your Memorial Day weekend in Brookings Harbor and celebrate the 76th Annual Azalea Festival.  You’re your family and friends to enjoy a fun filled weekend on the beach!  Festivities include:  Street Fair, Live Music, Shrimp Feed, Car Show, Party at the Port, Parade and so much more!orial Day weekend in Brookings/Harbor, Oregon and celebrate the 76th annual Azalea Festival.  Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun filled weekend on the beach. Festivities include: Street Fair, Live Music, Shrimp Feed, Car Show, Party At The Port, Parade, and so much more… Spend your Memorial Day weekend in Brookings/Harbor, Oregon and celebrate the 76th annual Azalea Festival.  Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun filled weekend on the beach. Festivities include: Street Fair, Live Music, Shrimp Feed, Car Show, Party At The Port, Parade, and so much more…
http://www.brookingsharborchamber.com/event/76th-annual-azalea-festival/

Link River Festival – Saturday, May 30th in Klamath Falls
Access to the festival will be from either end of the trail (North end- Putnam Point and South end- Favell Museum.)  The trail and festival is open to the public, and all ages are encouraged to attend.  It is a walking event, taking place on the west side Link River Trail. (Approximately 1.5 miles each direction.)  There will be presenters, music, vendors and food along the trail.  Should you wish to walk only one direction, free shuttles will be available.


Medford  Beer Week –Friday, June 12th-Saturday, June 20th in Medford
Medford Beer Week 2015 is a city wide celebration of the craft beer industry, focused on local and regional craft beers. Not only do we have world class beers being brewed locally and regionally, Medford also has top-notch establishments – both restaurants and bars – that understand the importance of quality beer, and who are committed and care about the beer and food they serve. There is no better way to showcase this passion than to celebrate it for an entire week.  Some of the great events include the annual Brews, Burgers & Bluegrass, a kickball tournament and finishes with the main event the Southern Oregon Craft Brew Festival.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Oregon-Craft-Brew-Festival/212481852109437?fref=ts

 Southern Oregon Kite Festival – Saturday& Sunday, July 18th & 19th, 2015 in Brookings

Bringing some of the best-known fliers and kite makers to perform and display their creations for locals and tourists alike.  Local vendors and artists set up their booths to provide great eats, treats, knick-knacks and crafts.  Located on the Southern Oregon coast, Brookings also offers uncharacteristically good weather for the state. 
Free admission, free kids kite making, kite demonstrations, kite auction banquet, free shuttle service.  Fun for all ages!

Charleston Seafood Beer & Wine Festival - Saturday & Sunday, August 8th & 9th, 2015 in Charleston

Two full days of music, seafood and fun in August! Near the docks in Charleston Oregon.


Blackberry Arts Festival – Saturday & Sunday, August 22nd & 23rd in Downtown Coos Bay
Thousands of visitors come to Downtown Coos Bay to seek out all things Blackberry and all things local. From jams and jellies to baked goods, candy and wine; it’s all about the Blackberry. The festival hosts over 100 artists, artisans and vendors. So bring the entire family. Walk around and experience our unique blackberry culture!  This is a great event for everyone – tourists, locals and sellers.


Of course there are so many more festivals throughout Southern Oregon to enjoy so make sure to check out our website to view a full list of spring festivals and check back for the list of summer festivals soon to come!