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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.