Rolling through 2025: Top Community Events and Local Festivals in Oregon
Get ready for another exciting year of fun, community, and culture, my fellow Oregonians! Let’s dive into the top local events and festivals that make our beautiful state even more vibrant in 2025.1. Portland Rose Festival
A long-standing tradition in the City of Roses, the Portland Rose Festival returns for its 115th year. This iconic fest entertains with grand parades along Burnside Street, dragon boat races along the Willamette River, and the vibrant nighttime CityFair right on the waterfront. Don’t miss the Queen’s Coronation at Veterans Memorial Coliseum – a favorite among locals!2. Ashland Independent Film Festival
The quaint town of Ashland throws open the doors to its historic Varsity Theatre every spring. Independent filmmakers, celebrities, and movie lovers, gather for five days of screenings, workshops, and Q&As at the Ashland Independent Film Festival. Make sure you reserve your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly!3. Hood to Coast Relay
When it comes to connecting with the outdoor spirit of Oregon, nothing beats the Hood to Coast Relay. Starting on Mount Hood and ending by the Pacific, this 198-mile relay race is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remember to train before you strap on those running shoes, though!
4. Oregon Shakespeare Festival
The arts scene in Oregon is alive and well, which must be why Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival attracts theater lovers from across the world. With world-class performances in the open-air Allen Elizabethan Theatre, there’s nothing like it. Try to catch a matinee for a unique afternoon experience.5. Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show
Quilting is a long-held tradition in many Oregonian families. In the picturesque town of Sisters, our lives are stitched together each summer at the world’s largest outdoor quilt show. Walk around downtown and marvel at the stunning patterns adorning the town’s buildings.6. Pendleton Round-Up
A nod to Oregon’s ranching roots, the Pendleton Round-Up is an annual rodeo that rivals the biggest Texan events. With its world-class rodeo, Round-Up truly embodies Pendleton’s motto, “Let ‘er Buck!” Don’t forget to sample a Pendleton Whisky at iconic Hamley Saloon while in town.7. Oregon Brewers Festival
Held in Portland’s Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Oregon Brewers Festival celebrates our state’s love for craft beer. With over 200 beers and ciders on tap from micro to major breweries, there’s a pint to please everyone. Bring your ID and reusable water bottle – stay hydrated, folks!8. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival
Each spring, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm bursts into a sea of colors. The Tulip Festival is a family favorite with flower picking, tractor rides, and local food carts. Make sure to bring your camera because the sweeping views of Mount Hood beyond the tulip fields are absolutely Insta-worthy.9. Oregon Country Fair
Return to your Oregon roots at the Oregon Country Fair in Veneta, west of Eugene. This eco-friendly festival is a haven for artisans, musicians, and free spirits. For the most authentic experience, join one of the drum circles; they’re fun, communal, and drumsticks are often shared with newbies!10. Portland’s Feast Food Festival
Proudly celebrating Oregon’s diverse culinary landscape, Portland’s Feast Food Festival gathers the brightest stars in the food scene. It’s a tasty tour through the region’s delicious bites and world-class wines. If you’re a serious foodie, try snagging tickets to one of the Dinner Series events – they’re unforgettable!In 2025, Oregon is alive with the sound of festivals and buzzing with our unique community spirit. Whatever your interests, there’s an event in Oregon that celebrates it. Here’s to another year of cherishing our beautiful state and vibrant communities – you gotta love Oregon!