There’s nothing quite like springtime in Oregon, when the birds are singing, the cherry blossoms and tulips are blooming, and the nasal spray is handy. Here’s where to celebrate the season.
March
Farmers Markets (various locations): Oregon is home to dozens of farmers markets offering a bounty of local, seasonal produce and other fresh goods. One of the earliest to open is Rogue Valley Growers Market, which launches its Ashland Tuesday Market and Medford Thursday Market in March. Many more open in April or later spring and run through fall. See this handy directory of Oregon Farmers Markets to find the one nearest you.
Spring Blooms (various locations): Springtime is synonymous with colorful blooms, and you can get your fill — along with the perfect photo opp — at any of Oregon’s lushest gardens, including the famous cherry blossoms at Portland Japanese Garden, Lithia Park in Ashland and along Portland’s Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Plan a wildflower hike to appreciate the beauty of it all, and remember that picking wildflowers in Oregon is illegal.
Winter PrideFest (Bend): Gather with friends at Mt. Bachelor to celebrate pride, inclusivity and your love of the outdoors. This annual event has been happening since 2018, growing to more than 1,000 participants. Enjoy a winter “snocial” in the Old Mill District, discounted lift tickets at the mountain, ice skating with wigs, a queer comedy night, a guided snowshoe and bonfire tour, guided ski tours, a dance party, a drag brunch and more fun. Visit the website to purchase tickets and book hotel lodging.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest (Woodburn): Flowering bulbs are the true harbinger of an Oregon spring, and you’ll find the biggest concentration of them — 40 acres in total — at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest in Woodburn, about 35 miles south of Portland. Season tickets and individual day passes are available. Pro tips: The flowers are not guaranteed to be in bloom on a particular date, so prepare to be flexible. Check the website’s bloom status report for current field conditions. Also, wear comfortable shoes for walking on the farm and bring a raincoat — Oregon spring is unpredictable, but the photo opps will be just as dazzling.
Ski For All (Bend): This all-ages, all-abilities event hosted by Oregon Adaptive Sports welcomes individuals with and without disabilities to enjoy a spectacular day on the snow at Mt. Bachelor. The organization works to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities in Oregon’s outdoors. The goal of the day’s Summit Games is to score points by completing a variety of fun and inclusive games on the mountain. Come for prizes, costumes and an after-party at a local brewpub. Read up on more exciting ski events for the season.
April
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland): The world-class Oregon Shakespeare Festival continues its run of vital new works, relevant classics, transformative digital work and a joyful and inclusive festival atmosphere. Check out the performance lineup, then grab your tickets for a classic Oregon experience.
Circles in the Sand (Bandon): Walk the mesmerizing labyrinths in the sand at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, a public art project created by local artist Denny Dyke in 2011. The labyrinths are created in accordance with the tide, so check the posted start times between April and August and arrive (allowing time for parking) about 20 minutes in advance.
Hood River Blossom Weekend (Hood River): April is peak season for soaking up the beauty of the pink and white flowers along the Hood River Valley while sampling the culinary bounty of the Hood River County Fruit Loop. This self-guided adventure is the ultimate spring getaway. Visit on weekdays and go early in the day for the fewest crowds, and if an area is too busy, visit a backup.
In a Landscape, through September (various locations): Tickets go on sale in March for the hotly anticipated series of classical music performances by pianist Hunter Noack, who brings his 9-foot Steinway piano into remote natural areas of the state to perform amidst the natural beauty. Grab your tickets early and plan your trip around the event.
Barnstormer’s Vintage Fair (Central Point): This antique and garden show welcomes visitors to the Jackson County Fairgrounds, with vendors selling everything from farmhouse-style and vintage home decor to handmade garden goods, plants, local veggies, handcrafted food, music and wine. Purchase tickets online in advance.
Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour (various locations): Love art and supporting local artists? Book a stay in the Columbia River Gorge and download the free map to find artists who are welcoming visitors into their studio spaces on specific dates in late April. This event is all about building community and sharing opportunities for visitors to experience and enjoy art in the region.
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival (Burns): This annual festival brings bird lovers together to celebrate the diversity of feathered friends in the great outdoors of Southeastern Oregon. More than 300 species of birds use the refuge throughout each year, making Harney Basin a bird watcher’s paradise. Enjoy guided tours led by experts, workshops and fun activities for both youth and adults.
Northwest Cherry Festival (The Dalles): Take a trip through the scenic Columbia River Gorge to The Dalles for this annual event, a classic for decades. Sample the region’s delicious cherries, catch a classic car show, run a 10K race, or just sit back and enjoy the Gorge’s largest annual parade.
May
Oregon Wine Month (statewide): May is dubbed Oregon Wine Month for good reason; all around the state, boutique and family-run wineries uncork prized bottles for special releases, tastings, classes and a wide range of other wine-centric events like the Oregon AAPI Food + Wine Fest, founded with the mission to celebrate the diverse wine and culinary scene that makes the Pacific Northwest, particularly Oregon, so unique. Organizers say there are 13 known Asian and Pacific Islander-owned wineries in Oregon, who will feature their wines and paired food bites at Stoller Family Estate’s Experience Center in Dayton. Also look for tickets to weekly winemaker dinners in Portland throughout the month of May, each highlighting a host chef and guest chef from the AAPI community. See the Oregon Wine Board’s event calendar here.
Rogue World Music Festival (Ashland): This free, family-friendly and accessible event features a live main stage in Lithia Park, showcasing events like the recent HeartBeat Stories event, percussion workshop with Ghanaian artist Okaidja Afroso and a weekend of SoundWalks through beautiful downtown Ashland.
Rose Festival Opening Night & Fireworks (Portland): Get the crew ready for carnival rides, live music, food, drink and more at Rose Festival CityFair, one of the Rose City’s most beloved traditions. Fireworks on opening night kick off the events at Tom McCall Park.
SHE FLIES Community Festival (Portland): This free, family-friendly event at Overlook Park features live fitness activities and interactive exhibits for all. Hosted by the Oregon Sports Authority, organizers will announce award winners of multiple grants to organizations advancing the mission of SHE FLIES, which aims to connect girls and women across Oregon to sports, and to create inclusive opportunities through its programs, partnerships and networks.
Rhododendron Festival (Florence): More than a century old, this beloved event celebrates the coastal community and the joy of rhododendrons at peak season. Bring the family for a weekend of fun including live music and art, a carnival and other kids’ activities, a Rhododendron Court and parade, a run and walk, a classic car show and more. Most events are free to attend.
