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. Most beloved springtime traditions are open to visitors this year and are perfect for enjoying in the fresh air. 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.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest, March 18-May 1, 2022 (Woodburn): Visitors are welcome to enjoy the 40 acres of colorful tulips and 100 acres of outdoor space at the 38th annual festival, with tickets again offered online only in order to minimize crowds. Day passes are on sale starting March 1, or purchase a season pass. Pro tips: The flowers are not guaranteed to be in bloom on a particular date, so prepare to be flexible. Stay tuned on Facebook or the site’s Field 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.
April
Oregon Shakespeare Festival, April-December 2022 (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. This season visitors can also enjoy drastically lowered ticket prices, with tickets ranging from $35 to $75. Check out the performance lineup and grab your tickets for a classic Oregon experience.
Museum of World Athletics (MOWA), April-July 2022 (Portland): Can you feel the excitement building around the World Athletics Championships Oregon22? The championships will be held in the U.S. for the first time at legendary Hayward Field in Eugene in July 2022. Leading up to that event you can visit MOWA, the first sports museum to be established solely in the digital world. It offers visitors an interactive journey through the history of athletics and the sport’s flagship World Athletics Championships, highlighting many legends of the sport with featured items donated by athletes around the globe. The display will run during select dates and times April 8 through July 25 at Pioneer Place, on the lower level of the rotunda building. Entry to MOWA is free.
Hood River Blossom Weekend, April 9-10, 2022 (Hood River): April is peak season for soaking up the beauty of the pink and white flowers along the Hood River Valley while safely 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, dates to be announced April-September 2022 (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. Watch for the lineup to come in March, with tickets at a sliding scale.
Barnstormer’s Vintage Fair, April 8-9, 2022 (Central Point): This antique and garden show will welcome 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.
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival, April 21-24, 2022 (Burns): This year’s festival will be a mix of online presentations and workshops, go-at-your-own-pace in-person activities (with no van tours or crowded indoor spaces) and a few group opportunities 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.
May
Oregon Wine Month, May 2022 (statewide): Stay tuned for ways to celebrate Oregon’s winemakers, wine-growing areas and world-class wines through special tastings, deals and live events throughout the month. Most wineries have outdoor patios for fresh-air seating; make sure to book an appointment in advance for the best experience.
Circles in the Sand, May 2-Aug. 15 (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 and arrive (allowing time for parking) about 20 minutes in advance.
LongSword Vineyard Kite Festival, May 7-8, 2022 (Jacksonville): Treat mom – or the special lady in your life – to a day of colorful kites and wine tasting at this family-owned, -farmed and -operated vineyard and winery in the heart of the Applegate Valley. This sixth-annual festival makes for a memorable celebration.
Ashland World Music Festival, May 27-30, 2022 (Ashland): This free, family-friendly and ADA-accessible event features a live main stage in Lithia Park, showcasing a HeartBeat Stories event, a percussion workshop with Ghanaian artist Okaidja Afroso and a weekend of SoundWalks through beautiful downtown Ashland.
Rose Festival Opening Night & Fireworks, May 27, 2022 (Portland): Get the crew ready for carnival rides, live music, food, drink and fireworks at Tom McCall Park. The Portland Rose Festival’s return will include a full concert by fan favorite Hit Machine, with fireworks to begin just after dark.
