What big events are coming to Oregon this summer? Here's what to check out
It isn't too early to plan your summer of fun. Here's a list of fairs, festivals, concerts and other big entertainment lined up this year.
NASHCO
The official start of summer is still months away, but organizers of Oregon's biggest festivals and fairs have already begun to announce dates.
This year, many long-running traditions will be back, including the Waterfront Blues Festival, the Portland Craft Beer Festival and the Oregon State Fair. There's also a number of big-name musicians expected to make stop in the Pacific Northwest.
To help you make the most of the summer, here's a guide on some of the festivals, fairs, concerts and other entertainment coming to Oregon.
Festivals
From blues to brews, here's a list of some of the popular festivals returning this summer.
Waterfront Blues Festival
When: July 4-7, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily
Where: Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Main festival entry is at 1400 Southwest Naito Parkway, Portland
What: Known as one of downtown Portland's largest and longest-running music festivals, local musical legends and artists from around the world celebrate the blues, soul, funk and R&B. Early bird 4-Day passes are on sale now.
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Portland Rose Festival
When: Various dates and times between May 24-June 23
Where: Various locations in Portland
What: For more than a century, the Portland Rose Festival has brought people together for dozens of events celebrating the local community. The festival includes three parades: the Starlight Parade, Junior Parade and the Grand Floral Parade. There's also CityFair, with carnival rides, food and games spanning three weekends. Fleet Week at Waterfront Park gives people an up-close glimpse of vessels from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. Another festival tradition is the announcement of the Rose Festival Court and the Queen's Coronation.
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Portland Craft Beer Festival
When: July 4-6, 12-10 p.m. daily (all ages welcome on July 4)
Where: Elizabeth Caruthers Park: 3508 South Moody Avenue, Portland
What: Breweries around Portland showcase their craft beer, ciders, meads and wines. Tickets are required.
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Harefest
When: July 18-July 20
Where: Clackamas County Fair and Event Center: 694 Northeast 4th Avenue, Canby
What: Called the "mother of all tribute festivals," dozens of tribute bands rock out on three stages for the two-day festival. Tickets are required and you must be 21 years or older.
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6th Annual Edgefield Brewfest
When: July 22-25 (times have yet to be announced)
Where: McMenamins Edgefield: 2126 Southwest Halsey Street, Troutdale
What: A three-day celebration of the Pacific Northwest's craft beers and ciders. There's also live music, food for purchase and games to play on the lawn. Tickets are required.
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Topaz Farm Americana Harvest Festival
When: Concerts set for various dates in July and August
Where: Sauvie Island, Portland
What: Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy bluegrass, folk and country music performaces at Topaz Farm. This summer's line-up includes Horse Feathers, Tophouse and Summer Dean. There's also fresh grilled farm food, craft beer and cider. Tickets are required.
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Pickathon music festival
When: Aug. 1-4
Where: Pendarvis Farm: 16581 Southeast Hagen Road, Happy Valley
What: Spread out at seven different venues on Pendarvis Farm, festival goers can dance to artists with the backdrop of the forest, hills and farm buildings. This year's lineup includes Courtney Barnett, Bella White, Bonnie Prince Billy and Vincent Neil Emerson. The festival is zero-waste and also highlights the Pacific Northwest's culinary scene.
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Concerts
Here are some of the big bands and artists scheduled to perform at some of Oregon's outdoor concert venues.
Concerts at McMenamins Grand Lodge:
Blues Traveler and JJ Grey & Mofro
When: Friday, July 12. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: McMenamins Grand Lodge: 3505 Pacific Avenue, Forest Grove
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Concerts at McMenamins Edgefield:
The Avett Brothers
When: Saturday, July 13. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: McMenamins Edgefield: 2126 Southwest Halsey Street, Troutdale
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Primus and Coheed and Cambria
When: Friday, July 19. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: McMenamins Edgefield: 2126 Southwest Halsey Street, Troutdale
Portugal. the Man
When: Saturday, July 20. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: McMenamins Edgefield: 2126 Southwest Halsey Street, Troutdale
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Lake Street Drive
When: Friday, Aug. 2. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: McMenamins Edgefield: 2126 Southwest Halsey Street, Troutdale
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The Decemberists
When: Saturday, Aug. 3. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m.
Where: McMenamins Edgefield: 2126 Southwest Halsey Street, Troutdale
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Khruangbin
When: Monday, Aug. 19. Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 6 p.m. (a second concert set for Aug. 18 is sold out)
Where: McMenamins Edgefield: 2126 Southwest Halsey Street, Troutdale
Click here for more info
PDX-Live concerts at Pioneer Courthouse Square:
Sleater Kinney/Amyl and the Sniffers
When: Wednesday, Aug. 7. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square: 701 Southwest 6th Avenue, Portland
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Yo La Tengo/Built to Spill
When: Wednesday, Aug. 14. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square: 701 Southwest 6th Avenue, Portland
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Mt. Joy
When: Friday, Aug. 16. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square: 701 Southwest 6th Avenue, Portland
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Elle King
When: Tuesday, Aug. 20. Show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Courthouse Square: 701 Southwest 6th Avenue, Portland
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Other events
Watch sandcastle artists put their skills to the test, or indulge in deep-fried fair food!
60th Annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
When: June 15
Where: Cannon Beach, Oregon
What: For the past 60 years, sandcastle enthusiasts of all ages have put their skills on full display, building works of art made from sand. Aside from the friendly competition, participants and visitors can also enjoy music and food with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Click here for more info
Corgi Beach Takeover
When: Saturday, June 29
Where: Seaside, Oregon
What: Hundreds of corgis and their humans take over the beach for a day of costume contests, raffles and races. All proceeds will benefit the Oregon Humane Society. More details about the event and how to register will be announced at a later date.
Click here for more info
Oregon Country Fair
When: July 12-14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Veneta, about 15 miles west of Eugene
What: With its history going back to 1960, the annual fair packs entertainment, handmade crafts and food over the course of three days on a 500-acre outdoor venue. Tickets are required.
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Providence Bridge Pedal
When: Sunday, Aug. 11
Where: Various routes and bridge crossings in Portland
What: Billed as one of the largest community bike rides in the world, bicyclists and walkers have the chance to explore Portland's bridges on car-free streets.
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Oregon State Fair
When: Aug. 23- Sept. 2, 10 a.m-10 p.m.
Where: Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center: 2330 17th Street Northeast, Salem
What: The Oregon State Fair returns with carnival rides and plenty of fair food, livestock and small animal exhibits, plus crafts and agriculture shows. Music lovers can also catch the fair's concert series. Tickets are required.
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