This summer, Oregon is buzzing with excitement as numerous towns and communities celebrate various traditions, leading to unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Astoria is making a grand occasion this year, hosting a four-day celebration to commemorate the 40th anniversary of a beloved movie set in the town.
The festivities feature an exclusive cast-and-crew panel along with thrilling bus tours to filming locations, making it a must-visit event for fans.
In addition to adventures like a scavenger hunt and a costume contest, the event will delight attendees with an ‘80s-themed prom reminiscent of the era the film was created in.
Meanwhile, not too far from Astoria, another exciting event is taking place, although this one involves a unique competition involving crabs.
At 9 AM, 26 tagged crabs are released into Nehalem Bay, where entrants for a $10 fee can attempt to catch as many as possible, aiming for a chance to win $1,000.
For those with hearty appetites, there’s also an oyster-eating contest to tempt participants.
Astoria will again take center stage with an array of Icelandic horse events, including a midsummer pole raising and dance.
Visitors can engage in interactive experiences like armor-making demonstrations at the “Viking Encampment,” not forgetting the crowning of Miss Scandinavia 2025.
What’s more, there will be an enticing array of meatball and æbleskiver eating contests for culinary enthusiasts to enjoy.
Oregon’s rich history also plays a significant role in summer activities.
In 1964, a catastrophic earthquake in Alaska led to tsunamis impacting the West Coast and resulting in flooded streets in Cannon Beach.
In response to isolation, the local residents creatively passed time building sandcastles.
Sixty-one years later, the tradition continues, bringing joy and creativity to the community.
For rodeo lovers, Oregon offers a plethora of rodeos, with the Pendleton Round-Up being the most renowned, taking place from September 10-13.
However, a smaller but exciting rodeo in St. Paul, a quaint town in the Willamette Valley less than an hour from Portland, draws nearly 1,000 competitors for events like bull riding and barrel racing.
This year, a new competition, women’s breakaway roping, has been introduced, wherein competitors achieve remarkable times of less than two seconds.
In addition, a vibrant festival rooted in Oregon’s counterculture scene, founded by Eugene hippies in 1969, offers a weekend campout in the woods.
This eclectic gathering features extravagant costumes, giant puppets, and even a tofu palace, encapsulating the spirit of creativity and community.
Over in Toledo, the summer festival brings excitement through an amateur logging show.
Here, timber skills are showcased through events like axe throwing and a chainsaw race, culminating in the crowning of the “Bull of the Woods.”
In Donald, the state nut, Oregon’s beloved hazelnut, takes center stage with a celebratory festival.
The lineup includes a parade, a classic car show, live music, and a plethora of delicious hazelnut treats.
The tradition of dory fishing boats thrives in Pacific City, dating back to the early 1900s.
Since 1959, the town has celebrated this legacy with a festive weekend centered around decorated dories, culminating in a parade themed “Christmas in July.”
A summer festival honoring the golden history of an Eastern Oregon settlement invites participants to enjoy mining demonstrations and gold panning contests for all ages.
Other activities include a lively parade and sidewalk fair, alongside traditional rodeo events, making it a vibrant homage to the town’s storied past.
Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy the free jazz festival held under the iconic St. Johns Bridge in July, marking a milestone as it celebrates its 45th anniversary this year.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure prime picnic spots, and umbrellas and tents are best left at home to fully relish the warm atmosphere.
Tracing its origins back to a school gym in the 1990s, an annual gathering has blossomed into a three-day celebration of song and dance for Nez Perce descendants.
This inclusive event culminates in a worship service in the longhouse on Sunday, paired with a community potluck, embracing cultural reconnectivity.
For those who enjoy DIY projects, a two-day race featuring human-powered contraptions takes participants through an all-terrain course while showcasing creativity and ingenuity.
Prizes are awarded based on categories like engineering and pageantry, reminiscent of the PDX Adult Soapbox Derby.
The Corvallis festival, now in its third year, emphasizes community participation and offers various workshops, including Celtic knot-tying and tin whistle lessons, paired with vibrant live music and dancing in Central Park.
Cyclists will soon take part in a major event after a year’s hiatus, celebrating body positivity and environmental consciousness through a mass ride in festive attire, embodying the spirit of Portland.
Finally, the KBOO fundraiser has grown into one of the country’s most cherished music festivals, providing the perfect blend of nature and tunes with acts like Portugal. The Man, Taj Mahal, Julien Baker & Torres, and Haley Heynderickx performing among the trees.
Adding to the quirky tradition, Tillamook County Fair showcases the unique Pig-N-Ford races, a century-old event where competitors race Model Ts while tending to pigs, providing a unique spectacle.
The summer festivities culminate with an adrenaline-filled beach volleyball tournament in Seaside, attracting teams from around the globe and solidifying Oregon’s place as a hub for leisure and competitive fun.
With more adventures and activities across the state, Oregon’s summer season promises to be filled with excitement, creativity, and community spirit.
image source from：https://www.pdxmonthly.com/travel-and-outdoors/oregon-summer-events-festivals-fairs
