Christmas in Jacksonville (Photo courtesy of Terra Firma Gift)
Fall / winter
Ride the Rim (September), Klamath Falls: Crater Lake’s deep blue waters are stunning to look at, but you can do more than just hike and enjoy the natural wonders on foot. Each fall cyclists can pedal around the East Rim when it’s vehicle-free.
Klamath Independent Film Festival (September), Klamath Falls: Each fall an opening-night street festival kicks off this renowned film festival’s lineup of movie screenings on Saturday and short film selections on Sunday. Film buffs shouldn’t miss it.
Ashland Culinary Month (February), Ashland: Award-winning chefs, restaurants, wineries and breweries of Southern Oregon showcase their culinary bounty each year at this tasty festival, featuring special tastings, pairings, classes, happy hours, cozy fireplaces, giveaways and creative food-based events all month long. Bring your appetite.
Victorian Christmas (December), Jacksonville: From the kickoff parade to Father Christmas’ appearances each weekend, this is the holidays with classic small-town charm. Horse-drawn wagon rides, shopping and treats are a great way to enjoy this tradition.
“It’s Christmas, Carol!” at Oregon Shakespeare Festival (November-January), Ashland: The Oregon Shakespeare Festival will host its first-ever holiday-season special, “It’s Christmas, Carol!, ” which will run from Nov. 23 to Jan. 2, 2022. Making its world premiere, the show is sure to lift your spirits with a tale of three ghosts that take Carol Scroogenhouse through time and space – including a Shakespearean theater, a prehistoric holiday celebration and a futuristic zombie world – to reckon with her past. It’s a silly romp for family-friendly fun.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)
spring / summer
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (March-October), Ashland: This world-class festival kicks off in spring each year with a diverse lineup of plays, events and activities for all ages, encompassing all genres. In summer there are backstage tours, lectures and classes. Also look for summer concerts and virtual streaming events you can enjoy at home.
The Wild Rogue Relay (June), Applegate Lake to Brookings: Similar to the Hood to Coast Relay, this is Southern Oregon’s 221-mile journey across scenic wilderness. Grab your favorite running partners and start training; the event starts in the Siskiyou Mountains, traces the Rogue River and ends on the pristine beaches of the Southern Coast.
Music on the Half Shell (June-August), Roseburg: Sit along the banks of the Umpqua River at Stewart Park every Tuesday in the summer months to hear live music and enjoy the community’s good vibes.
Britt Music & Art Festival (July-August), Jacksonville: One of the region’s top outdoor concert venues brings in big-name acts over three weekends, from July to August. The Britt Orchestra’s 90 professionals perform under a canopy of stars.
The Oregon Wine Experience (July, August, October), Jacksonville: This must-do event is for wine and food lovers. Vintners in the competition use 100% Oregon AVA grapes, and winners are announced in August. Through October enjoy the Founders’ Barrel Auction to benefit the Asante Children’s Miracle Network program. The Miracle Auction & Salmon Bake (October) is an in-person auction with a dinner from the Coquille Indian Tribe and award-winning wine tastings. Add an Oregon Wine University class any time of year for anyone wanting to master the art of pairing and tasting wines.
Story by Jessica Mehta
