If you have never set foot at the Oregon Country Fair, you’re missing out on a quintessential Oregon experience. When I first attended the Oregon Country Fair in the summer of 2023, I was teleported to an Alice in Wonderland-like universe. The dust shined magically as the sunshine hit it, creating an ethereal effect. When I looked up, a woman dressed in a honeybee costume was towering more than 10 feet over me on stilts. In the background, a fast-paced song was being played on the xylophone—and in the distance, I could hear the singing of two twin sisters. I knew this was going to be the start of an adventure I never wanted to end. If you want to feel the magical feeling that Oregon has to offer, then you have to check out the Oregon Country Fair.
This diverse and colorful celebration takes place July 12-14, 2024, in the woods of Veneta, Ore., and is a must-see for Oregon locals and visitors alike. This fair spans three days every summer in a family-friendly environment that welcomes all. You’ll find yourself surrounded by trees and people in costumes crafted by creative minds. Yep, the Oregon Country Fair feels like a real-life fairytale.
The fair brings in a very artistic crowd from all over. Vendors specialize in a wide range of trades, including body piercings, massages, leatherwork, photography, and more. There is a niche for everyone and is a great opportunity to connect with artists and strengthen that creative human connection. Artists such as James deRosso, a local Oregon artist who specializes in ceramics, brings creativity to the fair by helping you make your own ceramic monster. These little friendly ceramic monsters are just one of the many unique creations this fair has to offer.
There are play areas for children throughout the fair; some are supervised by fair employees. You can also bring your little ones to the children's stage, where they can enjoy their favorite songs, like the Spider Man theme song, played by kid-friendly artists and musicians.
Kids aren’t the only ones who can dance to live music. With 17 stages located throughout the Oregon Country Fair, there is an event for everyone in the family to attend. Some stages hold live music, and others have puppet shows and yoga. You can also find dance classes and circus crews among the fair’s many acts and activities.
If you’re getting hungry, more than 85 food vendors dish a variety of cuisines—with offerings from multiple gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-based purveyors. If you’re hungry for classic fair food, you may find comfort in the pizza, mac-n-cheese, burritos, and cheesy quesadillas. Wash it all down with a sweet hibiscus drink. After a filling meal, sweet treats are easily available as well, like colorful cookies or savory cupcakes.
To beat the heat, there are cooling and rest areas on the outskirts of the fairgrounds where you can rest in a tent and relax. There are also misting stations throughout the fair that are accompanied by free, refillable, clean water stations. Medical stations are located throughout the fair, as well.
LGBTQIA+ safe spaces at the Oregon Country Fair, meanwhile, offer the queer community the chance to talk and connect with others through allyship workshops.
The Oregon Country Fair takes pride in keeping the grounds clean and healthy. There are designated recycling and composting areas that event staff will help you sort out. If you’re looking to learn more about recycling, regenerative energy, and clean ways to live, look no further than the Regenerative Park at the fair. This is an immersive way to learn about green energy and how we can help make the planet cleaner and greener.
The Oregon Country Fair is a destination that should be on your bucket list when visiting Oregon. It’s rich in creativity and uniqueness, making this fair a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There is something for the whole family to enjoy. So pack your day bag and your best outfit, and head down to the Oregon Country Fair to experience all the fun it has to offer.
Note that the parking fee and most vendors must be paid in cash.
With an array of options, lodging for the Oregon Country Fair can span from a cozy hotel room to a more rugged outdoor experience. Check out lodging around Eugene and Veneta to find your perfect overnight stay.
