In this second part of our blog on Fall RV Trips in Oregon, we’re looking at some of the best October events that our spectacular state has to offer. In Part 1, we talked about Oregon’s place in the Wild West and its more recent reputation as an award-winning craft beer and wine region. In this section, we’re going to explore some of the regional festivals that make Oregon a stand out place to live and visit. Read on for some of our favorite October events, all perfect for RVers.
The Southern Oregon Music Festival
Formerly known as the Medford Jazz Festival, the Southern Oregon Music Festival takes place October 2 – 4 in Medford, Oregon. This spectacular musical event is held in five venues within a seven block radius in downtown Medford, so you’ll be able to park your RV or tow vehicle and walk between the performances. The festival started as a Dixieland festival in 1989, but it’s evolved into something much bigger. This year it will include 16 bands, 95 sets and more than 100 hours of some of the most danceable music you’ll ever hear. No longer limited to Dixieland, this year’s event will feature blues, doo wop, swing, zydeco, jump jive, rockabilly, R&B, funk, rock & roll and jazz of all types. Prepare to dance your feet off, no matter what venue you’re in, but be sure to check out the premier 1,200 square foot wooden dance floor with room for you and all your friends.
Part of what makes this festival so wonderful is the Youth Program. Top Festival bands arrive early to tour public elementary and middle schools, providing music education and inspiration to over 15,000 students. So when you pay for your tickets, you’ll know you’re supporting something that matters in a bigger way. Be sure to attend the Oregon Coast Lab Band performance and some of the youth performances to see some seriously talented kids in action.
For RV camping, check out Glenyan RV Park and Campground in nearby Ashland and Valley of the Rogue State Park in Gold Hill.
37th Annual Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival
Held on the beach in the center of Lincoln City, Oregon, the Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival is not to be missed. Whether you’re looking for something to do as a couple, or you’ve got the whole family to entertain, this event on October 10 – 11 has something for everyone, not the least of which is a whole lot of fun on the Oregon Coast. If playing in the sand and dipping your toes in the surf isn’t enough, then just look up to see hundreds of the most extravagant and eye-catching kites in the world. There will be kite flying demonstrations by experts, remarkable performances by featured fliers, free kite-making workshops for kids, and the “Running of the BOLs” (test your brawn by running into the wind while harnessed to a huge donut-shaped kite). Enter the raffle to win glass floats, kite prizes and more. And be sure to hang around for the Kids and Kites Parade on the beach.
Remember, this is the Oregon Coast, so although it is often the most spectacular place to be in the fall, weather prediction is tricky. The Fall Kite Festival schedule is subject to change, depending on the weather, and you should consider times to be approximate. Just relax and enjoy!
The Lincoln City area has a lot to choose from when it comes to RV camping. Check out this website to see your options.
Head to Portland for Halloween
If you’re thinking about one more 2015 RV trip with the kids or grandkids, consider heading to Portland in October for Halloween at the Oregon Zoo. Events kick off on October 24th with the annual “Squishing of the Squash” (give a bunch of elephants some enormous gourds and see what they do). This leads straight into “Halloween” events on October 25 – 26, when your favorite little costumed trick-or-treaters (ages 3 – 11) can participate in scavenger hunts and other activities that will teach them about animals around the world (and they’ll pick up treats and prizes along the way). On the evening of October 25th is the Halloween Safari, a kids-only Halloween event for 6 – 13 year olds that lets them explore the zoo at night. And finally, for the preschool set, be sure to hit the zoo on October 31st for the Tiger Birthday & Trick-or-Treat Party, complete with crafts and treats. Events are free with zoo admission.
Make sure you have childcare on the night of October 28th because it’s 21 and over only at OMSI’s 4th annual OMSI After Dark: Spirits event. As they say: Ghosts, goblins, and whiskey, oh my! Costumes are encouraged at this spirits tasting event and you can expect a good number of Oregon distilleries to be there with their whiskies, vodkas and more. This fun event is likely to sell out early, so get your tickets in advance and be prepared to rock your best costume while drinking some of Oregon’s finest.
Travel Oregon has a great list of Portland area RV parks and campgrounds for you to choose from.
Fall is a great time to be in Oregon. We hope you’ve got some perfect RV trips planned for September and October. Remember to contact us if you need service on your RV before you leave, and as usual, we love to talk to RVers, so give us a call if you have any questions.
Photo: OCVA
