By Angela Brown
Northwest US Travel Expert, about.com
Spring in Oregon is magnificent on both the east and west sides of the Cascade Mountain Range and there are many reasons, including annual events, to plan an Oregon spring getaway.. Here are my recommendations for the best Oregon special events and festivals that take place each March, April, and May:
Celebrate Spring Flowers in Oregon[post_ads_2]
Portland Rose Festival (May/June)One of Portland's biggest and most popular annual events, the Portland Rose Festival runs over several weeks and includes a variety of fun events. The CityFair street fair, Grand Floral Parade, rose show, Fleet Week, opening night fireworks, and the Starlight Parade are among the highlights.
Wooden Shoe Tulip Fest (March/April/May)
Both daffodils and tulips - acres of them - provide the reason for this annual spring festival that runs throughout blooming season. The festival takes place in Woodburn, just south of Portland, and includes over 40 acres of colorful fields along with tours, you-pick flowers, a gift shop and flower market, children's activities, live music, and weekend food and crafts booths.
Florence Rhododendron Festival (May)
Rhododendrons, which come in a gorgeous array of colors, thrive in the Northwest, particularly in the coastal areas. For over 100 years, the Oregon Coast town of Florence and celebrated the rhodies' spring bloom season with a festival that includes parades, a fun run, a carnival, a car show, and a flower show and sale. Good food and community fun are part of the weekend's festivities.
Spring Food & Drink Festivals in Oregon[post_ads_2]
Portland Spring Beer & Wine Fest (April)Held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, this annual event provides the opportunity to sample a variety of beers and wines from the region. And there's more! Local distilleries, cideries, and food producers are also represented at this festival. Demonstrations, seminars, and discussion panels take place throughout the day on the Spring Beer & Wine Fest's two stages, providing the opportunity to learn. Live music and a food court are also available.
Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood, & Wine Festival (April)
[post_ads]The annual Astoria-Warrenton Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival is one of Oregon's most popular spring events. The festival focuses on the bounty of the Pacific as well as on the region's famous wines. Seafood lovers can savor shrimp, salmon, oysters, halibut, and clam chowder. The Northwest's awesome microbrews and and wines are also featured. In addition to the freshest of seafood, you'll be able to enjoy live music and crafts booths. It takes place at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds in Astoria.
Celebrate Spring Migrations in Oregon[post_ads_2]
Harney County Migratory Bird Festival (April)Southeast Oregon is a major stop along the Pacific Flyway, one of North America's annual bird migration routes. Sandhill cranes, waterfowl, and shorebirds. Festival events include expert-guided tours, workshops, an art sale, and social events.
Spring Whale Watch Week (March)
This annual event takes place twice a year, in winter and in spring. The spring Whale Watch Week occurs each mid-to-late March, bring volunteers to dozens of sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot migrating gray whales.
More Spring Events & Festivals in Oregon[post_ads_2]
Yachats Original Arts & Crafts Fair (March)Fine arts and crafts are the focus at this established fair, which features painting, sculpture, glass, pottery, textiles, woodwork, jewelry, and more. All of the artists and craftspeople are from the Pacific Northwest. The event takes place at Yachats Commons, along Highway 101.
Central Oregon Sportsmen's Show and Boat/RV Sale - Redmond (March)
Held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, this major sportsmen's features all kinds of outdoor toys and gear for hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. The show includes several kid-friendly events and activities, like a trout fishing pond, a dog jumping competition, and camp cooking demonstrations.
Faux Film Festival (April)
This April Fool's Day is sure to provide plenty of laughter. Showcase films at this Portland event include satire, spoofs, mockumentaries, and parodies.
Ashland Independent Film Festival (April)
Ashland, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is rich in theatrical talent. Each spring the community comes together to sample independent film from around the world, including documentary, feature, and short films.
