Creative and Cultural Experiences
Oregon’s culture is as diverse and expansive as its landscapes.
Travelers can experience Indigenous history, vibrant art scenes, music festivals and small-town maker movements that celebrate craftsmanship, heritage and innovation. Here, creativity isn’t curated—it’s lived, shared and ever-evolving. It’s woven into everything we do.
Fashion in Eastern Oregon
In the high-desert town of Pendleton, a new tradition is taking shape. Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet (October 15–17, 2026) is a lively celebration of fashion, heritage and creativity rooted in the region’s Indigenous and Western cultures. Over three immersive days, artists and designers present collections, blending storytelling with contemporary craft. At the heart of the event, the Interwoven Market gathers 70 regional makers. Visitors can browse one-of-a-kind goods, watch live demonstrations and try traditional techniques. Runway shows add flair, including a memorable showcase on horseback, where craftsmanship shines both in and off the saddle.
Art Museum Expansion
In Portland the expanded Portland Art Museum offers its own cultural draw. A recent renovation that added nearly 100,000 square feet of new or upgraded gallery space highlights over 300 major new acquisitions, including a dedicated gallery space focusing on Black art and experiences. Current exhibitions feature the works of David Hockney and Rick Bartow, alongside a full schedule of tours and talks. Newly launched in 2026, The Maker’s Table event series invites guests after hours for intimate winemaker dinners that pair art with curated menus, including standout producers like Big Table Farm, Antica Terra and Soter Vineyards.
Summer Music Festivals
Summer brings music festival season across the state. The Pendleton Whisky Music Fest marks its 10th year with big-name country acts at the Round-Up grounds. In Southern Oregon, the Britt Festival turns a hillside amphitheater into a starry venue, with artists like Elle King and Alison Krauss. Near Portland Pickathon — the first major American festival to be zero waste — offers a boutique experience. You’ll find hand-built stages, forest camping, farm-to-table fare and art installations woven into nature. For a truly free-spirited vibe, the Oregon Country Fair blends music and performance art in a whimsical wooded setting west of Eugene. In Central Oregon, the Cascade Equinox Festival mixes electronic music with interactive art installations and live painters, along with workshops centered around movement and healing from reiki to akashic recording.
Celebrate Oregon Film
Oregon’s landscapes and small towns have long doubled as film sets, now showcased by the Oregon Film Trail. This year marks the 40th anniversaries of beloved classics “Stand by Me” and “Short Circuit.” From June 5-7, Astoria hosts the official Short Circuit 40th anniversary celebration, with screenings, panels, cast and crew appearances, and a 1980s-themed prom. On July 25, Brownsville celebrates Stand by Me Day with location walks, a vintage-car cruise, a blueberry pie-eating contest and an outdoor screening of the film.
For an extra dose of movie magic, visitors can ride the historic steam locomotive featured in “Stand by Me.” Now on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad along Tillamook Bay between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach, it still runs today. Another option is to pedal the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway near Cottage Grove, where the film’s iconic trestle stands along the route. Be sure not to miss the new Oregon Film Mural at Portland International Airport by artist Nick Stokes. It highlights nearly 60 films across a century of production in Oregon. Many featured locations can be visited via the Oregon Film Trail or pinpointed using the SetJetters app, which also provides background and location tips.