The crown jewel of Newberg’s festival calendar is the Newberg Old Fashioned Festival, held annually in late July. This four-day extravaganza, running from July 25 to July 28 in 2024, offers a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past while providing modern entertainment for all ages.
The festival’s highlights include:
- A grand parade featuring local dignitaries and community groups
- Carnival rides and games
- Live music performances
- Food vendors offering local cuisine
- An artisan market showcasing unique crafts and goods
- Fireworks display
The 2024 festival will be particularly special as it marks another year of this long-standing tradition, which began in 1921 as the Newberg Berrian Festival. Over the years, it has evolved to become a cornerstone of Newberg’s community life.
Camellia Festival
Another significant event on Newberg’s cultural calendar is the Camellia Festival, typically held in April. This festival celebrates Newberg’s official flower, the camellia, which has been an integral part of the city’s identity since 1949.
The Camellia Festival features:
- A bloom show displaying various camellia varieties
- Cultural performances, including taiko drumming and traditional dances
- Tea ceremonies
- Ikebana flower arranging demonstrations
- Vendors selling flowers, tea, and Asian-inspired crafts
The festival also includes a run/walk event, combining physical activity with cultural appreciation. In 2023, the festival marked its 15th anniversary, highlighting its importance in Newberg’s cultural landscape.
Seasonal Celebrations
Summer Events
During the summer months, Newberg comes alive with a series of events that showcase the region’s natural beauty and local products:
- Willamette Valley Lavender Festival: Held in July, this event celebrates the area’s lavender farms, offering crafts and farm visits.
- Bounty of Yamhill County: An August celebration of the region’s culinary scene, featuring local produce and wines.
Winter and Spring Events
The colder months bring their own unique celebrations:
- Oregon Truffle Festival: Held in January, this event highlights the region’s prized truffles.
- Dundee Hills Passport Weekend: An April event celebrating the area’s renowned Pinot Noir wines.
Cultural Center Events
The Chehalem Cultural Center serves as a hub for many of Newberg’s cultural activities throughout the year. It hosts a variety of events, including:
- Art exhibitions and receptions
- Musical performances
- Educational workshops
- Cultural celebrations
The center’s diverse programming ensures that there’s always something happening in Newberg, regardless of the season.
Wine and Culinary Events
Given Newberg’s location in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, many events focus on the region’s viticultural heritage:
- Taste Dundee: A May event featuring wines from the Dundee Hills AVA.
- Winemaker dinner series: Held at various locations throughout the year, these events pair local wines with gourmet cuisine.
Community-Focused Events
Newberg also hosts several events that bring the community together:
- Newberg Wednesday Market: A weekly market offering fresh produce and handcrafted items.
- First Friday Art Walk: A monthly event connecting local businesses, galleries, and artists.
- Third Thursday: A monthly celebration in nearby Dundee featuring live music, art demonstrations, and wine tasting.
Newberg’s festival calendar reflects the city’s diverse cultural influences, from its agricultural roots to its modern wine industry. These events not only provide entertainment for locals and visitors alike but also serve as a means of preserving and celebrating the community’s unique heritage.
Whether it’s the nostalgic charm of the Old Fashioned Festival, the floral beauty of the Camellia Festival, or the culinary delights of the various food and wine events, Newberg offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences throughout the year. These festivals and events play a crucial role in fostering community spirit, promoting local businesses, and attracting tourism to this charming Oregon city.
As Newberg, Oregon continues to grow and evolve, its cultural festivals remain a constant, connecting the past with the present and ensuring that the city’s unique character is preserved and celebrated for generations to come. The city’s network of scenic hiking trails complements these cultural offerings, providing outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding Willamette Valley.
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