Oregon Country Fair — Local services in Elmira

The Oregon Country Fair is a one-of-a-kind, transformative experience that captures the heart of creativity, community, and culture. Nestled in a lush forest setting in Veneta, Oregon, this annual three-day event feels like stepping into another world-one brimming with art, music, delicious food, and vibrant energy.

Atmosphere and Setting The fairgrounds are a masterpiece of design. Winding pathways shaded by trees lead you to handcrafted booths, whimsical art installations, and cozy nooks filled with unexpected surprises.

The setting feels organic and alive, almost as if the fair has grown out of the forest itself. Every inch of the space has been thoughtfully curated, from the fairy lights dangling above to the colorful banners fluttering in the breeze. It's not just a fair-it's a living, breathing work of art.

Incredible Entertainment Entertainment is woven into every moment at the Oregon Country Fair. Stages tucked into clearings host a diverse range of performances, from folk bands and world-class musicians to acrobats, puppeteers, and spoken word artists. You don't need a schedule to enjoy the magic-there's always something happening. Street performers, stilt walkers, and jugglers appear as if by magic, infusing every corner with surprise and delight.

One of the highlights is the fair's focus on inclusion and expression. Whether you're watching a mesmerizing belly dancer, listening to soulful bluegrass, or laughing at an improv comedy troupe, there's a sense that all forms of art are welcome and celebrated.

A Culinary Wonderland The food at the Oregon Country Fair is reason enough to attend. With dozens of booths serving fresh, local, and often organic cuisine, every meal feels special. Whether it's the famous spicy tempeh wraps, fresh fruit smoothies, or handcrafted pies, the offerings are unique and delicious. Food vendors take pride in their creations, and the diversity of options-from vegan to international dishes-ensures there's something for everyone.

Artisan Craftsmanship The fair is a paradise for anyone who appreciates handcrafted goods. Booths showcase everything from hand-blown glass and intricate jewelry to natural body products and hand-dyed fabrics. Artisans are often present at their booths, happy to share the stories behind their work. Buying from these talented makers feels meaningful, as you're supporting local creativity and craftsmanship.

A Sense of Community What sets the Oregon Country Fair apart is the deep sense of community and shared values. It's a place where creativity and individuality are celebrated, and kindness is the unspoken currency. Everyone-from the families with kids to costumed fairgoers and lifelong attendees-feels part of something bigger. People smile at strangers, engage in meaningful conversations, and respect the fair's commitment to sustainability and inclusiveness.

Sustainability and Awareness The fair also shines in its environmental consciousness. Recycling and composting stations are everywhere, and there's a strong emphasis on leaving the grounds as beautiful as they were found. Many booths and performances promote social and environmental awareness, adding a thoughtful layer to the fair's whimsical nature.

Final Thoughts The Oregon Country Fair is more than just an event; it's an experience that stays with you long after you leave. It's a place where art meets nature, where music meets magic, and where people meet as equals to celebrate life.

Whether you're dancing in a meadow, savoring local cuisine, or admiring handmade art, the fair reminds you of the beauty of connection, creativity, and community. For anyone seeking a joyful escape and a celebration of humanity's creative spirit, the Oregon Country Fair is truly unmissable. It's not just a fair-it's an invitation to step into a more colorful, playful, and...

First timer. We're called "fair virgins." This is the mother of all country fairs, it's the template, the OG. A three day fair, a single day is $60 for admission. I don't know the three day rate. But there are those who come and camp. Special privileges: after the fair closes a whole other world opens up; different dimensions than what is available during daylight… Only for the initiated, of which I was not one.

Parking is $15 if you're driving but public transportation is free. Food was fair and reasonable for the quality, quantity, and amazing service.

Truly amazing to see how happy everybody was from the volunteers directing traffic, to the horses helping them, to the people checking bags, stamping hands on the way out, vendors proud of their wares, and neighbors.

People were chilling under the grand piano, in beautiful tented areas with organza curtains, up in tree houses, this was not a place of stress.

Talent is pouring out of peoples pores here. Everything from the Way folks are dressed so creatively, so ingenious, to the high-level of skill involved in the making of ceramics, pottery, jewelry, leather gear, potions and concoctions.

The Kesey Stage was where we experienced two amazing artists in less than 10 minutes.

There were water misters everywhere to keep people cool and the facilities team were seen skillfully removing potentially dangerous hornets' nests, as well as just wondering around watering the grounds to keep the dust at bay.

I was warned by everyone to wear comfortable shoes, and there might be a case for masks if you have lung and breathing issues because on dry days the dust does get kicked up by the 15+ thousand people wandering around happily.

They were spontaneous dances that broke out in front of buskers. And amazing parades with skillful drumline marching as well as flutes and clarinets and brass winds.

It was very humanizing the way there were sufficient porta potties strategically placed and all garbage/recycling/yard waste areas were well-monitored at all times. There was also a sauna and shower area for those who are staying overnight. There were also several first aid and medic stations that we passed.

The trees were extraordinary, giant and strong like the elders of the forest. The entire event seemed to run along the Long Tom River.

An amazing experience of community at play, where creativity is oozing out of pores, from booths, and trees, and stages.

I hope you get here. Because it's wonderful to be greeted, "Happy Fair!" And...

I'm not a hippy, and I have loved every single time I have attended this Fair. If you should choose to attend...

Let me be clear: THIS IS A HIPPY FESTIVAL. If that's not what you're looking for, please be polite about the fact that it is a festival celebrating and embracing many of the best aspects of that culture.

It is FUN; fun, kind, clothing-optional, delicious, and interesting. Yes, I said "clothing optional."

The food varies wildly; some is amazing, some is... not. If you like mushrooms, are vegan, or enjoy durian fruit, you will be in heaven. If your palate (like my own) is more typically Western, there are amazing foods for you, as well; lots of fire-cooked meats, and that favorite Oregon specialty "Elephant Ears" (properly known as frybread).

Cannabis is LEGAL in Oregon, and this is a "Hippy Festival." Keep this in mind if you should have some personal feelings and/or opinions about this, and mistakenly think that anybody might want to hear your opinion.

Some of the art is of the "cat-lady makes coffee mugs" variety, but some of it is very good; Dan Turnidge, who rediscovered Crystaline Glaze, had pieces shown at OCF, and shown in the Smithsonian and Lourve. Your experiences may be just as varied.

The music is free and features artists' new, old, and Grateful Dead. Some of it is terrible; much of it is amazing.

In summation, The entire range of humanity is available for you to enjoy here; go in without judgment, and you will leave a better person. Less can be said of most...