10 things to do in the Willamette Valley this spring
From fantastic floral blooms to wine tasting and scenic marathons, there is much to do in the Willamette Valley this spring.
Here are 10 events to celebrate spring around the valley.
Woodburn Tulip Festival
Take a trip to the iconic Woodburn Tulip Festival this spring to experience millions of beautiful blooming tulips. Beyond the flowers, visitors can participate in plenty of tulip festival activities like scenic tulip field rides or wooden shoe-making demonstrations. There will also be food vendors and wine-tasting options. All tickets must be purchased online. To learn more, go to woodenshoe.com.
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday through Sunday through April 30
Where: The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, 33814 S Meridian Road, Woodburn
Heart of Willamette Wine Passport
Visit over 15 Willamette Valley wineries this spring with a wine passport. The Heart of Willamette Wine Passport includes free flights, gear and discounts at various wineries throughout Oregon wine country. Passports for the 2023 season are $40 each, or two for $75. They are valid from April 1 through the rest of the year. Each location's available hours and days may change, so call ahead or check online before heading out. For a list of included wineries and to purchase a passport, go to visitcorvallis.com.
When: Passports are valid April 1 through Dec. 31
Where: Participating wineries and other locations are all within 30 miles of Corvallis and the South Salem area
Oregon Spring Cleanup
The Oregon Spring Cleanup offers volunteer opportunities around the state focused on maintaining Oregon's natural spaces. Community leaders and organizations will host restoration events, urban litter cleanup projects and beach cleanups. During last year's spring cleanup event, more than 3,500 volunteers removed 44,000 pounds of litter and debris statewide, SOLVE officials said. To see a list of volunteer projects and sign up, go to solveoregon.org.
When: Most events will be happening on Earth Day, April 22, but there will be other available events from April 15 to April 23
Where: Events will be held throughout the state
Eugene Marathon
The Eugene Marathon takes place the last Sunday of April every year. Marathon and half marathon courses start outside Hayward Field and finish on the track. The courses will take runners through Eugene and Springfield communities and alongside the Willamette River. Don't want to run? There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for those still wanting to get involved. To register and to learn more, go to www.eugenemarathon.com.
When: Eugene 5K and Kids Duck Dash to be held on April 29, the marathon and half marathon to be held on April 30
Where: Races begin at Hayward Field, 1580 E 15th Ave., Eugene
Mt. Hood Jazz Festival
Celebrate all things jazz with the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival. The three-day festival will include performances by world-renowned artists and a large competitive festival for high school and middle school jazz ensembles. Along with the music, there will be food and vendors with opportunities to fully immerse yourself in jazz culture. Concert ticket prices range from free to $50 and can be purchased online at mhcc.edu. Kids 12 and under are free.
When: May 5 through May 7, a schedule of the events can be found online
Where: Mount Hood Community College, 26000 SE Stark St., Troutdale
Rhododendron Festival
Head to the coast for a display of hundreds of rhododendrons along the Oregon Coast. This year marks the 116th year of the annual Rhododendron Festival in Florence. Visitors can explore a street vendor fair, car show, 5K run and a carnival with rides and games. The festival will kick off with the Rhody Showcase to crown “Queen Rhododendra” and “King of the Coast,” followed by fun and exciting events like the Rhododendron Floral Parade on Sunday. For a full list of events and to purchase tickets, go to florencechamber.com.
When: May 18 through May 21
Where: Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., Florence
Oregon International Air Show
Watch a talented and exciting lineup at this year's Oregon International Air Show at the Hillsboro airport. The USAF A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, the U.S. Navy Growler Legacy Team and more will be there to celebrate 35 years of the air show. To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, go to oregonairshow.com.
When: 6-10 p.m. May 19 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20 and 21
Where: Hillsboro airport, 3355 NE Cornell Road, Hillsboro
Wildflower and Music Festival
Head to Mount Pisgah Arboretum this May for the Wildflower Festival presented by the Emerald Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Oregon and Lane Community College. The festival will highlight an expansive wildflower display featuring over 200 local species. There will also be live music, guided tours, local vendors and the Art in Nature Trail with art installations. Tickets to the festival should be available in early April. Parking is free during the festival. No dogs are allowed. For more information, go to mountpisgaharboretum.org.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 21
Where: Mount Pisgah Arboretum, 34901 Frank Parrish Road, Eugene
Iris Bloom Season
Enjoy incredible iris blooms with a trip to Schreiner's Iris Display Gardens in Salem. Visitors can explore more than 500 displayed variations of irises in the garden, as well as other perennials like lupine, allium, Icelandic poppies and delphinium. There will also be an artist fair during the last weekend of the season where visitors can purchase art from various vendors. The season is set to open May 5 but will depend on weather conditions. Tickets start at $5 and will be available for purchase in April at schreinersgardens.com. Kids 12 and under are free with an adult.
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily May 5 through May 31, with the opening date dependent on weather
Where: Schreiner's Iris Gardens, 3625 Quinaby Road NE, Salem
Area farmers markets
EUGENE
The Lane County Farmers Market at the Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza is held every Saturday with nearly 70 farmers and food artisans selling variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, meats, seafood and baked goods. For more information, go to lanecountyfarmersmarket.org.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday
Where: Farmers Market Pavilion and Plaza, at the corner of 8th Avenue and Oak Street in Eugene
SALEM
The Salem Saturday Market is in full swing this season. Every Saturday, visitors can enjoy one of the largest market operations in the state with fresh local produce, flowers, meat, dairy, nursery products and authentic artisan food and crafts. For more information, go to salemcommunitymarkets.com.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday
Where: 865 Marion St. SE, Salem
Makenzie Elliott covers breaking news and public safety for The Register-Guard. Reach her at MElliott@gannett.com. Find her on Twitter at @makenzielliott.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 10 things to do in Oregon's Willamette Valley this spring
