BANDON, OR – The air in Bandon is buzzing with anticipation as the community prepares to celebrate the 79th Annual Bandon Cranberry Festival. This beloved tradition, honoring the region’s rich agricultural heritage, is set to unfold this week, with pre-festival events kicking off on Thursday, September 11, 2025, and the main festivities running through Sunday, September 14. The festival highlights Bandon’s status as the “Cranberry Capital of Oregon,” a title earned through over a century of dedicated cultivation.
A Legacy of Cranberry Farming in Oregon
Bandon’s unique coastal climate, characterized by mild autumns and sufficient rainfall, provides an ideal environment for growing cranberries. Commercial cultivation began in the 1890s, and today, Bandon is responsible for approximately 95% of Oregon’s cranberry crop, contributing significantly to the nation’s supply. The festival, which traces its roots back to 1947, serves as a vibrant testament to the hard work of local farmers and the economic importance of this tart berry. Originally held in November to mark the end of the harvest, the festival was moved to September to take advantage of the area’s pleasant “Second Summer” weather. The event also symbolizes the town’s resilience, having been established partly as a recovery effort following a devastating fire in 1935.
A Weekend Packed with Festive Activities
While pre-festival events commenced on Thursday, September 11, with the traditional Cranberry Court Coronation ceremony, the main celebration ignites this weekend. The Bandon Cranberry Festival is renowned for its extensive schedule, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from live music and performing arts across two stages to a classic car show, artisan markets, and craft fairs.
The heart of the festival is its celebration of cranberries. Attendees can participate in or witness the fiercely competitive cranberry-eating contest, sample local delicacies at the food fair, and browse unique goods from regional vendors. For those eager to learn more about the cultivation process, guided cranberry bog tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the “red gold” is grown and harvested. This immersive experience provides valuable insight into what makes Oregon-grown cranberries so special.
Key Events and Community Spirit
Key highlights of the Bandon Cranberry Festival include the much-anticipated parade, scheduled for Saturday, September 13, which winds through Old Town Bandon, showcasing floats, local organizations, and the festive spirit of the community. Saturday also features the Cranberry Show and Shine Car Show and culminates with a lively street dance in Old Town. Sunday, September 14, offers a scenic Cranberry Festival Bike Ride along the coast.
Organized primarily by the Bandon Chamber of Commerce, with support from sponsors like Rogue Credit Union, the festival is a crucial event for residents and a warm welcome to visitors. It provides a lively introduction to the Bandon community and serves as a time-honored tradition that brings people together. Local businesses and farms, such as Peters’ Cranberries, Inc., are integral to the festival’s success, offering products and insights into the cranberry industry.
The Bandon Cranberry Festival is more than just an event; it’s a deep dive into the culture and economy of the Southern Oregon Coast. It’s a chance to savor the season’s bounty, enjoy local talent, and explore the unique charm of Bandon. This year’s news is that the 79th iteration promises another unforgettable celebration of this iconic Oregon crop and the community that thrives around it.
