Summer is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing: It’s festival season. Here’s a list of some of the big events in Lane County. Chances are you’ve heard of these festivals if you’ve lived in the state for more than a couple of years, so this one’s for you, newbies.
Oregon Country Fair
The three-day event celebrates its 42nd year July 8-10. Set in a wooded area 13 miles west of Veneta, the Oregon Country Fair will feature Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzman and his band, 7 Walkers, Rootz Underground and March Fourth Marching Band on the main stage.
The fair runs from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. each day. Tickets are available through Ticketswest at any Safeway store, the Erb Memorial Union on the University of Oregon campus and a variety of other outlets. Admission is $20 on Friday and Sunday, $23 Saturday in advance. The price is $23 and $28 the day of the fair. No tickets are sold at the site.
For more information, check out http://www.oregoncountryfair.org.
Whiteaker Block Party
The free street fair will be 1-11 p.m. in early August. Now in its fifth year, the Whiteaker Block Party is hosted by neighborhood business owners and residents. The event will feature street performers, fire dancing, wine and beer gardens, a fashion show and wares from several local vendors.
The festival will occur on Third Street between Blair and Adams. For more information, including a set date, check out http://www.whiteakerblockparty.com.
Lane County Fair
Eric Church, The Benjaminz and Tommy Tutone are the headline performances on the main stage this year. The 152nd Lane County Fair is Aug. 17-21 at the Lane County Fairgrounds.
Doors open at 11 a.m. each day of the fair and close at 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The fair clses at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Day passes are $9 for adults, $6 for children 6-15 and seniors 65 and over. Children less than 5 years old get in for free. A season pass ticket may be purchased for $17 through the event’s website: http://www.atthefair.com.
