Summer Events In Ashland Oregon

Summertime in Ashland is a wonderful thing. The sun always shines and the people awaken, from months spent indoors, emerging together to enjoy cultural gatherings and fun activities. There is so much going on in the summer, each weekend sporting a lineup of sporting events, performances, and outdoor recreation. For those of you visiting Ashland for the first time, or returning to experience more of what this beautiful city has to offer, we want to give you a lineup of Summer Events perfect for a family outing, a romantic date, or any other reason you need to get out there and have some fun!

4 Summer Events To Look Forward To In Ashland, Oregon

First Fridays

On the first Friday of every month from March to December, the true colors of Ashland are on full display. The streets of downtown and the historic Railroad District ooze culture, as smiling faces pop in and out of art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Local businesses participate in this event in their own unique way. Some bring in live bands to perform as employees pour local wines and beers for patrons to enjoy (within the business premises). Others display the works of local artists and host workshops on various subjects. As the night winds down you can make your way to Lithia Park and experience the newest tradition of Ashland’s First Friday, a silent disco in the park!

No matter what your interests are, you will be hard pressed not to find an experience that you enjoy during first Fridays in Ashland. Come see for yourself!

Movies In The Park

Ashland Parks and Recreation Department offers a great family entertainment option all summer long with free movies in Lithia Park every 2nd and 4th Friday evenings, May through September.

The white roof of the Lithia Park Bandshell creates an exceptional viewing experience, and wireless “Silent Disco” headphones are available to rent for crystal-clear audio. Bring a blanket and a picnic and spend an evening watching family-friendly movies with loved ones under the starry sky.

Here is the summer PG movie line up:

May 24                        Ralph Breaks the Internet

June 14                       How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

June 28                       The Goonies

July 12                        Coco

July 26                        Mary Poppins Returns

August 9                     Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Original Version)

August 23                   Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse

September 13             E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

September 27             Dumbo

Ashland 4th of July Parade

The Rogue Valley is a popular place to celebrate America’s independence, with 4th of July parades, cookouts, and firework displays in cities throughout the region. None, however, quite compare to the spectacle that takes place in downtown Ashland. From a locals perspective, this is one summer event in Ashland that everyone should experience at least once.

At 7:45 AM, the festivities kick off in downtown Ashland with the 43rd annual 4th of July 10K and 2-mile races, followed at 10 AM by the parade which attracts over 20,000 spectators from around Southern Oregon and Northern California each year. The parade kicks off with the thundering sound of fighter jets sweeping over the Plaza. The parade itself usually lasts for 1.5-2 hrs with the crowd filling into the streets following the last float as it makes its way to Lithia Park where over 100 booths feature food, crafts, and activities for kids.

Meanwhile, local bands perform at the Lithia Park Bandshell, and in the evening a spectacular fireworks display can be viewed all throughout the town.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is one of the region’s brightest jewels, attracting lovers of the cultural arts to Ashland from every corner of the world. Besides the all-star lineup of plays to attend, OSF also includes tours, author talks, meet and greets with the thespians and other events throughout the summer. Don’t miss the Green Show, a free performance held 6 nights a week at 6:45 PM on The Bricks, the central courtyard of the OSF campus (just outside the Bowmer and Elizabethan theatres).

This season’s lineup includes:

If you’re planning a trip to Ashland this summer, then it is best to plan for booking your accommodation as early as possible. Many of the hotels and inns book out months and advance throughout the OSF season and around 4th of July. At Acme Suites, we make it easy to book a vacation rental with an easy to use Airbnb like experience. We have properties located just a few blocks away from downtown Ashland in the Historic Railroad District and in the beautiful North Mountain Park neighborhood. We would love to be your home away from home in Ashland this summer. Thanks for reading!