Ashland OR Things to Do

Ashland, Oregon is a lot of things, but it definitely isn’t boring; in fact, there’s always something happening in town, no matter what time of year! Ashland OR things to do are plentiful regardless of the season.

The summers are typically the busiest season, and things kick off with a bang on the Fourth of July. Start your day early by staking out your spot for the parade, which starts just after 10am. Afterwards, enjoy a day filled with food and entertainment in Lithia Park before wrapping things up with fireworks after nightfall.

Another fun summer activity is Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Green Show, outside of the Elizabethan Stage. From June to October you’ll find a free live performance Tuesday through Sunday nights, just prior to the show. These performances are executed by an eclectic mix of artists, and have been described as a “live mix tape”.

Ashland OR things to do green show image

Oregon Shakespearean Festival “Green Show”

Likewise, music lovers will find that Thursday nights in Lithia Park are always a great way to spend a warm evening: from June to August, pack a picnic dinner and appreciate a free concert in the Lithia Park Bandshell. Visitors and locals alike add this to their Ashland OR things to do summer list.

Listening to live music in Lithia Park

As summer turns into fall, things wind down a little bit, but that doesn’t mean the cooler months don’t offer any excitement. October brings the Southern Oregon Pride Festival to town, which includes a parade, followed by a weekend long celebration of equality and peace on behalf of the town’s LGBT community.

As the holiday season draws nearer, start gearing up for the Festival of Lights. Every Friday after Thanksgiving, Santa and Mrs. Claus board their sleigh and cruise down Main Street to the Plaza, where crowds, live music and festivities await them. As darkness falls, the crowd counts down until Santa flips a switch, unveiling the Grand Illumination of over one million lights adorning downtown.

Ashland is a small town with a big personality, and celebrates holidays and traditions better than most. Get out there and enjoy all that it has to offer!