The Bandon Cranberry Festival celebrates its 80th year in 2026, running September 10 through 13, with the main festival weekend falling on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13. Bandon is one of the most charming towns on the Oregon Coast, tucked on the wild and rugged Southern Oregon Coast on Highway 101, between Coos Bay and Port Orford. You’ll find a broad range of things to do in Bandon, Oregon, but each fall, this festival is the one locals build their calendar around. Bandon and the Southern Oregon Coast in general have been growing cranberries for over a century, and eight decades in, this festival still runs on the same small-town pride that started it.

Where you stay during festival weekend matters more than people expect, since parking gets tight and the town fills up fast. The Inn at Face Rock is just a 5 minute drive from Old Town and the festival’s main venues, close enough that you’re not fighting traffic every time you want to head back for a break. With spacious rooms, easy beach access, and a quiet setting minutes from downtown, it’s one of the best home bases among Bandon Oregon Hotels for a cranberry-filled getaway. Book your stay today.

Don’t Miss the 80th Bandon Cranberry Festival

The Bandon Cranberry Festival is one of the longest-running festivals on the Oregon Coast, and 2026 marks a real milestone at 80 years running. Sponsored by Rogue Credit Union, the festival brings locals and visitors together for a weekend packed with small-town charm, sweet and savory treats, and a whole lot of cranberry pride. With roots dating back to the 1940s, it’s a tradition that honors the farmers who shaped this region and the coastal conditions that make cranberry bogs thrive here. You’ll find classic festival vibes with a coastal twist, live music, artisan markets, and a parade, all centered around the bright red berries that put Bandon on the map.

If you’ve never had fresh cranberry salsa or homemade cranberry pie on a sunny fall day, this is your chance. In past years, the farms have offered cranberry bog tours during the festival, giving visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look at working cranberry farms, guided walks through the bogs, and hands-on insight into the harvesting process. It’s a fun and educational way to connect with Oregon’s agricultural side while soaking in some incredible fall color.

80th Anniversary Cranberry Festival Highlights

Cranberry Court Coronation: Kicks off the festival Thursday evening, September 10, at Sprague Community Theater.
Cranberry Kitchen Contest: Taste homemade cranberry recipes from local cooks competing for the top prize, Friday morning, September 11, at the VFW.
Cranberry Bowl Football Game: A hometown favorite closing out Friday evening, September 11, at Bandon High School.
Cranberry Parade: The festival’s signature event, kicking off Saturday morning, September 12, through Old Town.
Festival Market and Street Vendors: Artisan goods, food vendors, and craftspeople throughout Old Town and the Port of Bandon waterfront all weekend.
Cranberry Eating Contest: Watch, or join, as contestants race through plates of cranberry sauce and pie over the main festival weekend.
Classic Car and Farm Equipment Show: Vintage cars and local farm equipment add some chrome and nostalgia to the festival scene.
Cranberry Street Dance: An Old Town tradition as Saturday night winds down.
Live Music and Entertainment: Local bands keep the stage going all weekend with a mix of genres and energy.

This list just barely scratches the surface of what you’ll enjoy at the Bandon Cranberry Festival. And before the festival even gets underway, join us for some pre-festival favorites, like the Port of Bandon Art Show and the Bandon Crab Derby. It really is a fantastic time to be on the Southern Oregon Coast, and there’s no better place to stay than the Inn at Face Rock, one of the best hotels in Bandon, Oregon.

Stay at One of the Best Hotels in Bandon, Oregon

Spending a fall weekend at the Bandon Cranberry Festival connects you with the culture, flavor, and rhythm of coastal Oregon in a way that goes beyond sampling cranberry treats or watching the parade. You’re learning about local families who’ve harvested these berries for generations, on the same weekend the whole town turns out to celebrate eight decades of doing exactly that. Pair that with crisp ocean air, fall color, and Bandon’s welcoming energy in September, and it’s easy to see why this festival draws visitors from all over the region.

Beyond the festival grounds, fall in Bandon offers plenty more to explore. Spend an afternoon at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, go tidepooling along the beach, or stroll through Old Town’s boutiques and galleries. Wildlife lovers will appreciate a stop at the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge during fall migration, and seasonal dining around town brings freshly caught seafood, local cider, and plenty of cranberry-inspired specials.

To enjoy it all, you’ll want a comfortable place to unwind, and the Inn at Face Rock offers just that. Our top-rated property is known for its peaceful setting, generous guest rooms, and thoughtful amenities that make it feel like home. It’s one of the best family- and pet-friendly hotels on the Southern Oregon Coast, with wide-open lawns, private patios, and a private trail down to the beach. Guests love the heated indoor pool, hot tub, and a breakfast buffet to fuel up before a full day of festival activities. A festival weekend here means you’re a short drive from the parade route, but far enough to have a quiet room to come back to once the crowds thin out. Among Bandon, Oregon hotels, it’s set up for exactly this kind of trip. Book your stay today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Bandon Cranberry Festival in 2026?
The 2026 Bandon Cranberry Festival runs September 10 through 13, celebrating its 80th year. Local pre-festival events take place September 10 and 11, with the main festival weekend on September 12 and 13.

How many years has the Bandon Cranberry Festival been running?
2026 marks the festival’s 80th year, with roots dating back to 1940s.

What events happen during the Bandon Cranberry Festival?
Highlights include the Cranberry Court Coronation, the Cranberry Kitchen Contest, the Cranberry Parade, a festival market, live music, a classic car show, the cranberry eating contest, and a street dance in Old Town.

Where should I stay for the Bandon Cranberry Festival?
The Inn at Face Rock is a 5-minute drive from Old Town and the festival’s main venues, making it an easy home base for a festival weekend among Bandon, Oregon hotels.