Oregon Country Fair

I really enjoy the OCF, but it’s not without its flaws. The fair is everything that it’s supposed to be: a place where anyone and everyone can come and act like a damn fool without being thought of as a weirdo. It’s family friendly, most people are considerate, and there is so much to see and do that you really do get your $ 25 pp worth.
Now the bad: Parking is fine, except that there are no signs directing you to the entrance of the fair. With thousands of cars to navigate through you’d think the operators would put some arrows up or something. This idea also applies to directions on how to get OUT. I finally figured it out and ended up in a line to head east on 126 (towards Eugene), but after 10 minutes of not moving at all I decided to head west and flip a U-​turn. This is obviously a popular idea, as was evidenced by many others doing the same thing and the ‘no U-​turn’ signs every 5 feet on the highway. Don’t want us flipping u-​turns? Then get a system together to get people out!!!
In addition, there are porta-​potties in the parking lot or between the lot and the entrance. I saw two and when I tried to use one was immediately scolded because they were «staff bathrooms». Give me a break.
Then, getting in is a cluster-F**k. Again, no signs, no lines, nothing. I was being calm and not pushy, but that doesn’t mean others aren’t being assholes and intentionally cutting. I’m holding a toddler and not trying to lose my spouse while a person pushing a wheel chair gave no mind and nearly ran over my toes. But hey, at least I had the sense to have my tickets mailed to me. No amount of hippie love would have gotten me through the will-​call line.
Finally, this place is assess-​to-​elbows by 3pm. I get it, it’s popular. That’s not really whats bad. Because of the heavy foot traffic you move slow. And in a place that 479 acres, you need more than the 8 hours allotted to visitors with their limited 11a-​7p hours. Is that not the laziest thing you’ve ever seen?
The bottom line is this: Know that if you visit with a ticket, YOU are a tourist. This is a huge money maker for the real party that happens after all of us dummies dump our cash and leave by 7pm. Hence the 11am start time. Who wants to get up before 10am after partying all niight? :)

Most amazing fair ever! This is a must-​do event, but you should wear a costume that’s hand made yourself. Trust me.
This event is an arts and crafts festival, and folk music/​stage festival, which takes place in the middle of no where on a flood plain. The people who hold the fair devote their entire year to preparing for it, including building booths which are ecologically sustainable and ensuring that all booths are operated by locals. Most of the craftsmen have been coming here for over 30 years, although the time is coming quickly where this group will either hand down their booths or give them up due to age. This is because the Fair is extremely rustic and the remoteness makes it even more rustic.
The food at the fair is kind of a big deal, but I didn’t find it all that impressive. Still, do not bother bringing your own food because the fair will have something you will like, even if you are vegan and have some weird dietary requirements. This is an inclusive group and they will work hard to include you!
I was led to believe that this is a crazy, anything-​goes hippie fest that I would be disturbed by. What I found was a bunch of really nice counter-​culture people who banded together to make a little counter-​culture event. There really wasn’t that much nakedness as I had been led to believe, and I actually didn’t see a single person doing drugs in the three days I was there (I slept in a booth). There isn’t any alcohol served in the fair so there was minimal drinking, as well. If you do have the opportunity to stay the night, it can be kind of loud. People play music until around 4−5am in the morning, at least. Some people never stop playing. But it’s really relaxed and the late night music isn’t amplified, so it floats on the wind and is very pleasant.
The only negatives to the fair are that it is subject to weather (hot, rain) and is really dusty and dirty. The bathrooms aren’t that bad, but they aren’t exactly pleasant, either. For me, I think a day is more than enough to wander around the place. Also, there is NO CELL RECEPTION. At least, you can’t rely on cell phone reception. And you will park as much as 1 hour walk away from the fair, so get there early to enjoy a full day event. I think if you come on a motorcycle or bicycle from your car, the parking is much easier. Motorcycles appear to park right by the entrance, adjacent to bike racks.

«We’re all mad here»
~Cheshire Cat

i LOVE OCF and we take our family every year! Such a diverse crowd and many things to see and do!
My children have loved it every time we have gone. Our son will be visiting for the 4^th time and myh daughter will be going to her second. even babies love to see all the pretty colors and the fun entertrainers! There are musicians and jugglers and puppet shows and food carts and different vendors. Nursing mothers are welcome, babies and children are welcome, as well as your own way of dress and self expression!
SOme choose to camp for the weekend, but with children we have only ever gone for the day. It is a good solid day of entertainment that will leave you feeling happy and loved.
Its quite the drive for us from Salem, but even when we move to Portland, we will go every year still!
It is always in the summer so make sure to stock up with water and sunscreen. Keep your babies close, and maybe keep little ones in a worn carrier so you dont have to naviagte a stroller. bring a lot of cash on you for fun purchases (i always leave with a tote or bag or some piece of jewelry so i always bring a totebag to carry my purchases in). there are lots of food options so you neednt bring snacks. Wear your walking shoes! you will want to see everyone and everythingand flip flops wont cut it. wear loose comfortable clothing, whatever your heart desires.
its a great time filled with love, peace and happiness!

The diverse group of people and interests is amusing… entertaining… and a bit of fun.
Food and beverages are the reason I go… and if you are ever so slightly an epicurean — go here! The Ninkasi beer — and dishes representing cultures from East to West are on display; for viewing and consuming.
BTW: Great area to run at night!

I think this is for the COUNTRY FAIR and not the county fair… which is perfect because I was at the Country Fair loaction after the fair closed eating dinner with one of my extended family members who invited us. It was quite an experience to eat with the staff and get a behind the scenes tour–
This place is great and if you have never been you must come at least once in your life

Hippies hippies everywhere.
Hippies hippies with long hair.
Head on down if you dare.
Head on down to the Country Fair.
My first trip to the Oregon Country Fair since 2007 was a good one. It is always hot there so bring water. There are plenty of stations to refill your bottle or hydration pack. Bring a blanket. Not many places to sit, but do yourself a favor and find one. This is prime people-​watching territory.
Plenty of food to eat. Everything from burgers to veggies to sushi. All out basically in the forest just West of Eugene.
Find the Springfield Creamery. They have ice cream which is perfect on a hot day. The best part of it though is the fresh berries that you can add on top. Chocolate ice cream with fresh blackberries on top. Fantastic. The Chicken Curry Salad at Sheilagh’s Gourmet was really tasty too. The perfect food for a hot day.