Your Ultimate May Guide to the Pacific Northwest
May brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and an exciting lineup of festivals and outdoor activities. Whether you’re heading to the Oregon Coast, Central Oregon or exploring Washington, this month offers something memorable for every kind of traveler.
Events in Oregon Coast
Spring Unveiling Arts Festival (May 02-04, 2025)
Location: Cannon Beach, OR
An annual event where galleries unveil new works by featured artists. Attendees can enjoy artist demonstrations, receptions, and a vibrant arts scene throughout the weekend.
Oregon Coast Gravel Epic Bike Race (May 03, 2025)
Location: Waldport, OR
A challenging cycling event that takes riders through the scenic and rugged terrain of the Oregon Coast Range, offering both long and short course options.
Lager Fest at Buoy Beer Co. (May 9–10, 2025)
Location: Astoria, OR
Hosted at Buoy Beer Co.’s new taproom, this festival celebrates lagers with a selection of brews from various breweries, live music, and a festive atmosphere.
Wild Things Festival (May 10, 2025)
Location: Yachats Commons, Yachats, OR
An environmental education event featuring interactive performances, music, and activities focused on nature and wildlife, aiming to inspire stewardship of the natural world.
Ten-Minute Play Festival (May 17, 2025)
Location: Newport Performing Arts Center, Newport, OR
A showcase of original ten-minute plays performed by local talent, offering a diverse range of stories and theatrical experiences in a single evening.
Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival (May 16–18, 2025)
Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon
Three days of coastal adventure with beach rides, guided waterfall tours, a sunset ride at Haystack Rock, a beach party with games, races, and local craft beer sampling.
Florence Rhododendron Festival (May 15–18, 2025)
Location: Florence, OR
Celebrating the blooming of rhododendrons, this festival features parades, a carnival, live music, and the crowning of Queen Rhododendra. It’s a cherished tradition that brings together the community and visitors alike.
Pouring at the Coast (May 31, 2025)
Location: Seaside, OR
A craft beer festival featuring over 30 breweries, live music, and food vendors, providing a lively atmosphere to enjoy the best of Oregon’s brewing scene.
Events in Central Oregon
Paranormal Cirque II (May 2–5, 2025)
Location: Deschutes County Fairgrounds Expo Center, Redmond, OR
A unique blend of circus, theater, and cabaret with a paranormal theme.
Sunriver Wine & Cuisine Stroll (May 03, 2025)
Location: The Lodge Kitchen, Sunriver, OR
An afternoon of tastings featuring wines from Oregon, Washington, and California, paired with creative bites and live music.
Sisters Country Trail Run (May 04, 2025)
Location: Village Green Park, Sisters, OR
Offers 50K and Half Marathon trail races starting and finishing in the heart of Sisters.
Art Meets Wine in the High Desert (May 17, 2025)
Location: SHARC, Sunriver, OR
An all-inclusive event offering tastings from 13 Oregon wineries, accompanied by art, music, and food.
SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle (May 17, 2025)
Location: Bend, OR
A six-leg multi-sport race from Mt. Bachelor to Bend, featuring alpine skiing or snowboarding, Nordic skiing, biking, running, and kayaking.
Bend Women’s Expo (May 24, 2025)
Location: Seventh Mountain Resort, Bend, OR
Features women-owned businesses, interactive breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities.
Bend Brews & Beyond (May 24-25, 2025)
Location: Drake Park, Bend, OR
Showcasing over 50 Oregon breweries and cideries, including all locally-owned Central Oregon producers, plus non-alcoholic beverage makers.
Kid’s Day in May (May 24, 2025)
Location: The Village at Sunriver, Sunriver, OR
A family-friendly event with games, activities, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and more.
Sisters Stampede (May 25, 2025)
Location: Sisters, OR
A mountain bike race and festival, part of the Oregon XC Series, featuring a 14-mile course.
Events in Washington – May
Apple Blossom Festival (April 24 – May 4, 2025)
Location: Wenatchee, WA
Marking 106 years, this historic celebration honors Washington’s apple-growing roots. The festival features grand parades, a carnival, food booths, live entertainment, and hometown charm that draws visitors from across the region.
Leavenworth Maifest (May 10–11, 2025)
Location: Downtown Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth’s annual Maifest celebrates over five decades of Bavarian spring tradition. Visitors can enjoy lively maypole dances, costumed performances, live music, local food, and a festive atmosphere in this charming alpine village.
Lake Chelan Wine and Jazz Festival (May 15–18, 2025)
Location: Lake Chelan, WA
Now in its 7th year, this four-day festival pairs top-tier jazz performances with tastings from premier Lake Chelan wineries. With 50+ performances across 20+ venues, it’s a relaxing and rhythmic way to welcome spring.
Things to Do: Coastal Oregon in May
Beachcombing & Tide Pooling
Discover Oregon’s dramatic coastline and encounter fascinating marine life at Cannon Beach, Yaquina Head, and Cape Perpetua.
Lighthouse Tours
Tour historic lighthouses like Heceta Head and Yaquina Bay to uncover the Oregon Coast’s rich maritime heritage.
Things to Do: Central Oregon in May
Outdoor Recreation
Hike, bike, or paddle through Central Oregon’s scenic trails and lakes — from the Deschutes River to Smith Rock State Park.
Scenic Picnic Spots
Pack a lunch and relax in the sunshine at Shevlin Park or Drake Park, where spring blooms and fresh air await.
Farmers Markets
Visit local markets in Bend and Redmond for fresh produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment every weekend.
Things to Do: Washington in May
Exploring Olympic National Park
Hike through lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and rugged coastline at Olympic National Park, ideal for outdoor adventure in April and May.
Around the World Embassy Tour
Part of Passport DC in May, this tour grants access to dozens of international embassies for cultural exhibits, performances, and food tastings.
National Gallery Nights: ‘70s Disco Prom
Join the National Gallery’s after-hours experience for dancing, retro fashion, and creative activities all themed around the 1970s art scene.
Book Your May Getaway Today!
May is one of the best times to explore the Pacific Northwest. Fewer crowds, mild weather, and an incredible variety of events make it the perfect month to plan a trip. Whether it’s a cozy cabin near the coast or a family-friendly home in wine country, find your perfect stay with us.
