Bandon is one of the most charming Oregon Coast towns, and it’s tucked on the wild and rugged Southern Oregon Coast on Highway 101, between the towns of Coos Bay and Port Orford. You’ll find a broad range of things to do in Bandon, Oregon, but each fall, one of the highlights is the annual Bandon Cranberry Festival. Bandon and the Southern Oregon Coast in general have been growing cranberries for over a century. Each fall, the festival brightens the region and comes alive to celebrate that legacy.Â
The Bandon Cranberry Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing 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, this festival is a tradition that honors the farmers who have shaped this region and the unique coastal conditions that make cranberry bogs thrive in this area. Held every September, the cranberry festival features everything from parades and live music to cooking contests, craft booths, and of course, plenty of ways to taste the star ingredient.
If you’ve never experienced fresh cranberry salsa or homemade cranberry pie on a sunny fall day, this is your chance. The event also opens the door to one of the most fascinating seasonal activities in town, cranberry bog tours. Local farms offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to cultivate cranberries, with guided walks through working cranberry 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 colors.
Beyond the festival, there are plenty of other things to do in Bandon in the fall. Stroll through Old Town for boutique shopping and coastal eats, take in the dramatic views at Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint, or walk the beach to hunt for agates and sea glass. Autumn is also an excellent time for wildlife watching, especially at the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. And when you’re ready to relax, our Bandon Hotel offers some of the best accommodations on the Southern Oregon Coast. With spacious rooms, easy beach access, and a quiet setting just minutes from downtown, it’s the perfect home base for your cranberry-filled getaway. Book your stay today!
Don’t Miss the Bandon Cranberry Festival
The Bandon Cranberry Festival is one of the longest-running festivals on the Oregon Coast, offering festival goers a delightful mix of local pride and small-town fun. Held each September in downtown Bandon, the Bandon Cranberry Festival is a weekend-long celebration that brings the entire community together, with a focus on food, music, and the region’s rich agricultural history. You’ll find classic festival vibes with a coastal twist, featuring live music, artisan markets, and parades, all centered around the bright red berries that have helped put Bandon on the map.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the Bandon Cranberry Festival offers something new to discover every year. Local growers host cranberry bog tours, offering a rare chance to see working cranberry farms in action. Learn how cranberries are harvested, walk through the bogs, and get a true sense of what makes Oregon-grown cranberries so special. When you’re not touring the bogs or enjoying a slice of homemade cranberry pie, the Bandon Cranberry Festival keeps things lively with a full lineup of events and activities.Â
Cranberry Festival Highlights
- Cranberry Kitchen Contest: Taste the best homemade cranberry recipes from local chefs and home cooks competing for the top prize, Friday, September 12.
- Cranberry Parade: A small-town parade celebrating the harvest season on Saturday, September 13.Â
- Cranberry Eating Contest: Watch (or join) as contestants race to finish plates of cranberry-themed dishes, from sauce to pie, on Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14.Â
- Cranberry Show and Shine Car Show: A display of vintage and custom cars that adds some chrome and nostalgia to the festival scene, on Saturday, September 13.
- Cranberry Street Dance: Don’t miss this festival celebration in Old Town Bandon as the night progresses on Saturday, September 13.Â
- Cranberry Festival Bike Ride: Ride 12 scenic miles along the coast and past local farms, taking in the bright red beauty of the fall season in Bandon, on Sunday, September 14.
- Live Music and Entertainment: Local bands and performers keep the stage going all weekend long with a mix of genres and energy.
- Artisan Market and Street Fair: Local artists, food vendors, and craftspeople set up shop with one-of-a-kind goods and fall treats.
- Bog Tours and Farm Experiences: Guided tours of nearby cranberry farms, offering an up-close look at the harvest and processing.
- Festival Eats: From cranberry cocktails and sauces to freshly baked goods, this is the place to try it all.
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.Â
Stay at One of the Top Hotels in Bandon, Oregon
Spending a fall weekend at the Bandon Cranberry Festival is an immersive experience that connects you with the culture, flavor, and rhythm of coastal Oregon. The experience goes far beyond sampling cranberry treats or snapping photos at the parade; you’re learning about the local families who’ve been harvesting these berries for generations and walking through real cranberry bogs that are still in use today. Pair that with crisp ocean air, beautiful fall color, and the welcoming energy of Bandon in September, and it’s easy to see why the Bandon Cranberry Festival draws visitors from all over the region.
Beyond the festival grounds, fall in Bandon offers even more to explore. You can spend your afternoon discovering the natural beauty of Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, tidepooling along the beach, or strolling through Old Town’s charming boutiques and galleries. Wildlife lovers will appreciate a stop at the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, especially during the fall migration. There’s also seasonal dining with fresh-caught seafood, locally brewed cider, and plenty of cranberry-inspired specials at restaurants throughout town. With so many things to do in Bandon, the Cranberry Festival weekend becomes the perfect time to visit the Southern Oregon Coast.Â
To truly enjoy it all, you’ll want a comfortable place to unwind, and our Bandon, Oregon Hotel offers just that. This 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 easy access to the beach via a short walking path. Guests love the heated indoor pool, hot tub, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff who are always ready with local tips. Whether you’re traveling with kids, pets, or just looking for space to breathe between festival events, the Inn at Face Rock offers a stay that’s as warm and welcoming as the town itself. Book your stay at one of the best hotels in Bandon, Oregon, today!
