Five weeks of celebrations usher in the beginning of summer to this great Northwest community. We have featured our main events here, but be sure to check on all the available events and activities on our full online calendar.
May 2010 Events and Festivals
Outdoor Growers’ Market
May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2010
4th and F St.
A favorite with residents and tourists, the Growers’ Market is second only to the Rogue River as an area attraction. It showcases the finest fresh fruits and vegetables growing in the Southern Oregon region, as well as secondary wood products, gourmet specialty foods, artists and crafters. Members attend from Medford, Butte Falls, Winston, Canyonville, Gold Hill, Roseburg and the Illinois Valley.
Saturday Artisan & Crafters Market
Date: May 1, 2010
Location: 5th St between E and F St
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Now in its forth year, the Saturday Artisans' and Crafters' Market is proving a phenomenal success, not only in terms of connecting local artists and craftsmen with admirers (and perhaps even acquirers) of their works and wares, but also in attracting the more creative members of our community and connecting them with one another, inspiring and challenging them to new artistic heights. It is through this interchange of energy and ideas that an art community is born and a regional arts movement is propelled to the global cultural forefront. For more information please visit www.grantspassartisanmarket.com. Market goes through the first weekend in October.
Plant & Garden Craft Sale
Date: May 1, 2010 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Abby's Parking Lot on Williams Highway
1642 Williams Highway
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Grants Pass Garden Club's annual Plant and Garden Craft Sale will be held on Saturday, May 1st from 9:00 am to 4:00 am. at Abby's parking lot on Williams Highway, near the Goodwill truck. Featuring unique plants dug from member's own gardens and one-of-a-kind garden crafts created by GPGC members. GPGC gives back to the community through scholarships, tree and shrub plantings in the community, and hanging baskets. Please e-mail nancyclester@msn.com for more information.
The Rogue Theatre presents: Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings
With special guest Kara Grainger
Date: May 1, 2010 @ 8:00 PM
Location: The Rogue Theatre
143 SE H St
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
For more information, please visit The Rogue Theatre's website.
Merlin Magical Parade
25th Annual
Date: May 1, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Merlin
Merlin, Oregon 97532
Contact Jan Slusser at 476-8047 for more information.
All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast and Yard Sale
Hosted by the Rogue Valley Young Marines
Date: May 1, 2010 - 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free – Donations may be made
Location: Young Marine Headquarters
Merlin, Oregon 97526
This is the 6th annual pancake breakfast and new this year will be a chili cook off. Held at the Young Marine Headquarters which was previously the Merlin Elementary School. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Menu consists of pancakes, sausage, or biscuits & gravy and beverage. If you are interested in participating in the chili cook-off, please contact Celeste Guillory at 471-1944 for more information.
The Firehouse Gallery presents: Pancho Jimenez
"Outta My Head"
Date: May 5 - May 28, 2010
Location: Firehouse Gallery
Corner of 4th and H St
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Ceramic works inspired by pre-Columbian Olmec heads that explore collective, universal identity using a wide range of surface textures and colors. The gallery is located at the corner of H and Fourth Streets in the Historic City Hall, Grants Pass, Oregon. Hours are Tuesday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or tours by appointment. For more information call (541) 956-7489 or 956-7339 (office). Visit the Firehouse Gallery website for more information.
Spring Wine Stroll
Date: May 8, 2010 - 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Grants Pass, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
The TCA Wine Strolls have become very popular downtown events and tickets always sell out very quickly. Why are they so popular and successful? Grants Pass has not only some of the best and unique merchants in Oregon but we also have some of the best wineries and food in Southern Oregon. Our participating merchants and vendors make the event so easy, so inviting and so much fun!...Stroll downtown businesses & sample great food and wine from 12 Oregon wineries. Call 476-5773 for more information.
First Friday Art Night
Date: May 7, 2010 - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Grants Pass
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Occurring on the first Friday night of the month (excluding January), Grants Pass comes alive with music and art. There are various shops, galleries and restaurants open late displaying local art and musical talent. Starts @ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Call (541) 787-7357 for more information.
16th Annual Native American Arts Festival & Mother's Day Pow Wow
Date: May 8 & 9, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Riverside Park Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
16th annual event benefits the encouragement of native American visual and performing & cultural arts. Free to public! Call 472-0215 for more information.
4th Annual Mother's Day Chocolate Mousse Brunch at Wildlife Images
Date: May 9, 2010 - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $20
Call 476-0222 for more information or visit The Wildlife Images website
IHMSA Oregon State Air Pistol Championship
Date: May 15 - 19, 2010
Location: Josephine County Sportsman Park
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Contact: Steve Ware at 541-660.8852 for more information.
The 32nd Annual Home Show
Presented by Homebuilders Association of Josephine County
Date: May 14 - 16, 2010 - 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Josephine County Fairgrounds, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Exhibits of home related products and services. Contact Karen at 479-1311 for more information.
6th Annual Golf for Art
Date: May 14, 2010 @ 11:30 a.m.
Location: Grants Pass Golf Club
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
4 person best ball scramble and longest drive prizes taking place at the Grants Pass Golf Course. Call Mark Simonds at 541-955-4810 for more information about this event.
Grants Pass MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Awareness Day
Date: May 15, 2010 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The first annual Grants Pass MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Awareness Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..
Watch for bright orange balloons throughout downtown, at the Growers’ Market, the Grants Pass Shopping Center and at Club NW! Volunteers will be at information tables ready to answer questions and provide additional facts about Multiple Sclerosis.
The goal is to bring awareness to the community about this debilitating disease that affects over 7000 people in Oregon and 2.5 million people worldwide.
For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Kerrie at 541.660.5539 or kerriewalt@yahoo.com. Or to learn more about the movement towards a world free of MS visit The Defeat MS website.
The 30th Annual Spring Home Improvement Show
Presented by Homebuilders Association of Josephine County
Date: May 15 - 17, 2010 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Josephine County Fairgrounds, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Find out about landscaping, carpeting, countertops, closet packages and much more. Gather information and get your questions answered regarding your building or remodeling project. For more information, please call the HBA office at 541-479-1311.
The Spring Tours of Homes
Presented by Homebuilders Association of Josephine County
Date: May 15 - 17, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Josephine County Fairgrounds, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
This scattered site tour is sure to give you some excellent ideas in home designs or connect you with the builder you need to make your dreams come true. If you are in search of a builder to make your dream house a reality, looking for some great ideas for your remodel, or in the market to buy a beautiful new home....don't miss this scattered site Tour of Homes built by members of the Home Builders Association. For more information, please call the HBA office at 541-479-1311.
Buck Canyon Gardens Peony Show
Date: May 22 & 23, 2010, May 29 thru May 31, 2010 and June 5 and June 6, 2010
Open 10am – 3pm
Location: Buck Canyon Gardens, 180 Buck Canyon Rd, Cave Junction, Oregon 97526
Over 70 varieties of Herbaceous, peonies, tree peonies and intersectional peonies on display. A new tree peony garden has been added, and many new varieties of herbaceous and intersectional peonies. Our featured peony for 2009 is Joker an Al Roger's introduction. Karen's "Bits & Pieces Nursery" will be offering new varieties of iris, and many complimentary perennials. For directions or information check out www.buckcanyon.com Contact: Ed or Karen Goodrich at 592-6115.
Antique & Collectible Street Fair
Date: May 16, 2010 from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Grants Pass H st.
Come experience adventures in antiquing! Sponsored by the Grants Pass Antique Dealer’s League, this show brings antique and collectible dealers from the entire west coast to sell their treasures. There will be food, vendor booths and fun for all. For more information, please contact Jeff of Karen at H Street Antiques, 541-956-1200 or visit The Grants Pass Antique Dealers League website.
The Women’s Crisis Support Team, Hope Float Benefit
Date: May 21, 2010 @ 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $80 per person or $125 VIP
Location: Hellgate Excursions & The OK Corral
On May 21, 2010, WCST will team up with Hellgate Excursions and Home Valley Bank for an evening of water, wine, and wishes benefiting the Women's Crisis Support Team. Take the jetboats out to the OK Corral for a gourmet dinner and an evening filled with dancing and music from a live band. There will be a silent auction to tempt you with items from the best vineyards in Southern Oregon, and several surprises as well. Bring your friends and family for an elegant evening at a legendary Southern Oregon location. Tickets available at Hellgate Excursions. Contact Group Reservations at (541) 479-7204 or visit The Hope Floats website.
Boatnik Festival
Date: May 27 to May 31, 2010
Location: Riverside Park
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Carnival rides, boat races, games, a parade and food booths. Held as a fundraiser by the Grants Pass Active Club proceeds benefit the entire community. Be sure to take time to enjoy the adult fastpitch softball tournament, a great time for the whole family. Visit The Boatnik website for more information.
A Salute To Our Heroes
The Healing Field of Southern Oregon
Date: May 28 to May 31, 2010
Location: Hillcrest Cemetery
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
Hosted by the Young Marines and Sponsored by Evergreen Federal Bank - "A Salute to our Heroes" with 1,000 Flags flying. These flags will be dedicated to those who have served, and to those who have given their lives to preserve our freedom. We must always remember our POW/MIA's that are still missing. While visiting the field of flags, you may dedicate a flag to a veteran of your choice for $30.A scholarship fund is being established to provide assistance for the children of our fallen and wounded warriors who have served during the conflicts in the Middle East. For more information, please call 541-660-1342 or 541-659-5485
The Wild Bunch - Bearfest Bears are Back!!!
17 brand new Bearfest Bears riding a collection of Harley's and Choppers
Date: May 29, 2010 to September 6. 2010
Location: Various locations throughout Grants Pass
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
For more information about The Wild Bunch Bearfest Bears, please visit Evergreen Federal Bank's Community website.
Applegate Valley Uncorked
Spring Barrel Tour
Date: May 30, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join the Applegate Valley Vintners this May 30, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for our annual Spring Uncorked Barrel Tour! Each of the 15 wineries in the spectacular Applegate Valley will be ready to celebrate the spring with you as they feature delicious appetizer pairings matched with some of the best wines from each estate. Come join us as we welcome you into our cellars for a taste of what's to come! Tickets are $39 per person and will include a commemorative Riedel glass and tasting at all 15 participating wineries! There is no better time of the year to taste all of the nationally and internationally recognized wines of the Applegate Valley. For more information, please call (541) 846-6364 or check out The Applegate Uncorked website.
Wild Rogue Balloon Festival
Date: June 4 to June 6, 2010
Location: TBA
Grants Pass, Oregon 97526
More information to come.