NEWBERG, Ore. — Summer in the Willamette Valley is officially here, and the lavender is in full bloom. In Newberg, the Chehalem Cultural Center is preparing to host what promises to be one of the more relaxing weekends of the season as lavender takes over the town’s cultural district.
“From humble beginnings as a small festival created by a group of lavender growers and community members in Yamhill 21 years ago, the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival has blossomed into one of the Chehalem Cultural Center‘s signature annual traditions,” said Sean Andries, executive director of the Chehalem Cultural Center. “Today, we welcome thousands of visitors from across Oregon to celebrate the very best of our region by bringing together growers, artists, musicians, artisans, and local businesses in a joyful celebration of the art, agriculture, and community that make the Willamette Valley so special.”
The Willamette Valley Lavender and Plein Air Festival returns to the Chehalem Cultural Center from July 10 to 12, bringing together lavender farmers, artists, makers, and vendors for a weekend of lavender-themed events.
“It’s like summer magic,” said Katie Spain, galleries curator at the Chehalem Cultural Center. “I love planning my visit around a lavender demo, and then wandering from the marketplace to the art show. The whole place is buzzing, and the aroma of lavender and good food is in the air.”
The festival opens Friday, July 11 with the Plein Air Paint Out artist reception, followed by a free Chamber Music Northwest concert in the Cultural Center’s LaJoie Theatre.
The plein air art show — which sends area artists out to lavender farms and other locations to paint scenes on site — is an annual staple. Attendees can browse artwork displayed in the Cultural Center’s ballroom, vote for favorites using small purple discs, and purchase pieces on display. In 2025, more than 134 artists created 339 paintings during the Northwest Lavender Paint Out.
Saturday’s schedule opens with children’s entertainment: the Lavendula lavender fairy tea party at 10 a.m., followed by a kids concert featuring Tallulah’s Daddy at 11 a.m. At 2 p.m., Devin Kosloff performs classical guitar, followed by a lavender gardening seminar and a plein air painting demonstration with Newberg artist Christine Joy Swanson.
“I cannot wait to see the delight on children’s faces when they meet Lavendula at the tea party, the toes tapping as they listen to the local bands we are highlighting,” said Rachael Bonnet, performing arts manager at the Cultural Center.
On Sunday, Americana artist Rob Rainwater performs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with Ewing Young Distillery‘s lavender cocktail demonstration running concurrently. Entertainment wraps at 2 p.m. with bluegrass act Roundhouse Band.
While most activities are centered at the Cultural Center, Taste Newberg — Newberg’s destination marketing organization — is encouraging festival-goers to explore the Newberg Lavender Trail, a self-guided tour through Oregon wine country featuring lavender-inspired experiences at farms, restaurants, wineries, lodging properties, shops, and cultural attractions.
“Lavender season offers visitors a unique way to experience Newberg and Oregon wine country,” said Leigh Jensen, executive director of Taste Newberg. “From strolling lavender fields and sipping lavender cocktails to exploring local shops and attending the Lavender Festival, the trail highlights the creativity and collaboration of the businesses that make our community special.”
The Willamette Valley Lavender Festival runs July 10 through 12. Main festival hours on July 11 and 12 are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chehalem Cultural Center. Admission is free. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome in outdoor areas. For more information, visit chehalemculturalcenter.org/lavender.
