Discover 15 Unique Things to Do in Ashland, Oregon
Ashland, Oregon, is widely renowned for its world-class Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which draws theater enthusiasts from around the globe every year. However, live theater isn't the only game in Ashland. Set in the scenic Rogue Valley, opportunities for outdoor recreation are numerous, including wildflower viewing in alpine meadows, river rafting, and snow sports on Mt. Ashland.
This city of slightly under 22,000 residents also boasts a historic downtown core that hosts a variety of community events and celebrations throughout the year. Here's a list of 15 things to do in Ashland to get you started on your Southern Oregon adventure.
01 Lithia Park
Situated in the heart of Ashland and covering 100 acres, Lithia Park offers a tranquil retreat where visitors can immerse themselves in natural and cultivated beauty. Wooded trails wind along the banks of Ashland Creek, while emerald green lawns, beautifully landscaped gardens, and serene duck ponds provide ideal spots for picnicking and relaxing.
Amenities include pickleball courts, a volleyball court, a playground, and a swimming reservoir. Lithia Park is also a plant lovers' paradise, with a formal rose garden, Japanese garden, fountains, and a wide range of unique trees and shrubs with clearly labeled species information.
02 Schneider Museum of Art
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., the Schneider Museum of Art offers rotating exhibitions highlighting the work of nationally and internationally known artists. The museum's permanent collection includes ceramics from Costa Rica made during the Pre-Columbian era, woven artifacts from New Guinea, and works on paper from the 20th and 21st centuries. Although the museum is part of Southern Oregon University, it strives to reach both local and global audiences.
03 Ashland Festival of Light
A community tradition for more than 30 years, joy and holiday cheer illuminate Ashland from Thanksgiving until the end of December. The festival kicks off with a parade led by Santa, and for the next month, the city is alive with holiday concerts, theater productions with seasonal themes, and festive light displays. Events include an evening of wassailing, numerous chamber music and orchestra performances, and a public menorah lighting.
04 Bear Creek Salmon Festival
Ashland's Bear Creek Salmon Festival celebrates the region's natural heritage on the first Saturday in October. This free annual event brings together Ashland residents, visitors, conservationists, educators, students, and nature enthusiasts to honor the return of salmon to Bear Creek and its tributaries. Visitors can engage in interactive exhibits about salmon habitat restoration, take a guided nature walk, and watch a demonstration of traditional Native American fishing techniques. There will be live music all day, a zero-waste food concession, and crafts and activities for kids.
05 ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum is a community-supported organization that was founded in 2002 to supplement science education for children and adults through interactive exhibits, events, and activities. There are over 100 individual exhibits at the museum, and science camps and field trips are available for young scientists to explore their interests in a supportive environment. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and parking is free.
06 First Friday Art Walk
Beginning at 5 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, Ashland residents and visitors can go downtown for a variety of artistic experiences, including live music, demonstrations, and exhibits. Refreshments are also available on this self-guided tour. Ashland's First Friday Art Walk is a year-round event with special magic during the holiday season when the entire downtown core looks as if it belongs on an old-fashioned Christmas card.
07 Lithia Springs Resort and Wine Garden
If you're seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, a respite from city life, or a way to reconnect with nature, Lithia Springs Resort has what you're looking for. The curative springs relieve stress and help the body heal, and guests can indulge in the privacy of their own soaking tub or join others in the seasonal outdoor pool. Indoor amenities include a tea room, two fireplaces, and a library. The Wine Garden features wines from nearby Applegate Valley and is situated on a relaxing covered patio.
08 Mount Ashland
Skiiers and snowboarders of all ability levels can find suitable terrain on Mt. Ashland, while the Learning Center provides a safe area for those new to snow sports to get their feet wet. If you're not a winter sports enthusiast, Mt. Ashland offers plenty to do during the rest of the year. Mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and enjoying an outdoor picnic are all popular activities, and the recent addition of a disc golf course brings a new layer of fun to the picture. The Siskiyou Out Back Trail Running Festival takes place each July for runners and their friends and families.
09 Emigrant Lake
Located just a few short miles from downtown Ashland, Emigrant Lake offers the opportunity to enjoy a tranquil sojourn in nature without having to travel off the beaten path. RV and tent camping are available, and day-use activities include hiking, picnicking, waterskiing, fishing, and swimming. Four covered picnic areas are available for family gatherings, wedding receptions, company parties, and other group activities and events. There is also a water slide and a playground to help kids work off their energy while you relax and soak up the surrounding natural beauty.
10 North Mountain Park Nature Center
North Mountain Park Nature Center offers classes, programs, events, and activities designed to educate and engage visitors of all ages with the natural world, promoting a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts. The Nature Center is ADA accessible with a bike trail, picnic tables, a demonstration garden, a playground, a restrooms.
Whether you're a seasoned birdwatching enthusiast or are just beginning to learn about our feathered friends, the Saturday Morning Bird Walk is a perfect opportunity to observe a variety of local species in their natural habitats.
11 Ashland Independent Film Festival
The goal of the Ashland Independent Film Festival is to celebrate the wide range of human experiences portrayed by independent filmmakers while inspiring, engaging, and educating the audience. You'll see over 80 feature films, documentaries, and shorts produced by talented independent filmmakers from all across the globe.
Don't miss the Opening Night Bash If you love to socialize with other film lovers or simply want to indulge in local wines and beers and freshly prepared gourmet fare in a historic Art-Deco setting. Referred to as a "dream you'll never want to leave" by The Washington Post, this annual event occurs in October.
12 Ashland Mystery Festival
The newest addition to Ashland's vibrant festival scene, Ashland Mystery Festival, features four days during October full of interactive intrigue and suspense. The entire city gets in on the fun, with clues all over town to help you practice, hone, and show off your detective skills. Workshops, panels, and other activities hosted by mystery writers help bring the whodunits to life. Other highlights include mystery-themed cooking classes, an Agatha Christie ball, and murder mystery dinners.
13 Lithia Artisans Market
Held every weekend in downtown Ashland along the banks of Ashland Creek, Lithia Artisans Market is open March through November from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. More than 50 local artists and crafters sell their handcrafted wares. Each artist sells the work he or she creates, so it's perfect if you enjoy talking and hearing the personal stories behind the items that you buy. The collective also hosts an open-air gallery in front of Lithia Park from May through September.
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14 Oregon Chocolate Festival
Thousands of chocolate lovers converge on Ashland in early March to sample some of the world's most delicious chocolate. Festivities include a chocolate-themed art walk through historic downtown Ashland, a workshop on chocolate and beer pairings, chef demonstrations, a chocolate brunch, a chocolate costume party, and a Chocolate Maker's Dinner.
Children aged eight and under are admitted to the festival for free, and there will be face painting, a gnome hunt, and an art contest where children can have the chance to have their drawing chosen to go on next year's festival T-shirts.
15 Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink
A holiday tradition among residents of Ashland and surrounding communities, Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink provides an enchanting experience from mid-November through February. The rink offers a range of programs for all ages and skill levels and a festive, community-oriented environment complete with music, hot cocoa, and occasional themed events.
There is a sensory-friendly skate for those who need a quieter, calmer experience, a designated time for those new to ice skating, and a "cheap skates" period for budget-friendly fun. The ice rink is open from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. for adult ice hockey.
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