Explore The Dalles
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Fort Dalles Fourth
July 4th, 2025
The Ultimate Small-Town, Big-Fun 4th of July Celebration!
Since 2014, Fort Dalles Fourth has been The Dalles’ favorite Independence Day tradition — a full day of hometown pride, family fun, and fireworks that light up the Columbia River Gorge.
What’s in store for 2025:
🇺🇸 Kick off the morning with the energizing Rocket Run
🥞 Follow it up with a hearty Community Breakfast
🎉 Enjoy the Hometown USA Parade, bursting with color, charm, and local flair
🎇 End the day with a spectacular fireworks show over the river — a view you won’t forget!
This event is free and open to all, made possible by the hard work and generous support of our amazing community and sponsors. From the team at The Dalles Fourth — thank you for being part of the magic.
Neon Cruise/Show in the Shade
August 8th - 10th, 2025
Presented by the Mid-Columbia Car Club
Get ready to rev your engines for one of the most thrilling weekends of the summer! The Cruise the Gorge tradition returns to The Dalles with three days of classic cars, good vibes, and family-friendly fun.
🔥 Friday Night: Neon Cruise
Kick things off with the iconic Neon Cruise through downtown The Dalles! Cruise down 2nd and 3rd Streets under the glow of neon lights as car lovers line the sidewalks to admire everything from hot rods to vintage beauties. It’s a rolling celebration of nostalgia, horsepower, and community spirit.
🌳 Saturday: Show in the Shade – Sorosis Park
Spend the day surrounded by chrome, classics, and car culture under the trees at beautiful Sorosis Park.
- Over 40 car awards up for grabs
- Live music to keep the vibes rolling
- Food trucks & specialty vendors for every craving
- A fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment for families and fans alike
🍻 Saturday Night: Cruise & Socialize
The fun continues into the evening at local lodges, where car enthusiasts gather to swap stories, show off their rides, and enjoy the community that makes this event so special.
🏁 Sunday: Dufur Classic Car Show
Wrap up the weekend just a short drive away at the Dufur Classic Car Show, the perfect finale for three unforgettable days of automotive admiration
Whether you’re showing off your ride or just soaking in the sights, the Mid-Columbia Car Club’s Cruise the Gorge weekend is a must-attend for car lovers of all ages.
🔗 Learn more: www.midcolumbiacarclub.org
36th Annual Starlight Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration
📅 November 29th, 2025
✨ Parade begins at 6:00 PM
The magic of the holiday season comes alive in The Dalles at one of the year’s most heartwarming traditions — the Starlight Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration!
Join us for an enchanting evening filled with twinkling lights, festive floats, joyful music, and the spirit of Christmas in the air. Watch the streets of downtown come alive as glowing floats roll by and Santa himself makes a special appearance, bringing wonder to the eyes of children and adults alike.
🎅 The parade kicks off at West Sixth & Webber Streets, winding its way through downtown and ending at The Dalles Chamber of Commerce, where the magic continues.
🌟 After the parade, gather with family and friends for the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn, and plenty of holiday cheer.
🎁 Get Involved!
Want to showcase your business or organization’s holiday spirit?
Enter a float in this year’s parade!
📝 Applications are available at thedalleschamber.com or in person at:
📍 404 West Second Street, The Dalles
Northwest Cherry Festival
April 25th - 27th, 2025
Due to the 3rd week next April falling on Easter weekend, the decision has been made to move The Northwest Cherry Festival to the fourth weekend of April 2025. This years Cherry Festival Theme will be “Cherry Land”. The Northwest Cherry Festival is a longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike, the festival is set in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge and showcases The Dalles’ deep agricultural heritage and Western roots. In 2015, the Cherry Festival expanded to three days of family-friendly activities and events, and 2025 is going to be even better! The Northwest Cherry Festival takes place in downtown The Dalles from Friday, April 25th through Sunday, April 27th, 2025. The festival includes the Gorge’s largest parade, a classic car show, and lots of great local music and bands, craft vendors, and a carnival. You don’t want to miss the crowning of Cherry Festival Royalty at Mid-Columbia Senior Center’s Breakfast Saturday Morning before the parade! The Dalles has much more to offer though the festival alone could keep you busy.
If you are a Vendor and would like to participate in the 45th Annual Cherry Festival or you would like an entry in the Parade, please contact The Dalles Chamber, [email protected] or call 541-296-2231.
Drain Raider Bass Tournament
June 28-29/July 26-27/Aug. 23-25/Sept. 13-14
Drain Raider Pro Team Series is a 2-day combined weight team tournament to qualify for The Championship, or fish individual tournaments as opens.
Dufur Threshing Bee & Car Show
August 9th - 10th, 2025
Take a step back in time and experience a slice of country life.
Dufur, a tiny town perched on the edge of the Columbia River Gorge, is a center of dry-land wheat farming that began just after settlers arrived on the Oregon Trail, 175 years ago.
On the second weekend in August the quaint town just 13 miles south of The Dalles, celebrates its roots in Oregon agriculture with the Dufur Threshing Bee: a weekend of old-time activities. With so much of life and work busily focused on electronic media and on-line communication, this event is a hands-on opportunity to reconnect with a slower, easier pace.
Wasco County Fair & Rodeo
August 14th - 17th, 2025
The Wasco County Fair may be over 110 years old, but there’s always something new to enjoy. To see current events, follow the Wasco County Fair and Rodeo on our Facebook page.
The Witches Walk
October 18th, 2025
Every year in Downtown The Dalles! Witches, Warlocks and witchlings of all ages welcome. Join us!
Veterans Day Parade
November 11th, 2025
The Dalles Veterans Day Parade is an annual event honoring veterans and active military personnel in The Dalles, Oregon. Featuring marching bands, military vehicles, and community groups, the parade celebrates service and sacrifice while bringing the community together in patriotic tribute.
Festival of Trees
December 5th, 2025
The Dalles Festival of Trees is a cherished annual holiday event featuring beautifully decorated Christmas trees, festive displays, and community activities. Hosted to support local charities, the event brings holiday cheer while raising funds for important causes through tree auctions and donations.
Sip-N-Shop
December 13th, 2025
The Downtown The Dalles Sip-N-Shop on December 13, 2025, is a festive evening of holiday shopping, local wine and beverage tastings, and community cheer. Stroll through downtown businesses, enjoy exclusive deals, and savor delicious drinks while finding the perfect holiday gifts.