Wallowa County Discover 2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 10 through October 22

May

Youth Art Festival

Through May 20

Art from Wallowa County youth from kindergarten through 12th grade will be on display through May 20 at the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, 403 N. Main St. in Joseph. Website: josephy.org.

Hurricane Creek Half-Marathon

May 27; races begin at 8 a.m.

The event includes 5K and 5-mile options but is highlighted by the 13.1-mile race. The event starts at Joseph City Park and heads toward Hurricane Creek Trailhead. Early-bird registration (through April 30) is $65 for the half-marathon, $25 for the 5-mile and $20 for the 5K. 503-756-8621. Website: runnersofthesage.com

Eagle Cap Excursion Train

The Eagle Cap Excursion Train is a scenic train that operates on the Wallowa Union Railroad. The 2023 schedule starts May 10 and runs through Oct. 22. A full season is planned, with a variety of themes. For more information, call 541-437-3652 from 9 a.m. to noon weekdays, or visit its website at eaglecaptrainrides.com

June

Flora School Days

June 17, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Travel back in time to learn about skills from the pioneer days. Take in a Dutch oven lunch, view the country store, learn about blacksmithing, weaving and horseshoeing, while a pie social rounds out a day full of activities. The events begin at 10 a.m. at the historic Flora School, 80974 College Lane, Flora, north of Enterprise on Highway 3. 541-828-7010. Website: floraschool.org

Mountain High Broncs and Bulls

June 17, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Mountain High brings past world champions and national finalists to Enterprise. This one-day extravaganza will be held at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena, 405 W. Wallowa Ave. in Joseph. Bull riders combined with ranch saddle broncs provide action-packed excitement. Mutton busting for the little ones at 4:30 p.m. Free admission. Website: mountainhighrodeo.com

Wallowa County Thunder Run

June 23-24

The Annual Wallowa County Thunder Run bike rally offers live music with five bands, a VIP tent, biker games, food, drinks, and vendors. Daytime activities throughout the county are planned, including a poker run. Website: wcthunderrun.com

Some events had not announced exact dates when this guide went to press. For updated information, check the calendar maintained by the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, 541-426-4622, wallowacountychamber.com. The Wallowa County Chieftain’s “What’s Happening” calendar is another good source for local events. You can read it online at wallowa.com.

Woodland and Watershed Festival

June 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The annual event put on by Wallowa Resources and the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center brings more than two dozen exhibitors together in an event designed for people to celebrate, play, listen and learn. The family-oriented event provides opportunities to learn about the county and surrounding region. Activities include a scavenger hunt, fishing, face-painting, music and more. Wallowa County Fairgrounds, 668 NW First St., Enterprise. Website: wallowaresources.com.

Kickoff to Chief Joseph Days Ranch Rodeo

June 30-July 1

It’s the annual kickoff event to the big PRCA rodeo. The events begin Friday with a trail ride from the Harley Tucker Memorial Grounds in Joseph to the Wallowa Lake Moraine, and a dinner, complete with a live auction, Friday evening at the Thunder Room on the rodeo grounds. On Saturday, head back to the rodeo grounds for the ranch rodeo. Call 541-432-1015 for more information. Website: chiefjosephdays.com

July

Courthouse Concert Series

For the 16th consecutive year, the Wallowa County Music Alliance presents this concert series on the lawn of the Wallowa County Courthouse, 101 S. River St., Enterprise. Each Thursday in July and August at 5:30 p.m., the community gathers to enjoy free 90-minute performances by local and regional musicians in a variety of genres, including classical, folk, jazz, and rock. 541426-3390. Website: wvmusicalalliance.org

Joseph Mountain Jubilee

As of our publication deadline, no date had been set for this all-day music event, held at various locations on Main Street in Joseph. Website: josephmountainjubilee.com

Lostine River Run

July 1 7-10 a.m.

Run along the picturesque Lostine River into the town for either a 10K, 5K or 1-mile run. The annual run is a great option for families of runners. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wallowa County. Website: https://lostineriverrun.itsyourrace.com

Dulcimer Week in the Wallowas

July 3-9

Learn how to play this fun instrument during a weeklong adult music camp that draws students from across the county. Instructors are nationally known and teach all levels of students. Contact Heidi Muller at 304-382-9422 or email wallowadulcimer@gmail.com. The website is wallowadulcimer.com

Wallowa Old Time 4th of July Parade

July 4 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

This annual event brings out the whole town. The highlight is the parade through the city of Wallowa at 11 a.m., followed with a citywide barbecue at Wallowa Fire Hall. Call 541-886-2422 for information. The website is cityofwallowa.weebly.com

Shake The Lake fireworks show

July 4 9-11 p.m.

This fireworks show is a Wallowa County staple and a perfect way to cap off Independence Day celebrations. The fireworks start shortly after dusk and are set off from a barge on Wallowa Lake. The Wallowa Mountains light up as the fireworks go off and send the sound reverberating throughout the area. It’s free. 541-426-4622. Website: wallowacountychamber.com

Wallowa County Fly-in

July 7-8

Aviation enthusiasts and the general public will enjoy the activities of the Wallowa County Fly-in and Pancake Breakfast. The weekend kicks off Friday night with a banquet, live action and silent auction. Then, get up early Friday morning for a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 and watch the aerial events. Sponsored by the Northeast Oregon Aviation Foundation. Website: wallowacountyflyin.com

Wallowa Fiddle Tunes Workshop

July 9-14

This weeklong family-oriented music workshop is focused on traditional string instruments and is sponsored by the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance. It’s held at Wallowa School. Information: 541-426-3390. Website: wvmusicalliance.org

Summer Fishtrap 2023

July 10-16

Authors and instructors from across the nation come to the northeast corner of Oregon to teach and inspire writers. Conference features include workshops in a range of genres: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, essay, and youth workshops. Writers attend daily craft talks, panel discussions and take part in open-mic sessions, while Fishtrap faculty read each evening. Wallowa Lake Lodge. 541-426-3623. Website: fishtrap.org

Wallowa County Fly-in

July 7-8

31st Annual Tamkaliks Celebration

July 21-23

Each July, the Homeland becomes a place of reunion for descendants of the original inhabitants of waláwa, the Wallowa country. Year after year, participants enjoy three days of song and dance, culminating in a walasit service and Friendship feast. Descendants, locals, and visitors attend together. Big-ticket raffle items include a buffalo hide and a Pendleton blanket each year. Food and craft vendors are plentiful. All the comforts of town are just a quick walk across the river. Tamkaliks Pow Wow Grounds, Whiskey River Road, Wallowa. 541-886-3101.

Website: wallowanezperce.org

Chief Joseph Days

July 25-30

One of Wallowa County’s signature events, Chief Joseph Days features six days of Western entertainment and four days of PRCA rodeo action and routinely shows up on lists of the best small rodeos in the nation. The event not only packs the Harley Tucker Rodeo Grounds to capacity but fills downtown Joseph with activities all six days. 541-432-1015.

Website: chiefjosephdays.com

August

Wallowa County Fair

Aug. 4-12

It’s an old-fashioned county fair in Enterprise, featuring a 4-H horse show, a 4-H dog show, a 4-H livestock & small animal herdsmanship show and all the trappings of a traditional fair. Wallowa County Fairgrounds, 668 NW First St., Enterprise. Office manager: 541-426-4097.

Website: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/wallowa/fair

Sunrise Iron Museum Day

Aug. 5

Every year wheat farmer Erl McLaughlin opens the huge doors on his showroom to share an awe-inspiring collection of over 100 tractors, plows, cultivators and other antique machinery from the early 1900s. Erl also has artwork made from steel wheels and other antique pieces.

Location: 65708 Sunrise Road, Enterprise, Oregon Contact: Erl McLaughlin: 541-263-0755 http://www.sunriseironllc.com/

Main Street Show & Shine

Aug. 18-19

The event – a car cruise, show and shine – begins Friday, Aug. 18 with a cruise to Imnaha Store and Tavern. On Saturday the Enterprise Elks will serve breakfast from 7-10 a.m. in front of Main Street Motors. Vehicles will be displayed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with awards given out 2:30 pm. For information, call Doug Crow at 541-426-2100 or Candy Bunn at 541-263-1369. Website: www.mainstreetshowandshine.com

Wallowa Mountain Cruise Car Show

Aug. 25-26

This event, which typically closes Main Street in Joseph, features hundreds of classic cars, live music, street dancing and more, including a dance Friday night at the Joseph Community Events Center, 102 E. First St. Website: wallowamountaincruise.com

September

Juniper Jam

Sept. 2 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Billed as “The Sweetest Little Music Festival in Eastern Oregon,” the Juniper Jam is an annual fundraising event for and a program of the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance, a nonprofit organization. It features nonstop music and entertainment covering a number of genres – folk, county Americana, blues and more. Food and drinks are available, along with activities for the kids. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate and are available locally beginning in June. Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise. Website: juniperjam.com

Oregon’s

September 29-October 1

Hells Canyon Mule Days

Sept. 8-10

The annual event celebrating mules and mule skinners draws owners and spectators from throughout the West. All events take place at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds, 668 NW First St. in Enterprise. Events include artisans and exhibitors, cowboy poetry, a nonmotorized parade, a pit BBQ dinner, a private treaty mule sale, a Saturday night concert, and a Dutch-oven cookoff. Contact Sandra Lozier, 541-426-3271. Website: hellscanyonmuledays.com

Annual Wallowa Valley Festival of the Arts

Sept. 16-27

Wrap up the summer in Joseph with artists and art lovers in this event that has welcomed art fans since 1982. The festival features local, regional and national artists who work in a variety of media. The highlight is the opening night artists’ reception, which features an opportunity to mingle with the artists. Jospehy Center, 403 N. Main St., Joseph. Contact: Cheryl Coughlan; 541-432-0505. Website: josephy.org

Oregon’s Alpenfest

Sept. 29-Oct. 1

The only Swiss-Bavarian cultural festival in the western United States features local bratwurst, Terminal Gravity brews, live music, dance performances, free polka lessons and art, craft and gift shopping at the Alpine Fair. It’s centered at the Joseph Community Events Center, 102 E. First St. Website: oregonalpenfest.com

November

Jingle thru Joseph

Late November

The halls will be decked as Main Street businesses throughout Joseph compete in the annual lighting contest on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s Christmas Light Parade. The town will be humming with shopping, music, lights, open houses, Santa sightings and more. As of our print deadline, exact dates for the 2023 Jingle had not been determined.

December

Winterfest Celebration

Downtown Enterprise becomes a winter wonderland for this all-day winter festival; as of our print deadlines, the exact date had not yet been set. Shop around town for gifts, meet and take a photo with Santa, listen to (or sing along with) carolers, stay warm at one the burning barrels, sing Christmas karaoke, ice skate and more. The day caps off with a lighted winter parade. Information: 541-426-4196.

January 2024

Polar Plunge

Jan. 1, 2024

Wash away the old year and kick off 2023 in brisk fashion by participating in this chilly, annual activity at the north end of Wallowa Lake. Dive in at 10 a.m. sharp.

Eagle Cap Extreme

Polar Plunge january 1, 2024