Top 7 Summer Events Not to Miss in McMinnville, Oregon

Things to do in McMinnville this Summer. You won’t want to miss these top McMinnville Events!

Summer in the Heart of Oregon Wine Country means just one thing: it’s time to hop in the car and get down to McMinnville, Oregon (less than an hour SW of Portland)! You’ll find plenty of things to do including delectable dining options, sipping wine among the vines in the lush rolling hills, or just strolling and window shopping along Historic Downtown 3^rd Street are all waiting in McMinnville anytime. Not convinced? How about music festivals, hot air ballooning into a vineyard, or enjoying fine wines from premier producers at the world’s largest celebration of Pinot Noir?  Now we have your attention!

Events in McMinnville during the summertime just can’t be beat. There’s always a reason to visit (and to come back again and again)! Check out the top 7 summer events in McMinnville:

• The McMinnville Farmers’ Market takes place every Thursday afternoon from May-October, with live music and a family friendly beer garden starting up in the evening. A part of Historic Downtown McMinnville since 2001, the Market offers farm fresh, locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy, herbs, flowers, food and craft items.
• Bounty of Yamhill County is more than just another food and wine event, it’s a fabulous series of wine and food adventures not to be missed! BOYC partners with chefs, vintners and farms throughout the Willamette Valley to create one-of-a-kind experiences not available elsewhere. Want to stand up paddle to a picnic in the vineyard?  Or hot air balloon your way to a winemaker lunch?  Here’s your chance.  This series of wine country adventures takes place the last weekend in August.  Don’t forget, while you’re having fun, you’re also doing good for the Yamhill Enrichment Society.
• Turkey Rama has a funny name, but it’s nothing serious about good times. The community festival observes the historical importance of the once-thriving turkey business in the surrounding county. The turkey farms are gone, but Turkey Rama lives on!  At the world’s largest turkey BBQ, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of food and drink, carnival rides, and a lot of excitement for the whole family.
• The International Pinot Noir Celebration is a three-day event the last weekend in July, famous around the globe as a mecca for lovers of Pinot noir and northwest cuisine. During the weekend, world-renowned winemakers, northwest chefs, esteemed media, epicures, and wine lovers will gather in McMinnville, Oregon, for three days of exploring Pinot noir and savoring unforgettable meals. Whether tasting Grand Cru Burgundy or walking through Oregon vineyards with the grower who planted them, you’ll find yourself unwinding in picturesque Oregon wine country.
• Want to challenge yourself before imbibing? Don’t miss the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon, taking place in August along the vineyards of Yamhill County.  Participants rave about the small-town charm, incredible sunrise views, scenic course, great wines, and post-race Wine & Music Festival.  Activities are planned all weekend long, including the race expo held at the outstanding Evergreen Aviation Museum right here in McMinnville.
• Did you know McMinnville, Oregon was the birthplace of cruising in 1903? Join us the last weekend in August along historic Downtown 3^rd Street for the Dragging the Gut Festival, where a car show, a classic car parade, and a ton of festivities will linger well into the evening.  Re-living the old days of cruising like in American Graffiti – right here in McMinnville!
• This year with a brand new amphitheater, the Walnut City Music Festival is looking forward to another great event full of amazing performances from bands of all shapes and sizes. The third weekend in August, the Walnut City Music Festival will take over the historic Granary District in downtown McMinnville. Enjoy two days of great music, food and drinks all under the skyline of retired granary towers.

Can’t make it this summer?  There’s exciting things happening all year round – McMenamins’ UFO Festival (the largest in the world!) takes place in May, and the SIP Food & Wine Classic brings winemakers from around the valley together for one outstanding weekend of wine and food in March.  Around the holidays, don’t miss fabulous shopping along charming 3^rd Street or the Starlight Parade that takes place the day after Thanksgiving, where you can start the holiday season with caroling, tree lighting, and an old-fashioned parade.  We’ll see you in McMinnville!