Medford festival to feature local bands, brews, marathon and more
Artisans, local musicians, runners, cyclists and beer and wine aficionados all will converge in downtown Medford this weekend for an event certain to have something for everyone.
The Heart of the Rogue Festival will feature four popular local live acts, two athletic events and one unique downtown Medford gathering place to savor local flavors Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14 and 15, at Pear Blossom Park, at 204 N. Bartlett St,. near the Medford Commons.
Festival-goers will be able to eat, drink and play lawn games at the festival’s Blossom Lounge within the park while enjoying concerts from the Danielle Kelly Project and The Rogue Suspects Friday evening, and The Brothers Reed and Fogline Saturday afternoon.
The festival will be the destination point for the Bikes N Brews cycling event and the Rogue marathon, half marathon and 10K Saturday morning, according to information from Travel Medford, which is organizing the event.
Bikes N Brews cyclists can choose between five scenic routes ranging from a 65.3-mile “Stout” ride to a 4.2-mile “Root Beer Cruiser,” each ending in downtown Medford with a reception at the festival.
Rogue Marathon events — a full marathon beginning at Emigrant Lake, a half-marathon beginning in Talent and a 10K beginning from Bear Creek Park — all will end at the festival, where runners get early access to the Blossom Lounge.
Those 21 and older will be able to sample Wine Country Lane, a street lined with offerings from local wineries, craft breweries and cider makers. A one-day ticket offering 10 tastings and logo glassware is $50, and a two-day ticket is $80.
Food vendors Caba Empanadas, Traveler’s Ice Cream, Toasted Cheese Fancy Grilled Cheese, HLH Cotton Candy and Jack Frost Shave Ice are just a sampling of the exhibitors listed on the festival’s website.
Events run from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free, and parking will be available at the nearby parking garage and in lots near the Lithia headquarters building.
For more information, see travelmedford.org/heart-of-the-rogue-festival.