Hoping to read the tea leaves for 2026 and beyond, Eastern Oregon Living attended a recent quarterly meeting of the Cultural Crossroads Coalition at the Pendleton Center for the Arts. Here are just a few of the highlights:
Pendleton’s Affordability Is Key
Pendleton’s position as a relatively affordable destination was discussed during the meeting, with all in attendance agreeing that the affordability factor was worth building on. That Pendleton brings day-trippers from around Oregon and Washington looking for a good time that won’t break the bank is well known.
April’s Roper Fest was a major success, bringing dozens of Helen Roper lookalikes (and other 70s fashion aficionados) to Pendleton to let their Helen flags fly.
“We love coming to Pendleton,” said Helen Roper from Walla Walla.” “A day out in Pendleton is noticeably cheaper than it would be back home. No sales tax!”
Pendleton Gears up to Celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial
The coming July 4th holiday marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, or semiquincentennial. In addition to all the upcoming Independence Day happenings, the Umatilla County Historical Society is doing what they do best by collecting stories from around the county for a time capsule that’ll be printed on archival paper and sealed at a ceremony on September 26th at the Heritage Station Museum. The time capsule will remain sealed until America’s tricentennial in 2076, when it’ll be opened by future UCHS staff members and displayed in the gallery. Got a story you want to pass on to future generations? Email it to [email protected]!
In addition to seeking stories, Shannon G. of the Heritage Station Museum put out a call for writers looking to contribute to Pioneer Trails, the museum’s quarterly publication. Aspiring writers interested in contributing their work to the publication should reach out to [email protected]. And though the holiday season is far off, Heritage Station is also looking for people interested in joining their Holiday Lights Committee.
Travel Pendleton Makes Big Plans for Pendleton and Beyond
Justin Waldron from Travel Pendleton gave a preview of some of the events planned as Pendleton enters the high season of visitors and tourists coming to town. In addition to returning music festivals like next weekend’s Jackalope Jamboree – Travel Pendleton is hosting a welcome wagon this year, complete with Shetland Ponies – Pendleton Whisky Music Fest is coming in July, Wheatstock is happening In August, and of course, the famous Pendleton Round-Up is just around the corner in September.
But the bigger picture is Pendleton’s place in the greater ecosystem of tourism in the Pacific Northwest.
“Inbound Pendleton tourism is a major economic driver, not just for Pendleton, but for Eastern Oregon as a whole,” said Waldron. “We’re working to expand the Pendleton image beyond just boots and bull riders, and by doing so, extend the tourism season.”
One of the key ways that Pendleton is expanding its brand is through art. One upcoming event discussed at the quarterly meeting provides an excellent example of how our town continues to bring people from around the globe looking to explore the intersection between art, history and culture.
Interwoven – Where Art, History & Culture Meet
It’s hard not to get excited about this event, happening at the Pendleton Convention Center from October 15-17th.
Created by Travel Pendleton, Interwoven celebrates the intersection of Indigenous and Western traditions through fashion, design, food, art, and storytelling, celebrating how diverse cultural influences can come together to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and honor heritage while embracing contemporary expression. A central feature of Interwoven is its focus on textiles, craftsmanship, and fashion as vehicles for sharing personal and cultural stories. Designers and artists will present collections rooted in their lived experiences, cultural backgrounds, and connections to place. Through runway presentations, exhibits, discussions, and collaborative projects, attendees will experience a dialogue between tradition and innovation. There’ll be fashion shows on Friday and Saturday, including a bona-fide Horseback Fashion Show.
Did we say Horseback Fashion Show? Yes we did! And on that note, know of anyone with regalia for horses … or fellow equestrians interested in being a part of the show with your horses?
The Interwoven Website has applications for the market vendor for the Saturday fashion show and for the horse camp.
So yeah, Interwoven promises to be a big deal, spreading way past the Convention Center and benefitting the whole town. There’ll be food trucks, connected events around town, and a general cool night-time vibe.
What’s going on at the Pendleton Center for the Arts?
Besides the repaving of North Main – a headache on multiple levels, but it’ll soon be over – Summer 26 is off to a roaring start north of the Main Street bridge. PCA Director Roberta Lavadour spoke of a slew of events that’ll put the newly-paved street to good use, including an upcoming performance by Brassfire, a local band who have played the Pendleton Street Fair two years running, and who’ve cultivated a strong regional following.
“They do an amazing tribute to the band Chicago for us that is very special. If you’re of a certain age, it just taps into every audio memory,” said Lavadour.
This year’s Rock & Roll Camp – August 10-14 – is shaping up to be a full house.
“We put the registration form up and we had 15 sign-ups before we were able to look at the page,” said Lavadour.
Hiroko Cannon will be exhibiting brand new work in the main gallery space beginning in July. Cannon’s work is especially popular, bringing viewers from Portland and beyond. The artist will also be making an appearance – stay tuned for dates.
From August – October, the PCA will be exhibiting work from over a dozen contemporary women artists including Helen Frankenthaler, Agnes Martin, Joan Mitchell and Wendy Red Star. Women Icons of Contemporary Art brings to Pendleton multiple works previously displayed at prestigious galleries including the Guggenheim and the Museum of Modern Art.
Last – but by no means least, the PCA will be coordinating events to coincide with October’s Interwoven. They are looking for artists whose work might tie in (literally), anything from buttons, clasps, buckles-anything that will fit on a 6×9 card. The PCA is reaching out to craft guilds all over Oregon for entry. Click here for more details. Deadline to apply is October, and items chosen will be on exhibit – and on sale – through the holiday season.
Combining Form and Function at Pendleton City Hall
Art is hardly the exclusive domain of the PCA. City Planning Technician Stephanie Huffman was on hand to speak of a number of artistic endeavors involving city government, most notably the Pendleton Arts Commission’s ongoing project incorporating the work of local artists into the interior redesign of City Hall. The Pendleton Arts Commission plans to host four shows a year in the second story hallway of City Hall.
“This is a way to showcase local talent while giving people a positive reason to visit,” said Huffman.
Artists living or working within the City of Pendleton are encouraged to apply. Click here for more information.
Pendleton Library: Your Friend With Benefits
Jennifer Colton of Pendleton Friends of the Library announced various upcoming events being put on by Pendleton Friends of the Library including the documentary Space, Hope and Charity. While the event is scheduled to take place in Community Park, arrangements have been made for indoor space in the event of high winds, extreme heat, or fire tornados. Colton also discussed the The PFOL book sale will be held at the Pendleton Rec Center in October.
News from the Pendleton Downtown Association
Still recovering from May’s successful (but very windy!) Pendleton Street Fair, the PDA is hard at work planning for next year’s event. New PDA Executive Director Laura Herbes also discussed the upcoming apple pie and ice cream sale at Roy Raley Park on July 4th and the annual PDA Merchant meeting, which downtown businesses are welcome to attend.
College Community Theater in Limbo
Nick Jennings spoke about ongoing issues concerning Pendleton creative stalwart Community College Theater, which finds itself in limbo as BMCC seeks to upgrade the Bob Clapp Theater, CCT’s longtime home and main performance space. The process, which seeks to address various health and safety concerns, may take as long as two years, leaving CCT to find other venues for planned performances in the interim. Those interested in hosting a CCT performance are encouraged to reach out to College Community Theater via their website.
Speaking of theater…
Rivoli Restoration Continues
The Rivoli Restoration Coalition has now entered Phase 2 of its long term project of restoring one of Pendleton’s most treasured landmarks. Pendleton Foundation Trust recently awarded a grant to support the next phase of the project. Each step brings the Rivoli one step closer to becoming a premier destination for arts, entertainment, education, and community events in Pendleton. The project also continues to support the local economy by creating work for local contractors and attracting additional investment into Pendleton.
Learn more about the Rivoli Restoration project through this link.
Oregon East Symphony Announces New Events
J.D. Kindle gave a preview of their upcoming 2026-2027 season, which will include the season opening concert on 11/08 at the Vert Auditorium and continue with performances at multiple venues through spring of 2027. Click here for a full schedule of events.
Pendleton Artisan Network
Local art group PAN has debuted its Free Little Art Gallery. A deviation of the Free Little Library project, their gallery operates on a give a piece, take a piece concept. Local artists can donate small pieces of art and art aficionados can freely take a piece that strikes their fancy. While the gallery lives at Pendleton Ceramics, local businesses will host the gallery for special occasions.
Riding for the Brand
Art, Culture and Tourism don’t exist in a bubble. Like everything else, these elements are interwoven into the greater social fabric of Pendleton, which itself exists within the overall global zeitgeist. Other issues affecting downtown Pendleton came up during CCC’s hour+ meeting that will be the subject of future articles here at Eastern Oregon Living. But it’s important to recognize that visitors to Pendleton see our town with different eyes, and tend to notice the beautiful, unique and fun things Pendleton has to offer. At the end of the day, most have come seeking a respite from the issues affecting wherever they’re from.
There’s a tendency over social media to exaggerate the challenges Pendleton faces, without taking into account that many other towns and cities around Oregon – and throughout America as we celebrate our 250th birthday – are dealing with similar trials and tribulations. As editor of East Oregon Living, I urge readers to be mindful when posting their opinions on these ongoing issues as they come up. Before posting comments over social media that might be construed as talking Pendleton down, ask yourself:
- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it helpful?
We live in a unique and good corner of the world. And while we may disagree on some aspects of how best to move forward, at the end of the day we should ride for the brand whenever possible.
That’s all we have for now. What art and cultural event are you most excited about? Send us photos from a local event to be featured on EOL’s Facebook page.
