Summer is upon us, and before you go complaining about the heat in Pendleton I’d like to share a few words about my recent two-month excursion to Taiwan. This is both to offer an explanation as to why fresh Eastern Oregon Living articles have been sparse since early April, and so that when you run into me this summer and I reply to any comments about the weather with At least it’s a dry heat, you’ll know I speak from experience.
Seriously. Taiwan is hot and humid. Made me pine for the dry heat of Eastern Oregon. But it’s a beautiful country, and in the coming months I’ll be posting a few stories tying together Eastern Oregon and my recent journey around Isla Formosa.
(Above: The author cooling off with one of Taiwan’s Finest after a 15 mile bike ride in Penghu, Taiwan. Not shown: Waves of heat radiating from all directions.)
In the meantime, there are a metric ton of activities to look forward to in the next several weeks, both in Pendleton and within driving range of our fair town. These are just a few of ’em
Happening All Summer in Pendleton
The Pendleton Farmers Market is in full swing every Friday from 4-7pm from May to October, offering high-quality seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbs, eggs, meats, and baked goods at their freshest, most delicious, and most original! As the PFM slogan goes, “Make it, Bake it, or Grow it” — and sell it on Main Street!
Also happening every Friday all summer: The indoor summer market at 7Gen Wellness (256 south Main Street Pendleton, OR). Vendors will be selling arts and crafts, goodies and treats, and a wide variety of native items. Expect good vibes, music, community and so much more. A great place to catch some shade during the Farmer’s Market and an excellent spot for post-market happenings. Click here for more details.
The Pendleton Library has a variety of weekly and daily programs for kids & adults all month. Check their calendar for more extensive details.
The first Saturday of the month is FREE admission day at Heritage Station Museum! Explore the history of Umatilla County through exhibits, historic buildings, and interactive activities.
Cerebella Winery is hosting a number of events throughout the summer, including Wine Wednesdays, Friends with Bennies every Saturday, and more. Check their website for more details.
Single Serving Events
Saturday, June 13 ~ Various activities all day ~ Pendleton Oregon Pride / Let ‘er Drag: Pendleton Oregon Pride (P.O.P.) is a celebration of 2S/LGBTQIA+ community, joy, and belonging in Eastern Oregon. The annual parade begins at 11am in the parking lot of the First Christian Church (215 North Main Street), with setup starting at 10 (volunteers welcome). Everyone is welcome to join us as we walk/drive down Main Street in support of Pendleton’s 2S/LGBTQIA+ family.Help with decorating would be appreciated, and inflatable costumes are available. At 7pm, there’ll be the iconic Let ‘Er Drag Show at 7Gen (256 S. Main). The show is 21+, and tickets are $15.
Saturday, June 13 ~ 8am–12pm ~ Umatilla Community Yard Sale @ Umatilla: Strap on your shopping slacks and head over to Umatilla on Saturday morning for their annual town-wide community yard sale. Check em out around town and at Village Square Plaza, next to the Public Library at 820 6th. View the online yard sale map here!
Saturday, June 13 ~ 5–8pm ~ Oregon East Symphony’s Bach Yard Party – Annual Fundraiser @ Vert Theater (Outside): The Oregon East Symphony’s Bach Yard Party takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026. This local outdoor fundraiser in Pendleton features food, wine, and auctions, with all proceeds supporting the “Playing for Keeps” youth music education programs. Tickets are available here:
Monday, June 15 ~ 7pm (doors open at 6:30) ~ Eleni Mandell @ Pendleton Center for the Arts : Eleni Mandell is a Los Angeles-born singer-songwriter whose music lives at the intersection of noir romance, West Coast cool, and poetic wit. With a smoky voice that recalls vintage jazz singers and lyrics that rival short fiction, Mandell has quietly built a cult following among listeners who crave sophistication with their heartbreak. A protégé of Chuck E. Weiss and mentored by Tom Waits’ music and artistry, Mandell burst onto the scene in the late ’90s with Wishbone, earning comparisons to PJ Harvey, Lucinda Williams, and Billie Holiday — yet her sound is unmistakably her own. Click here for tickets.
Tuesday, June 16 ~ 12:15–3:15pm ~ Wildbill Market Grand Opening @ 46440 Kusi Road A2, Pendleton: Come meet the owner, explore the store, support a local small business, and celebrate with neighbors. The first 10 guests will receive a special gift, and customers who make a purchase will be entered into the raffle.
Wednesday, June 17 ~ 7–9pm ~ Marley Hale @ Great Pacific : With a beguiling voice that would feel right at home on classic country radio, Marley Hale delivers a captivating country/folk sound rooted in the refined yet adventurous musicality she’s cultivated almost her entire life. As revealed on her debut EP, By My Own Ways, to be released July 26, 2024, the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter matches her timeless sensibilities and graceful musicianship with a one-of-a-kind narrative voice, endlessly merging raw truth with mesmerizing storytelling. Born in Austin but raised in Northern California, Hale first learned to play guitar from her father at age 10 and soon began writing songs of her own. Although she grew up listening to classic-rock bands like Led Zeppelin and pop visionaries like Kate Bush and David Bowie, she later became fascinated with folk luminaries such as Karen Dalton and Bob Dylan and eventually discovered the artists she now lists among her essential touchstones, including Loretta Lynn and Gillian Welch.
Thursday, June 18 ~ 4:30–6:30pm ~ Drinks & Drones @ UAS Test Range Hangar (Pendleton Airport): Join the Pendleton UAS Range and Sigma Design, Inc. for the next Drinks & Drones, a casual evening bringing together drone professionals, pilots, innovators, and UAS enthusiasts from across the region. Come kick back in the B-17 Hangar for brats, brews, cornhole, great conversations, and even better company. Whether you’re deep in the industry or simply excited about where drones are headed, this is a great opportunity to connect with the people helping shape the future of flight.
Friday, June 19 ~ 11am-5pm ~ Juneteenth Celebration @ Walla Walla Fairgrounds: Make plans to come to the Fairgrounds, June 19, 2026 – 11:00 to 5:00pm, for this FREE community Juneteenth event celebrating Unity, Heritage & Freedom.
Friday, June 19 June 22 Cirque Italia @ Columbia Center, Kennewick: From the Cirque Italia website: Join the largest traveling spectacle in the United States and Canada, a universe of extraordinary events that captivate over 1 million happy spectators every year. From the magic of water stages to the thrills of the paranormal, Cirque Italia transforms each city into a celebration of art, emotion, and wonder, redefining entertainment with unforgettable experiences at every stop. Join us under the tent and experience the magic of Cirque Italia, where every performance is a masterpiece! Sounds like fun. Tickets prices go by proximity to stage, kids sit cheaper. Click here to reserve yours!
Saturday, June 20 ~ 5:30–7pm ~Father’s Day Leather Keychain Class @ Hamley&Co, Pendleton ~ Come learn to make a handmade leather keychain—the perfect gift for Dad! Click here to sign up.
Thursday, June 25 ~ 4-7pm ~ Mystery In Diagon Alley @ Vert Secret Garden, 480 SW Dorion Ave, Pendleton ~ What is this event? It’s a mystery. Show up at the Vert Secret Garden and find out.
Friday, June 26 ~ Saturday, June 27 ~ Umatilla Landing Days @ Umatilla Marine Park ~ Umatilla Landing Days celebrates the heritage of one of Eastern Oregon’s oldest communities with two full days of entertainment, activities, and community pride. Come for the fireworks, kids rides & activities, food vendors & crafts, boat rides and more. But stay for the live music & entertainment (both days). Saturday’s show is headlined by 90s fave Spin Doctors, whose infectious groove Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong couldn’t be avoided for close to a decade. (I had a joke about having dated little miss can’t be wrong in ’93, but I like this one better.) Click here for more details!
@ Roy Raley Park, Pendleton
Friday, July 3 ~ Sunday, July 5 ~ Wildhorse 30th Annual Pow Wow @ Wildhorse Resort and Casino ~ Wildhorse welcomes dancers, drummers, spectators and vendors from all over the United States and Canada for a true Native American experience. Come witness the power, strength and beauty of Native American culture. Hear the singing, admire the beautiful regalia, watch the skilled footwork, all in-tune to the beat of the drum. Click here for more details.
Saturday, July 11 ~ Whiskeyfest @ Pendleton Round Up Ground ~ Nothing says summer in Pendleton like hot tunes, cold beer and a full music lineup featuring both kinds of music (Country and Western). Click here for more details.
Summer Calendar in progress. Got a suggestion? Follow Eastern Oregon Living on Facebook and drop us a line!
