CCCNews Podcast: 3-Day ‘Hoot’ fest debuts with 15 musicians, art, and culture in The Dalles on March 6

Jan 23

Written By Columbia Community Connection

The Dalles, Ore., Jan. 23, 2026 — Organizers of a new downtown music festival say The Dalles is poised to host a major regional cultural event when The Dalles Hoot debuts March 6–8.

Riann Beach and Marcus Swift, members of the nonprofit The Dalles Overground, outlined plans for the three-day, multi-venue festival during a recent podcast interview, describing it as an all-ages, walkable celebration of original music, arts and community engagement.

The festival will take place across four downtown venues — the Granada Theatre, Wines on 2nd, River City Saloon and Historic Herbring House — with performances scheduled from late afternoon into the night. All shows are free, with advance registration required only for the two headlining nights at the Granada due to capacity limits.

Swift said more than 330 people had already registered within the first two weeks, with the majority traveling from more than 100 miles away, including visitors from Texas, Minnesota, Colorado and Idaho.

Organizers said the festival is designed to activate downtown during an otherwise quiet time of year while showcasing local businesses, artists and public spaces. Planned activities include stage pounding events , pop-ups, coffee with songwriters, historic walking tours and partnerships with downtown merchants offering specials throughout the weekend.

Vandoliers headline at the Granada Theatre on March 7 at the The Dalles Hoot Festival.

Musical acts span multiple genres, including Americana, rock, punk, folk, Latin music, Indigenous funk and dance-driven pop. National and regional performers such as the Vandoliers and Robert Francis will headline the event, alongside local and emerging artists.

Swift said the festival reflects a broader effort to strengthen the cultural fabric of The Dalles by creating accessible, family-friendly events that bring residents and visitors together while supporting economic activity downtown.

The Dalles Overground was incorporated in early 2024 and has previously hosted pop-up block parties and fundraising concerts. Organizers said The Hoot could grow into an annual signature event if successful.

Additional information and registration details are available at tdoverground.org/hoot.