By Joshuah Albert and Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., April 21, 2026 — The Northwest Cherry Festival returns with a new look, a wider footprint, and a week-long lead-up designed to keep energy flowing through The Dalles despite ongoing construction downtown.

Dubbed the “Great Cherry Adventure,” this year’s festival spreads events across the city, shifting key activities while keeping traditions like the parade, car show and community fair intact. The changes come as the city continues work along First Street, forcing organizers to rethink how the festival fits into downtown.

For residents and visitors, the result is less about one central hub and more about exploring the community — and that shift starts well before festival weekend.

The Cherry Hunt Trail

Running April 1 through April 30, the Cherry Hunt Trail adds a new layer to the festival this year, encouraging people to shop local and explore businesses across town.

Participants can take part in two ways:

The Cherry Hunt Passport offers a simple “spend and win” format. Shoppers receive a stamp for every $10 spent at participating businesses, then turn in completed passports for a chance at a grand prize. More completed passports mean more entries.

For those looking for something more interactive, the digital version through the Goosechase app turns the experience into a competition. Players complete missions, take photos, and earn points throughout the month, with top scorers winning prizes.

The trail includes stops at dozens of local businesses, from restaurants and retail shops to museums and wineries, creating what organizers hope is a boost for local commerce during a typically slower season.

Carnival moves to the riverfront

The biggest physical shift this year is the carnival.

Instead of stretching through downtown, the Cherry Festival Carnival will run April 24–26 at Lewis & Clark Festival Park, bringing rides, games, and food vendors to the riverfront.

Hours are:

Friday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: Noon to 10 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.

The move consolidates space for rides while removing pressure on downtown streets under construction.

Saturday remains the centerpiece

Saturday, April 25, still anchors the festival, with events spread across The Dalles throughout the day.

Northwest Cherry Festival Fun Run

The morning begins with the Columbia Gorge Community College Cherry Fun Run at 8 a.m. It features 3k, 5k, and 10k distance options, making it accessible to competitive runners, casual joggers, and walkers alike.

Here is a map of the running and walking course courtesy CGCC Athletics

The race starts and finishes at Polehn Farms, 2121 Dry Hollow Road, The Dalles

Participants will enjoy scenic routes through the cherry orchards, cheerful course support, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Strollers and families are encouraged to participate, and all students of any level run for free, thanks to our sponsors, Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda!

“Events like the Fun Run are a chance for our community to come together around health, connection, and celebration,” said Sue Davis, Executive Director of the CGCC Foundation. “We’re grateful to our sponsors Columbia Bank, Columbia Gorge Toyota and Honda, Hanlon Development, One Community Health, Crestline Construction, and the Columbia Gorge Running Club for helping make this year’s event possible and for their ongoing support of local activities that keep our region vibrant.”

Click here to register for the race. Participants are encouraged to register early to secure their spot and guarantee event materials.

Royalty Coronation & Community Breakfast

Celebrate the coronation of the Little Royals, King Bing, Queen Ann, and the Parade Grand Marshal at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, 112 W. 9th Street at 8 a.m.

Parade

Cherry Fest 2025 - local gymnasts gave the Second Street a workout.

The Northwest Cherry Festival Parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Sixth and Webber streets, bringing floats, music, and community groups through downtown — one of the festival’s most anticipated traditions.

Click to enlarge the map - the red line indicates the parade route. It starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, but the timing of when you will see it depends on where you choose to view it from.

Open-air vendor market

An open-air vendor market will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Federal Street and Tony’s Lot, 401 E. Second St., The Dalles. Attendees can explore handcrafted goods, local food vendors, art and other items in the downtown core.

Map showing locations of events in the downtown core of The Dalles. Click to enlarge the map.

Cherry Festival quilt show

The Cherry Festival Quilt Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Landmark, 405 Lincoln St., The Dalles. Quilts will also be displayed next door at Victor Johnson’s Herbring House, 341 W. Third St., The Dalles. Local quilting groups will display handcrafted quilts as part of a longtime festival tradition.

KODL classic car show

The KODL Classic Car Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Federal Street between Second and Fourth streets in downtown The Dalles. Awards are scheduled for 3 p.m. The event features classic cars and vintage vehicles and is presented by KODL Radio.

Community fair

A community fair is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fourth and Washington streets, The Dalles. Local organizations and groups will provide information on programs, activities and services available in the region.

Children’s activity fair

The children’s activity fair will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in The Dalles Civic Auditorium parking lot off Fourth Street near 323 E. Fourth St., The Dalles. The event will include games and activities designed for families and children.

Dancing horses

The Dancing Horses performance is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. at Second and Laughlin streets, The Dalles. The event features riders and trained horses performing choreographed routines set to music.

Evening celebration: Cherry Stomp Dance

The Cherry Stomp Dance, featuring the Icons of Rock Tribute Show, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Civic Auditorium, 323 E. Fourth St., The Dalles. A beer garden hosted by the Civic will be available. The event marks the return of a longtime festival tradition and invites the community to gather for music and dancing.

Music, contests, and evening events

Festival weekend also includes the window decorating contest, with voting running April 22–25 and winners announced Saturday.

Live music will be spread across local venues throughout the weekend as part of “Little Music City,” encouraging people to move between downtown businesses.

Saturday night wraps up with the Cherry Stomp Dance at the Civic Auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring live music, a beer garden, and a return of one of the festival’s longtime traditions.

What to expect this year

With construction limiting some downtown space, this year’s festival is less centralized but more spread out — something organizers say could ultimately benefit local businesses.

Instead of staying in one place, attendees are encouraged to move between locations, explore shops, and participate in activities across the city.

The Cherry Hunt Trail, expanded music offerings, and relocated carnival all reflect that shift, turning the 45th annual festival into something closer to a citywide experience.

The bottom line

For longtime attendees, the heart of Cherry Festival remains the same: celebrating The Dalles’ agricultural roots, community pride, and, of course, its cherries.

But in 2026, getting the most out of the weekend means planning ahead, moving around — and maybe starting the adventure a little early.

Cherry Fest Survival Guide: what to know for the 2026 “Great Cherry Adventure”