Cherry Fest Survival Guide: Who, What, When & Where
Click to enlarge - here are a few of the main locations listed in large black type for happenings at Cherry Fest.
By Joshuah Albert
Get ready for three days of cherry-filled fun as the 44th Annual Northwest Cherry Festival returns to downtown The Dalles from Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27, 2025. With this year’s theme, “Cherry Land – A Sweet Celebration!”, the festival is serving up Candy Land vibes with a hometown twist.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a Cherry Fest regular, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your weekend—including where to go, what to see, and when to show up.
Parade
The Cherry Festival Parade starts at the corner of Sixth and Webber Streets next to Burger King at 10 a.m. However, it takes a while for the parade to make its way through town, so the farther away from the beginning you are, the longer it will take to reach you. If you’re at the corner of Washington and Third, for example, it might get there around 10:45 or so.
Click to Enlarge - the poorly drawn red line indicates the Parade route. It starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, but the timing of when you will see it depends on where you choose to view it from.
The route flows east down Sixth Street past Safeway and then turns onto Third Street and flows past Optimist Printers before heading north on Laughlin Street, before heading east on Second Street and ending at the Post Office.
Insider Tip: Want to see your friends or favorite float twice? Watch them on Third and then walk to Second to see them on the swing around.
Teddy Bear Ride
Also, prior to the parade, be on the lookout for bikers. They will be making their Teddy Bear Ride, where they donate stuffed animals to Mid Columbia Medical Center, and the bears are given to kids who need comfort during stressful times. Earplugs? Your call. They will begin riding through after 9:45 a.m.
Rainier Amusements Carnival
Rainier Amusement arrived in The Dalles two days ago after a fair in Grainger, Wash. Here they are setting of the Kamikaze which sends riders spinning in full revolutions in opposite directions.
When: Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27
Where: On First Street between Court and Federal Street.
You will still be able to purchase armbands at the ticket booths once the Rainier Amusements opens on Friday, April 25, at 4 p.m.
Carlos M., 24 with Rainier Amusements Carnival was putting together the Ferris Wheel this morning on 1st Street in The Dalles in preparation for Cherry Fest. The carnival is set to open on Friday afternoon, April 25 at 4 p.m.
Entertainment Stage
Where: Second & Federal Street
Friday, April 25
IT & I, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Lucky Beaucoup, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wes Youssi & The County Champs, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26
Hot Dog Eating Contest, 11:00 a.m.
Cherry Pie Eating Contest, 11:30 a.m.
James Howard, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Thee Honeybuds, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Got Your Six, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Belly Dancers, 7:00 p.m.
Tombstone Shadows – CCR Tribute, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 27
River City Rhythm, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Walk Through Fire, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cherry Festival Quilt Show
Saturday, April 26
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
St. Peter's Landmark & Herbring House Courtyard
405 Lincoln Street • 314 West 3rd Street
Dozens of quilters have been working all year to bring this incredible display of locally made quilts. There are so many, in fact, that the show will be at two venues in order to have enough space to show them all.
Rose of Sharon Quilt - this is just a sampling of the fine stitching that will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 22.
Open-Air Market
Ulises Lopez, 29, guides a concrete anchor into place on Court Street as forklift driver Karl Priest provides a gingerly touch on the controls. The street will be home to many booths in the open-air vendor market starting on Friday.
Friday, April 25: 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 26: 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, April 27: 10:00 a.m.
Between 1st & 2nd Street, Court to Laughlin Streets
The market will feature some 60 artists, crafters, food vendors, and more.
Community Fair
Saturday, April 26
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2nd & Washington St Lot
The fair features various community non-profit organizations such as Mid-Columbia Medical Center. Lots of handouts and goodies and even a station where kids can learn to bandage their favorite stuffed animal.
Cherry Trail
Thursday, April 24 through Sunday, April 27
Various Locations throughout The Dalles
The Cherry Trail is a treasure hunt that adds an element of fun and discovery and helps to make sure local businesses are supported. Passports are available at our Grand Entrance Booth at the corner of Second and Federal Streets and at all of the participating locations.
KODL Classic Car Show
Saturday, April 26
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Federal Street Between 2nd Street & 4th Street
Awards at 3:00 p.m.
Register for the show at 620 E. Third Street by 8 a.m. Judging will be at 10 a.m.
Dancing Horses
Dancing Horses provide an amazing spectacle. Better ware your steel toed boots. We’ve got word that this group will be bringing skilled dancers from as far as California.
Saturday, April 26
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Second Street & Laughlin Grandstand
Dancing Horses provide an amazing spectacle. Better wear your steel-toed boots. We've got word that this group will be bringing skilled dancers from as far as California.
Cherry Festival Royalty Coronation & Community Breakfast
Saturday, April 26
Breakfast 7:00 a.m.
Coronation, 9:00 a.m.
Mid-Columbia Senior Center • 9th & Cherry Heights
CGCC Fun Run
Saturday, April 26
8:00 a.m.
Dry Hollow Rd
River City ABATE Teddy Bear Run & Poker Run
Saturday, April 26
9:00 a.m.
Start at Coastal Farm & Ranch
Sandoz Farm Customer Appreciation Day
Saturday, April 26
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
5755 Mill Creek Rd
Tips for Surviving Cherry Fest Like a Local
Arrive early for Saturday’s parade—parking fills up fast.
Bring cash for market vendors and food trucks.
Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking between vendors, stages, and events.
Watch the weather—bring layers, and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Stay hydrated—it’s sunny in The Dalles this time of year (and maybe hit the beer garden after).
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