Sunshine Mill Throws Open Its Doors for 4th Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19
By Tom Peterson
The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 15, 2026 — For one day each year, visitors can wander through the historic Sunshine Mill, climb all the way to its normally off-limits roof, stomp grapes and see the century-old industrial landmark come alive with music, food, local vendors and families.
Put on your elevator shoes and get ready to stomp as the Martin family throws one-of-a-kind shindig in the historic industrial space.
Sunshine Mill will hold its fourth annual Harvesting Sunshine festival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, celebrating the annual grape harvest while showcasing local artists, makers, musicians and businesses.
The event is free and family-friendly.
“It's one time of the year where we open all of our doors,” Sunshine Mill Assistant Manager Anna Jasso said.
Those doors lead into one of The Dalles' most unusual buildings.
The former milling complex retains much of its massive machinery and industrial character, but the Martin family has transformed the interior over the years with artwork, vintage furniture and vivid colors. Old belt drives and mechanical equipment have been painted gold, while towering industrial windows pour light into the cavernous building.
During Harvesting Sunshine, much of that space becomes a marketplace.
Jasso said the festival has grown from a celebration of the family's grape harvest into a larger community event bringing together local businesses, artists and makers.
“We love to promote downtown,” Jasso said. “Our focus is just wanting to support some local folks who are doing their craft.”
The response from vendors has been strong enough that there is a waiting list this year, she said.
Vendors will offer clothing, jewelry, candles, lavender products, flowers, cookies, sourdough, baked goods, handmade crafts and other locally produced items.
Tamales by Teresa will be among the food offerings, while the Dry Hollow PTA will sell hot dog meals as a school fundraiser.
Sunshine Mill will pour its wines and offer free samples of Pinot Noir, while Freebridge Brewing will serve beer.
The festival will also feature live music, grape crushing and stomping, a pumpkin patch, face painting and a pumpkin bounce house.
One of the day's biggest attractions, however, isn't for sale.
Sunshine Mill owner James Martin will lead tours through the historic mill on the hour, taking visitors through the building and all the way to the roof — an area normally closed to the public.
Martin said about 320 people took the tours during last year's Harvesting Sunshine festival.
“For a lot of people who've lived in The Dalles and have always been curious about this mill, it's just a great opportunity to come down and see it,” Martin said.
Visitors will also get a look at some of the latest changes to the Sunshine Mill property.
A recently completed east-side tasting area provides additional outdoor space with turf and a children's play structure. A mural created through The Dalles Art Center's youth art camp depicts creatures found in the Columbia River.
The recently completed east-side tasting area provides additional outdoor space with turf and a children's play structure.
The additions are part of an ongoing effort to make the industrial property more inviting for families while retaining the unusual character of the old mill.
“We've got a really cool thing that isn't like anywhere else,” Martin said.
For Martin and Jasso, Harvesting Sunshine is also an opportunity to put some of the attention generated by the mill onto the people creating things elsewhere in The Dalles.
“I really need to put the spotlight on all these people that make great things and make The Dalles a better place,” Martin said.
On Saturday, that means opening the doors wide.
