‘Economic realities' lead to final installment of Oregon country music festival

Yahoo

10-07-2025

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A longstanding Oregon country music festival has revealed its 34th lineup will be its last.
The Oregon Jamboree is slated for Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3 in Sweet Home. But the event will call it quits following the upcoming installation, after years of hosting popular artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.
According to organizers, the festival began in 1992 in an effort to spur economic development for the surrounding rural community that had faced several layoffs and business closures. Although the event has generated millions of dollars over the last three decades, leaders say it has run its course.
'Even with widespread community support and volunteers, the changing and increasing economic realities of running a music festival unfortunately no longer serve our mission to support rural economic development in the Willamette Valley,' the Oregon Jamboree said in an announcement on Tuesday. 'To our incredible volunteers, sponsors, community partners, artists and staff, thank you for your dedication to this event and to our community for so many years.'
Organizers added that their board of directors has determined the event will not become financially feasible, despite how the 2025 festival turns out. Some attendees have already purchased tickets for next year's festival, and are currently awaiting refunds.
The future of other happenings and organizations affiliated with the jamboree hangs in the balance. Leaders said they have yet to determine next steps for the Sweet Home Economic Development Group, which runs events like Tune It Up Tuesdays.
With this year's festival still scheduled for later this summer, attendees will watch musicians like Clay Walker, Jordan Davis and Shane Smith and The Saints take the stage.
Other upcoming Oregon music festivals include Project Pabst along Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park, The Best Day Ever in Troutdale's Edgefield Concerts on the Lawn and Pickathon on Happy Valley's Pendarvis Farm.