Come Celebrate the Huckleberry Festival, AKA Huck Fest, in Bingen, WA, with us! Huck Fest is held annually the weekend following Labor Day. Get ready to immerse yourself in a weekend of delicious treats, local culture, and family fun at the Huckleberry Festival in Bingen, Washington! This beloved annual event, held against the stunning backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge, promises a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of huckleberries or simply looking for a unique festival to enjoy, here’s why you shouldn’t miss this year’s celebration.
A Berry Good Time
The Huckleberry Festival is all about celebrating the treasured wild huckleberry, a fruit native to the Pacific Northwest and renowned for its unique, tart-sweet flavor. At the festival, you’ll find an array of huckleberry-themed delights, from classic huckleberry pies and jams to innovative dishes that incorporate this versatile berry. Food vendors and local restaurants join in the fun, offering special menu items that highlight the berry’s distinctive taste.
Festival Hours
Friday, September 11 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Saturday, September 12 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Sunday, September 13 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
2026 Entertainment Lineup
Friday, September 11
5:00 PM — 9/11 Remembrance and Moment of Silence
5:15 PM — Harmony of the Gorge
6:00 PM — Carl Schwitzer and CFS 120
8:00 PM — Cascade High
Saturday, September 12
12:00 PM — Gorge Winds
1:00 PM — Gretta Seabird
2:00 PM — Scot and Rebecca
4:00 PM — Wasco Bros
5:00 PM — Carl Schwitzer and CFS 120
6:00 PM — Oregon Reptile Views
7:00 PM — Paradise of Samoa
8:00 PM — California Soul Review
Sunday, September 13
10:00 AM — Church Service
1:00 PM — Super Escandalo
3:00 PM — Chic Preston and Kerry Williams
Family Fun and Kids Activities
Huck Fest is a celebration for all ages, and younger festival-goers will have plenty of ways to join the fun. Along with ongoing entertainment and favorites like bouncy houses throughout the weekend, there are special activities planned just for kids.
Friday, September 11
5:00–6:30 PM — Rattle Can Art Contest
Unleash your creativity in the annual spray paint showdown!
Kids: Ages 8–16 ($3 entry fee)
Adults: 17+ ($5 entry fee)
Categories: Kids and Adults
Pre-registration suggested
Check-in: 5:00 PM sharp
Painting time: 5:00–6:30 PM
Voting begins: 6:30 PM
Winners announced: 7:15 PM
You’ll have 90 minutes to create your masterpiece, so bring your imagination and your best ideas!
Saturday, September 12
11:00 AM — Huckleberry Parade
All are welcome to join the parade! Registration begins at 9:00 AM.
Walk, bike, ride, or decorate your way through town. Want to really embrace the theme? Pretend you’re a huckleberry and wear purple from head to toe!
1:00–4:00 PM — Kids Activities
Bring your competitive spirit and get ready for classic festival fun:
1:00 PM — Pie in the Face
1:30 PM — Three-Legged Race
2:00 PM — Children’s Coin Dig
2:30 PM — Watermelon Eating Contest
3:00 PM — Hula Hoop Challenge
3:30 PM — Egg Race
(All activities except the Pie in the Face will be located north of the playground.)
7:00 PM — Jordan Reptiles
A crowd favorite! While the timing is later in the evening, reptiles don’t do well in the heat of the day, so this special experience is scheduled when the animals are most comfortable.
Local Crafts and Vendors
The Huckleberry Festival is also a great place to support local artisans and businesses. Browse the vendor booths to find unique handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork, and other treasures. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a special souvenir or a gift for someone back home.
Community Spirit
One of the most special aspects of the Huckleberry Festival is the sense of community it fosters. Residents of Bingen and the surrounding areas come together to celebrate their heritage and share their love for this iconic berry. It’s a chance to meet new friends, catch up with old ones, and enjoy the warm hospitality that Bingen is known for.
The Huckleberry Festival in Bingen, Washington, is more than just a celebration of a delicious berry; it’s a showcase of community spirit, local talent, and regional pride. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed event, and get ready to savor the flavors and festivities of the Huckleberry Festival!