Annual Children’s Festival
Children’s Festival Hours:
- July 11 & 12, 4:30–8:30pm
- July 13, 9:30am–1pm
- Admission is $4 per person
ONCE UPON A TIME, 60 years ago, on Britt hill, a group of moms got together to create an outdoor festival where children could celebrate their imaginations through stories, and creativity. What began as a small, community event has grown into Southern Oregon’s most cherished family tradition.
This summer, the Children’s Festival marks its 60th anniversary with the theme “Fred Celebrates History,” recognizing the festival’s legacy, and the stories and traditions that connect generations. Like many celebrations this year, the theme is a reminder that the best way to honor the past is to inspire those who will shape the future.
Many locals remember attending the festival as kids. Now, they return with their own families, sharing the experiences they enjoyed years ago. Each summer, the Britt hillside fills with over 30 booths where children are encouraged to create, build, and pretend. In a world that often feels rushed, the festival continues to offer something simple and meaningful: a space where creativity, imagination, and community still take center stage.
The event is made possible by more than 400 volunteers and welcomes over 6,000 attendees over three days. The Children’s Festival also acts as the primary fundraiser for the Storytelling Guild, which supports literacy and storytelling programs in Southern Oregon.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remember that history is about people, communities, and the values we pass along. We hope the Children’s Festival continues inspiring future generations, because history is not only about remembering where we have been, but also about creating opportunities for the children who will write the next chapters.
