Photo courtesy of Travel Medford
Looking for things to do in Southern Oregon? Get in touch with your creative side by exploring some of the region’s most exceptional art!
Ashland, OR was named one of the “Best Small Arts Towns in America,” so there’s no doubt that the Rogue Valley offers endless opportunities to observe, purchase, or create art. Read on to get a taste for the various art galleries, festivals, classes, and performances you can attend here.
Art Galleries in Southern Oregon
If you’re interested in visiting an art gallery, Southern Oregon is a great place to do it! The region is home to many amazing artists who put their pieces on display for the public to enjoy. Visiting galleries isn’t just a good way to appreciate others’ work and livelihoods, but also brings many other benefits like improved thinking and meeting new people with similar interests.
Below, we’ve listed four can’t-miss art galleries in Southern Oregon:
Art du Jour Gallery in Medford, OR
Art du Jour is an artist co-op that exhibits works by various creators in the Rogue Valley. Art pieces display a wide range of talent, from watercolor painting to bronze casting, photography, and more. All of the original pieces of art exhibited can be purchased from the gallery.
Location & Hours
213 E Main St, Medford, OR 97501
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Rogue Gallery & Art Center in Medford, OR
The Rogue Gallery & Art Center was the first nonprofit visual art organization in the Rogue Valley, founded back in 1960 by artists, educators, and local leaders. Today, it features three exhibition spaces with rotating pieces: the Main Gallery, Community Gallery, and Member’s Gallery. The organization also hosts various learning opportunities and art classes for children and adults alike.
Location & Hours
40 S Bartlett St, Medford, OR 97501
Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM
Third Friday Receptions: 5:30 – 8 PM
Ashland Galleries Association in Ashland, OR
Remember when we said that Ashland was one of the best small art towns in America? Well, The Ashland Galleries Association (AGA) proves it! The AGA is a collection of over 30 galleries and studios, with dozens of contributing artists. And with most of the galleries within walking distance of each other, you might even be able to catch a good amount of them within one day.
Also, on the first Friday of each month, the AGA hosts a First Friday Art Walk where you can visit the gallery to meet artists, view demonstrations, and enjoy music and drinks while you browse amazing pieces. It’s a great, non-traditional way to explore a gallery, filled with fun and liveliness.
Location & Hours
Various gallery locations around Ashland, OR
Various hours based on location
First Friday Art Walks: 5 – 8 PM
Southern Oregon University CVA Galleries in Ashland, OR
The Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) Galleries at Southern Oregon University allow students and community artists to collaborate and show their work. The CVA is fully coordinated by a team of students to display the best rotating pieces. Currently, the CVA hosts over six galleries located across campus.
Location & Hours
1250 Siskiyou Blvd, Ashland, OR 97520
Various hours based on gallery
Art Festivals in Southern Oregon
If you’d like a more lively, comprehensive art experience, Southern Oregon hosts a number of art festivals throughout the year that are fun for all ages. They’re a great opportunity to get out, enjoy the beauty of the region, and discover something new. Each festival has a different theme and hosts a number of different artists, activities, and amenities.
Hoping to catch a Southern Oregon art festival this coming year? Check these ones out:
A Taste of Ashland in Ashland, OR
A Taste of Ashland is an event created to support the Ashland Gallery Association. It’s a full weekend full of art, food, and fun, usually spotlighting one featured artist from the region.
In the past few years, A Taste of Ashland has transitioned to a virtual event, complete with an at-home art collaboration and virtual gallery tours, artist interviews, chef demonstrations, and raffles.
Date, Time & Location
Date & time not yet released for 2022
Virtual event
Children’s Festival in Jacksonville, OR
Hosted by the Storytelling Guild, The Children’s Festival is an extremely popular event for families living in and visiting Jacksonville. With a variety of art activities, performers, and hands-on learning booths, the festival is every child’s dream.
In the past, the event has been hosted at The Britt Fairgrounds. However, due to COVID-19 regulations in recent years, it’s been carried on at-home. Kids and their families can pick up a craft bag full of activities, books, and more surprises.
Date, Time & Location
Date, time, and location not yet released for 2022
Lithia Artisans Market in Ashland, OR
The Lithia Artisans Market is a collective made up of some of the best craftspeople Southern Oregon has to offer. The market hosts more than 80 artists, with about 40 participating each weekend — all showcasing different artistic talents. And not only is the Lithia Artisans Market a great place to celebrate art, but it’s also a great place to celebrate nature, live music, and outdoor dining, as it’s hosted outside in front of Calle Guanajuato Park.
Date, Time & Location
Saturdays & Sundays in Mid-March – October: 10 AM – 3 PM
Saturdays & Sundays in November – December: 10 AM – 3 PM
20 Calle Guanajuato, Ashland, OR 97520
Southern Oregon Holiday Market in Central Points, OR
The Southern Oregon Holiday Market is the largest holiday artisan and craft fair in the region. It features over 170 of the best local artisans, crafters, and home-based and direct-sales businesses. To fit all of those vendors, the event spans three different buildings at the Seven Feathers Event Center in Central Point. If you’re looking to buy some amazing, handmade holiday gifts for your loved ones, this should definitely be on your list.
Date, Time & Location
November 11-13, 2022
Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM
1 Peninger Rd, Central Point, OR 97502
Performing Arts in Southern Oregon
We’d be missing a huge part of Southern Oregon’s art scene if we didn’t mention performing arts. The performing arts are not only an entertaining way to spend an evening out, but are also a huge component of Rogue Valley culture. From plays to live music to comedic acts, there’s a little something for everyone.
Check out these performing arts venues in Southern Oregon:
Craterian Theater in Medford, OR
The Craterian Theater is a venue for just about every type of performing arts out there — from live music to comedy and musicals. Craterian visitors can attend quality productions by local groups, or by artists who are nationally recognized. Regardless, the theater is a well-known spot in Medford, helping to spur social and economic growth in the city.
Location
23 S Central Ave, Medford, OR 97501
Rogue Valley Symphony in Medford, Grants Pass & Ashland, OR
The Rogue Valley Symphony offers the premier live orchestra experience in Southern Oregon. It features more than 70 players and three venues in Medford, Grants Pass, and Ashland, OR. Attend one of their many performances to enjoy the splendor of classical music.
Location
Three venues throughout Southern Oregon.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, OR
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is a performing arts venue inspired by Shakespeare’s work and the cultural richness of the United States. It features a number of new and classic plays, backstage tours, park talks, lectures, classes, workshops, and post-show conversations. It’s a unique, but long-standing venue in Southern Oregon, with roots dating back all the way to 1935.
Location
- 15 S. Pioneer St., Ashland, OR 97520
Britt Music & Arts Festival in Jacksonville, OR
The Britt Music & Arts Festival is a nonprofit organization that puts on the region’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival. Each year, the festival features dozens of acts from world-class artists in diverse genres. Tens of thousands of music lovers travel to the Britt Festival to enjoy amazing performances and even better scenery — and you could be the next!
Date & Location
2022 dates not yet announced
216 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501
Let your creativity shine! In Southern Oregon, you can interact with art in just about any form you’d like. It’s an awesome way to learn more about yourself and the beautiful Rogue Valley — and it’s just one of the many reasons a life at Stage Pass is the perfect combination of peace and excitement. For more information about our master-planned vineyard community and all the attractions that surround it, reach out to our team today.
