Every Fall, This Small City in Oregon Holds an Eye-Catching Street Painting Festival

If you're looking for something fun to do in the fall in Oregon, head on down to the small city of Grants Pass for one of our favorite fall festivals in October. Art Along the Rogue began back in 2003, and it has been delighting attendees of all ages ever since. This three-day festival takes place in the Grants Pass Historic District along H Street and draws artists from all over the nation. Best of all, it's free. Read on to learn more about this eye-catching street festival. You and your family will love it!

Grants Pass is a great little town. This city of approximately 39,000 people has a lot to offer any time of year, but this painting and arts festival is a particularly fun and awesome event that your whole family will enjoy. There's nothing quite like seeing huge art pieces come together right before your eyes.

At this festival, the art pieces are created during the festival itself. What's even more impressive is the fact that all of the art that you'll see on the street is temporary. As soon as it rains, it will be gone forever. The artists know this, of course; impermanence is part of their medium. However, it's sometimes hard to accept the fact that these beautiful pieces will only be with us for a little while.

The artists who create these pieces with pastel chalk come from all over the nation. They can draw whatever they choose, but the festival has a theme each year. The 2025 theme is “Time Warp: When Past Meets Future.”

You can watch the artists work and create. The festival begins on a Friday, and most of the artists will still be creating their masterpieces that day. On Saturday and Sunday, you can come to check out their completed work. Some of it is created with interesting perspectives in mind. Some of it looks like it's coming right out of the ground!

In addition to giant, beautiful, temporary art pieces, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy live musical performances all day. You may even find yourself dancing to one of the acts. If you have little ones in your group, you'll also be happy to know that there are free, hands-on activities for kids at this festival. There will also be 60 vendors and non-profits with goods to purchase or something to teach.

Art Along the Rogue will take place from Friday, Oct. 3, to Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. We recommend you visit this fall festival's website for a list of activities, artists, entertainment, and more. Make sure to visit the Art Along the Rogue Facebook page for news and updates as well.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Grants Pass the first week in October using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.