What's New in Oregon

Pendleton's Interwoven Festival Debuts:

In the high-desert town of Pendleton, Oregon a new tradition is taking shape: Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet (15-17 October, 2026), a lively celebration of fashion, heritage and creativity rooted in global Indigenous and Western cultures. Over three immersive days, artists and designers – present their collections, blending storytelling with contemporary craft. The inaugural 2026 Interwoven Unresidency Program includes a cohort of eight designers working in Indigenous and Western traditions. Throughout the Unresidency, designers will develop original eight-look collections, including one look responding to the theme “Interwoven,” exploring how histories, identities, materials and traditions intersect within fashion today. The Interwoven Market gathers 70 regional makers. Visitors can browse one-of-a-kind goods, watch live demonstrations and try traditional techniques. Runway shows add flair, including a memorable showcase on horseback, where craftsmanship shines both on and off the saddle.

Photo Credit | Travel Pendleton

New Experiences Await in Oregon's Wine Country:

Oregon wine country awaits with a line-up of new accolades and experiences. The state continues to sparkle on the global wine stage with National Geographic proclaiming Oregon as the next great U.S. region for bubbles, and Wine Enthusiast including two Oregon wineries in their list of top 40 sparkling wines of 2026. Visitors can uncork adventure along the new Method Oregon Trail, a showcase of the Method Oregon initiative (new production standards to elevate Oregon as a premier sparkling wine destination). Additionally, two biodynamic wineries who put the planet and people first, Brooks Wine and Maysara Winery, made the latest list of the World’s 50 Best Vineyards. Both are led by female winemakers with the latter proudly owned by an Iranian family.

Photo Credit | Brooks Winery - Jordan & Dani

Oregon Coast Leads the Way in Accessible Travel:

After earning the landmark designation as the first state to become “Accessibility Verified” by Wheel the World, Oregon knows its work to make the state accessible to all visitors has just begun. As summer arrives, the Oregon Coast has worked to make their beaches and other natural wonders more accessible. Examples include: David’s Chair, named after Oregonian David Hatrick who had ALS, to provide free use of electric, all-terrain track chairs for those with mobility challenges to independently navigate sandy beaches and rugged trails; the seasonal installation of Mobi-Mat®, ADA compliant, portable, non-slip and roll-up mats, which create temporary pathways and ease beach access for those using mobility devices; Yachats is launching free, all-terrain Not-a-Wheelchair mobility rigs and a seasonal wheelchair-accessible trolley; and Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad will install a second lift at Rockaway Beach this fall, allowing wheelchair users to enjoy a round-trip journey from that location.

Photo Credit | Travel Oregon

Issued by the Travel Oregon Australian / New Zealand Trade & Press Office.      

For more information and/or high-resolution images please contact: Joanne Motta at +61 403180751 or joanne@canuckiwi.com.