August 2025 Activities in Yamhill County: McMinnville, Newberg & Beyond
- Bella Casa Admin
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
As summer ushers in longer, sunnier days in Yamhill County, the communities of McMinnville, Newberg, and surrounding towns burst to life with festivals, music, local markets, and family fun. Here’s your curated guide to August events and activities you won’t want to miss.
McMinnville Spotlight
Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo
📅 July 30-August 2
Join the celebration at Oregon’s oldest fair from Wednesday, July 30 through Saturday, August 2, at the McMinnville fairgrounds (2070 NE Lafayette Ave). Revel in classic fun, rodeo events, carnival rides, livestock competitions, artisan exhibits, and nightly concert, plus special appearances by artists like Easton Corbin and Tone Loc with Digital Underground. Gates open at 10 AM, then stay open until 11 PM or midnight depending on the day. Parking is $5 cash per lot, with shuttle service to the grounds. (Yamhill County All Events)
Harvest Fest at Yamhill Valley Heritage Center
📅 August 16-17, 12 PM–4 PM
Experience a celebration of harvest traditions at the Heritage Center (11275 SW Durham Lane). Watch vintage farm equipment in motion, browse interactive exhibits on oat and wheat harvesting, and enjoy live music, food vendors, and hands‑on family activities. Admission is $10 for general, $5 for members, and kids under 12 are free. (Yamhill Historical Society)
Summer Music Series & Outdoor Entertainment
Movies in the Park, Joe Dancer Park: Friday, August 8— bring friends and family for a free outdoor screening under the evening sky. (AllEvents)
Sounds of Summer Music at Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery:
Aaron Meyer and Friends, Sunday August 24
Linfield University Showcase, later that same day— all set amid vineyard views and wine tasting. (AllEvents)
Chapter & Verse concert featuring Joy Zimmerman and Erika Marksbury at J.L. Kiff Vineyard Friday, August 8. (AllEvents)
Events Near Newberg & Dayton
“Sounds of Joy” Concert
📅 August 10, 4–6 PM Chehalem Cultural Center, Newberg
Presented by the Yamhill Enrichment Society, this family-friendly live concert supports literacy and music education across Yamhill County youth programs. (Yamhill Enrichment Society)
“Big Night” Salmon Bake
📅 August 17, 5:30–8:30 PM Sokol Blosser Winery, Dayton
An annual local tradition from YES featuring fresh salmon, communal dining, and music, perfect for gathering with friends and family while supporting local children’s enrichment efforts.
Tastes & Tours in Wine Country
August is prime time for exploring Willamette Valley wine offerings. Several wineries across McMinnville and Newberg host themed events: Dinner in the Garden, Comedy Nights, Friday Music Nights, and vineyard tastings. Check with local wineries or the Willamette Wineries Association for specific dates and booking info (Willamette Wines). Whether you’re sipping pinot on a patio or enjoying live blues, the ambiance won’t disappoint.
Outdoor Excursions & Local Attractions
Erratic Rock State Natural Site
A peaceful day‑use park between Sheridan and McMinnville featuring one of the largest glacial erratic boulders in the Willamette Valley, with a short (~0.2 mile) paved trail to a scenic viewpoint. Ideal for picnicking, birding, geocaching, and gentle walks. A hidden gem for early‑morning nature lovers or an easy afternoon outing. (Oregon State Parks – Erratic Rock)
Miller Woods Conservation Area
Located three miles west of McMinnville, this 130-acre educational haven offers diverse habitats—hayfields, oak savannah, mature timber, ponds, and streams. Visitors can enjoy easy trails like the half-mile Discovery Loop, explore wildlife under boardwalks, and take part in seasonal programs or volunteer events focused on conservation and local ecology. (Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District)
Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint
Located between Newberg and the Washington County line, this 26-acre park sits atop Bald Peak, the highest point in the Chehalem Mountains and Willamette Valley. Features picnic tables, restrooms, and a trail offering sweeping views of the Willamette Valley and Cascade peaks when skies are clear. (Oregon State Parks - Bald Peak)
Dining & Downtown Stops— New & Noteworthy
McMinnville’s culinary scene continues to shine. Two standout spots are:
Hayward: A modern, vegetable-forward restaurant inspired by Japanese and Italian traditions, helmed by chef Kari Kihara. Hayward was a James Beard semifinalist in 2024 and will soon relocate from McMinnville to Carlton. Known for its seasonal menus, sake pairings, and artful presentation, it’s a favorite among food lovers. (Oregonian Food & Dining – Hayward)
The Grounded: This charming farm-to-table spot, located in the historic Taylor-Dale building in downtown McMinnville, was also a 2025 James Beard semifinalist. Chef Kari Wahl prepares refined, rustic dishes with local sourcing and simple elegance. It’s a must-visit for brunch or dinner. (The Grounded - Inside Grounded Table)
At-a-Glance August Highlights
Planning Tips
Buy tickets early for concerts and Harvest Fest— online pre‑sales usually include discounts or skip‑the‑line access.
Plan ahead for fair parking: cash only ($5), with shuttle service to the grounds (Yamhill County, McMinnville Oregon, AllEvents, Yamhill Enrichment Society, Facebook, Yamhill Historical Society).
Dress for Oregon summer: light layers for warm days and cooler evenings at outdoor events.
Check event pages— venues like wineries or YES often update details closer to the date.
Make the Most of August in Yamhill County
August is more than just the height of summer, it's the heart of what makes Yamhill County shine. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories at the county fair, discovering new artists at winery lawn concerts, or simply enjoying the slower pace of vineyard sunsets and family picnics, this is a time to connect with the people and places that make our community so special. We hope this guide inspires you to explore, celebrate, and savor every moment.
Brought to You by The McCreith Team
As longtime locals and your trusted real estate team, The McCreith Team is proud to support the events and businesses that make Yamhill County such a vibrant place to live. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply explore the neighborhoods and lifestyle our communities offer, we’re here to help you feel right at home.
Stay connected with us for more local insights, listings, and seasonal spotlights all year long!
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