While there's plenty to keep Portlanders close to home in August, from the Adult Soapbox Derby on August 20 to the PDX Pop Now! music festival August 22–28, it's not hard to be lured outside city limits by major music and wine festivals, pigs, corn dogs, and more.

Pickathon

Aug 5–7, Happy Valley  
Since 1999, music lovers have gathered at Pendarvis Farm for three days of concerts, camping and local brews. With various stages set in a woodsy backdrop (and plenty of hammocks in which to lounge the day away) headliners include Built to Spill and Hurray for the Riff Raff. —MH 

The Chicks

Aug 9–10, Bend  
The Chicks had to postpone some shows earlier on their 2022 tour when Natalie Maines's doctor ordered vocal rest. Let's hope those vocal cords are well rested and ready to go for the Chicks' only Oregon tour dates, two nights at the Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend. —MS 

Tillamook County Fair

Aug 10–14, Tillamook  
Catch dance performances, cattle shows, carnival rides, a Journey tribute band, an ice cream tasting contest, a demolition derby, the famous Pig-N-Ford races each day at 5:30 p.m. (people drive Model-Ts while holding pigs, or at least they try to), and more! —MS 

Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament

Aug 11–14, Seaside 
Expect teams from around the world at this 40th annual tourney on the beach in Seaside, with divisions from juniors to adults to masters to "dino," novice to pro. Want to play? It's not too late to register, and the event website even has a "partner finder" feature. —MS 

Elephant Garlic Festival

Aug 12–14, North Plains 
“Fun stinks,” as the saying goes, when it comes to the 24th annual Elephant Garlic Festival. The three-day festival, which takes place in Jessie Mays Community Park, features a variety of food vendors showcasing garlic ice cream, garlic burgers, pickled garlic ... you get the picture. In addition to the obvious star of the show, the event will also include live music, a parade, a 10k run, and vendors. —MH 

Oregon Wine Experience

Aug 17–21, Jacksonville 
Wine lovers, take note. This wine-sipping extravaganza, a fundraiser for Asante Foundation programs including the Children's Miracle Network is set over five days just outside Jacksonville at The Vineyards at Stage Pass, a gated community in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley AVA. The event includes homegrown food pairings, wine sensory classes, and a barrel auction. —MH 

Annual Banks BBQ Truck & Tractor Pull

Aug 18–21, Banks 
This long-running family event at Sunset Park kicks off its 77th year with a poker tournament, beer garden, and, of course, the signature barbecue beef sandwiches. Come for a pancake breakfast and stay for the car show, truck and tractor pull, and combine destruction derby. —MH 

Oregon State Fair

Aug 25–Sept 6, Salem  
Get your cotton candy and corn dog fix at the annual Oregon State Fair, where you can say farewell to summer with rides, live music, a rodeo show, a magician show, a motorcycle stunt demonstration, and an Artisans Village. —MH 

Hood to Coast

Aug 26–27, Mount Hood to Seaside  
This 199-mile team relay race starts 6,000 feet above sea level at Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood and ends on the beach at Seaside, passing through Portland (the city is an alternate starting point, too) and crossing over the Coast Range through Mist and Jewel in between. Watch for wildly decorated support vans and sleep-deprived runners. —MS 

Northwest Art & Air Festival

Aug 26–28, McMinnville 
Watch hot-air balloons being launched (or better yet, hitch a ride on one yourself) at this family-friendly event at Timber Linn Memorial Park. Other highlights include the Friday night glow event as air balloons illuminate the sky, arts and craft vendors, live music, corn hole and scavenger hunt for the kids, and an antique car show. There will also be a wine and beer garden for adults. —MH