Celebrate local heritage at Alpenfest

JOSEPH — Oregon’s Alpenfest, a celebration of the Swiss-German heritage in Wallowa County, is Sept. 26-29.

The festival begins Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6-9 p.m. with a ceremonial keg tapping at Terminal Gravity, 803 SE School St. in Enterprise. Entry is free, and the evening features food, music and beer — including the special batch brewed just for Alpenfest.

An Alpenfair will be set up at the Joseph Community Center on Friday (noon-6 p.m.) Saturday (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-3 p.m.).

Indoor concerts are planned for Friday and Saturday featuring crowd favorites The Polkatones, a seven-piece polka band, The Tirolean Dancers of Oregon, a traditional Swiss-German dance troupe, and alphornists Gayle and Phil Neuman.

Friday’s performance is 6-10 p.m. Saturday has two shows — a matinee from 1-4 p.m., and a night concert from 6-10 p.m.

Advance tickets for the concerts are $12 online at www.oregonalpenfest.com and $15 at the door. Tickets for veterans and first responders are $5 and kids 16 and under are free.

Head to Union for ‘blues and brews’

UNION — Family Roots, Blues and Brews returns Friday, Sept. 27, starting at 5 p.m. at Union City Park.

Hosted by Main Street Union, in partnership with the Catherine Creek Community Center, the evening features live music, food, vendors and a beer garden.

Columbia Jones from Salt Lake City will take the stage to provide music for the evening, and vendors will be set up to showcase unique products.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

Monthly dance is Sept. 28 in La Grande

LA GRANDE — The BlueMountaineers will have their monthly dance on Saturday, Sept. 28, 6-9 p.m. at the Union County Senior Center, 1504 N. Albany St.

Admission is $5 or free for ages 12 and younger. The evening includes a finger food potluck.

Oktoberfest is on tap at Sels’ Brewery

CANYON CITY — The Whiskey Gulch Gang will host the third annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 28, 3-8 p.m. at the historic Sels’ Brewery, 113 S. Washington St.

The menu includes beer, burgers and brats for sale, plus activities and games, including a dress-up contest.

Singer-songwriter Lucas Treptow will kick things off at 3 p.m., and popular local group The James Gang, who played at the past two Oktoberfests, return with a set list of lively country and dancing tunes.

Capping off this year’s Oktoberfest is an evening concert at 8:30 p.m. featuring Tylor and the Train Robbers, offering up their own blend of country and Americana sounds.

Admission is free to the daytime part of the event, which is family-friendly. Note that minors are allowed only until 6 p.m.

Tickets for the evening concert are $25 per person, plus fees, at eventbrite.com. Organizers expect a sell-out, so folks are encouraged to get their tickets early. The price at showtime will be $35 — if space is available.

Race benefits Thadd’s Place

JOHN DAY — The second-annual Thadd’s Place Race is Saturday, Sept. 28. The route begins and ends at Seventh Street Park. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the event begins at 9 a.m.

There are three distances: 5K, 10K or 1.5 miles.

Entry is $20 — register in advance at thaddsplace.org or on the morning of the event. All proceeds benefit Thadd’s Place, whose mission is to help “individuals experiencing the loss of a loved one through emotional support, access to relevant education resources, and space for healing in a supportive community.” To learn more, visit the website.

Craft sale planned in Umapine

UMAPINE — The fifth annual Umapine Craft Sale is Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 84842 Woodrow St.

Organizers said the event features “vendors galore,” including Kim’s Sewing Boutique, Wildone’s Craft Garden, What a Skunk Essential Oils, The Marie’s Unique Gifts and Scrappy Suz Crafts.

Also, homemade tamales will be available to purchase

Union County’s Oktoberfest is Sept. 28

LA GRANDE — Union County Oktoberfest and McLaughlin Events and Planning are hosting a day of fun, food and festivities at the Union County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 28, noon to 9 p.m.

There will be something for everyone from the Otis Memorial Truck Show, a beer garden hosted by Tap That Growlers, and a chili cookoff brought to you by the Union County Chamber of Commerce.

The Fall into the Holidays bazaar will feature artisan vendors and Tap That Growlers will hold a cornhole tournament, as well as offering traditional German bratwurst and pretzels, along with craft beers. There will be a Kid Zone with activities and live music featuring Ripple Effect and Good Times/Bad Times.

Admission is by donation. For more information, search Facebook via bit.ly/3TDgM9N or visit tapthatgrowlers.net.

Live music coming to HQ

LA GRANDE — HQ, 112 Depot St., welcomes the “reggae grunge funk jam band” of Dozey Dubs on Friday, Sept. 27, 8 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance at lagrandehq.com/events or $12 at the door.

Dozey Dubs started in Garden City, Idaho, and is fronted by Andrew Wigginton, a singer/songwriter from La Grande.

Then, on Sunday, Sept. 29, Tylor and the Train Robbers return to HQ for a special matinee show at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 at lagrandehq.com/events.

Brothers Tylor Ketchum, and Jason Bushman and Tommy Bushman, who were raised in Helix, form the core of the band. Tylor, the eldest, takes the reins as the band’s frontman, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter. Completing the quartet is Jason (bass and backup harmonies), Tommy (drums and vocals), and Rider Soran (lead guitar, pedal steel and lap steel).

Still time to see ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’

ELGIN — A world of pure imagination awaits theatergoers with “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at the Elgin Opera House, 104 N. Eighth Ave.

Based on the works of Roald Dahl, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a revised Broadway musical that adds to the content from the 1971 movie, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Showtimes are: Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 5, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 12, 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $8-$18 at www.elginoperahouse.com. For questions, call 541-663-6324.

Spend Sunday dinner with friends in Wallowa

WALLOWA — A new tradition starts Sunday, Sept. 29, 5-7 p.m. during “Dinner with Friends.”

The free community dinner will be served Sundays through Nov. 17 at the Wallowa Senior Center, 204 E. Second St.

Donations will support the dinners and the Wallowa Food Bank.

Get your tickets now for Pumpkin Chunkin’

BAKER CITY — Ever wanted to toss a pumpkin from a helicopter?

Your chance is coming to do just that, and raise money for a local foundation at the same time.

The annual Pumpkin Chunkin’ Bash at the Baker City Municipal Airport is Saturday, Oct. 26, but tickets go on sale Oct. 1.

And those tickets — only 400 available — sell fast. Tickets are $50 each, and pumpkins are provided.

Purchase tickets at Baker Aircraft (at the airport, 43769 Heilner Drive) and Grumpy’s Repair, 225 H St.

This fundraiser supports the Spc. Mabry James Anders Memorial Foundation, which provides scholarships to local students. The foundation honors Anders, the Baker City man who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2012.

The day runs from noon to 5 p.m. at the airport. And it’s not just about smashing pumpkins — the foundation will be selling food, and beverages will be available from Barley Brown’s Brewpub and Brewin’ with D. Anna Beetz will provide the music.

Dance production offers shear entertainment

WALLA WALLA — A unique entertainment opportunity featuring a dance production of “Edward Scissorhands” will be screened in Walla Walla. It was filmed live in March 2024 at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

The viewings are Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m., at Power House Theatre, 111 N. Sixth Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Matthew Bourne’s magical dance production of “Edward Scissorhands” — based on the 1990 film starring Johnny Depp — has carved a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide since its premiere in 2005. With the live filming, cinema-goers get “the best seat in the house” as the story unfolds about the young man with unique appendages. The production is described as “the perfect treat for all the family.”

For tickets or info, visit www.phtww.org. For questions, call 509-529-6500.

Fat Fox Slim tunes up at Maxwell Market

HERMISTON — Fat Fox Slim will perform familiar rock and pop covers during the Maxwell Market on Thursday, Sept. 26, 4-7 p.m. at the Maxwell Siding Event Center & Pavilion, 145 N. First Place. In addition to playing everything from AC/DC, the Beatles and Journey to Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Queen, the Tri-Cities group performs original music.

The farmers market offers locally grown produce, arts and crafts vendors, beer and food. It continues through Oct. 3. For more information, search www.facebook.com/theMaxHermiston, call 541-561-1047 or email maxwelleventcenter@gmail.com.

Boardman pieces together 16th annual quilt show

BOARDMAN — Quilters from across the region are invited to enter the 16th annual Boardman Quilt Show. Those wanting to participate need to register by Oct. 1.

Presented by the Boardman Quilt Club, the two-day event is Oct 11-12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boardman Senior Center, 100 Tatone St. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. Also, a potato bar lunch and desserts will be available for purchase.

Everyone is invited to enter quilts for the show, including family heritage quilts or those created by the exhibitor. Prizes will be presented for the people’s choice award and top youth quilts.

For more information about the club or to register quilts for the show, call Lila Killingbeck at 541-571-2576.

Flying X celebrates anniversary with comedy

PENDLETON — The Flying X Speakeasy Lounge is yucking it up with a night of laughs as part of its one-year anniversary celebration.

Billy Ray Rock will return Oct. 4, 8:30 p.m. at 220 SW First St. Don’t wait to buy tickets — the Idaho funnyman’s March performance sold out in advance. The show also features Alex Kaufman.

General admission tickets are $30 via www.eventbrite.com. Also, VIP table packages are $165. It includes up-front table seating for four guests, one complimentary cocktail per person and a large charcuterie board for the table to share. For questions, call 541-215-8466.

Rock, often hailed as the “King of Ghetto Rock,” has carved a unique niche in comedy and music with his eclectic blend of rock, funk and soul. Born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, and raised in Fresno, California, Rock’s comedy and musical journey began in a neighborhood with music of various genres, from Motown to rock.

As for his comedy?

“It was basically a dare,” he said.

He told jokes at an open mic — but it didn’t go well the first time.

“I sucked. I was terrible,” he said with a laugh.

But it was also a challenge, so he kept at it to perfect his show — along with pursuing a career in acting. Rock has appeared in “Boyz in the Hood” and “Natural Born Killers,” and most recently will appear on the upcoming season of “Yellowstone.”

Enjoy the season at a fall festival

MILTON-FREEWATER — Everyone is invited to the Milton-Freewater Neighborhood Fall Festival Oct. 4-5 at 102 S. Main St. Festivities are from 1-6 p.m. Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stroll around and shop at local craft vendors while munching on a bag of fresh popcorn, a savory pretzel or a delicious snow cone.

Kids of all ages can enjoy painting pumpkins and rocks, or having their faces painted. There will be free carnival games and prizes for kids; along with jute sack races. And, of course, a bounce house.

Compete with your friends and neighbors in a family tug of war contest or in the obstacle course competition, try to dunk Pastor Tim Sanchez and other local celebrities in the dunk tank, or win some local baked goods at the Bake Walk.

Family pictures can be taken on the bed of the 1947 International truck.

There will be local food vendors or enjoy a pulled pork dinner on Friday night from 4-6 p.m., a Angus beef chili lunch on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and hot dog dinners for the kids.

Ducks Unlimited banquet is Oct. 19 in La Grande

LA GRANDE — The Ducks Unlimited Grande Ronde Chapter will host its annual fundraising banquet at the Field House on Oct. 19 at Eastern Oregon University. Doors open at 5 p.m.

This year’s event includes family-friendly activities and prizes for each Greenwing (under 17). The banquet is an opportunity to support local conservation efforts.

Last year, Ducks Unlimited celebrated the achievement of conserving one million acres of wetlands across North America in a single year. This milestone, part of the “Conservation For a Continent” campaign, aims to raise $3 billion by 2026 to ensure cleaner water for communities and wildlife.

Banquet tickets are $45, $30 for youths or $75 per couple. Sponsorships are also available. To purchase tickets, go to ducks.org/oregon and click on “Events.”

For information, call Bret Blanca, 541-805-0177, or Paul Boehne, 541-786-0622.

Register now for the Fall Vendor Market

BAKER CITY — Do you bake the best pie around?

Is your queso a crowd-pleaser?

The Baker County Fairgrounds is launching a new Fall Vendor Market Oct. 25-26 at the event center, 2600 East St. Registration is now open for vendors ($50), as well as for contests for pie and queso ($20 per entry).

Find the registration forms at bakerfair.com. Click on the “Fall Vendor Market” tab.

The market will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Additional Saturday events include pumpkin painting, horse-drawn carriage rides and a raffle. Admission is free and includes one raffle ticket.

Pie entries must be submitted by 11:45 a.m. Oct. 26. Any dessert pie is welcome, and desserts will be judged in three categories — taste, presentation and judges’ choice.

Queso entries must be in by noon Oct. 26. There are three categories: spicy, mild and vegetarian.

Suzy Bogguss to perform at Wildhorse

MISSION — Award-winning country singer-songwriter Suzy Bogguss will perform Nov. 2, 7 p.m. in the Rivers Event Center at Wildhorse Resort & Casino.

She’s known for such hits as “Hey Cinderella,” “Aces,” “Drive South” and “Outbound Plane.” General reserved are $49 and only a handful of premium reserved seats ($59) are still available. The show is open to adults 21 and older.

Bogguss received the top new female vocalist in 1989 from the Academy of Country Music and the Horizon Award in 1992 from the Country Music Association. Her 2023 album, “Prayin’ for Sunshine,” is said to offer a “mix of southern storytelling, gorgeous vocals and organic instrumentation that showcases her country and Americana roots.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.wildhorseresort.com.