Pickathon returns to Happy Valley, Oregon, from July 31 to August 3, 2025, offering a one-of-a-kind music festival that combines unforgettable performances with a dedication to supporting and sustaining the local community. Tickets are now on sale for this groundbreaking event. For 25 years, Pickathon has been a beacon of creativity, sustainability, and musical discovery, propelling artists like Tyler Childers, Billy Strings, Khruangbin, and Lake Street Dive into the spotlight. However, for its 25th anniversary, the festival is shifting gears and pioneering a revolutionary new model that transforms ephemeral festival architecture into lasting community assets.
In partnership with its nonprofit partner, Creative Neighborhoods, Pickathon is introducing a new vision for community-driven impact. The festival’s model extends beyond minimizing waste and reducing environmental footprints to focusing on creating tangible, positive change in local communities. At the heart of this initiative is the “cycle of good”, which revolves around three core principles: world-class design, career and community empowerment, and a legacy of community assets. This year, attendees will be immersed in a dream playground of stunning architectural “neighborhoods” designed by leading architects, where each installation serves a dual purpose: to provide an unforgettable festival experience and contribute to long-term community goals.
Pickathon’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified in its transformative architectural designs and their lasting impact on the community. This year’s festival will feature breathtaking installations such as the “Timbre Grove,” “Mountains of Sound,” and “Fractal Forest,” each designed to push the boundaries of creativity. But the true magic happens after the festival ends, when these ephemeral structures are repurposed into lasting community assets. Past projects have included transforming a stage into tiny homes for veterans and creating outdoor classrooms from festival stages for Portland State University. This year, the timber framework from the “Diversion” stage will be repurposed into a classroom for PSU students, while the “AfroVillage Oasis” vendor booths will become a greenhouse supporting local food security. This model demonstrates that a festival can be more than just a moment in time—it can create lasting change.
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