South Oregon Coast's Food Truck Off and Blackberry Arts Festival Return This Summer

Published 05/19/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) - In the '70s it was “Kick Out the Jams,” but now you can kick it with the jams – all the tasty jams and other goodies. The days of serious yum-yum descend upon the southern Oregon coast with two major food fests in August. Coos Bay and North Bend play host to the wonderfully-punny Annual Food Truck Off and the Blackberry Arts Festival.

The Annual Food Truck Off will return to Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in North Bend from August 7–9, 2026, offering three days of food trucks, live music and family-friendly outdoor activities.

Organizers expect up to 20 food trucks from across the Pacific Northwest to compete in several cook-off categories in the south Oregon coast monstrosity of meals on wheels. Each truck will offer at least one sample item for purchase in addition to its full regular menu. Visitors will also be able to vote for the People’s Choice Award throughout the weekend. Both cash and credit cards will be accepted at all trucks.

Event hours are scheduled for Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Not everything is firmed up, however, so much of the schedule is still a surprise. Live music will be featured on the entertainment stage each day, with the full list of participating food trucks to be announced.

Admission is $5 per day, with tickets available at Ko-Kwel Gifts inside Ko-Kwel Casino Resort or at the event gate. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon.

The Blackberry Arts Festival will return to downtown Coos Bay on August 22–23, 2026, bringing two days of art, music, food and the festival’s signature blackberry ice cream.

Now in its fourth decade, the juried arts and crafts fair showcases work from regional artists and makers during the height of Oregon’s blackberry season. This is, after all, an area not just known for the cranberry but also for its darker and more tart cousin. Visitors will find metalwork, jewelry, quilts, candles, hand-painted clothing, carved wood pieces, wine and other handcrafted items for sale. Food vendors will offer a range of dishes, including several built around local blackberries. Live music will run throughout the weekend on the Blackberry Jam stage.

Festival activities are centered on Central Avenue between Highway 101 and Fourth Street. Street-fair hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the event is open to all ages, including families and dogs.

The annual blackberry recipe contest will also return, with judging scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. and winners announced at 4 p.m. Each entry must feature blackberries, be large enough for six tastings and be limited to one submission per person. Additional rules will be listed on the official entry form. Winners receive an apron and wooden spoon.

7 Devils Brewing Co. will again sponsor the beer garden at Central and Third, offering live music, barbecue, and blackberry-themed drinks and desserts in the evenings.

The Blackberry Jam concert lineup will be announced soon. Performances are planned for Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m., 2 to 3:30 p.m., and 4 to 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 3:30 p.m.

See the Coos Bay / North Bend / Charleston site.

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