A S. Oregon Coast Summer So Fire: Coos Bay Area's Blackberry Fest and Food Truck-Off

Published 06/29/25 at 4:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Coos Bay, Oregon) - As summer really begins to heat up so does the south Oregon coast, with two major festivals in the Coos Bay area that add more meaning to “so fire.” Food, food and more food – along with music, arts and crafts items and more - will literally swell the streets of Coos Bay and take over part of North Bend. (Above: photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast)

That food fest with the name that is hilariously precarious to pronounce returns in August: the Food Truck Off 2025 in North Bend. Then just a couple of weeks later, inner Coos Bay goes bonkers with the Blackberry Arts Festival 2025.

The 7th Annual Food Truck Off rolls into the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort (formerly Mill End Casino) from Friday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, bringing three days of gourmet street food, live music, and spirited competition to the Coos Bay area.

Up to 20 food trucks from across Oregon will compete for top honors in categories including People’s Choice Best Food Truck and Judge’s Choice for Best Taco, Sandwich, BBQ, Global Cuisine, and the open-ended “Kitchen Sink.” Prizes include $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $150 for third in each category.

Ko-Kwel Casino Resort

Each truck will offer sample items for purchase in addition to their full regular menu. Live music is scheduled throughout the weekend, with a full lineup to be announced soon.

Admission is $5, with children ages five and under admitted free. Half of all entry fees will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon. A beer garden and on-site entertainment promise a lively atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Food purchases may be made using cash or credit card.

Event hours:

Ko-Kwel Casino Resort photo

- Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Ko-Kwel Casino Resort is located at 3201 Tremont St., North Bend. For more details, call (541) 756-8800. https://www.themillcasino.com/event/food-truck-off/judging-fto/

Courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

The long-running Blackberry Arts Festival hits the south Oregon coast burgh soon, this time in and around downtown Coos Bay on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23–24, 2025. The grand local tradition showcases the creative spirit of the region with handcrafted art, local food, and live music.

Now in its 40th year, the juried festival celebrates the region’s annual blackberry harvest with a vibrant street fair featuring artisan goods such as jewelry, quilts, candles, woodwork, metal pieces, hand-painted clothing, and wine. Vendors will line Central Avenue on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Also see Coos Bay in Summer 2025: Includes History Talk, Oregon Coast Music Festival, North Bend Jubilee - Coos Museum Tuesday Talk June 3; Oregon Coast Music Festival Bandon to Coos Bay, July 12 to 26; North Bend July Jubilee July 18 - 20

7 Devils Brewing Co. will host the official beer garden, offering BBQ, live evening performances, and blackberry-themed drink and dessert specials all weekend. The main stage will be located at the intersection of Central Avenue and 3rd Street.

Festivalgoers can also look forward to the “It’s All Berry Good” recipe contest, hosted by the Coos Bay Downtown Association. This year’s submissions will be accepted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Coos Bay Elks Lodge No. 1160 at 265 Central Ave.

Further details and entertainment schedules will be announced in the coming weeks. See the events section at Oregon's Adventure Coast.

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