Farewell to FairWell Festival: Major music event will not return to Central Oregon in 2026
(Update: adding comments from Deschutes County Fair and Expo interim director, video)
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After bringing major country music stars and massive crowds to Redmond for the past three summers, the FairWell Festival has officially called it quits.
The popular country music event — held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds since 2023 — recently announced it will not return for 2026. A short statement posted on the festival’s website thanked fans and the Central Oregon community for making the past three years “so special,” but offered no reason for ending the event. The festival’s social media accounts have since been taken down or gone inactive.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Interim Director Erik Kropp confirmed to KTVZ News that the county had a three-year contract with the FairWell organizers, which expired after the 2025 season. While the county would have liked to renew, the festival organization chose not to extend.
“The FairWell Festival had a significant economic impact in our region,” Kropp said. “It also allowed local music lovers to experience a top-notch music festival in their backyard. We are disappointed that they decided not to continue, but if they change their mind in the future, we will welcome them back.”
The event attracted national headliners and drew tens of thousands of fans each day, delivering a major boost to local tourism and businesses. But it wasn’t without challenges — some residents and concertgoers voiced frustration over heavy traffic, parking issues, and long lines throughout Redmond during festival weekends.
Public reaction to the festival’s final bow has been mixed. Many say they’ll miss the big-name acts and the energy the event brought to Central Oregon, while others say they’re relieved to see the congestion and crowds go.
Whether locals loved it or loathed it, the FairWell Festival left an undeniable mark on Central Oregon’s live music scene. And while the final encore has played, fans say the memories — and the music — will linger.
Earlier Story -- REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- FairWell Festival, the country music event held at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, has announced that it will not be returning in 2026.
After three years, organizers posted on their website, deep gratitude for the community and memories created during the festival's run.
Due to the popularity of the festival, there were challenges people encountered throughout the festival's history. Those included traffic delays in and around the Deschutes County Fairgrounds campus as well as long lines for food and beverages.
