‘I just really love the people that you meet’: Second annual Cascade Equinox Festival wraps up in Redmond

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Thousands of concert-goers welcomed fall over the weekend in Redmond, bringing an expected multimillion-dollar boost to the economy.

The three-day Cascade Equinox Festival wrapped up its second year at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds in Redmond, where you got to experience multiple genres across five different stages.

"I just really love the people that you meet, the friends that you make, the friends that you reconnect with," Portland resident Dana Tickner said Monday.

Final numbers aren't in from this year yet, but in 2023, 15,000 people from 48 states attended the inaugural festival, creating an impressive economic boost.

Deschutes County Fairgrounds Director Geoff Hinds said Monday, "Using the economic multiplier, the one Travel Oregon uses, that means it's over a $5 million economic impact for the three-day music festival that's here."

 This year, 40 musicians entertained the crowds, covering genres like electronic, jam and funk music. 

Performances extended into the early morning hours, with some residents taking to Reddit to ask why they were hearing live music in Redmond at 3 or 4 in the morning. Redmond Police report they did not receive any noise complaints. 

Tickner said, "As far as bands go, you know, Jungle was amazing last night. They were really just on point. Definitely one of the best shows I've seen, but all the artists were fantastic."

The festival also featured a live painting lounge and workshops that included massage therapy, breath work and acupuncture. 

Gem & Jam and 4 Peaks Presents put on the festival, with ticket holders paying $345 for a three-day pass, and about $128 for single day.

The deluxe car-camping option at near $500 sold out, as did upscale glamping accommodations at $1,600.

Hinds said, "As we go from the summertime into the winter period, kind of generally a little bit of a lull. So it's nice to have a festival in that period and continue that visitation into Central Oregon."

The festival plans to return next year for its third edition, on Sept. 19-21, 2025. Cascade Equinox Festival said details about tickets and artists will be available on their website soon.