Bulb Voyage: Hit the Road for the Northwest’s Two Major Garlic Festivals
Jul 22, 2026, 5:58 PM
Northwest Travel Life
Originally published on Northwest Travel & Life.
Garlic grows exceptionally well in the Northwest. Maybe it’s nature’s defense of keeping the vampires at bay but either way, garlic simply loves it here, thanks to the region’s cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Planted in the fall, bulbs spend the winter developing strong roots before taking off in spring, producing the large, flavorful cloves the region is known for.
By late summer, harvest season is in full swing and it’s time to celebrate. In fact, communities come together with festivals dedicated to the vegetable. Whether you’re a garlic fanatic or foodie, or simply looking for a unique road trip, here are the two major garlic festivals in the Northwest.
Elephant Garlic Festival | Aug. 7-9 | North Plains, OR
Now celebrating its 28th year, the North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival is a beloved Oregon summer tradition. Held just west of Portland in the Tualatin Valley, the free, three-day event is impossible to miss thanks to its cheerful garlic bulb mascot, Stinkee.
The festival fills downtown North Plains with live music, artisan vendors, family-friendly activities and plenty of garlic-inspired eats. Expect everything from savory roasted garlic specialties to unique handcrafted goods while local growers and makers showcase the region’s agricultural roots. Equal parts small-town celebration and delicious culinary event, it’s a fitting tribute to the bulb.
Learn more at funstinks.com. Plan your trip at tualatinvalley.org.
Washington State Garlic Fest | Aug. 21-23 | Centralia, Washington
What began in 2006 on Sunshine Hill overlooking the Chehalis River Valley has grown into one of Washington’s premier celebrations of garlic. As attendance increased, the Washington State Garlic Fest expanded into a larger venue in Centralia, where thousands now gather each August.
The festival brings together garlic growers from across the region alongside artisan crafters, specialty food vendors and local makers. Browse fresh garlic, discover new varieties to grow at home, sample garlic-infused dishes and shop handcrafted goods between live entertainment and demonstrations. It’s a flavorful way to experience Washington agriculture while stocking up on enough garlic to last well beyond summer.
Learn more at wastategarlicfest.com. Plan your trip at cityofcentralia.com.
