Mason County Forest Festival 2026: The 82nd annual Mason County Forest Festival ran May 28–31, 2026 in Shelton, WA, themed “Legends of the Timber.” The multi-day event included the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, a logging show and vendor showcase at Loop Field, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and the Goldsborough Creek Run.
Last refreshed: October 24, 2026 (Pacific).
October 2026 update: The 2026 Forest Festival ran May 28–31, 2026 — its 82nd year, themed “Legends of the Timber” — with the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade on Saturday, May 30. An earlier version of this page carried incorrect June 5–7 dates and the wrong edition number; both are corrected here from the festival’s official site and the City of Shelton.
Mason County Forest Festival Ran May 28–31 for Its 82nd Year
One of Mason County’s most beloved annual traditions returned in 2026. The Mason County Forest Festival — in its 82nd year, themed “Legends of the Timber” — ran Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, May 31, 2026 in Shelton.
The festival celebrates Mason County’s rich timber heritage and has been a community cornerstone since 1945. It draws visitors from across the South Puget Sound region each year for a packed weekend of events.
What’s at the Forest Festival
The weekend centers around the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade — a Shelton tradition featuring floats, marching bands, community organizations, equestrian groups, and local businesses winding through downtown. A Family and Pet Parade traditionally precedes the main parade for younger participants.
Other festival highlights included a Logging Show and Vendor Showcase at Loop Field featuring demonstrations of traditional forestry skills including log rolling and axe throwing. The Fireworks Spectacular capped off the main festival day with an evening display. Live music at the Rockin’ the Forest concert kept the energy going before the fireworks.
A carnival ran throughout the festival weekend with rides, games, and food vendors. The Shelton Car Show-Off took place Sunday.
Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30
The festival weekend kicked off early with the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on parade-day morning, Saturday, May 30 — a Forest Festival tradition, with check-in at 6 a.m. at 2nd and Railroad per the organizer’s RunSignup listing. The run benefits the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship. Multiple distance options were available.
About the Mason County Forest Festival
The first Mason County Forest Festival was held in 1945 to celebrate and promote the county’s timber industry. Mason County has deep roots in logging — from Michael T. Simmons’ first sawmill on Mill Creek in 1853 to the Simpson Logging Company’s growth in the 1890s. The festival has honored that heritage every year since.
For more information and updates, visit masoncountyforestfestival.com.
Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County Forest Festival 2026
When is the Mason County Forest Festival 2026?
May 28–31, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The Goldsborough Creek Run was held on the morning of May 30.
Where is the Mason County Forest Festival held?
In downtown Shelton, WA, with the parade on Railroad Avenue and the logging show and vendors at Loop Field.
Is the Mason County Forest Festival free?
Most festival events were free to attend. Carnival rides required ticket purchase. The Car Show-Off was free to spectators.
How long has the Mason County Forest Festival been running?
Since 1945 — the 2026 event was the 82nd annual Forest Festival.
Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Event Guide
Get The Signal
What we actually ran, what it measured, and what it means for a restoration shop — every week, including the flops.
Leave a Reply