Mason County Forest Festival 2026: The 81st annual celebration runs June 5–7 in Shelton, WA. Highlights include the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier at Loop Field, Rockin’ the Forest concert, Manke Fireworks Show (visible from Wallace-Kneeland Blvd), Sunday Car Show-Off on F Street, and the Goldsborough Creek Run on May 30.
Mason County Forest Festival Returns June 5–7 for Its 81st Year
Every summer, Shelton becomes the center of Mason County’s public life for one unforgettable weekend. The Mason County Forest Festival — one of the longest-running community celebrations in the South Puget Sound — returns for its 81st year from June 5–7, 2026.
The festival is rooted in the county’s timber heritage and has drawn residents and visitors from across the region since 1945. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
The Paul Bunyan Grand Parade
The anchor of the Forest Festival is the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, a Shelton tradition that winds through downtown along Railroad Avenue. The parade features floats, marching bands, community organizations, equestrian groups, and local businesses. A Family and Pet Parade runs before the main event, giving younger participants their own moment on the route.
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier at Loop Field
The logging show at Loop Field is more than nostalgia. The 2026 festival includes the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier — a competitive logging skills event serving as a regional qualifier for the national series. Athletes compete in log rolling, axe throwing, and chainsaw events. A chainsaw carving exhibition runs alongside, with artists creating sculptures from raw timber during the festival. Most Loop Field events are free to attend.
Rockin’ the Forest and the Manke Fireworks Show
The Rockin’ the Forest concert delivers live music in the hours before the festival’s signature evening event: the Manke Fireworks Show, launching from Oakland Bay Junior High. Best viewing is from parking lots along Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard. Plan to arrive early — this is the highest-attendance event of the festival weekend.
Sunday: Shelton Car Show-Off
The festival closes Sunday with the Shelton Car Show-Off on F Street. Registration runs 8–11 AM, judging begins at 11 AM, and awards are presented at 2 PM (show runs 10 AM–3 PM). The event benefits the Shelton High School NJROTC program.
Carnival
The carnival runs throughout the festival weekend at Grove and First in Shelton with rides, games, and food vendors. Rides require ticket purchase.
Kick Off Early: Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30
The Forest Festival’s official opener is the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30. The run starts at Shelton Valley Christian School on Shelton Valley Road and finishes on West Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton. A Junior Jog and quarter-mile option are available for younger participants. Proceeds benefit the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship.
81 Years of Timber Heritage
The first Mason County Forest Festival was held in 1945 to celebrate and promote the county’s logging industry — which had shaped this region since Michael T. Simmons built the first American sawmill on Mill Creek in 1853. The Simpson Logging Company’s growth through the late 1800s and 1900s defined Shelton’s economy and community structure for generations. The festival has honored that heritage every year since.
For complete event details and updates, visit masoncountyforestfestival.com. For more on Mason County’s history, see our coverage of Shelton’s Deep Roots and the Mason County Historical Society.
Related: Mason County April 28 Special Election: Ballot and Return Information
Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County Forest Festival 2026
When is the Mason County Forest Festival 2026?
June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The festival runs Friday June 5 at 4 PM through Sunday June 7 at 5 PM. The Goldsborough Creek Run precedes the festival on Saturday, May 30.
Where is the Mason County Forest Festival held?
In downtown Shelton, WA. The Paul Bunyan Grand Parade follows Railroad Avenue. The logging show and vendors are at Loop Field. The carnival is at Grove and First. Fireworks launch from Oakland Bay Junior High and are best viewed from Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard.
Is the Mason County Forest Festival free?
Most events — the parade, logging show, concert, and fireworks — are free to attend. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Goldsborough Creek Run (May 30) has a registration fee.
What is the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier?
A competitive logging skills competition at Loop Field featuring axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw events. The 2026 Forest Festival event is a Western regional qualifier for the national STIHL TIMBERSPORTS series.
Where are the best spots to watch the fireworks?
The Manke Fireworks Show launches from Oakland Bay Junior High. Parking lots along Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard offer the best viewing angles and space. Arrive early — the fireworks draw the largest crowd of the festival weekend.
How long has the Mason County Forest Festival been running?
The 2026 event is the 81st annual Forest Festival, which began in 1945 to celebrate Mason County’s timber heritage.
What charity does the Goldsborough Creek Run benefit?
The run benefits the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship. Multiple distance options are available including a Junior Jog for younger participants.
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