For Mason County Families: The 81st Mason County Forest Festival (June 5–7 in Shelton) has family-specific programming throughout the weekend — Family and Pet Parade, Junior Jog at the May 30 Goldsborough Creek Run, carnival at Grove and First, STIHL TIMBERSPORTS logging show, and the Manke Fireworks Show from Oakland Bay Junior High.
Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Family Planning Guide
The Mason County Forest Festival is one of the most family-friendly weekends of the year in Shelton. The 81st annual celebration runs June 5–7, 2026 and includes dedicated programming for kids throughout. Here’s how to plan your days.
Start Early: Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30
The Forest Festival’s unofficial kickoff is the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30. Kids can participate in the Junior Jog and quarter-mile option starting at 7th Street and Railroad Avenue in Shelton. The full run starts at Shelton Valley Christian School on Shelton Valley Road and finishes downtown. Proceeds go to the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship — a good conversation starter for older kids about what community fundraising looks like.
Parade Day: The Family and Pet Parade Comes First
On main parade day, the Family and Pet Parade runs before the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade — giving younger kids a chance to march or cheer in their own parade before the full event begins. The Grand Parade follows along Railroad Avenue with floats, bands, equestrian groups, and community organizations. Arrive early for good sidewalk spots on Railroad Avenue.
Loop Field: The Logging Show
The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Western Qualifier at Loop Field is genuinely engaging for older kids. Athletes compete in axe throwing, log rolling, and chainsaw events at a national qualifier level. Chainsaw carving demonstrations show artists creating sculptures from raw logs during the festival. Most Loop Field events are free to attend and provide a great education in Mason County’s working forest heritage.
Carnival
The carnival at Grove and First runs throughout the festival weekend with rides, games, and food. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. This is typically where families with younger children (under 8) spend the most time outside of parade day.
Fireworks Evening: Planning for Kids
The Manke Fireworks Show launches from Oakland Bay Junior High after the Rockin’ the Forest concert. Best viewing is from Wallace-Kneeland Boulevard parking lots. Arrive early — this is the most-attended event of the weekend. For families with very young children, the fireworks can be loud; consider bringing ear protection or sitting farther back along Wallace-Kneeland.
Sunday: Car Show-Off for Older Kids
The Shelton Car Show-Off on Sunday (10 AM–3 PM on F Street) is a lower-key way to close out the weekend — good for families with older kids who enjoy classic and custom vehicles. Judging at 11 AM, awards at 2 PM. Proceeds benefit the Shelton High School NJROTC program.
Full schedule and event details at masoncountyforestfestival.com. For the complete festival overview, see Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide. For other family-friendly Mason County events, see Harstine Island Theatre Club’s 1776 auditions.
Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions: Forest Festival 2026 for Families
Is the Mason County Forest Festival good for young children?
Yes. The festival includes a Family and Pet Parade, Junior Jog at the May 30 Creek Run, carnival rides and games, the logging show at Loop Field, and the Manke Fireworks Show. Most daytime events are relaxed and appropriate for all ages.
Which Forest Festival events are free for families?
The parade (including Family and Pet Parade), logging show, chainsaw carving, concert, and fireworks are all free. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Goldsborough Creek Run has a registration fee.
What should families bring to the Forest Festival?
Comfortable walking shoes, layers (June evenings in Shelton can be cool), cash or cards for carnival and food vendors, and sunscreen for daytime events. If attending the fireworks with young children, bring ear protection — the show launches from Oakland Bay Junior High and is loud nearby.
Is there a kids parade at the Forest Festival?
Yes — the Family and Pet Parade runs before the main Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, giving younger kids a chance to participate before the full community parade begins on Railroad Avenue.
When does the festival officially start on Friday, June 5?
The festival opens Friday, June 5 at 4 PM and runs through Sunday, June 7 at 5 PM. The Goldsborough Creek Run precedes the festival weekend on Saturday, May 30.
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