Mason County Forest Festival 2026: The 81st annual Mason County Forest Festival takes place June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The multi-day event includes the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade, a logging show and vendor showcase at Loop Field, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and the Goldsborough Creek Run.
Mason County Forest Festival Returns June 5–7 — Mark Your Calendar
One of Mason County’s most beloved annual traditions is coming back this summer. The Mason County Forest Festival — in its 81st year — runs Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 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 include a Logging Show and Vendor Showcase at Loop Field featuring demonstrations of traditional forestry skills including log rolling and axe throwing. The Manke Fireworks Show caps off the main festival day with a spectacular evening display. Live music at the Rockin’ the Forest concert keeps the energy going before the fireworks.
A carnival runs throughout the festival weekend with rides, games, and food vendors. The Shelton Car Show-Off, which benefits the Shelton High School NJROTC program, takes place Sunday.
Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30
The festival weekend officially kicks off early with the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30 — a Forest Festival tradition that starts on Shelton Valley Road and finishes on West Railroad Avenue in downtown Shelton. The run benefits the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship. Multiple distance options are 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?
June 5–7, 2026 in Shelton, WA. The Goldsborough Creek Run precedes the festival on 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 are free to attend. Carnival rides require ticket purchase. The Car Show-Off is free to spectators.
How long has the Mason County Forest Festival been running?
Since 1945 — the 2026 event is the 81st annual Forest Festival.
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