Mason County Forest Festival 2026: The 82nd annual celebration ran May 28–31 in Shelton, WA, themed “Legends of the Timber.” Highlights included the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade (Saturday, May 30), the logging show at Loop Field, the Rockin’ the Forest concert, the Fireworks Spectacular, the Sunday Car Show-Off, and the Goldsborough Creek Run on the morning of May 30.
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
Every year, 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 — held its 82nd edition from May 28–31, 2026, themed “Legends of the Timber.”
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 stepped off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, following its downtown route from 7th and Railroad to 7th and Franklin. 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.
The Logging Show at Loop Field
The logging show at Loop Field is more than nostalgia — it is a competitive demonstration of the traditional timber skills the festival was founded to celebrate. Competitors square off in events such as log rolling, axe throwing, and chainsaw work. Most Loop Field events are free to attend.
Rockin’ the Forest and the Fireworks Spectacular
The Rockin’ the Forest concert delivers live music in the hours before the festival’s signature evening event: the Fireworks Spectacular. Plan to arrive early — the fireworks draw the largest crowd of the festival weekend. See the festival site for the current year’s schedule and viewing details.
Sunday: Shelton Car Show-Off
The festival closes Sunday with the Shelton Car Show-Off, a downtown showcase of classic and custom cars.
Carnival
The carnival runs throughout the festival weekend in Shelton with rides, games, and food vendors. Rides require ticket purchase.
Parade-Day Morning: Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30
The Forest Festival’s traditional opener is the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk, held on parade-day morning, Saturday, May 30 — check-in at 6 a.m. at 2nd and Railroad, with the Junior Jog at 9:15 a.m. at 7th and Railroad, per the organizer’s RunSignup listing. Proceeds benefit the Mason General Hospital Centennial Guild and the Kristi Armstrong Memorial Scholarship.
82 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: North Mason School District Levy on April 28 Ballot
Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County Forest Festival 2026
When is the Mason County Forest Festival 2026?
The 82nd annual festival ran May 28–31, 2026 in Shelton, WA, themed “Legends of the Timber.” The Paul Bunyan Grand Parade stepped off Saturday, May 30 at 11 a.m. The Goldsborough Creek Run was held that morning.
Where is the Mason County Forest Festival held?
In downtown Shelton, WA. The Paul Bunyan Grand Parade followed its route from 7th and Railroad to 7th and Franklin. The logging show and vendors were at Loop Field, and the weekend included the carnival, the Fireworks Spectacular, and the Sunday Car Show-Off.
Is the Mason County Forest Festival free?
Most events — the parade, logging show, concert, and fireworks — were free to attend. Carnival rides required ticket purchase. The Goldsborough Creek Run (May 30) had a registration fee.
What is the logging show at the Forest Festival?
A competitive demonstration of traditional timber skills at Loop Field — events such as log rolling, axe throwing, and chainsaw work — honoring the industry the festival was founded in 1945 to celebrate.
What is the Fireworks Spectacular?
The Fireworks Spectacular is the festival’s signature evening fireworks display, closing the main festival day. Arrive early — the fireworks draw the largest crowd of the festival weekend — and see masoncountyforestfestival.com for the current year’s viewing details.
How long has the Mason County Forest Festival been running?
The 2026 event was the 82nd 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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