For Mason County Families: The 82nd Mason County Forest Festival (May 28–31 in Shelton) had family-specific programming throughout the weekend — Family and Pet Parade, Junior Jog at the May 30 Goldsborough Creek Run, carnival, the logging show at Loop Field, and the Fireworks Spectacular.
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 2026: Family Planning Guide
The Mason County Forest Festival is one of the most family-friendly weekends of the year in Shelton. The 82nd annual celebration ran May 28–31, 2026 and included dedicated programming for kids throughout. Here’s how the days lined up.
Parade-Day Morning: Goldsborough Creek Run — May 30
Parade day started early with the Goldsborough Creek Run and Walk on Saturday, May 30. Kids could participate in the Junior Jog and quarter-mile option starting at 7th Street and Railroad Avenue in Shelton (9:15 a.m.). Check-in opened at 6 a.m. at 2nd and Railroad; the 7-mile and 2-mile courses start out in Shelton Valley and finish downtown on the parade route, in front of the Post Office. The run is organized by the Centennial Guild of Mason General Hospital Foundation — proceeds support hospital equipment needs 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 parade day, the Family and Pet Parade ran before the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade — giving younger kids a chance to march or cheer in their own parade before the full event began. The Grand Parade followed at 11 a.m. along Railroad Avenue with floats, bands, equestrian groups, and community organizations. Arriving early was the key to good sidewalk spots on Railroad Avenue.
Loop Field: The Logging Show
The logging show at Loop Field is genuinely engaging for older kids — competitors in events like axe throwing, log rolling, and sawing, in the festival’s traditional timber sports show. Most Loop Field events are free to attend and provide a great education in Mason County’s working forest heritage.
Carnival
The carnival ran 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 Fireworks Spectacular is the festival’s big evening show, following the Rockin’ the Forest concert. Arrive early — it is the most-attended event of the weekend. For families with very young children, the fireworks can be loud; consider bringing ear protection or watching from farther back.
Sunday: Car Show-Off for Older Kids
The Shelton Car Show-Off on Sunday is a lower-key way to close out the weekend — good for families with older kids who enjoy classic and custom vehicles.
Full schedule and event details at masoncountyforestfestival.com. For the complete festival overview, see Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Event Guide.
Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026: Complete Event 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 Fireworks Spectacular. 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 (late-May 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 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 was the 2026 Forest Festival held?
The 2026 festival ran Thursday, May 28 through Sunday, May 31 in Shelton. The Goldsborough Creek Run and the Paul Bunyan Grand Parade were both on Saturday, May 30 — the run in the morning, the parade at 11 a.m.
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