North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival returns for 26th year of 'stinky fun'

The North Plains Elephant Garlic Festival is back for its 26th year of “stinky fun,” spicing up the city’s downtown with music, activities and a whole lot of garlic.

From Friday, Aug. 9, to Sunday, Aug. 11, more than 25,000 attendees from across the country — and beyond — will visit the small Washington County town to satisfy their pungent cravings, according to event coordinator Patti Burns.

Originating as the community event North Plains Days in 1994, the annual festival rebranded after local farmer Bob Gnos suggested highlighting his signature crop: elephant garlic.

Interesting enough, elephant garlic isn’t really garlic; it’s part of the onion family and more like a leek. While true garlic is known for its potent flavor, elephant garlic is a little lighter on the taste buds.

Elephant garlic plays a major role in the festival, but most food stands will feature regular garlic. This year, 16 vendors will serve traditional dishes like garlic mashed potatoes and pasta, while others use the plant in more unconventional ways, infusing it into lemonade and ice cream.

This year’s theme is “Stinkee’s Summer Dance Party,” a reference to the beloved festival mascot, who appears with an elephant head and bulbous body with garlic shoots for hair.

“Each year, early in the spring, we decide on what our theme is, and sometimes it has to do with what’s going on in the world. Sometimes, like this year, it’s just to put a fun overall theme to the event,” Burns said. “We just want it to be a good time for everybody to come and enjoy themselves.”

Attendees will be dancing throughout the three-day festival with a packed music lineup, featuring everything from rock to country. New performers this year include vocal group Girl Crush and Blue Collide — a collision of blues, funk and soul.

Garlic might play a large role in the festival, but attendees can find much more than just the pungent root. According to Burns, more than 80 local vendors will be present, selling an assortment of goods from soaps to jewelry. The celebration also includes a car show, parade and book sale.

OMSI will return Saturday, Aug. 10, to Jessie Mays Community Center, with science challenges and lessons for the kids.

“It’s a little bit of a difficult time for companies who we’ve had in the past with our kids area. A lot of them closed during COVID, and getting kids’ items back to the garlic festival has been a little tough, but OMSI seems to be one that they absolutely love,” Burns said.

Also for the kids, families can also check out Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Station 17 for an open house Saturday, where young ones can take a tour, check out equipment and learn hands-only CPR.

Festival hours differ by day, with Friday festivities beginning at noon and going until 11 p.m. On Saturday, the festival starts at 10 a.m. and wraps up at 11 p.m., whereas Sunday will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is free, and both free and paid parking options are available around festival grounds.

The festival takes place at Jessie Mays Community Park, located 30975 N.W. Hillcrest St.

To find the festival’s full schedule and other information, visit funstinks.com .