Pickathon 25 Changes EVERYTHING! 
If you think all music festivals are cut from the same cloth – vast, open fields, temporary pop-up stages, and an ocean of people – we invite you to discover something different. For nearly 25 years, Pickathon has been rewriting the festival script, creating an immersive experience where music, art, and community flourish in a way you simply won’t find anywhere else. We like to think of it as a vibrant, nature-based cultural metropolis, where each corner you turn reveals a new, handcrafted world.
This isn’t just about seeing bands; it’s about stepping into an adventure. And as we approach our milestone 25th year, that spirit of innovation and collaborative design is reaching extraordinary new heights.
The Pickathon Difference: Where Dreams Take Root
What truly sets Pickathon apart? It’s our deep-seated belief in collaborative placemaking. We don’t just rent stages; we partner with Oregon’s most visionary architects, builders, designers, and artists to dream up and construct unique environments from the ground up. These aren’t just backdrops; they are interactive spaces, architectural statements, and thriving ecosystems designed to enhance your connection to the music, the land, and each other.
For our 25th anniversary, this philosophy is blossoming like never before with the full power of our Creative Neighborhoods initiative. This nonprofit endeavor is all about empowering incredible local talent to bring their dream projects to life at Pendarvis Farm. It means we’re substantially upping the ante on groundbreaking art installations, fostering meaningful mentorship opportunities in skilled trades, and deepening our positive community impact. Imagine the best creative minds in the region given the freedom to build their most ambitious ideas – that’s the adventure awaiting you.
First Glimpse of 2025: Welcome to the Paddock Neighborhood
We’re thrilled to pull back the curtain on the very first of these revitalized neighborhood experiences planned for our 25th year: The Paddock Neighborhood.
If you’re new to Pickathon, our “neighborhoods” are distinct zones within the festival, each with its own character, stages, and attractions. The Paddock is being brought to life by the incredible teams at ZGF Architects and Hoffman Construction (yes, the same talents behind Portland’s new, acclaimed airport design!). This partnership alone signals something special. Their mission here isn’t just to erect a performance area; it’s to craft an innovative, shaded, and sustainable space that feels truly alive and integrated with the stunning natural beauty of Pendarvis Farm.
So, what will the Paddock Neighborhood feel like?
Picture this: you’re wandering into what will be Pickathon’s largest performance space, a sprawling meadow that comes alive as the afternoon sun dips behind the tall fir trees encircling it. As the light shifts, breathtaking views of Mt. Hood and the forested eastern buttes often emerge. The name “Paddock” itself is a charming nod to the adjacent horse paddock, home to the Pendarvis family’s foster horses, grounding this new space in the farm’s heritage. You’ll find it right on the main festival thoroughfare, a central hub connecting to other beloved areas like the Lucky, Windmill, Meadow, and Grove neighborhoods.
At the heart of this scenic expanse will be a series of rhythmic timber cylinders. These aren’t just supports for a stage; they are sculptures, shelters, and invitations to connect. As Juan Carlos from the ZGF team shares about their meticulous planning, “As part of the design process, the ZGF team is doing a sun study and the tree shading impacts on the Paddock stage. Almost ready for Pickathon 2025!” (We’re already imagining how incredible it will be to see renderings or a fly-through of this taking shape!)
Each of these striking columned structures will be crafted from new timber, responsibly sourced from Pacific Northwest’s own Hampton Lumber, a company known for its commitment to sustainable forestry. These timber clusters will be thoughtfully arranged to frame those stunning natural views, provide cool respite from the sun for the large gatherings it will host, and foster unforgettable shared musical experiences. This is timberwork designed with clear intention, built to stand with purpose.
Just the Beginning of the Adventure…
The Paddock Neighborhood is just the first taste of what we’re dreaming up for Pickathon’s 25th year. It embodies our commitment to creating a festival experience that’s a world away from the generic – one that’s deeply rooted in place, community, and groundbreaking design.
This is an invitation to step out of the ordinary and into a handcrafted city of music, art, and wonder. We can’t wait to share more glimpses of the unique realms taking shape for this landmark celebration.
Stay tuned for more previews, and get ready for an adventure unlike any other!
Want to learn more about what makes Pickathon unique?
Listen to the Pickathon 2025 artists:
