At Pickathon, families come first. That’s why we’ve created an entire festival within the festival just for kids and their grownups. Nestled in the woods above Cherry Hill, our Coyote Neighborhood is back for its fourth year—bigger, bolder, and more imaginative than ever. Curated by beloved Portland “kindie” artist Red Yarn alongside a dedicated team of artists and educators, Coyote is where young festival-goers can explore music, art, and nature all weekend long.
Welcome to Coyote Cove
COYOTE COVE is where the river meets the sea. This year, the Coyote Neighborhood transforms into a vibrant estuary inspired by the Oregon Coast. Our fearless leader, Captain Coyote, has navigated their ship into this lush marine sanctuary and needs help from the youngest coyote pups to guide the salmon back upstream.
Children will explore a world of imaginative play through stage sets, art installations, and play structures built by Cedarwood Waldorf School and Pickathon’s resident artists. Our newest partners, Making Earth Cool—an arts collective committed to climate action and creative stewardship—will contribute to a giant salmon run puppet parade on Sunday afternoon that you won’t want to miss.
Family-Focused Music Lineup
The Coyote Stage will host interactive performances for kids and families throughout the day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Some of this year’s highlights include:
- Uncle Jumbo – GRAMMY-winning artist from Houston bringing joyful hip hop and soul
- DJ Willy Wow! – GRAMMY-nominated radio personality hosting a high-energy dance party
- LaRhonda Steele – Portland’s First Lady of Blues leads a soul-lifting Sunday gospel brunch
- Strawbitty Yops – Affirming, collaborative music-making from Austin favorites
- Ants Ants Ants – Indie-pop sounds that channel the golden age of childhood
- Red Yarn Band – Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Deep Woods Revival
- Portland Family Music Showcase – Featuring a wide array of local kindie favorites
- Family Square Dance – With caller Steph Noll and youth string band Triple File
Youth Music Spotlight: Friends of Noise DIY Takeover
In the afternoons, the Coyote Stage will hand the mic to teen performers as part of the Friends of Noise DIY Takeover. This year’s teen lineup includes:
- Birdhouse
- Kiss of a Vampire
- The Defense
- Shannon Wiancko
- Plus the My Voice Music Showcase featuring FRENZI
Behind the scenes, all performances will be supported by youth sound engineers trained by Friends of Noise—giving young people the tools and skills to run their own shows.
More Than Just Music
The family programming doesn’t stop at the stage. Across the Coyote Neighborhood and beyond, families will find creative workshops, hands-on learning, and spaces to rest and recharge.
- Crafty Critters – Daily hands-on crafts for all ages
- Sellwood Community House – Launching a new teen apprenticeship program
- The Traveling Typist – Collaborates with kids to write stories using vintage typewriters
- Cedarwood Waldorf School – Offering drop-off childcare sessions in their little forest school
- Trackers Earth – Returning with wilderness adventures, foam archery, crafts, and role-playing
- Bridgetown Baby Family Feeding Nest – A shady, quiet rest space for nursing parents and young kids
- My Voice Music – Leading workshops, open mics, and a Sunday talent show
- Music Together of Portland – Offering morning music classes for parents and young children
- Rowdy Pony Stage – Hosting additional family acts like Pointed Man Band, Wild Fern!, Teacher Brittany, Herbert Sherbet Show, and Jokey Jokes with David DaCosta, Jenny Wizbang, plus young buskers throughout the weekend
Family Ticket Info
Pickathon remains committed to making the festival accessible to families:
- Kids 12 & under attend FREE with a ticketed adult
- Teens 13–16 are half-price with a weekend pass
Stay tuned for the full family programming schedule at pickathon.com, and follow @pickathon and @pickathoncoyote for updates from the woods.
See you in the Cove, young adventurers.
