Oregon Shakespeare Festival
(http://www.orshakes.org/), 15 s. pioneer street, +1 541-482-4331, [email protected]. february through november with no plays on mondays. one of the largest venues for production of shakespeare's plays in north america, osf provides a continuous run of theatrical works from early spring until late fall. in a single weekend, adventurous theater lovers can easily fit in 3 or 4 plays. the rotating repertory season of 11 plays typically includes three shakespeare pieces, with the remainder made up of modern classics, contemporary pieces, and often one or two world or west coast premieres. the staging and acting is of consistently high quality, but the festival is very popular and buying tickets in advance is almost mandatory. last-minute travelers can pick up spare tickets at the on-site box office or by holding up a sign on the festival plaza aka "the bricks". if you come during the spring or fall and/or see shows on tuesday, wednesday or sunday night you can sometimes get rush tickets from the box office for 50% off or as little as $6. call the box office the day of and ask if they think any shows will rush. also $30-50 discount during spring and fall, 25-50% discount for youth and seniors.
Movie theaters
Ashland Street Cinema
first-run movies--located in the ashland shopping center at southwest end of town
Varsity Theater
some smaller run and independent films--located downtown near ashland springs hotel
Regional activities
Emigrant Lake
Is a jackson county park offering boating, lake swimming, fishing, and two large water slides. (http://www.jacksoncountyp...)
Rafting on the Rogue and Upper Klamath Rivers
Check out indigo creek outfitters (http://www.indigocreekout...), kokopelli river guides (http://www.kokopelliriver...), momentum river expeditions (http://www.momentumrivere...), noahs rafting (http://noahsrafting.com) for 1/2, one day, and multi-day trips.
Crater Lake
(http://www.nps.gov/crla/) is the deepest lake in the us and known for its intensely blue waters. 80 miles north of ashland.
Lithia Artisans' Market
Downtown seasonal, weather permitting.
First Friday Artwalk
(http://www.atasteofashlan...) is a free event held the first friday evening of every month in which the galleries and wineries join force. patrons stroll ashland's many galleries to meet the artists, see demonstrations and enjoy free refreshments and entertainment.
Britt Festival
Britt Festival (http://www.brittfest.org/) in nearby historic Jacksonville is an open-air concert space with varied events all summer.
Fishing
In the rogue river.
Hiking
On mt. ashland pacific crest trail proximity.
Live theaters
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
elizabethan, angus l. bowmer and new theaters
Lithia Park
Âs band shell offers ashland city band (http://www.ashlandband.org/) concerts on thursday nights and ballet rogue performs on monday nights during the summer.
Oregon Cabaret
Oregon Cabaret, (http://www.oregoncabaret.com/) is the other most compelling theatre in town. Enjoy dinner, drinks and hilarious musical comedy all in the same place. Even if you don't come early for dinner, order a slice of Dick Hay Pie for intermission.
Holidays
Festival of Lights
Parade at the end of november; when all the christmas lights in the town are turned on.
Halloween
Impressive Halloween crowd downtown.
Fourth of July
The Fourth of July Parade is a big event for the town; it draws visitors from around the region.