Camellia Festival

We can't wait to see you at the 18th Annual Camellia Festival!

WHY THE CAMELLIA? One of the oldest flowers on earth, the Camellia, native to East and South Asia, is revered for its resilience and symbolism, including eternal love.

It has historical significance to

• Japan - Tsubaki, Samurai, and Shinto traditions
• China - This winter bloom is a sign of good luck during new year celebrations
• Korea - A wedding staple since 1200 BC
• England -Victorians favored it in Floriography, or the Language of Flowers.
• United States - Newberg is the City of the Camellia, with our own named variety; state flower of Alabama
• New Zealand - White Camellias symbolized the women's suffrage movement 

It has biological uniqueness—specifically, the way the entire flower head falls intact rather than petal by petal. Its leaves are used to produce all true teas (black, green, white, oolong). Camellia (Tsubaki) oil has been a staple in Japanese beauty rituals for centuries.

The day begins at 9:00 am with the Camellia Run/Walk 5K & 10K, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages to celebrate spring and community. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, art lover, runner or simply looking for a fun spring outing with family and friends, the Newberg Camellia Festival offers something for everyone!

Vendor Registration
Vendor registrations are filling up. Open until filled. Questions? Contact Erin Harrington at 503-550-5927

• Click here to register as a vendor for the 2026 Camellia Festival.
• Vendor spaces are filling quickly and registration will remain open until all spaces are filled.

2026 Camellia Festival Schedule of Events

9:00 AM:  Camellia Run/Walk (5K & 10K)

• The annual Camellia Run/Walk kicks off the festival day. Participants of all ages enjoy a scenic run through Newberg while celebrating the arrival of spring.  The race begins on the forecourt in front of the Chehalem Cultural Center.

9:00 AM:  Festival Food Court Opens

• Local food vendors will be serving a variety of delicious options outside on the forecourt.

10:00 AM:  Camellia Garden Center & Plant Sale

• CPRD and Oregon Camellia Society will offer for sale some unique propogated Camellia varieties, plus other perennial and annual flowering and green plants. Check out wholesale pricing on trees and shrubs. Guests can purchase beautiful Camellia plants and gardening items. Outdoor patio, behind patio

10:00 AM:  The 85th Annual Oregon Camellia Society Show 

• View stunning Camellia blossoms from growers throughout the region. The Oregon Camellia Society, in cooperation with the American Camellia Society, will hold its annual bloom show upstairs to highlight different Camellia varieties and showcase the artistry of Camellia cultivation. Located in the Loft Gallery

10:00 AM :  Vendor Marketplace

• Browse unique products from local artists, makers, and small businesses offering handmade goods, crafts, and specialty items. Located in the Ballroom

 10:00 AM:  Interactive Art Experience

• Visitors can participate in a hands-on art activity celebrating spring and Camellias. Onstage in the Ballroom

11:00 AM:  Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

• Experience the beauty and mindfulness of a traditional tea ceremony, highlighting Japanese cultural traditions connected to Camellia flowers. This traditional art and practice of Chado will be performed by Issoan Tea from Portland. Lobby

12:00 PM:  Oregon Koto-Kai Musical Performance

• Enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese music played on the classical string instrument the koto, by Mitsuki Dazai of Oregon Koto-Kai, out of Portland. LaJoie Theater

1:00 PM:  Ikebana Demonstration

• Watch a demonstration of Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Learn about the philosophy, techniques and cultural history behind this elegant art form from Ikebana International, Portland Chapter 47 and the Ohara School of Ikebana Oregon Chapter. Lobby

2:00 PM:  Lion & Dragon Dance Performance

• Experience the vibrant Lion and Dragon Dance, a traditional performance celebrating good fortune and community, performed by Portland Lee's Association Dragon and Lion Dance Team, out of Portland.