Britt Festivals

Every summer the hillside above Jacksonville turns into one of the most beloved outdoor concert venues in the Pacific Northwest. The Britt Festivals take place at the Britt Pavilion, an amphitheater set in the former gardens of the photographer Peter Britt, who planted the grounds in the nineteenth century. Concertgoers sit on benches or spread blankets on the lawn under tall trees, with the stage and the sky in front of them. The lineup typically ranges across genres, from folk, rock and country to jazz, classical orchestra and dance, so there is often something for every taste. The festival is a tradition for many families in the region and a highlight for visitors planning a trip around summer. The experience goes beyond the music: people arrive early to picnic on the lawn, share food and wine, and soak up the atmosphere of the gardens. The classical season features orchestral performances and the pop and rock season brings touring artists, so the atmosphere varies from night to night. It pairs naturally with a day in Jacksonville and an evening show.

Plan well ahead for popular acts. Tickets for the big names sell out, and reserved seating sells before general lawn tickets in many cases. Check the festival calendar to see what is on while you are in the region, and book accommodation in Ashland early if your dates fall in high season. Some concerts offer discounted tickets for youth or flexible options, so check the box office before you buy. Weather in summer is usually warm and dry, but evenings cool quickly, so bring a jacket.

Prepare for the venue. Bring a blanket or low-backed chair for the lawn if the rules allow, along with a cushion for the benches. Many people bring picnic dinners, and the grounds and nearby restaurants make it easy to eat before or after. Alcohol rules and what you may bring change, so read the venue policies in advance. Arrive early to find a good spot and avoid traffic and parking congestion, as Jacksonville is small and the roads fill on concert nights. A shuttle or ride is often a good idea.

Combine the concert with the best of Jacksonville. Spend the afternoon in the historic town, walk the gardens before the doors open, and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants. Children are welcome at many shows, though the lineup varies, so consider the music and the start time. After the concert, drive carefully back to Ashland on winding roads, and give yourself extra time for the traffic leaving the venue. Even visitors who are not usually concertgoers often rate a Britt evening as the highlight of their trip.

Finally, keep a flexible attitude toward the weather. Rain at a summer concert is rare, but hot afternoons and smoky air happen, so check the forecast and the venue updates on the day.

For visitors who prefer a quieter outing, the gardens themselves are lovely in the daytime when no concert is on, with shaded paths and views over the town. It is worth a short stop even without tickets, and it gives context for the grandeur of the evening shows.

If you are building a trip around a particular artist, buy tickets first and book lodging second, since popular weekends fill both quickly and Ashland rooms are scarce in high season.