Caldera is celebrating 30 years by opening its 119-acre arts and nature campus on Blue Lake to the public for the fifth annual Hearth Festival on Saturday, October 17. The free, all-ages festival invites Central Oregon families, neighbors, artists, and first-time visitors to experience the place, creativity, and community at the heart of Caldera.

Founded in 1996 by Dan Wieden and his family, Caldera began with a simple idea: give young people access to creativity, caring adults, and the natural world, then give them room to explore what becomes possible. Since its founding, Caldera has engaged more than 15,000 youth through creative programs connecting young people, artists, mentors and the natural environment.

Hearth Festival brings that experience to the wider community. Visitors can see where Caldera’s programs come to life, explore the land, learn more about the organization’s work with young people and artists, and experience the creativity and connection at the heart of Caldera’s work.

The free, all-ages festival will take place from 11am to 4pm at Caldera, 31500 Blue Lake Drive in Sisters, Oregon. No registration is required, and visitors are welcome to drop in anytime during the day. Visitors are invited to experience Caldera’s campus near Blue Lake through guided tours, hiking and opportunities to explore the land and spaces where Caldera’s youth and artist programs come to life.

Hands-on creative experiences, including Canoe Photography and African Drumming, will also be offered throughout the day. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local vendors, and visitors are welcome to bring their own food.

“Young people come to Caldera to make things, spend time on the land, take creative risks, and discover what they’re capable of,” said Kimberly Howard Wade, executive director of Caldera. “Hearth Festival is our chance to open that experience to our neighbors and invite Central Oregon to experience Caldera for themselves.”

Hearth Festival is an invitation for Central Oregon to experience Caldera firsthand and be part of what comes next.

Event Details
What: Fifth Annual Hearth Festival
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 11am to 4pm
Where: Caldera, 31500 Blue Lake Drive, Sisters, OR 97759
Cost: Free
Registration: No registration required. Drop in anytime between 11am and 4pm
Learn More: www.caldera.org/experience-caldera/hearth-festival