Newport Bloom celebrating music, food and community returns to performing arts center on Saturday, May 16

By OREGON COAST TODAY

Music, food and art will take over Nye Beach this Saturday, May 16, with the return of Bloom Newport at the Newport Performing Arts Center, marking its fifth annual celebration of creativity and connection on the Oregon Coast.

The free all-ages festival has grown into one of Newport’s signature spring gatherings, drawing together musicians, artists, food vendors, nonprofits and families for an afternoon that’s part block party, arts festival and community reunion.

The festival began as a smaller event than it is today and gradually expanded over the years. This year’s edition will be the largest and most ambitious yet, featuring three stages, more than 35 artisan vendors, food and a host of activities.

It will feature three simultaneous stages, more than 35 artisan vendors, a sprawling food lineup and activities spread throughout the campus and nearby esplanade.

At the heart of the festival is live music, and this year’s lineup includes a range of genres, from folk and indie rock to funk, dance music and traditional Mexican folk performance.

The main stage will open with DJ Crew from Corvallis at 3 p.m., followed by local favorites Massive Delicious and their soulful hometown sound at 3:30 p.m. One of the festival’s most anticipated returning acts, Ballet Folklorico Oregon Coast, will perform at 4:45 p.m. with a colorful show that celebrates traditional Mexican dance and culture. Portland-based Sweet N’ Juicy will close the main stage at 5:30 p.m. with a groove-heavy set organizers expect will keep audiences dancing into the evening.

The esplanade stage will showcase a mix of local and regional acts including Newport’s It Found Things at 4 p.m. and Revel’n at 5 p.m., with Bend musician Jeshua Marshall closing out the outdoor performances at 6 p.m. The nearby lawn area will host games and activities for kids and families courtesy of Newport Parks & Recreation, Newport Public Library and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

A varied lineup featuring two choral groups and a solo performance from Chet Udell will perform at the Alice Silverman Theatre.

But Bloom Newport is about more than music.

During the past five years, the festival has developed into a showcase for local makers, artists and community organizations, giving visitors the chance to browse handmade goods, connect with nonprofits and sample food and drinks from around the region.

This year’s artisan market will feature more than 35 vendors offering everything from pottery and jewelry to body care products, artwork, woodworking and clothing. Seventeen local nonprofit organizations will also participate, sharing information about the work they do throughout the Newport area.

Food has also become one of the event’s biggest attractions, and this year’s lineup reflects both local favorites and newer additions.

Guests can expect seafood from Local Ocean alongside gourmet albacore tuna sandwiches from Erin Nicole Albacore Tuna. Other vendors will serve yakisoba noodles, burgers, doughnuts, kombucha, artisan teas, baked goods and a wide range of Mexican snacks and desserts. Vendors including Dark Moon Doughnuts, Siren’s Lure Tea House and Bakery, Tastee Tiki and Piquín y Chamoy will join the festivities, creating one of the festival’s most diverse food selections to date.

This year’s event will again feature the popular beer garden, featuring Northwest craft beverages from breweries, cider makers and wineries including Pelican Brewing, 2 Towns Cider, Beachcrest Brewing, Claim 52, Rusty Truck, Depoe Bay Winery and Bier One Brewing. The beer garden is open for those 21 and older.

The festival creates a shared experience for visitors and locals, with families spreading blankets on the lawn, kids enjoying games and activities and music in the air. The event allows longtime local residents to connect while browsing vendor booths or standing in line for food.

Saturday’s festival runs from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W. Olive Street. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information, go to bloomnewport.org.

For more arts and entertainment news, go to Oregon Coast TODAY.