Teeming with arts and culture, Medford will launch you into a world of Shakespearean performances, live music, classical favorites and much more. From the historically beautiful Craterian and legendary Holly Theaters, to the natural Britt amphitheater, discover all your hearts desire right in the Heart of the Rogue.
Located in the heart of downtown Medford, the Craterian Theater was designed in a Spanish Colonial style by architect Frank C. Clark. Early in its history, a naming contest was held and from an overwhelming 1,500 entries. To honor Oregon's only national park, Crater Lake, the name “Craterian” was ultimately selected.
One of the theater’s most famous entertainers, Ginger Rogers, performed on the Craterian stage as a vaudevillian. The classic, state-of-the-art performing arts center has been a cornerstone of downtown Medford for many years and counting, and awaits to welcome you at its next event.
Opened in 1930 to an enthusiastic crowd, the Holly Theater made headlines as the most luxurious theater in the area. Designed by Frank C. Clark, the Holly was thoughtfully crafted in a Venetian theme, with dark wood trim and bright colors. The artfully decorated theater also had the largest illuminated sign in Oregon outside of Portland. The towering sign was the largest electrification project in Southern Oregon or Northern California, with hundreds of electric lights and 500 feet of neon.
Due to changes in the movie industry, the theater overcamemany challenges throughout the decades. From new ceilings and seating to the welcoming lobby, the theater holds many new and traditional features as a test of time.
Conductor John Trudeau and his friend Sam McKinney visited Southern Oregon with dreams of starting a music festival in their bags. With great passion and excitement they deemed the former hillside estate of Jacksonville pioneer Peter Britt as the perfect spot to bring their wishes to life. With gorgeous valley views and incredible natural acoustics, the Britt Festival was born.
In 1963, volunteers created a makeshift stage out of plywood and strung tin-can lights. From it's small chamber orchestra beginnings, the festival is now the Pacific Northwest's premiere outdoor summer performing arts festival.
In addition to its amazing concerts, many of the original trees planted by Peter Britt are still producing fruit, and you can visit the Sequoia sapling planted in 1862, now standing more than 200 feet tall.
Following the construction of Interstate 5in 1960, the valley boomed with businesses and excited traffic. From its large, open grounds to its amphitheater by the lake, the Jackson County Expohas been a host to fantastic events since 1974.
The Expo is home to a variety of events. Every year, locals and tourists enjoy the multi-day Jackson County Fair, a pro rodeo, the Bacon and Barrels Festival, a gem and mineral show, Southern Oregon BrewFest, a holiday market and a handful of incredible concerts.
Right next to Hawthorne park, the Collaborative Theatre Project (CTP) is home to many local productions and projects you are sure to enjoy. Nestled in The Village at Medford Center, CTP is a non-profit theatre company that opened its doors in 2015. Performers from all over the valley enchant audiences with their high quality theatrical performances and plays. The theatre also works to support and enhance the lives of local artists and the community through the arts.
The Collaborative Project has a fantastic lineup of productions, all of which you can discover on our event calendar!
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) has an impressive and storied history, as if it were written by the Bard himself. Founded in 1935 by Angus L. Bowmer, the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival is among the oldest and largest professional non-profit theatres in the country.
OSF traces its roots back to the Chautauqua movement, which brought entertainment to rural areas of the country in the late 1800s. With the dawn of a new decade, OSF has amazing showcases to present to you, including the classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Peter and the Starcatcher”, “The Tempest" and so much more.
Originally Ashland’s First Baptist Church, the Oregon Cabaret Theater (OCT) has a fantastic layout and renovated structure. The theater is home to many magnificent items, including a crystal chandelier, and unique novelties that were salvaged from a 1927 movie palace in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
Starting out with 30 performances in 1986, OCT has thundered with success, and now presents more 270 performances in their year-round season. Enjoy the fantastic lights and intimate seating as the theater captivates you with its charms.
Since its inception in 1982 as the Actors’ Theatre, Camelot Theatre been a beacon of artistic excellence, creativity, and community engagement. With a rich history we have proudly presented more than 6,000 performances, captivating audiences and showcasing the best of Broadway alongside local talent.
As a semi-professional community theatre in the Rogue Valley, we believe in bringing the magic of Broadway to our local community. Our repertoire includes a dynamic mix of musicals, dramas, comedies, and original Spotlight musical tributes, offering a unique and immersive theatrical experience that resonates with audiences of all ages
From live musical performances and plays to exciting festivals and fairs, the Heart of the Rogue is your one-stop-shop for fabulous art productions. Plan your adventure and discover all the bountiful valley has to offer on our event calendar!
