Bridge of the Gods Centennial Celebration

Logo for the 100-year celebration of the Bridge of the Gods on September 19, 2026, in Cascade Locks, Oregon.

A Century of Connection: The Bridge of the Gods Centennial

To mark an important milestone of the iconic bridge, The Port of Cascade Locks is hosting, “The Bridge of the Gods Centennial Celebration Festival” in the Cascade Locks Marine Park, Oregon on September 19​​, 2026.

A picturesque landscape featuring a bridge over a tranquil river, surrounded by mountains and vibrant trees under a bright sky.
Photo Credit: Bill Reynolds (https://www.flickr.com/photos/rrbill/)

For 100 years, the steel span has soared above the mighty Columbia in the same place as its legendary namesake. The bridge plays a vital role in the regional economy on both sides of the Columbia River and served travelers from all over the world.  The festival is free to attend and will offer engaging activities such as games, live music, presentations, a marketplace featuring regional artists & businesses, and a raffle to support the Friends of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.

A lively outdoor event with people walking, food vendors, and colorful flags, set against a scenic background.
A girl with face paint looks on, holding a blue bucket near a sign featuring prices for face painting, cotton candy, and drinks.
A tugboat maneuvers a barge beneath a bridge, with parked cars and people enjoying the scenic waterway and forested backdrop.
A lively outdoor scene with a band performing, bubbles in the air, and families enjoying the day among tall trees and picnic areas.
A vibrant display of fireworks over calm water and mountains, under a deep blue sky during twilight.
A lively outdoor event with people walking, food vendors, and colorful flags, set against a scenic background.
A girl with face paint looks on, holding a blue bucket near a sign featuring prices for face painting, cotton candy, and drinks.
A tugboat maneuvers a barge beneath a bridge, with parked cars and people enjoying the scenic waterway and forested backdrop.
A lively outdoor scene with a band performing, bubbles in the air, and families enjoying the day among tall trees and picnic areas.
A vibrant display of fireworks over calm water and mountains, under a deep blue sky during twilight.

Don't miss this festival. It's going to be a great time for a great cause in an incredible setting!

Saturday, September 19th - 12 noon to 8pm

Schedule of Events 

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM — Sternwheeler Cruises

Enjoy complimentary rides aboard the iconic Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler for all festival attendees. Take in breathtaking, panoramic views of the historic Bridge of the Gods right from the water.

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Mid-Columbia Car Club Vintage Car Display

Step back in time along the riverbank and admire a curated collection of classic, restored automobiles brought to you by the Mid-Columbia Car Club. Chat with local enthusiasts, discover the stories behind these timeless vehicles, and get an up-close look at decades of automotive history.

12:00 PM — Festival Opens!

Welcome to the Bridge of the Gods Centennial Celebration!  

12:30 — Centennial Remarks

Stage | Oregon State Representative Jeff Helfrich and Washington State Representative Kevin Waters.

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM — History Presentation: Railroads Along the Columbia River: 215+ Years of Transportation

Stage | Since the 1850s, the railroads along the Columbia River have driven tourism, immigration, and economic growth, moving people and goods swiftly alongside the “Big River.” Author T. Trent Stetz will briefly explore the history of transportation along the 85-mile-long Columbia River Gorge, from its very first rail lines, to major construction projects in the early 1900s, to the operations of today.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM — Presentation: Mt. Hood Community College Celebrates 60 Years

Stage | Join us as we officially kick off Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC)’s 60th anniversary celebration in Cascade Locks!  We’ll take a few minutes to celebrate six decades of learning, opportunity, and community, and share a glimpse of what’s ahead during this milestone year. We’ll invite the community to pick up an MHCC passport, 60th celebration giveaways, and join us in celebrating the people and partnerships that have helped MHCC reach new heights.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM — Live Music:  Julie and the Astronauts

Stage

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM — History Presentation: Riveting History: 100 Years of the Bridge of the Gods

Stage | Join Cascade Locks Historical Museum Executive Director Janice Crane for an overview of the history of the Bridge of the Gods, the making of the exhibit "Riveting History: 100 Years of the Bridge of the Gods," and follow-up answers to some of the history mysteries identified last December. Bridge engineer David McCurry will discuss the historic preservation work completed on the bridge so far, discoveries made in the studies, and what it will take to make it last for 100 more years

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM — Museum Benefit Raffle

Stage | Support the Cascade Locks Museum! Raffle tickets are available at the museum booth for $2 each

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM — Live Music  J. Schlick and the New Brohemians

Stage

8:00 PM — Fireworks Show from Thunder Island!

Park Grounds

8:15 PM — Festival Grounds Close to General Public

Park Grounds Close

The image promotes the 100th anniversary of the Bridge of the Gods, featuring an event on September 19th in Cascade Locks.
Artwork Credit: Paul Lanquist
Join our mailing list