The Taste of Umatilla County

A Taste of Umatilla County Brings Local Flavors, First Foods and Culinary Traditions to Pendleton

This October, the farms, ranches, chefs, libation makers and Indigenous food traditions of Umatilla County will come together in Pendleton for A Taste of Umatilla County, a celebration of the people, products and cultures that make Eastern Oregon unique.

The event takes place Friday, October 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Electric Sundown in Pendleton, as part of Interwoven, a three-day celebration of Indigenous and Western art, culture, food, fashion, craftsmanship and creativity taking place October 15–17 throughout Pendleton.

Following the success of last year’s Bounty of Umatilla County: Farm to Square in Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square, Umatilla County is bringing the concept home—and expanding the story.

A Taste of Umatilla County will showcase the region “from First Foods to field, from glass to table.” Local chefs will pair seasonal produce and locally raised meats with wines, beers and other Eastern Oregon libations, creating a culinary experience that highlights the diversity of Umatilla County agriculture and the talent of its food and beverage producers.

The event will also recognize the deep Indigenous food traditions of the region through a connection with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla peoples. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about First Foods—water, salmon, big game, roots and berries—and their enduring importance to culture, community and the relationship with the land, while experiencing authentic Indigenous cuisine and food traditions.

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to tell the story of a place,” said Karie Walchli, Umatilla County Tourism Coordinator and a member of the Interwoven planning committee. “A Taste of Umatilla County brings together the agricultural bounty, culinary talent, Indigenous traditions and local producers that make our region special. We’re excited to bring this experience home and share the story with visitors and our community.”

Shoshoni Wildbill, owner of Wildbill Market, is also part of the Interwoven planning committee said, "Pendleton and Umatilla County have a long history of blending two cultures. Taste of Umatilla County and Interwoven as a whole provides another opportunity to weave these foods and cultures together. The planning process has been very intentional in what foods, pairings and chefs we want to showcase at each event. Food brings people together, and I am so excited to see the connections that are made with each dish."

A Taste of Umatilla County is designed to be more than a single culinary experience. Visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it by exploring Interwoven, visiting local artists and makers, experiencing cultural programming and runway events, and enjoying Pendleton’s restaurants, shops and attractions.

For travelers, the weekend offers an opportunity to experience the many threads of Eastern Oregon—food, agriculture, Indigenous culture, art, craftsmanship and hospitality—all in one destination.

Partial funding for this event was obtained through a food systems and culinary sponsorship grant from Travel Oregon.  “The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, is a semi-independent state agency whose mission is to inspire travel that uplifts Oregon communities. Collaborating with partners to align as stewards of Oregon, Travel Oregon works to optimize economic opportunity, advance equity and respect the ecosystems, cultures and places that make Oregon…Oregon. Travel Oregon aims to improve Oregonians’ quality of life by strengthening the economic impacts of the state’s $14.3 billion tourism industry, which employs 121,500 Oregonians.”

The Taste of Umatilla County is presented as part of Interwoven on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Electric Sundown, Pendleton, Oregon. This event is open to the public.

Come for the taste. Stay for the story. Experience Interwoven.