A pair of children enjoy the crisp evening air as they drop down a slide from an inflatable bounce house Third Thursday held in downtown Klamath Falls on June 16, 2022. (Image: Brian Gailey, Klamath Falls News)

Little Paxton was watching all of the excitement at the bouncy houses at the June 2022 Third Thursday in Klamath Falls. (Image: Anonda Parsons, Klamath Falls News)

Article by Brian Gailey and Anonda Parsons.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Last night, the sound of live music and the scent of street food filled the air for the first fully open Third Thursday event since the summer of 2019. The event drew thousands back together for the event in downtown Klamath Falls for the first time in months.

“Despite the cool air and typical June breeze, we were thrilled to see so many people downtown tonight enjoying Third Thursday. This event is unique as street fairs go in that we include three downtown parks in addition to our vendor row,” said Darin Rutledge, executive director of the Klamath Falls Downtown Association.

Main Street and many of the numbered side streets between 5th Street and northward to Klamath Commons Park were closed to vehicular traffic and open for foot traffic only for the duration.

Those in attendance were welcomed with live music from three local bands and an acoustic guitarist. Numerous delectable food choices ranged from hot dog carts to food trucks - there was even a lemonade stand, and coffee wagon, too. Local vendors peddled their unique wares, handmade trinkets, and personalized art.

A live music performer entertains in the Klamath Commons Park for Third Thursday, June 2022. (Image: Brian Gailey, Klamath Falls News)

“The parks were buzzing with live local music, delicious local food, and plenty of local crafters, businesses, and nonprofits. Third Thursday is a terrific opportunity to showcase the amazing public spaces we have,” added Rutledge.

The event was geared to all ages, with many children’s activities set up including three bounce houses, corn hole, fun fitness challenges, and arts & crafts.

Rutledge exclaimed, “We had over 90 vendors at this event - that’s unprecedented for June. The addition of Klamath Commons has helped to provide more space for vendors, another live music stage, and a bounce house. It is also a comfortable place to rest after walking up and down Main all evening. As an added bonus, we expect that the splash pad will get lots of use as the temperatures warm up.”

Taylynn & Zaylee are looking for that perfect tumbler at the June Third Thursday event in Klamath Falls. (Image: Anonda Parsons, Klamath Falls News)

Due to the pandemic, the KFDA did not hold any Third Thursday events in 2020 and offered abbreviated events with, managed attendance and limited vendors in the summer of 2021.

Rutledge estimated that between 3000-3500 people attended the event downtown Thursday and would place it up with some of their largest events. But the crowd did thin out early due to the late spring chill in the air.

If you were unable to attend the Third Thursday festivities on June 16, you are in luck. Two additional events are planned for July 21, and August 18.

Event Photography

Klamath Falls News had two photographers at the June Third Thursday event. Below are a few of the photos captured by our photographers.