The City of Gladstone invites the community, visitors, alumni, families, and classic car enthusiasts to celebrate the Gladstone Community Festival from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2, 2026.
This festival continues a long tradition of bringing people together for music, performances, education, family activities, and community pride. Once known as the “Mother Chautauqua of the West,” Gladstone drew thousands of visitors to its park grounds for lectures, concerts, gatherings, and cultural enrichment. Today, the Gladstone Community Festival carries that same spirit forward with a full weekend of events for all ages.
The weekend begins Friday, July 31, with the Gladstone Pickleball Tournament and Movie in the Park, hosted by the Gladstone/Oak Lodge Rotary.
Saturday, August 1, will feature a full day of community celebration, including the Gladstone Pickleball Tournament, the Gladstone-Oak Grove Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the Gladstone Community Center from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., the community parade, vendor market, Kids Village, pie contest, beer garden, live entertainment, and the All-Class Reunion.
The festival concludes Sunday, August 2, with the Gladstone Pickleball Tournament and the Happy Days Car Show, hosted by Fords of the 50’s. Car show entries will be accepted up to the day of the event.
The annual Gladstone Community Festival Parade is a highlight of the weekend, bringing neighbors, businesses, community groups, and performers together to celebrate. We invite local organizations, schools, businesses, nonprofits, clubs, and families to join the fun by entering a float, vehicle, or walking group. Come showcase your creativity and community spirit — we can’t wait to see you in the parade!
Parade Details
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Location: Downtown Gladstone (route details will be provided after registration)
Line-up Time: 9:00 AM | Parade Start: 10:00 AM
Editor’s note: This event is a community submission.
