Bauman’s on Oak Will Host Third Annual Quince Fest
The celebration of the underappreciated fruit returns to Portland on Oct. 18 with 20 local vendors.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Food and Drink
Live Poll
Would you try growing or cooking with niche fruits like quince in your own kitchen?
Local food enthusiasts will gather at Bauman’s on Oak on Oct. 18 to explore the potential of the quince, a fruit currently underrepresented in U.S. agriculture. The third annual Quince Fest highlights the culinary and agricultural future of this specialty crop.
Why it matters
The festival aims to elevate the profile of a fruit that remains largely imported, despite local agricultural interest in expanding domestic cultivation. Organizers are using the event to bridge the gap between niche production and broader consumer awareness.
The U.S. relies on imports like the 1,906 tons brought in during 2022, while total domestic commercial production spans roughly 300 acres. It remains unknown how quickly local efforts can expand to challenge the global market dominance held by nations like Turkey and China.
The players
Bauman's on Oak
The venue hosting the third annual Quince Fest.
USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository
A Corvallis-based facility that oversees approximately 200 quince trees and 115 unique accessions.
The details
The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and features twenty vendors showcasing various quince products. Attendees can watch demonstrations of processing techniques using an alembic copper distilling device and participate in a panel discussion regarding cultivation strategies. The event expects a record turnout of 250 people, following consistent growth from 180 attendees in its debut year.
Timeline
Oct. 18, 2026: Quince Fest takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Beyond the Bridges
The festival builds on the foundational work of the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository in Corvallis, which maintains a collection of over 100 unique quince accessions. This event signals a growing local effort to transition the fruit from a rare repository specimen to a viable market crop.
Tickets for the afternoon event are priced at $22 per person. Prospective attendees should note that the festival is expected to sell out as attendance has climbed in previous years.
The takeaway
While the quince is currently an underappreciated fruit in the domestic market, the festival provides a rare opportunity to see processing demonstrations and meet local producers. Keep an eye on the event attendance figures to gauge the rising interest in quince cultivation.
Further reading
Learn more about the local culinary scene by browsing our Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Capital Press.
Live Poll
Would you try growing or cooking with niche fruits like quince in your own kitchen?
