Returning for the fourth time, Medford Open Streets is set to bring the entertainment while reclaiming a segment of downtown Medford, which will be closed to vehicles.

The event will involve temporarily closing down three blocks of Medford between West Sixth Street and West Main Street, and from North Ivy Street to North Fir Street. 

Medford Open Streets is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 31. 

“Open Streets is an international initiative dedicated to reclaiming public space for recreation and active transportation,” said Casandra Brown, primary organizer of Medford Open Streets and a planner for the city of Medford. “In Medford, Open Streets is a temporary expansion of public space that invites community members to walk, bike and play in a barrier-free, car-free environment. It’s an opportunity to celebrate community.”

The event is free to attend and will have numerous performances, activities, food and more to check out. 

Some of the performers and demonstrators include Ponderosas, Ashland Aerial Arts, Ezra Frost, Spartan Boxing, an open mic, Southern Oregon Roller Derby and more. 

As part of the event’s bike-centered approach, attendees can receive free bike safety gear from United Way of Jackson County and free bicycle tune-ups from the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association and Rogue Valley Transportation District. 

The food trucks that will be at Medford Open Streets include Farm Bus Bistro, Katz Crepes, Moca’s Birria and Rogue Food Unites.

For more information on the full schedule of performances, demonstrations and more, visit medfordopenstreets.org/program. 

“Leading up to Medford Open Streets on Saturday, May 31, we’ve organized a Bingo Business Passport program in collaboration with the Downtown Medford Association,” Brown said. 

The program encourages attendees to explore downtown Medford and take part in many of the activities to complete their bingo card and submit it for a chance to win a raffle basket worth up to $150. 

“Bingo cards will be available at Central Art Supply, Common Block and other participating businesses,” Brown said. Bingo cards were also available during the recent past Art in Bloom festival.

Medford Open Streets involves a collection of collaborating businesses, individuals and organizations to make it possible. 

Some of those organizations include the Rogue Valley Transportation District, Medford School District and United Way of Jackson County. 

“Additionally, many local artists, businesses and volunteers donate their time and services, making this a true community-driven event,” Brown said. 

The event is part of the larger, international Open Streets Project centered on reclaiming car-dominated streets and opening them up temporarily to citizens and building communities. 

Open Streets events have been held across North and South America. 

“One of the most successful examples is in Bogota, Columbia, where a 70-mile network of streets is closed to vehicles for limited hours every Sunday,” Brown said. 

Medford Open Streets initially started in 2109 as a partnership with the Rogue Valley Transportation District, but it was paused between 2020 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before returning in 2023. 

“I became involved in 2022 to help relaunch the event in 2023,” Brown said. “My favorite part of organizing Medford Open Streets is learning about all of the individuals and organizations dedicated to making the Valley a welcoming and unique place.”

With moderate participation in past years, organizers are aiming to get at least 500 attendees out to participate in the community event. 

“This event continues to evolve each year in response to community feedback,” Brown said. “We’re committed to keeping it flexible and responsive so that it remains relevant and engaging.”

“Long-term, we hope to deepen partnerships and use the event as a catalyst for ongoing conversations around public space, accessibility and transportation in Medford,” she added. 

For more information about Medford Open Streets, visit medfordopenstreets.org. 

Reach reporter James Sloan at james.sloan@rv-times.com.