Legacy, tradition, values, and connection have always been at the heart of the community in historic Independence, Oregon. This September, the beautiful town of Independence, along with its welcoming locals, is proud to showcase notable events this fall that have something for everyone. This year’s legendary lineup of special events invites you to experience its vibrant colors, unique flavors, captivating sounds, and relaxed atmosphere, which provide the refreshment your body, mind, and soul are craving. We look forward to being a part of history, giving back, and invite you to make incredible, lasting memories.
Our cherished community of Independence is honored to host a four-day special event, taking place from September 18th through the 21st, centered on honoring the sacrifices of veterans and their families. The one-of-a-kind, free event, organized by “The Wall That Heals,” provides a powerful traveling replica of the infamous Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Bringing this experience and exhibit to communities allows the souls enshrined on the Memorial to once again exist among family and friends in the peace and comfort of familiar surroundings. Proud to feature the largest replica to tour the country, honoring over three million Americans who served in the Vietnam War, bearing the names of the 58,281 who sacrificed for their country.
The valued exhibit and resource was designed to provide comfort to honorary veterans and their families, helping them find the strength and courage to do so within their communities, thus assisting in the healing process. The exhibit was unveiled on Veterans Day in 1996 and has become an exceptional, touching experience offered by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, the nonprofit behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.. The memorial will begin with a motorcycle escort on September 16th and will be open 24 hours a day, closing on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. It’s sure to be an exceptional experience to remember.
This program has brought comfort to millions, welcomed over 222,000 visitors, provided tours to more than 21,000, and positively impacted over 800 communities across the United States. Explore their education center, take in displays, participate in guided tours, and connect with others in the community. Discover, learn, donate, and engage with the dedicated community by visiting https://www.ci.independence.or.us/thewallthatheals2025/ for more details. There, you can view the schedule for special ceremonies, volunteer opportunities, and engage with this honorable tribute. The Independence Hotel is proud to be a part of this tribute and always offers a military discount. We also provide discounts to Oregonians; please visit our packages page for more information.
Oregon is renowned for its small-town hospitality, and Independence is recognized as the hop capital of the world. Another cherished heritage-filled event will be featured in September, with the Independence Downtown Association and The Independence Hotel proudly sponsoring the Hops & Heritage Festival on the 20th and 21st. Offering family-friendly celebrations and activities to enjoy, this festival block party showcases Independence’s unique legacy and vibrant community. You can look forward to experiencing local culture, including live music, local food vendors, a gratitude BBQ, cornhole tournaments, a craft beer garden, car shows, an art marketplace, vintage and modern farm equipment exhibits, hop history, and more!
The Pacific Northwest truly offers beauty unlike anywhere in the world, and we appreciate our supportive community. We invite you to take advantage of these incredible events, bask in the autumn colors, enjoy the refreshing, crisp air, and experience all that Independence has to offer. Abundant sights, sounds, and culture are yours for the taking, all while connecting to what truly matters. Make plans today to book your stay at The Independence Hotel, the perfect hub for access to it all, and not miss out on these historic experiences, remembering what tradition and history are all about.
