The Fifth Annual Tomato Fest Is Saturday in Portland

A bowl of Early Girl tomatoes. — Early Girls I grew in 2020.

The Fifth Annual Tomato Fest is almost here!

Tomato Fest, which has been produced by the folks at Wellspent Market since 2021, is now in its fifth year—and in a different location than the inaugural fest. As we humans love our anniversaries and birthdays that end in a “5” or a “0,” I’m happy to tell you about this year’s celebration and appreciation of my favorite nightshade.

Tomato Fest: Early Days and Prior Years

I remember going to the inaugural Tomato Fest in 2021. At that point I had never heard of dry-farmed tomatoes, the BLTs were epic, there was lots of tomato information shared, and it was very hot. That was when it was over on NE Couch in the Real Good Food parking lot (Real Good Food rebranded as Wellspent Market in 2021).

This year’s Tomato Fest event page indicates that in 2020 they met up with their friends from the Culinary Breeding Network to celebrate the tomato—it was, I guess, a kind of “proto-tomato-fest.” There’s not much online about it, but there is plenty of tomato content on the Culinary Breeding Network’s Instagram during August 2020.

That year in the first part of September we were all preoccupied with those awful fires raging at the time. It was really awful.

Fire triptych. — Top photo was from September 13, 2020; middle photo is from the month before; bottom photo was from a year before.

The First Four Years

In 2021, of course, things were much better on the air quality front in Portland. The Tomato Fest at that point was called a “Dry Farmed Tomato Fest.” Culinary Breeding Network brought two new-to-Oregon (at that time) varieties of dry-farmed tomatoes. We tasted different kinds of tomatoes and gave our feedback. The BLTs had long lines but it was worth it.

In 2022, still on NE Couch, the second annual Tomato Fest was on. Again, dry farmed tomatoes were part of the festival. Lauretta Jean’s made savory tomato treats, and the BLTs made a return.

2023 brought the third annual Tomato Fest. Chefs, authors, plant breeders, and farmers were all part of the mix. BLTs were back. Melons had more prominence. There were cooking demos.

Last year, in 2024, Wellspent Market was at their new space on SE Division, offering much of what they have in the past for Tomato Fest, including the BLTs and tomato treats. Micheladas, wines by the glass, as well as access to Astiana tomatoes were more prominent.

The Fifth Annual Tomato Fest

This year’s Tomato Fest is this coming Saturday, September 14 from noon to 4pm. They continue to work with the Culinary Breeding Network, showcasing dry-farming practices. You’ll be able to taste tomatoes, explore other vegetables, get tomato tattoos, check out some demos, and get one of those BLTs—definitely a beloved tradition.

Since Wellspent Market is there at the corner of SE 34th Avenue, they’ll close down part of the street and have tables and tents up, giving space to folks coming to the festival and enjoy all the tomatoes. It seems like they are able to spread out more than they had in the old parking lot.

What To Expect at Tomato Fest

Here are more details as to what to expect on Tomato Fest day (copy and emojis from Wellspent Market):

🍅 OSU Tomato Breeding with plant breeder Jim Myers and the OSU Food Innovation Center serving up fresh tomato tastings.
🍅 OSU Dry Farmed Research offering samples of dry-farmed tomatoes and melons.
🧄 Garlicana and Avram Drucker showcasing unique garlic and shallots.
🥕 Culinary Breeding Network with veg-centric goods—posters, tees, totes, tea towels, hats, patches.
🍈 Organically Grown Company serving up sweet melon tastings.
🌱 Oregon Organic Coalition advocating for organic farming in Oregon.
🌿 Wild Roots Farm bringing seasonal produce.
🌿 Brass Tacks Farm with freshly harvested Oregon-grown produce.

Food you can eat at Tomato Fest:

🥪 Wellspent Market — once-a-year BLTs, deli fare, plus cherry & salty lemonades.
🥗 Estes — warm-weather food. (More on Estes and their residence at Broder Nord)
🥧 Lauretta Jean’s — handmade pastries.
🍕 Scottie’s Pizza — classic pies.

There will also be a Live DJ set by Bryson Wallace of KMHD Jazz radio. Fun fact: Tomato Fest happens during Organically Grown in Oregon Week this year.

In Wellspent Market’s words, “Join us for the best tomato party of the summer—part tasting, part learning, part feast, and all joy.” I hope you can make it.

Fifth Annual Tomato Fest
Saturday, September 13, 2025
noon to 4pm
Wellspent Market, 3402 SE Division Street, Portland
Tomato Fest event page | Wellspent Market website | Instagram | Facebook