By Justin Andress, For The Mountain Times
On May 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., locals and visitors are invited to gather outside Cooper’s Wine Bar and Shop for the third year of Hoodland Block Parties. This annual event brings the community together, allowing artisans, musicians, and small businesses to showcase their talents while attendees enjoy great food, music, and company.
More than 4 million people visit Mt. Hood each year to experience its stunning natural landscapes. From hiking and skiing to fishing and camping, the region is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While many locals also take part in these activities, those who choose to make Mt. Hood their home do so for more than just the outdoor adventures. They stay for the strong sense of community and the unique culture of the mountain region.
The mountain is filled with open-hearted people who spend their time crafting, cooking, and building. The Hoodland Block Party is where all those industrious locals come together to sing, dance, and brag about what they’ve been working on. It’s more than just an event — it’s a reflection of what makes this community so special.
Hosted by the team at Cooper’s Wine Bar and Shop, the Block Party has quickly grown into a beloved tradition, offering a space where locals can connect and support one another.
For Bri Dittlinger, one of the owners of Cooper’s Wine Bar & Shop, fostering a sense of community is at the heart of everything she does. Cooper’s isn’t just a business for her — it’s a passion project. As she explained in a recent interview, “We wanted a place for the community, whether they drink or not. We wanted an opportunity for people to get out of their house and for all of our local artists to have a place to showcase their work and get people excited about what they do.”
Initially, this sense of community was cultivated within the walls of Cooper’s itself. Shortly after taking over the space, Dittlinger transformed an unused office into an intimate gallery called the “Artist’s Den.” This small but vibrant space has become a rotating showcase for local artisans, featuring everything from photography and paintings to ceramics, candles, jewelry, and woodworking.
Even with a dedicated space for supporting local artists, the team at Cooper’s saw an opportunity to do more.They wanted to extend this spirit of collaboration beyond the walls of the shop, so they created the Hoodland Block Party.
This May, the event will feature a live performance by the local band Well-Rounded Edges, providing the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of dancing, shopping, and socializing. Attendees will be able to browse a diverse selection of handmade goods from talented local vendors. Luna & Craft will sell their signature candles and fragrances alongside handcrafted jewelry. Wander Free & Queer will offer an array of crocheted goods and other unique merchandise, while Kiiroya Pottery will showcase a stunning collection of mugs, cups, plates, and bowls. And that’s just the beginning — the list of participating vendors continues to grow, promising an exciting variety of handmade goods and local treasures.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Hoodland Block Party is its accessibility. Vendors pay just $25 for a booth space, which often doesn’t fully cover the event’s licensing and operational costs. But for Dittlinger, making a profit isn’t the primary goal. Her priority is ensuring that her friends and neighbors have a space to gather, celebrate, and support one another. In fact, Cooper’s Wine Bar and Shop often steps in to cover any financial shortfalls to keep the event running smoothly.
“I think it’s cool to see everybody dancing in front of the live music and supporting all the local artists,” says Dittlinger.
The Hoodland Block Party is an inclusive event, welcoming both kids and pets. Whether you’re a longtime local or a newcomer looking to connect with the community, the event offers a fun and inviting atmosphere where everyone can feel at home.
And if you can’t make it in May, there will be two more chances to join in on the fun. This year’s second Block Party will take place on July 19, with the season’s final event scheduled for September 6. Each gathering promises the same lively atmosphere, fantastic local vendors, and opportunities to support the Mt. Hood community.