Douglas County’s Longest Table Returns September 13, 2026

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Douglas County residents and visitors are being invited to save the date for the 3rd Annual Longest Table, a community gathering planned for September 13, 2026.

The event brings neighbors, families and friends together for an evening focused on connection, conversation and community spirit. Organizers said the location is nearly confirmed, with more details expected to be announced later.

The Longest Table began in Roseburg in 2024 with a simple goal: bring people together around one large table to share a meal, exchange stories and talk about ways to strengthen the community. According to Thrive Umpqua, the first dinner generated more than 100 project ideas, while the 2025 event brought more than 400 people to Downtown Roseburg and sparked 158 new project ideas.

The event has also helped support several community-driven efforts, including Eagles Park Reimagined, the Winter Solstice Walk, Little Food Pantries, youth mentorship, senior transportation, neighborhood revitalization and other grassroots projects aimed at improving local neighborhoods and community well-being.

Last year’s event was sponsored by Umpqua Health. In a statement shared by organizers, Nancy Rickenbach, Chief Operating Officer of Umpqua Health Alliance, said the event reflects the value of community connection.

“At Umpqua Health Alliance, we believe in the power of community and connection. The Longest Table event in Douglas County exemplifies this spirit, bringing together diverse voices and fostering unity around a shared table. It is moments like these that remind us of the strength we gain from coming together and the collective impact we can make,” Rickenbach said.

The 2024 Longest Table was held at the Stewart Park Green Bridge, where organizers described the setting as symbolic of “bridging” the community together. That event included a farm-to-table dinner and involved partnerships with Thrive Umpqua, Umpqua Health Alliance and other community organizations.

More information about the 2026 event, including the final location and additional details, is expected to be released as the date gets closer.

Sponsored Recognition

Sponsored recognition. Click to read more on The Roseburg Receiver.