As the Valley Turns Toward Fall, Tour D’ Farm Is Growing

Across the Walla Walla Valley, backpacks are coming back out, school schedules are restarting, and summer is beginning its turn toward fall. At the Chamber, that shift is already well underway — and one of the clearest signs is the return of Tour D’ Farm. What began last year with 14 participating farms and agribusinesses has expanded to 20 participating locations for 2026. That growth is exciting, but it also tells us something important: people want opportunities to connect directly with the farms, producers and agribusinesses that are such an important part of the Walla Walla Valley. Tour D’ Farm is a two-day, self-guided experience, so participants can choose the stops that interest them, create their own route and explore at their own pace. One ticket covers both days, and children under 10 attend free.

And there is plenty to explore.

Visitors will have opportunities to meet growers, ranchers, winemakers and producers; see working agriculture up close; participate in demonstrations and learning experiences; enjoy tastings and activities at select locations; and, at many stops, meet, pet and feed some very photogenic farm animals.

In other words: Come for the cute animals. Stay for the Valley.

There will be plenty of Instagrammable moments, but Tour D’ Farm is also about something deeper. Agriculture is part of the economic, cultural and historic fabric of this Valley, and the tour gives residents and visitors an opportunity to see some of the people, businesses and innovation behind it. Last year’s inaugural event showed us just how much interest exists in this kind of experience. This year, with 20 participating farms and agribusinesses, there will be enough to keep families, couples, friends and visitors exploring throughout the weekend.

Over the next several weeks, we will begin introducing this year’s participating businesses and sharing a glimpse of what visitors can expect at different stops. So watch for familiar names, discover some places you may not yet know, and start thinking about your September route. Tickets are available now at wwvchamber.com/events. September 19–20. Two days. One ticket. Twenty farms and agribusinesses — and countless opportunities to explore.

Tuesday, August 25, with the City of Walla Walla Community Development team. These informal evening programs have given community members an opportunity throughout the summer to hear directly from organizations and experts on topics that affect businesses and residents

across the Valley. As with our other Chamber After Hours programs, the City session is open to the community; registration is required.

The following morning, Wednesday, August 26, we will host our monthly Open Chamber Café. Held on the last Wednesday of each month, the Café is exactly what its name suggests — an open, informal opportunity to stop by, make connections, meet someone new, ask questions and engage with the Chamber and other members of the community. No formal program. No complicated agenda. Just conversation and connection.

And as summer programming gives way to fall, there is more coming. Our Women in Business and Young Professionals communities will come together for a joint fall gathering, creating another opportunity for people at different stages of their careers and businesses to connect with one another. We will have more information to share soon, but this collaboration is very much in keeping with what we want our programming to accomplish: bringing people who might not otherwise cross paths into the same room.

That is really the thread connecting all of these programs.

Whether someone is walking through a local farm, learning from a City department, sitting across the table from a new connection at Open Chamber Café, or joining a room filled with women in business and emerging professionals, the goal is to create places where people connect to the businesses, ideas and opportunities around them.

Fall in the Walla Walla Valley is always a remarkable season. This year, we invite you to experience a little more of it.

And yes — you may get to feed something adorable along the way.