Save the Date. Registration will begin on July 12, 2025, for September 26-28, 2025 Weekend.

FYI Next year, 2026, Cascade Contras date will be moved to May 8-10 instead of September, same location.  We plan to keep it on the second weekend of May afterwards.

Here’s what we know now.

Cascade Contras on the River is an urban contra dance weekend for experienced contra dancers in a lovely venue beside a park and the Willamette River in Springfield, Oregon. You will enjoy 14 hours of terrific contra music by two outstanding bands dancing to two spectacular callers.


  •  Anadama, a Boston-based contra dance band, is Amelia Mason (fiddle), Emily Troll (accordion), and Bethany Waickman (guitar). The trio finds its roots in the traditional music of New England, Ireland, and Quebec. Infusing old and new tunes alike with a distinctly modern kick, it is dynamic, earthy music, played with vigor and honesty, and dance at its heart.

  • Countercurrent: Alex Sturbaum & Brian Lindsay, a powerhouse acoustic duo based in Olympia, WA featuring fiddle, guitar, harmony vocals, and foot percussion. Contra dance & folk music that will rock your socks.

  • Isaac Banner  is a long-time contra dancer and Seattle transplant, Isaac’s become known in the Pacific Northwest for his particular blend of humor and dance instruction. With contagious excitement and a cheerful personality, he strives to bring moments of magic into the lives of newcomers and veteran dancers alike.

  •  Adina Gordon’s collection of dances is delightful. Her sense of the moment is trustworthy. She blends the feel of the band and mood of the crowd with her repertoire to produce an exhilarating dance experience. Every program is unique. It’s no wonder she’s a favorite not only throughout the Northeast, but across the country, for contra, English, and squares.

The Eugene Folklore Society values equality and mutual respect. We appreciate the diversity of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, range of abilities, sexual orientation, gender identity. and gender expression. We actively cultivate a climate of purposeful inclusion of all. Gender neutral calling will be used for all dances.

As in other urban dance camps, dancers will need to arrange their own lodging and meals for the weekend.. When you register you’ll get a link to the camp roster listing dancers’ who are interested in sharing rides or lodging.. We will post discount hotel information.

Questions about camp? Send an email to the Cascade Contras Committee