Astoria has blossomed into a popular tourist destination because of its breweries, museums, burgeoning music and arts scene and funky festivals. Now, the Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival has been nominated for national recognition.

Oregonians are known for their love of community and celebrating the vibrant flavors, sounds and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Now, six beloved events and destinations — including the Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival — are getting national attention.

This year, USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards feature three Oregon festivals and three arts destinations as nominees for the best in the country.

The USA Today awards invite the public to decide the top 10 winners in various travel categories nominated by a panel of experts. Whittled down to 20 nominations in each category, the awards span food, lodging, destinations, travel, things to do and more.

Readers can cast one vote per category every day until voting closes March 3 at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel. Winners will be announced later this year.

Oregon’s festival nominees

Making a strong showing across three festival nominations, Oregon’s Rose Festival, the Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival and the Waterfront Blues Festival are nominees for best in their categories.

The Portland Rose Festival is a contender for Best Flower Festival, earning recognition for its stunning rose displays and the iconic Grand Floral Parade. With roots dating back to 1907, the festival boasts over a century of history. Its Annual Spring Rose Show, renowned as the largest and longest-running rose show in the world, adds to the legacy.

The Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival is nominated for Best Specialty Food Festival, highlighting the bounty of the Oregon coast with fresh Dungeness crab, locally caught salmon and regional wine. Attendees also enjoy cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and live music while exploring offerings from over 150 vendors.

Last, Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival, up for Best Music Festival, is known for its lineup of blues, funk and soul artists performing on multiple stages. Last year’s festival included over 100 acts booked over the four-day event. Held in downtown Portland’s Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the event is a summer staple for music lovers and also supports local food vendors, beverage makers and unique merchandise.

Oregon’s arts scene nominees

Portland is also making waves in the arts world, with nominations in two categories. The city is recognized for Best Street Art, thanks to its vibrant murals that span neighborhoods like the Alberta Arts District and Central Eastside Industrial District.

While the Alberta Arts District adds to Oregon’s impressive street art, the district is also recognized as one of the Best Arts District. Known for its indie boutiques, local galleries and monthly Last Thursday Art Walk, the district reflects the city’s eclectic and creative spirit.

Additionally, Ashland is in the running for Best Small Town Arts Scene. This charming Southern Oregon town is home to the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a vibrant First Friday Art Walk and the Schneider Museum of Art, which draws art lovers from across the region.