A lot of changes are coming to the Bite of Oregon this year.

The state's largest food festival, whose proceeds support Special Olympics Oregon, is moving across from Tom McCall Waterfront Park to the Rose Quarter. And instead of the usual August date, The Bite will run across Labor Day weekend.

The changes are due to a number of factors, including weather, a shifting attendance demographic and parking, said Margie Hunt, Bite's chief executive.

"We had a great date in August, but if it would get in the 90s, that event would just tank," Hunt said. "There started to be more parking challenges, and as the quality of the food/beverage and programming increased from generic concert food to cool restaurants and Iron Chef Oregon, the demographic of the event shifted as well, a demographic that's a little more stubborn about coming down to the waterfront. All of that added up to taking a fresh look."

Festival-goers will still find food from Portland and Oregon restaurants and food carts. This year's offerings will be tailored around the slogan "savor the seven regions of the state," with wine, beer and liquor from nearly three dozen Oregon producers.

The Bite of Oregon will take over the Rose Quarter from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 1-4. Parking will also be available for $5. Purchase tickets and learn more at biteoforegon.com.

-- Samantha Bakall

sbakall@oregonian.com

Follow @sambakall