The Oregon Coast is an all season destination, but there is something very unique about spring time on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.
The warmer air brings much to do and see and there is no shortage of great fun for people of all ages. Here are ten things we recommend doing this spring! Let us know if you have an idea or suggestion on our Facebook Page!
1. Hit the Beaches.
Whether you want to swim, walk, surf, paddle board or just sit watch the tide; Oregon’s Adventure Coast is the most versatile coastal destination on the Oregon Coast! Visitors come to watch the seals and hope to catch a glimpse of migrating whales! Check out our many beaches and choose your own experience!
2. Listen to Live Music!
Our events calendar is a great place to find the most current information on the many events happening all over the South Coast- including music! Don’t miss the many concerts and festivals in Coos Bay & North Bend. Some musical highlights this Spring include:
- Live Music each Friday and Saturday night at Warehouse 101 in the Mill Casino.
- Oregon Coast Lab Band Concert featuring Evolution on May 1 & June 2 at 4pm at Hales Center for the Performing Arts, Southwestern Oregon Community College. For more info, contact Gina at 541-266-8111.
- Lakeside Crawdad Festival May 6-8: Street Fair/Vendors/Food and Music-Jazz/Blues/Zydego! www.lakesideoregonchambers.com
- Second Sunday Sing-Along at Unity by the Bay 2100 Union Ave, North Bend The public is invited to join South Coast Folk Society for 2 hours for joyful harmonizing. singing popular, contemporary, and classic songs. This is a free public event occurring on the second Sunday of every month. For more information call Stacy at 541-756-4701 or Paul at 541-572-5370
- American Idol Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks on May 27 at Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park. This show is SOLD OUT.
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Wind Soloists of New York May 9 7:30pm at Historic Marshfield High School Auditorium. This concert is brought to you by the Community Concert Association. For more information call Mike Gordon at 541-269-1272. www.cccca.com
- Three Fingered Jack Celtic Concert at Roger’s Zoo downtown North Bend on May 20. Admission is $8, show starts at 7:30pm.
3. Ride the Dunes!
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a favorite among adventure seekers and it is no wonder! This natural wonder extends for 40 miles along the Oregon Coast and is like no other in the world. The Sand Dunes are very popular with sports enthusiasts who enjoy taking on the challenge in an ATV or Dune Buggy, and there are plenty of places who will them to you!
4. Visit Shore Acres State Park.
Thousands of visitors come to Shore Acres each year to take in the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the luxurious gardens featuring trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. This spring we can expect to see thousands of tulips (thru April); Hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas (April thru mid-May) and 5,000 flowering annuals/perennials (May thru Sept). Event highlights:
- May 8 (Sun.) Rhododendron Sunday-Mother’s Day (11 AM – 4 PM)
- June 4 (Sat.) State Parks Day – Free parking day
- June 19 (Sun.) Rose Sunday-Father’s Day (11 AM – 4 PM)
5. Go Local.
The Downtown Coos Bay Farmers market kicks off this month and is the perfect place to find locally grown fruits and veggies, baked goods, and goods by local artists. Downtown Coos Bay, Every Wed 9am – 3pm through October 26th. Call Coos Bay Visitor Center at 541-269-0215 for general information or visit coosbaydowntown.org
6. Eat some seafood.
No trip is complete without a seafood meal! There are numerous local restaurants to get a fresh seafood meal to remember, or try catching your own! Food lovers will enjoy the annual Ahh Shucks! – Oyster Feed festival Oregon Institute of Marine Biology Cafeteria, 63466 Boat Basin, Charleston. There’s no better way to celebrate Oregon’s Bounty! For more information contact David Ford at 541-888-6871.
7. Go Wine Tasting.
Spend an afternoon tasting wine at some of our one of a kind local wineries including:
- Hawks View Winery & Wild Goose Vineyards (541) 572-0251
- Old Bridge Winery (541) 572-0272
- Old Coyote Winery (541) 572-8090
- Sea Mist Winery (541) 348-2351
Also, don’t miss First Friday Wine Walk the First Friday of every month in Downtown Coos Bay- next one is coming up May 6 from 5-7pm. For more information, contact Cindy Rawlings at The World, 541-269-1222, ext289.
8. Get Cultured.
There are numerous art exhibits to take in on the South Coast this spring- most notably the Expressions West 2011 exhibit at the Coos Art Museum. This cultural gem is the third oldest art museum in Oregon and it contains six galleries (over 5600 square feet)! The Museum promotes the understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through their exhibits, art classes, workshops, and lectures. Some other cultural highlights this spring:
- Oliver! The Musical Little Theatre on the Bay April 29 thru May 22. Call 877-756-4336 for more information.
- Art Walk May 12, 2011 Various locations 5pm – 8pm. Contact Crystal Dolphin for more information, 541-756-1989
- Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Coos Bay May 12, 2011 Noon – 1pm. Call Andrew Locati for more information 541-269-9388
- Chair-ity Event Auction May 7 at Pony Village Mall. Chairs decorated by local artists have been donated to this event and will be auctioned off to benefit Neighbor to Neighbors.
- BAAA Spring Art Show & Sale May 7-8 Pony Village Mall Join the Bay Area Artist Association for a great display throughout the common area of the mall. Members will be on hand to answer questions. Call 541-756-0433 for more information.
9. Watch a Race at Coos Speedway!
Whats not to love about Coos Speedway? This family friendly spot offers a variety of exciting Motorsports. 1/8 mile Drag Strip, High Banked Dirt Oval, Mud Drags AND Special Events. Check their site for event details!
10. Enjoy the Outdoors!
- Enjoy one of the many outdoor educational events for the whole family at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 5,000 acre natural area located south of Charleston, Oregon.
- Seal Watching
- Oregon Coast Fishing