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8 Things We're Looking Forward to This Summer in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston

8 Things We're Looking Forward to This Summer in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston

Thu, May 29, 2025

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**Please note: all scheduled events mentioned in this blog post are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead or visit ourEvents Page andCalendar for the complete list**

Memorial Day weekend is history, and if you haven’t made your summer travel plans, it’s not too late to start! Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston is home to Oregon’s largest and oldest coastal communities and deepest port. It features the very best of the Pacific Northwest natural beauty, a rich history, community festivals, performing arts, food, and more family-friendly adventures than we can list in one post!

Plan your escape from the heat this summer, kick back, and enjoy some blissfully cool, comfortable temperatures that average in the mid-high 60s. Here are eight events and activities we’re looking forward to this summer in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston:

1) Visiting the Oregon State Parks

Most Oregonians know that one of the best ways to experience the beauty of our state is by exploring itsstate parks . We love our state parks so much that the Oregon State Legislature establishedOregon State Parks Day to thank Oregonians for their support and to celebrate these state treasures! This year, State Parks Day will be celebrated on June 7, 2025, with free parking and events throughout the state! June 7-8 is also aFree Fishing Weekend in Oregon, so you won’t need a license to fish, crab, or clam anywhere in the state!

That means on June 7, visitors won’t have to pay to park atShore Acres State Park (usually $10 per vehicle), the crown jewel of Oregon’s South Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, formal gardens, and panoramic ocean views. Nearby,Cape Arago State Park andSunset Bay State Park offer more opportunities to experience Oregon’s rugged coastal beauty, from tidepools to scenic hiking trails. To make the most of your visit,download our Cape Arago Beach Loop PDF Guide .

2) Visiting the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum

Above Image Courtesy of the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum Facebook Page

Ever wonder why capital letters are called “upper case” and lowercase letters “lower case”? Or, where does the term “typing” originate from? You can learn the answers to these questions and more at The Marshfield Sun Printing Museum , a hidden gem located at the north end of Front Street on Coos Bay’s historic waterfront. This hands-on museum showcases vintage printing presses, typesetting tools, and the craftsmanship behind early newspaper production. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum offers free admission, with donations gladly accepted. Combine a visit to the Marshfield Sun with a visit to the nearby Coos History Museum for an afternoon of fascinating local history.

The Special Olympics of Oregon is bringing its Regional Track & Field and Bocce competitions to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, June 21, 2025! We’re proud to welcome these incredible athletes, their coaches, and their families for a day of sportsmanship and celebration.2025 SOOR Summer Regional Athletics (Track & Field events) will occur at North Bend High School, while2025 SOOR Summer Regional Bocce competitions will be held at Southwestern Oregon Community College. Join us to cheer on the athletes and be part of this inspiring day!

Volunteers are needed! Help make this event unforgettable by signing up to assist.Click here to volunteer . Scroll to the June 21 events and select opportunities at SWOCC or NBHS. For more details on the event and how to participate or support, visit theSouth Coast Local Program page .

4) Getting Out on the Water

For the ultimate summer adventure, nothing beats getting out on the water, and Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston offers endless ways to explore. Paddle a kayak through calm bays and estuaries, ride the waves at Bastendorff Beach , or try stand-up paddleboarding! If fishing is more your speed, Oregon’s South Coast is a prime destination. There’s no shortage of opportunities with over30 freshwater lakes and rivers in Coos County alone, plus outstandingbay and ocean fishing . Local sporting goods stores make it easy to gear up , offering rentals, licenses, and expert advice. Remember: a license is required for fishing, crabbing, or clamming unless it is a designated Free Fishing Day. Check with the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission (ODFW) for more information, and be sure to download our Fishing Information Rack Card here (PDF).

**Mark your calendar for the Sunset Bay Angler of the Day Kayak Fishing Challenge on September 13, 2025, a human-powered, kayak-only competition on the ocean near Coos Bay. Entry is $35, and the first 40 registrants receive a Captain’s Bag. Pre-registration is required.**

5) Annual Oregon Coast Music Festival & Live Performances

Oregon’s Adventure Coast comes alive every summer with music, festivals, and cultural celebrations that unite the community. A highlight of the season is the 47th Annual Oregon Coast Music Festival (OCMF), July 12–26, 2025. This two-week event features an impressive lineup of live performances at special venues like Shore Acres State Park, Mingus Park, and the OIMB Boat House. Nicknamed the “Tanglewood of the West Coast,” OCMF is the longest-running music festival on the Oregon Coast and brings together more than 80 musicians from across the country. The celebration concludes with three grand performances by the Festival Orchestra, conducted by internationally acclaimed Maestro Martin Majkut, at the Marshfield High Auditorium. For event details and tickets, visit the official festival website . Here are some other performances we’re looking forward to this summer.

6) Attending Community Celebrations & Festivals

Oregon’s Adventure Coast comes alive each summer with various events and festivals for all ages, offering something for every interest, from music and theater to outdoor recreation and cultural celebrations. Something is always happening, whether you are a local looking for weekend fun or a visitor planning a trip. Here are just a few highlights you might enjoy this summer;click here to view our full event calendar:

7) Epic Mountain Biking

One of Oregon’s highest-rated mountain biking destinations just happens to be on Oregon’s Adventure Coast! The Whiskey Run Mountain Bike Trails , just 15 minutes south of Coos Bay off Highway 101, offer more than 30 miles of purpose-built trails winding through scenic coastal forest. Designed for riders of all levels, the system features a mix of moderate climbs, fast-flowing descents, and sweeping views. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or an experienced rider, Whiskey Run delivers a world-class experience that showcases the natural beauty and outdoor adventure Oregon’s Adventure Coast is known for.Learn more.

**Mark your calendars for theRide the Dirt Wave at Whiskey Run Mountain Biking event- July 26-27, 2025! **

8) Cheering on Runners!

Oregon’s Adventure Coast is the ideal training environment for runners of all levels, featuring a mix of running terrains from challenging hills and flat roads to forested trails, wide open beaches, and ancient dunes, all with incredible views and room to roam. The region is also the hometown of Steve Prefontaine , one of history’s most iconic distance runners. His legacy is preserved at the Coos Art Museum , which houses a unique collection dedicated to Pre alongside regularly updated exhibits. Visitors can also explore his story more deeply through the Tour de Pre , a guided experience led by his sister, Linda Prefontaine, which traces his early life and training grounds around the Coos Bay area.

Local groups like the South Coast Running Club invite residents and visitors to join weekly group runs and organized events celebrating a shared passion for staying active. Wild Coast Running Co. in Coos Bay is a trusted local resource for high-quality gear and expert guidance.

Here are some of the races we look forward to this summer. There’s still time to sign up and start training today!

There is an adventure for everyone on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. Whatever brings you to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston this summer, you will surely find unforgettable experiences for every interest. Book your accommodations in Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston early by clicking here ! For more information, please get in touch with the Coos Bay–North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau , and we will be happy to assist.

 

 

 

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50 Central Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420

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