Annual Events

Our annual events offer you the opportunity to rub elbows with renowned artists in our beautiful galleries; watch mammoth sand sculptures emerge from the beach near Haystack Rock or visit galleries and shops while tasting Northwest wines. A visit during one of our great annual events or festivals is a wonderful opportunity to experience our beach town hospitality at its very best. Build in an extra day or two into your visit to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and our easy-to-walk downtown, an experience in and of itself. 

MARCH

Savor Cannon Beach  Moving to Oct. 2021
This community-wide festival features food, wine and arts experiences all around town including the opportunity to visit over 40 Northwest wineries during the wine walk or taste some of the region's best wines during a variety of fun and educational events over the course of the four-day festival weekend.

Whale Watch Week
Join trained Oregon State Parks volunteers at Ecola State Park, one of the best vantage points for whale watching on the Oregon Coast, to look for passing Gray Whales during their spring migration. 

SOLVE Oregon Spring Beach Cleanup
Join thousands of volunteers to clean up Oregon’s beaches at this coordinated, coast-wide event and a tradition dating back to 1984. 

APRIL

Get Lit at the Beach: A Gathering for Readers  CANCELED 2020
Best-selling and award-winning authors gather in Cannon Beach for this annual event and attendees have the opportunity to meet prominent authors during presentations and book signings. 

MAY

Spring Unveiling Arts Festival April 30-May 2, 2021
Cannon Beach galleries present new work, unveiling demos and host artist receptions throughout the weekend. Many local restaurants, food specialty stores and coffee shops join the fun with menu items inspired by works of art from local galleries.

North Coast Culinary Fest POSTPONED TBD​ 2022
Come and enjoy a fabulous weekend of culinary arts in Cannon Beach, at the North Coast Culinary Fest.  Experience the ultimate in coastal culinary arts, in honor of James Beard!  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Seaside High School Culinary Arts Program.

JUNE

Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
Dozens of teams of professional sand sculpture artists, amateur groups and families construct remarkable creations in the sand during the Sandcastle Contest, which is the oldest competition of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and the most popular event in Cannon Beach. Although the contest on Saturday is the highlight of the weekend, visitors will find plenty of other activities to keep them busy. 

JULY

Independence Day Festivities
A charming small-town parade and the Great Puffin Watch are among the fireworks-free Independence Day festivities in Cannon Beach. 

SEPTEMBER

Cannon Beach Cottage Tour
The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum’s annual tour showcases the vintage cottages and dream homes of the town along with a weekend-long series of events including concerts, a wine tasting, a luncheon lecture and English style garden tea.

Earth and Ocean Arts Festival
This arts festival has its roots in Plein Air and draws inspiration from environmental stewardship.

SOLVE Oregon Fall Beach & Riverside Cleanup
Join thousands of volunteers to clean up Oregon’s beaches & riversides at this coordinated, coast-wide event and a tradition dating back to 1984. 

OCTOBER

Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival Moved to April 30-May 2, 2021
Enjoy a weekend of fun fat bike events while exploring the beaches and lovely community of Cannon Beach.

Dog Show on the Beach
This annual benefit for the Clatsop County Animal Shelter features prizes for pooches in over 20 categories and is located on the beach near the Surfsand Resort. 

NOVEMBER

Stormy Weather Arts Festival
One of Cannon Beach’s most popular events, the Stormy Weather Arts Festival features events like the Stormy Weather Fashion Show, along with a spotlight concert. Throughout the weekend, the town’s galleries present special events showcasing the artists they represent, with many of the artists on hand to present their latest works, conduct demonstrations or discuss their work.

Haystack Holidays
Beginning in November and stretching through the holidays, festively lit Cannon Beach offers a variety of activities featuring events like Mimosa Madness, a laid-back version of Black Friday with special shopping deals and adult beverages, and a holiday concert during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Additional events include Cannon Beach’s beloved and traditional Lamp Lighting Ceremony in Sandpiper Square, Holiday Tea at the library, photos with Santa, wreath making classes and more.