Annual Events

Our annual events allow you 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 an excellent opportunity to experience our beach town hospitality at its 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

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 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  April 11 - 13, 2025
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   May 2 - 4, 2025
Cannon Beach galleries present new work, unveil 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.

Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival May 16 - 18, 2025
Enjoy a weekend of fun fat bike events while exploring the beaches and lovely community of Cannon Beach.

JUNE

Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest June 21, 2025
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 Saturday contest is the weekend highlight, visitors will find plenty of other activities to keep them busy. 

JULY

Independence Day Festivities - July 4th, 2025
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 September 12-14, 2025
The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum’s annual tour showcases the town's vintage cottages and dream homes 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 TBA Sept. 2026
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 Treat Trail - around town Halloween afternoon

NOVEMBER

Stormy Weather Arts Festival Nov. 7 - 9, 2025
One of Cannon Beach’s most popular events, the Stormy Weather Arts Festival, features events like the Stormy Weather Fashion Show and a spotlight concert. Throughout the weekend, the town’s galleries present special events showcasing the artists they represent, with many 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, holiday shopping kick-off 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.