Whales Watch Vacation Rentals Blog

First Fridays in Old Town Florence 4: -7:00 PM

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Shop, Dine & Celebrate Local on First Fridays in Florence Make the first Friday of every month your night out in Florence. First Fridays invite both locals and visitors to wander through Historic Old Town and participating businesses across the community, enjoying special promotions, coastal dining, art, shopping, and plenty of Friday‑night fun. From 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., restaurants, shops, galleries, and other local businesses roll out unique specials and experiences. Grab a map at any partic...

Circles in the Sand - October 24th & 25th

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Circles in the Sand at Heceta Beach: A Coastal Tradition Guests Love October 24 & 25, 2026 Some days on the Oregon Coast begin with a little magic. On October 24 and 25, 2026, Heceta Beach will host a special appearance of Circles in the Sand, the beloved coastal labyrinth tradition that transforms the shoreline into a walkable work of art. Starting at 3pm a team of artists will carve looping pathways, spirals, and whimsical designs into the sand—temporary creations meant to be enjoyed befor...

Come. Sit. Stay. Fetch the whole family for a dog-gone good getaway to Florence, Oregon, October 16–18, 2026!

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The inaugural Coastal Canine Classic is bounding into Oregon's Coastal Playground for three tail-wagging days of dogs, laughter, friendly competition, shopping, entertainment, and family fun. Dog lovers from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, California, and beyond are invited to pack the leash, load up the treats, and plan an unforgettable fall weekend on the Oregon Coast. The fun begins Friday with dog-themed movies, a Meet & Greet Yappy Hour, games, snacks, and raffle prizes. Saturday and...

Florence Festival of Books - Saturday Sept 26

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Prepare yourself (with notebook, pens, laptop, wallet, large shopping bags, and your enthusiasm!) for a day devoted to books, reading, learning, and connecting with other bibliophiles. The Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment (FACE) Team proudly presents the 15th Annual Florence Festival of Books -- all in one day on Saturday, September 26th! Come meet regional authors, discover new books and genres, learn about hybrid and indie and DIY publishing, record and take home a two-minute audio...

5th Annual Coastal Plein Air Art and Wine Festival September 18-20

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Experience a taste of Oregon Coast creativity at the 5th Annual Coastal Plein Air Art & Wine Festival at the Florence Events Center. This free community event blends local art, regional wines, and the chance to meet talented artists from across the Pacific Northwest. The festival wraps up a two‑week plein air painting adventure, where artists spend their days capturing the shifting light, rugged coastline, and natural beauty that make our area so special. Guests can browse and purchase origi...

Florence Fall Classic Car Show - September 12, 2026

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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King Tides November, December 2026 & January 2027

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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Art Walk August 22nd

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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Florence Thrift Crawl - August 15th

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Celebrate National Thrift Shopping Day!

Heceta Head Lighthouse Lit July 23, 2026

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Heceta Head Lighthouse has officially reopened and is shining again as of July 23, 2026. After nearly five months of darkness, the beacon was restored following major mechanical repairs to the rotation system that turns its historic 10‑foot‑tall Fresnel lens. 🌊 What Happened * The lighthouse went dark in March 2026 when staff discovered that the carriage wheels and gears responsible for rotating the lens were worn down and causing misalignment. * Because no modern manufacturer p...

Taste of Art & Wine - July 25th & 26th, 2026

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Taste of Art & Wine returns for two days in July! Artists from as far as Coquille, Newport & Eugene will join local artists in showcasing their works at the 6th Annual Taste of Art & Wine Festival. In addition to enjoying a Juried Art Show - including 2D, 3D & Photography - attendees will have a chance to meet the artists while shopping at a wide variety of Vendor Booths, experience Art Demonstrations, and will have a chance to taste offerings from local wineries throughout the festival.

4th of July events schedule

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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Heceta Head Lighthouse goes dark.

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Heceta Head Lighthouse has gone dark because its aging rotation system has failed, specifically the bronze carriage wheels that allow the 10‑foot‑tall first‑order Fresnel lens to rotate. These custom wheels—last replaced 13 years ago—have worn out and must be rebuilt by a machinist in Eugene. Until that work is completed, the light must remain off. This is only the third time the lighthouse has gone dark, since it was lit in 1894. 🌊 Why the Lighthouse Went Dark * Worn mechanical rotati...

Free Historic Old Town Walking Tour in Florence Oregon - 6/20 7/18 8/15 9/19

Wed, 20 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Historic Old Town Walking Tour Explore Local History with the Heritage Players Tour Dates:Saturday, June 20, 2026Saturday, July 18, 2026Saturday, August 15, 2026Saturday, September 19, 2026 Time: 11:00 AMStarting Location: Siuslaw Pioneer Museum278 Maple Street, Florence, OR 97439 Looking for unique and educational things to do in Florence Oregon? Step back in time with the FREE Historic Old Town Walking Tour presented by the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum featuring the Heritage Players. This en...

Rhody Days Schedule 5/14/2026 -5/17/26

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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119th Rhododendron Festival

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Florence's biggest event of the year! Join us May 14–17, 2026 in Florence, Oregon for four days of celebration in Oregon's Coastal Playground, guided by this year's meaningful theme, "temuu hiisəch hai – A Gathering with a Good Heart."

Heceta Head Lightstation Birthday Celebration - March 30

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🌟 Heceta Head Lightstation Birthday Celebration 🎂 Celebrate the birthday of the Heceta Head Lightstation on March 30 from 12–3 PM at the Keeper's Home and West Lawn. This free, family-friendly event includes live music, food, scenic coastal views, and opportunities to learn about the area's natural features from local agencies and volunteers. Parking is available at the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint for $10.

🎨 2nd Saturday at FRAA - March 14

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🎶 Enjoy an afternoon of art, music, and community at 2nd Saturday at FRAA on March 14 from 3–5 PM at the FRAA Art Center in Old Town Florence. This month features artwork by Sally Ott, along with hors d'oeuvres, wine, and live music by Jeff Lovejoy. It's a great opportunity to meet the artist and connect with fellow art lovers. Learn more at fraaoregon.org or call 541-997-4435.

Home & Garden Show March 6th & &th

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🌿 Florence Home & Garden Show 🌷 Discover fresh ideas for your home and garden at the Florence Home & Garden Show, happening March 6–7 at the Florence Events Center. Presented by Coast Radio KCST & KCFM, this two-day event features contractors, landscapers, home improvement experts, plants, décor, demonstrations, and giveaways. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for kids, and free for children under 12, with free admission Saturday from 4–6 PM. Sponsored by Oregon Pacific Bank, the Florence Area...

🏜️ Save the Oregon Dunes Annual Meeting - March 16

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🌊 Learn how you can support the future of the Oregon Dunes at the Save the Oregon Dunes Annual Meeting on March 16 from 12–3 PM at the Siuslaw Public Library. Community members and civic organizations are invited to hear updates on restoration work, volunteer efforts, educational collaborations, and plans for the year ahead. More information is available at SaveOregonDunes.org.