Whales Watch Vacation Rentals Blog

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.

Oregon's coastal playground: discover Florence

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Florence is shining on TV! We're excited to be featured on Good Day Oregon, sharing why Florence, Oregon is the place to shop, eat, stay, and play this season. From the Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail to live music, community events, and coastal experiences, there's always something happening in Oregon's Coastal Playground. 🍷🥣✨ Watch the segment to learn more about this signature Florence weekend—and get inspired to plan your next visit or weekend out. 👉 Watch the video and see what's com...

Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail 2/13/26 - 2/15/26

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Winter on the Coast Hits Different Winter is better on the coast, and Florence, Oregon proves it. Mild coastal weather means you can golf, walk the beach, shop Old Town, and dine out—all in the same day. And coming up soon is one of our favorite winter weekends: Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail. Make plans now, gather your crew, and purchase your passports, wine glasses, and tasting tickets to be part of the fun. Learn more and get yours at WineAndChowderTrail.com #WineAndChowder #WineCho...

National Plan for Vacation Day - 1/27/2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Happy National #PlanForVacation Day! This year, we hope you plan to visit Florence, Oregon! Enjoy miles of sandy beach at Heceta Beach and visit Cape Perpetua & Heceta Head Lighthouse while you're here, but most importantly, take advantage of the benefits—from reducing stress to preventing burn out—of planning for an unforgettable adventure.

Winter Music Festival Schedule

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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The Winter 2025 Whale Watch Event will be from December 27th through 31st.

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

We are excited to announce our dates for the upcoming Oregon Whale Watch program. The Winter 2025 Whale Watch Event will be from December 27th through 31st. During the Whale Watch Events we will have volunteers and rangers stationed at 15 locations stretched along the Oregon coast. Come join us to catch the gray whale migrations as they pass by! History In 1978 Don Giles of the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport headed out to Yaquina Head Lighthouse with his binoculars and a grea...

December 6th - Annual Holiday Festival

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This family-friendly event includes Santa's official arrival, our traditional Mayor's Tree Lighting, hayrides, cocoa, cookies and cider, and community carol singing at the beautifully-decorated Gazebo Park and Siuslaw River Interpretive Center park on Bay Street. Stay tuned for details. You may even find a gnome and score a deal at participating retailers! You'll also be able to sign up for a chance to win some awesome prizes from participating retailers.