The Coos Bay Downtown Association invites you and your family to celebrate local art, culture, food and drink at the 2018 Blackberry Arts Festival in downtown Coos Bay August 25-26, 2018.  This popular festival happens annually on the 4th weekend of August (peak of the Blackberry season on the Oregon Coast) and celebrates the annual harvest of the Blackberry.

Festival-goers will be happy to know that K-DOCK 92.9 is again presenting Blackberry Jam, a local showcase of live music from some of our best musicians.

Come on down to Oregon’s South Coast and treat yourself to a weekend of great entertainment, Blackberry Pie and other blackberry-inspired treats, fun, food, drinks and a whole lot more! Peruse arts, crafts, jewelry, photography, paintings, prints, weaving, spinning, and woodworking created by local and regional vendors.

Follow the festival’s Facebook page for more developments and news and/or visit www.blackberryartsfestival.com. Visitors can also contact www.coosbaydowntown.org  for additional details.  See you soon!

We could tell you about it, but we’d rather show you!

Thanks to Facebook Live, viewers got to experience life on Oregon’s Adventure Coast in real time as they explored places like Coos Bay Farmers Market, Wildflour Café, Egyptian Theatre, 7 Devils Brewery, Bastendorff Beach and Shore Acres State Park to name just a few! All in all, there were an estimated 25 segments posted to That Oregon Life Facebook Page, most of them were live!

If you missed the live segments, no worries! We shared them on our own Facebook page. You can also view the segments below!

Planning a trip? We encourage you to check out each of the following segments for valuable tips and inspiration to help you get the most out of your trip! Even if you weren’t planning a trip, you’ll probably want to when you see just how much fun our guests had.  We want to give a big shout-out to Rick Dancer from That Oregon Life for taking the time to come play and stay here on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. It was a blast!

For more information, visit thatoregonlife.com.

The segments below start with the most recent.

Discussing Tribal Heritage with Coquille Tribal Chief Don Ivy.

The annual Salmon Bake Dinner (ticketed event) is among the highlights of this celebration of Native American and Coquille Tribal culture. The family-friendly event also offers visitors free daily performances by Native American storytellers, drummers, flutists and dancers, a marketplace offering traditional wares and foods, a bay-front canoe exhibit and races, traditional games and activities for children, plus a variety of cultural demonstrations and educational exhibits.

The celebration began as a means of sharing the heritage, culture and traditions of the Coquille Indian Tribe and other Pacific Northwest Tribes with residents and visitors to Oregon’s South Coast. Nowadays, the event attracts Native American artisans and musicians from throughout the Western United States and Canada.

Learn more about the festivities and traditions below.

Please visit www.themillcasino.com for schedule and Salmon Bake Dinner ticket information. Bring the whole family for a great weekend of fun!

Saturday, September 8

CANOE RACES 
10:00 am – 12:00 pm 
Opening Prayer
Traditional Dugout Canoes
Journey Canoes Youth Division
Women’s Division
Men’s Division
Mixed Division (Adults and Youth Mixed)

Native Vendors, Artisans & Demonstrations
10:00 am – 5:00 pm ~ South End of the Hotel
Demonstrations
Tribal Fry Bread Booth
Fishing Tools Exhibit
Flint Knapping
Demonstration and Participation
Traditional Canoe Carving
Traditional Language
Weaving Demonstration and Participation
Beading Demonstration and Participation
Glass Blowing Exhibition
Traditional Canoe Races
South Slough Estuary
Coos Watershed Association
ODFW Live Salmon Display
Children’s Activities

Traditional Salmon Bake Meal (Salmon Pit)
11:00 am – 5:00 pm ~ South End of the Hotel

Entertainment Tent
10:00 am Native American Dancing & Drum Groups
11:00 am Native Flute
12:00 pm Native American Dancing & Drum Groups
2:00 pm Canoe Race Awards
2:30 pm Native Flute
3:30 pm Native American Dancing & Drum Groups

Sunday, September 9

Traditional Salmon Bake Meal (Salmon Pit) 
11:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ South End of the Hotel 

Native Vendors, Artisans & Demonstrations 
11:00 am – 4:00 pm ~ South End of the Hotel

Entertainment Tent
11:00 am Native Flute
12:00 pm Native American Dancing & Drum Groups
1:30 pm Native Flute
2:00 pm Native American Dancing & Drum Groups
2:30 pm Release the Salmon into the Bay – ODFW (Beach Area)

4:00 pm Coos Basin Amateur Salmon Derby  Awards & Prizes

CANOE EXHIBITION
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Public Rides Available (Weather Permitting)
Closing Prayer

September’s a busy time in Coos Bay so we recommend booking accommodations before it’s too late! Visit our lodging page to search through great options of hotels and inns in the Coos Bay area.

The Bay Area Fun Festival is coming up September 15-16, 2018 and there is already plenty of buzz about this year’s event! Thousands of locals and visitors from afar come to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of beautiful downtown Coos Bay and surrounding areas for this popular festival. Book your accommodations soon so your group can enjoy the fun!

Bay Area Fun Festival

The Bay Area Fun Festival (a.k.a. BAFF) is September 15-16, 2018 and will feature the one-and-only Cruz the Coos featuring nearly 500 vintage automobiles, the Prefontaine Memorial Run, K-DOCK Music Festival, a parade and much more! Visitors will also enjoy a variety of vendors, arts and crafts and lots of different kinds of food along with a beer & wine garden.

Cruz the Coos

The Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary Club will present the largest vintage car cruises and “Show ‘n Shine” on the Oregon Coast Saturday, September 15th, 2018. Visit cruzthecoos.com for more details about this family-friendly event.

Prefontaine Run

The ever-popular Prefontaine Memorial Run follows the training route of Coos Bay native and running phenom, Steve Prefontaine and is happening Saturday, September 15th, 2018. After the run, runners and their guests are encouraged to view the Prefontaine Memorial Gallery at Coos Art Museum. This exhibit is a permanent collection of Steve’s awards and memorabilia, as well as numerous photographs highlighting his illustrious running career. The three-panel mural, pictured above, can be viewed on a building facing Hwy 101 between Anderson and Curtis! Register Online for the Prefontaine Run

Click here to see the full schedule of 2018 BAFF events. See you in September!

Oregon’s Adventure Coast has a special visitor this week! Oregon guru and journalist Rick Dancer from That Oregon Life is exploring Coos Bay, North Bend & Charleston this week doing multiple LIVE (and almost live) segments on his Facebook page as we explore all over the area!

To catch the live segments, go to the That Oregon Life Facebook Page and tune in at the following times (please note this schedule is subject to change without notice due to the nature of live programming). We will also re-post the segments on our Facebook page if you can’t watch at the times listed below. All times listed below are in PST.

AUGUST 1ST
Coos Bay Farmers Market 9:00 am
Coos Bay Boardwalk 10:00 am
7 Devils Brewery 11:00 am
Egyptian Theatre Noon
Coquille Tribal Heritage 1:30 pm
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport – From the Tower 3:15 pm
McCullough Bridge and North Bend Parks 2:15 pm
Wildflour Café 4:00 pm

AUGUST 2nd
Betty Kay Fishing 8:00 am
Charleston Marine Life Center 11:15 am
Kinnee Shells & Gifts 12:15 pm
Portside for Lunch with the Wild Women 1:15 pm
Giddings Boat Works 2:15 pm
Oregon Seafoods 3:00 pm
Basin Tackle 4:15 pm

Plus, stay tuned for these segments on Friday, August 3rd!
Shore Acres State Park Time TBD
Bastendorff Beach Surfing Time TBD
South Slough Estuary Time TBD

For more information, visit thatoregonlife.com.

Whether you’re planning to join the thousands of runners from all over the country for the Annual Prefontaine 10K Run in September or the Charleston Salmon Run marathon, 1/2 marathon and 10K in October, or one of many annual running events organized by the South Coast Running Club there is a race or walk for runners at every level.

Here is a list of upcoming races to be on the lookout for:

Sunset Bay Trail Run

Saturday, September 1, 2018
This race is a hilly, scenic trail along the scenic Oregon Coast. It’s a challenging course for the longer distances but the views will take what breath you have left away. Choose from 1/2 Marathon, 15K, 4-Mile trail run, or a 1-Mile Beach Fun Run. Click here to sign up online or send it in via snail-mail.

Prefontaine Memorial Run

Saturday, September 15th, 2018
Better get moving if you’re planning to run this race! The Annual Prefontaine Memorial Run, a challenging 10K road race across one of Steve Prefontaine’s training courses, happens just 2 months from now in conjunction with the annual Bay Area Fun Festival.  Register online to guarantee your spot in the race!

Charleston Salmon Run and Crab Walk

October 6th, 2018
This unique race offers something for everyone from seasoned marathon runners to self-proclaimed “couch potatoes”! Runners can choose from a 26.2 mile Full Marathon, 13.1 mile 1/2 Marathon, 10K or the Crab Walk -1M. Register Here.

Training Tips

If you are new to running on Oregon’s Adventure Coast, congratulations! You’re about to embark on a very special journey. Follow these tips to help you get ready to face your next race head on!

#1 Find the Right Training Plan and Stick to It!

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail!  It takes time to get into running shape, so it’s critical to follow a training plan that is right for you! Since most of the running events on Oregon’s South Coast have multiple hills and trails, you will want to incorporate that into your training. A simple online search will bring you hundreds of viable training programs, though many new runners have found the Hal Higdon Training Programs to be easy to follow. You may want to consider finding a training partner to run with you. You’re more likely to stick to your program if you are accountable to someone.  Depending on where you live, local running groups like our South Coast Running Club are a great place to find like-minded runners. Simply ask around to find a friend or neighbor who is up for the challenge.

#2 Book Your Accommodations Early

To run a good race, you must get a good night’s sleep the night before and a place to rest and recover post-race. With just a couple of months to go until the Prefontaine Memorial Run and Charleston Salmon Run, we strongly advise that you visit our Lodging Page and book your accommodations asap!

#3 Invest in the Right Running Attire

The wrong socks, shoes and running attire will result in more blisters and chafing. Avoid wearing cotton since it has a tendency to trap in sweat. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking material and dress in layers. Oregon weather can change quickly! Do some research and invest in quality running shoes or else you risk injury due to improper footwear. If possible, head to a store for runners and ask the associate to help you find the right shoe and the right fit for you. If that’s not an option, there are dozens of tips and guidelines you can find online.

#4 Learn The Route

If possible, preview the route where the run will take place. Familiarity will help you avoid any surprises come race time and allow your body to adjust to the course. If you can’t train in person at the location, study it online to get a good feeling for what type of race it will be. Runners can preview the course map for the Prefontaine Memorial Run in addition to the Charleston Salmon Run course. You can also get a sense of the Charleston Salmon Run course watching the video below!

#5 Relax and have fun

Oregon’s Adventure Coast is a place to relax, take in a natural beauty and simply have fun. The communities of Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston Oregon want you here and its residents are happy to help you find your way around or shop for any last minute items you may need for race day.  Take some time to check out the dozens of activities and places you can go to unwind before or after the big race. Give us a call, visit one of our Visitor Information Centers, or visit CoosBay – North Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau website for suggestions and ideas on where to go, best places to eat, and any other questions you may have.

U.S. Coast Guard: Through the Eye of the Artist, featuring fifteen works of art by 11 United States Coast Guard artists – more than half of whom are from the West – will be on view at the Coos History Museum from July 19 through September 16, 2018. The exhibit will open with a free, family friendly ceremony on Thursday – July 19, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The public is welcome to attend and tour the museum exhibit, free of charge.

The United States Coast Guard will have a HH-65 Helicopter Fly Over, a Search and Rescue Demonstration, along with tours of the 26′ TANB (Trailerable Aids to Navigation Boat) tour at the museum during the opening ceremony. The U.S.C.G. Chief Petty Officer’s Association will host a BBQ Fundraiser – $5/per person, includes hamburger or hot dog, chips and beverage. Proceeds from the BBQ fundraiser to benefit the CPOA’s Projects.

The opening ceremony is in partnership with the USCG Sector North Bend Officer’s Wardroom and the USCG Chief Petty Officer’s Association North Bend Chapter, with assistance from the USCG Aids to Navigation
Team Coos Bay. U.S. Coast Guard: Through the Eye of the Artist showcases 15 works depict the missions of the U.S. Coast Guard, including search and rescue cases, buoy tending operations and surf boat patrols. Many of the works depict events occurring in the West and Northwestern parts of this country.

Western artists whose work will be on view are Dennis Boom, Hillsboro, OR; Frank Gaffney, Mountlake Terrace, WA; Louis Gadal, Los Angeles, CA; MK2 Jasen Newman, Port Angeles, WA; Robert Tandecki, Albuquerque, NM; Peter DeWeerdt, Tucson, AZ; and Pete Michels, Stevenson Ranch, CA. The four others are Karen Loew, New York, NY; Susanne Corbeletta, Glen Head, NY; Ken Smith, Pulaski, VA; and John Ward, Saranac Lake, NY.

This marks the 37th anniversary of the Coast Guard Art Program – known as COGAP. The program utilizes fine art as an outreach tool for educating diverse audiences about the United State Coast Guard. Today, more than ever, the service addresses an abundance of challenges as it works to maintain the nation’s security at home and abroad and execute its 11 statutory missions such as drug interdiction, marine safety and maritime law enforcement. Click here to learn more about COGAP.

The Coos History Museum will waive admission to military veterans and their spouse/partner through December 31, 2018. The free admission program was created through generous financial support from the Coquille Tribal Community Fund and the Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Keiser Foundation. During 2018, the Coos History Museum special exhibit focus is dedicated to honoring veterans. There will be 4 special exhibits this year, beginning with the Smithsonian’s Patriot Nations: Native Americans in Our Nation’s Armed Forces, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs exhibit entitled I Am Not Invisible, United States Coast Guard Art, and the Coos History Museum’s Vet Ink: Military Inspired Tattoos. For exhibit run dates, please visit the Coos History Museum website at www.cooshistory.org.

The public is invited to experience maritime history when the brig Lady Washington and the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain dock at the Coos Bay Boardwalk July 12th-24th, 2018. This is welcome news to our community after the Lady Washington was unable to complete her voyage to Coos Bay in April due to weather conditions.

The Lady Washington is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington, the first American vessel to make landfall on the west coast of North America in 1788. The Hawaiian Chieftain is a replica of a typical European merchant trader of the turn of the nineteenth century. Her hull shape and rigging are similar to those of Spanish explorer’s ships used in the expeditions of the late 18th century along the Washington, Oregon, and California coasts.

The Tall Ships Return to Coos Bay Summer 2018!

The ships will offer walk-on tours, public excursions, and educational programs for K-12 students. You can even follow their journey here by following them on Facebook: facebook.com/GHHSA and Twitter: @graysharborhist. To learn more visit www.historicalseaport.org.

Here is the schedule for Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain’s time in Coos Bay (subject to change depending on conditions, please check the site for current schedule):

July 10-12:
Passage to Coos Bay

July 13:
Adventure Sail, 2 to 4 p.m. on Lady Washington and Evening Sail, 6 to 8 p.m. on Hawaiian Chieftain .

July 14:
Vessel Tours, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Battle Sail, 2 to 5 p.m.
Evening Sail, 6 to 8 p.m. on both ships

July 15:
Vessel tour on Hawaiian Chieftain, 10 to 1 p.m.
Adventure Sail, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Lady Washington
Battle Sail, 2 to 5 p.m.

July 16:
Closed

July 17:
Battle Sail, 2 to 5 p.m. and Evening Sail, 6 to 8 p.m. on both ships

July 18:
Vessel Tours on Hawaiian Chieftain, 1 to 4 p.m.
Adventure Sail, 2 to 4 p.m. on Lady Washington
Evening Sail, 6 to 8 p.m. on Hawaiian Chieftain

July 19:
Battle Sail, 2 to 5 p.m. and Evening Sail, 6 to 8 p.m. on both ships

July 20:
Battle Sail, 2 to 5 p.m. and Evening Sail, 6 to 8 p.m. on both ships

July 21:
Vessel Tours, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Battle Sail, 2 to 5 p.m.
Evening Sail, 6 to 8 p.m. on both ships

July 22:
Vessel Tours on Hawaiian Chieftain, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Adventure Sail, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Lady Washington
Battle Sail, 2 to 5 p.m.

July 23:
Closed

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.historicalseaport.org or calling 800-200-5239.

Spend a day or the whole week with us- Oregon’s Adventure Coast is your guide to summer relaxation. Here is what we have planned for Independence Day 2018.

4th of July — South Coast Style!

Photographer: Steven Michael

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the events happening during the 4th:

July 3rd Fireworks at The Mill

Don’t miss Oregon’s Largest Fireworks Display on July 3rd. The Mill Casino will light up the skies over North Bend and the Coos Bay shoreline, with their annual waterfront fireworks display on Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018. Click here for more info.

4th of July Mayor’s Firecracker Run

Kick off Independence Day Wednesday, July 4th, 2018 with a fun 1-mile kid’s run and a 4K for grown-ups @ 10 a.m. The grown-up race begins as soon as the kids are done, approximately 10:15. The race is on city park sidewalks, trails, and includes one HUGE hill in beautiful Mingus Park. Click here for more info.

4th of July in Mingus Park & Coos Bay Boardwalk 2018

Fishing ponds, face painting, FREE swimming, family competitions, clowns, kids entertainment, horse viewing & petting, Boy Scouts, Furry Friends Therapy Dogs. Crafts and goodie bags, food available, and much more. Fireworks by the City of Coos Bay. Day time activities at Mingus Park, Evening activities on the Coos Bay Boardwalk starting at 8pm. Click here for more info.

Later in the week…

Downtown Coos Bay Wine Walk

Visit various downtown businesses to wine taste and shop on Friday, July 6th, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Wine glasses and maps provided with a $10 donation to benefit local non-profit organizations each month. Starts at the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center, 50 Central Ave. July 2018 Benefits the Oregon Coast Music Association and community service of the Bay Area Rotary Club. Click here for more information.

Little Ole Opry on the Bay

The Liberty Theatre – Home of Little Theatre on the Bay presents Little Ole Opry on the Bay July 7th – 29th, 2018. The popular Country Western Musical Variety show is patterned after “The Grand Old Opry” in Nashville and features a different show every weekend. Choose from 50’s & 60’s Hit Parade, Country Roots, Director’s Choice and more! Opry has been thrilling Bay Area audiences with music, comedy, and dance since 1982. Visit www.thelibertytheatre.org for show and ticket info.

Music on the Corner

The Coos Bay Downtown Association and The World will present the fourth annual Music on the Corner featuring some of the area’s most talented musicians, every Friday at noon, starting July 13. This series of free one hour concerts will be held in the vacant lot at Fourth and Anderson downtown Coos Bay every Friday through Aug. 31. Bring a chair, bring a lunch and bring a friend! Fridays @ 12 p.m. July 13th-August 31st, 2018. Here’s the current lineup:
July 13th, Happy Five
July 20th, The Strange Brew Band
July 27th, Che’s Lounge
Aug. 3rd, Oldtime Fiddlers
Aug. 10th, Caught Red Handed
Aug. 17th, Al Giardinelli
Aug. 24th, Dale Inskeep
Aug. 31st, Coos Rhythm & Blues Quintet
Click here for more information.

But wait, there’s more! Here are Nine Hot Festivals on Oregon’s Cool Coast and Your Guide to the Arts & Culture on the Coast you don’t want to miss. There is still time to plan a summer road trip to Oregon’s South Coast. We can’t wait to see you here!

This summer, we invite you to come explore our innovative and inspired performances, exhibits and local attractions. Our weekly Downtown Farmers Market in addition to local music venues, museums, galleries, antique markets and other eclectic businesses will also give our visitors a sense of our history and culture.

Here are a few exciting additions to our arts and culture scene coming up! You can find our full calendar of events by clicking here.

2018 Music on the Corner

The Coos Bay Downtown Association (CBDA) and The World newspaper present the fourth annual Music on the Corner featuring some of the area’s most talented musicians, every Friday at noon, starting July 13.  This series of free one hour concerts will be held in the vacant lot at Fourth and Anderson downtown Coos Bay every Friday through Aug. 31. Bring a chair, bring a lunch and bring a friend! Click here for schedules and more information.

Little Ole Opry on the Bay at The Liberty Theatre

Each summer, talented local singers, actors and dancers at The Liberty Theatre – Home of Little Theatre on the Bay bring this delightful musical review to enthusiastic audiences. It’s a “don’t miss” spectacle that should be added to your itinerary. Click here for more info.

Coos Art Museum

Coos Art Museum is providing free hands on art lessons appropriate for all ages this summer. ART CART in the PARK is a free art program designed to serve children where they are. Three days each week, June 25—August 17, at separate locations, the Art Cart will be in parks as the Free Lunch Program is winding down. The museum will offer a free art project for kids of all ages. Click here for schedule and more information about this program.

Coos Art Museum is the cornerstone of visual arts on Oregon’s Southern Coast. Do not overlook this local gem and it’s impressive collections, exhibitions and educational programs. The museum is housed in the historic 1936 Art Deco US Federal Building in downtown Coos Bay. Hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm, Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday. Museum admission: $5 general; $2 students, veterans and seniors; free to Museum members, free for active duty military personnel and their families through Labor Day, 2018. Visit www.coosart.org for more information.

Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain Return to Coos Bay Boardwalk July 12th-24th!

The public is invited to experience maritime history when the brig Lady Washington and the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain dock at the Coos Bay Boardwalk July 12th-24th, 2018. The ships will offer walk-on tours, public excursions, and educational programs.  To learn more visit www.historicalseaport.org.

40th Annual Oregon Coast Music Festival