Whew! OK, the kids are back in school, but if you’re like us, you want to sneak in at least one more getaway before winter, and let’s be real, we all want some fun stuff to do as winter begins to descend upon us. (Not that there’s any lack of things to do in Florence in winter). So here’s your Florence bucket list—bargains, books, beach art, and more—for the next few months…
Plus, tips on fishing, crabbing, whale watching, and fall/winter golf!
SEPTEMBER
A Bargain Hunter’s Dream in Oregon’s Coastal Playground
Make room in your trunk and bring your best price-haggling, treasure-hunting spirit—Florence’s Community-wide Garage Sale is back September 12–14, 2025, and it’s better than ever!
Get ready to score unbeatable deals and hidden treasures—all while enjoying a coastal getaway!
Florence’s Community-Wide Garage Sale is your golden ticket to a weekend of fun, adventure, and serious savings. Shoppers from up to 100 miles away flock to this massive event each year for one reason: it’s a bargain hunter’s dream come true.
Picture this: dozens of neighborhoods, gated communities, pop-up markets, local shops, and nonprofits all bursting with deep discounts, rare finds, and one-of-a-kind items—just waiting for you. Whether you’re into vintage decor, tools, toys, clothes, home goods, or handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone—and every budget.
Plus, it’s more than just shopping—it’s an experience. You’ll explore charming coastal neighborhoods, meet friendly locals, and maybe even turn your weekend hunt into a full-blown beachside getaway.
Shoppers can grab an official Garage Sale Map & Guide starting in early September—complete with a short description for each sale site at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center and Gallery (290 Highway 101), or under the Events tab at FlorenceFun.com.
Big News for Bibliophiles!
The Florence Festival of Books, produced by FACE (Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment), is an annual one-day gathering on the Oregon Coast for readers, writers, and book collectors to connect with editors, authors, publishers, writing coaches, and others who just love books. Bibliophiles unite!
The Florence Festival of Books will be held on September 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince Street. There is no charge to enter the general book fair area, but workshops, panel discussions, and the keynote address may require a ticket. Expect more than 70 authors, publishers, editors, writing coaches, and other literary professionals. Find your favorite new read, meet the authors, and get your books signed by them. Concessions available. Learn more at FACEFestivalOfBooks.org.
OCTOBER
Retro Trailers Return
Come to Florence and “roll-retro” during the eighth annual Goin' with the Flo Vintage Trailer Community Open House.
More than 35 kitschy-campy vintage travel trailers will be decked out for public viewing, free, at Heceta Beach RV Park, 4636 Heceta Beach Rd (at the intersection with Rhododendron Dr.), Saturday, October 11, 2025, from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Some of the trailers are restored to perfection, some are still in the restoration process, but these happy campers are staged to greet you in style. Come meet the owners who love to share about this popular travel trend and vintage trailer restoration, and what it takes to keep these rare rigs on the road.
“Florence is also a super town for antiquing and thrifting, so if you’re thinking of a weekend getaway, this makes for a great time to come out and play,” said organizer Terry Hankins. Hankins and her husband Dan are owners Exploding Whale Beach Camp, home to their three classic rentable (AirBnB) Airstreams a 1960s Streamline and 1957 Spartan Mansion. They might just be “addicted-to-aluminum.”
For more information about Goin’ with the Flo, call Terry Hankins, 760-644-5432 (mobile), email xplodingwhale@gmail.com, or search Facebook for “Goin' with the Flo Vintage Trailer Rally.” For directions call Heceta Beach RV Park at 541-997-7664.
Beach Art and Kites Unite!
Come join the annual (and entirely free) Circles in the Sand beach labyrinth drawing and beach art event, October 18 & 19. This year, beach artist Denny Dykes and his small army of artistic volunteers will thrill and amaze with walkable, interactive art on Heceta Beach, adjacent to Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center. Look for local artists to add even more beauty and creativity with settings of shells, driftwood, and other beach finds amidst the circles. Dykes was featured for his unusual outdoor artistry on the CBS Evening News a couple of years ago. Denny will start drawing at 3:00 p.m. and the walkthrough begins at 5:00 p.m.
New this year: a kite exhibition! Come watch the highly accomplished locals thrill and amaze. This is going to be spectacular. There will also be a vendor area in Driftwood Shore’s lobby for sandboards, apparel, and local art.
Getting There:
Organizers have arranged for shuttle service to Heceta Beach! Because parking is limited next to Driftwood Shores, we’re encouraging visitors and locals to take advantage of the free parking and the free shuttle at the Grocery Outlet parking lot (21st and Highway 101).
The shuttles to Florence from Eugene and Yachats via Link Lane pick up and drop off at Grocery Outlet, making the site totally convenient.
Driftwood Shores and Sand Master Park are your hosts again this year with help from sponsors like the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, Sea Lion Caves, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
FISHING, CRABBING, WHALE WATCHING, AND FALL/WINTER GOLF!
“I Caught The One That Got Away…And It Was THIS BIG!”
As folk around here say: Let’s go catching! Get local insiders’ tips for the best fishing here…
Or Get Crabby About It
Dungeness crab is arguably the best tasting of all crab varieties—wild, sweet, slightly gamey—everything crab should be. Learn how to catch, clean, and cook your own here.
You know who else likes freshly caught fish and crab?
Sea lions! Here’s how to visit them in their own raucous realm…
Fall and Winter Golf? Yes!
While other areas of Oregon experience extreme weather—flooding or freezing over local golf courses, Florence enjoys a milder coastal climate. This makes it the perfect location for fall and winter golf, with greens ready to play even after our occasional showers. Learn more here.
Winter Whale Watching!
The height of the annual northbound migration of up to 20,000 majestic gray whales is usually between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Volunteer “Whale Watching Spoken Here” experts are strategically located along the Oregon Coast (whalewatch.org), or venture out on your own to any of the many Highway 101 turnouts: between Sea Lion Caves and Heceta Head Lighthouse, at Cooks Chasm Turnout, and at Cape Perpetua Interpretive Center—and just about anywhere in between! For more information: www.ORWhaleWatch.org
NOVEMBER:
November 11—Veterans’ Day in Florence!
Join the Florence community as the annual Veterans' Day Parade returns to the streets of Florence, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Florence Christian Church, 2nd and Ivy Streets. The route winds through Historic Old Town Florence and ends on First Street by the Port of Siuslaw Parking lot. Then, tour the Oregon Coast Military Museum and the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum for special tribute exhibits and fascinating history (small admission fees).
November 12—Exploding Whale Day (site will be updated regularly)
Commemorate the day 55 years ago when the “blast blasted blubber beyond all believable bounds.”
November 25—Shop Small Saturday and Cocoa, Cookie & Cider Trail
Sweet deals and sweet treats in Historic Old Town and all-around town! Tour the best shops and galleries on the coast and find the most unique art (2-D and 3-D), jewelry, edibles, décor, coastal-themed gift ideas, and fun, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list this year in Florence!
DECEMBER:
December 6—Annual Holiday Festival (first Saturday of December)
This family-friendly event includes Santa’s official arrival, our traditional Mayor’s Tree Lighting, hayrides, cocoa, cookies and cider, and community carol singing along beautiful Bay Street (at the brand new and beautifully-decorated Gazebo Park and Siuslaw River Interpretive Center park) . 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.
JANUARY:
January 22-24, 2026—Florence Winter Music Festival
The last weekend in January is always hot in Florence! Warm up your winter with blazin’ hot bluegrass, heartwarming new and traditional folk, and foot-stompin’ Americana during the annual Florence Winter Music Festival! Two days and seven award-winning, internationally touring acts fire-up the Florence Events Center. The event opens with a Thursday evening all-comers open mic/hootenanny and includes open jam sessions, multiple songwriting and performance workshops, and great food and drink.
Tickets, artist profiles, lodging recommendations, and other details are available at WinterMusicFestival.org or by calling the Florence Events Center at 541-997-1994. Purchase tickets online at EventCenter.org or in person at the Florence Events Center (715 Quince Street in Florence), during box office hours. Ask about the moneysaving two-day passes!
FEBRUARY:
February 13-16, 2026 TWO GREAT EVENTS AT ONCE!
Valentine’s Day Weekend in Florence?
Yes! Plan now and check with our local lodgings to learn about their romance packages and plan a romantic dinner in Historic Old Town Florence. Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday in 2026! Book now and avoid spending an un-romantic weekend in the doghouse!
Annual Wine & Chowder Trails and Great Glass Float Giveaway
Bring the love of your life to Oregon’s Coastal Playground and join us in Historic Old Town Florence (and other sites around town) for this tasty fun-filled three-day Valentine’s Day/President’s Day Weekend! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday search for and enter for your chance to win hidden glass floats hidden around town. On Saturday AND Sunday, stroll through Old Town and sample wines from a dozen of Oregon’s finest wineries. On Sunday be your own judge and let us know which is your favorite chowder from the dozen different samples available all along Bay Street. Glass Float Trail and Chowder Trail passports will be available Friday at the Visitors Center (290 Hwy 101) and in Old Town at Gazebo Park Saturday and Sunday. Commemorative Wine Trail glasses and tasting tickets will be on sale at Gazebo Park in Old Town on Saturday AND Sunday. Live music, surprise performances, and more! For tickets and more information: FlorenceFun.com, 541-997-3128.
