By Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Beachcomber, sharing helpful vacation planning ideas and tips to make the most of your time on the Oregon Coast.
Summer in Cannon Beach, Oregon, brings cool coastal weather, long beach days, and a full calendar of community events. From sandcastle building near Haystack Rock to a fireworks-free Fourth of July, this stretch of the coast packs a serious amount of activity into a few short months. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a week-long stay, these are the Oregon Coast summer events and easy day trips you need to know.
Top Summer Events in Cannon Beach, Oregon
Steidl’s Art Gallery Spring Unveiling
May 1–3, 2026 | All Day
Cannon Beach has long been an arts destination, and Steidl’s Gallery is one of its anchors. The Spring Unveiling is an annual debut of new work — a chance to see what local and regional artists have been creating over the winter. It’s an easy event to pair with shopping downtown, dinner nearby, or a walk on the beach before heading back to your rental.
- Location: Cannon Beach galleries, including Steidel’s Art Gallery
- Hours: All day – Different galleries may have different operating hours
- Admission: Free to browse
Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival
Date: May 15–17, 2026
The Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival brings wide-tire bikes onto the sand for a weekend of beach rides, demos, and coastal fun. It’s a lively way to see Cannon Beach from a different angle, especially during a time of year when summer crowds have not fully arrived yet. Riders can register for the event, while spectators can enjoy seeing bikes roll along the beach with the Pacific nearby.
- Location: Cannon Beach
- Time: All day
- Admission: Registration required for riders
Cannon Beach Academy Variety Show
Date: May 29, 2026
A community staple. The Cannon Beach Academy Variety Show at City Park is a local showcase of student talent. It’s a simple, family-friendly way to spend an early summer evening in Cannon Beach.
- Location: City Park Bandstand
- Time: 5:30–7:00 PM
Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
Date: June 19–21, 2026
The Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is one of the signature Cannon Beach activities of the summer. The weekend includes live demonstrations, a kickoff celebration, and the main building day, when teams create large sand sculptures on the beach. Saturday is the biggest day for spectators, with building beginning in the morning and final judging in the afternoon.
- Location: Cannon Beach, near Haystack Rock
- Main building day: Saturday, June 20
- Admission: Free for spectators
Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Astoria
Date: June 19–21, 2026
Running the same weekend as the Sandcastle Contest, the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Astoria is a short drive north along Highway 101. Astoria has deep Scandinavian roots — it was settled heavily by Finnish and Scandinavian fishermen and loggers in the 19th century — and this festival celebrates that heritage with music, dancing, traditional food, a beer garden, and a Midsummer pole.
- Location: Clatsop County Fairgrounds, 92937 Walluski Loop, Astoria, OR
- Drive from Cannon Beach: About 40 minutes
- Admission: Parking is $5, and a 3-day wristband is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12 years of age
Fourth of July in Cannon Beach
Date: July 4, 2026
Cannon Beach 4th of July celebrations are different from what you’ll find in many beach towns. Instead of a firework display, Cannon Beach hosts a fireworks-free Fourth in respect for the area’s wildlife, natural landscape, and coastal environment. The day includes a traditional Independence Day Parade, community activities, and a slower holiday feel that fits the town well.
The Cannon Beach Independence Day Parade begins at 11:00 AM and follows a downtown route along Spruce, 3rd, and Hemlock. This is also a meaningful year for travelers interested in America 250, since 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States.
- Parade date: July 4, 2026
- Parade time: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Nearby fireworks: Seaside typically offers a fireworks-centered celebration and is only a short drive from Cannon Beach.
Book Your Cannon Beach Summer Rental Direct
Summer weekends on the Oregon Coast book up well ahead of time — especially around major events like the Sandcastle Contest and the Fourth of July. Beachcomber vacation rentals in Cannon Beach offer direct booking with no third-party fees, and staying close to town means you can walk to everything. Reserve your summer stay directly with Beachcomber.
See All Cannon Beach Vacation Rentals
Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament
Date: August 5–9, 2026
The Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament is the largest beach volleyball tournament in North America, bringing more than 40,000 people to the Oregon Coast for five days of competition. Courts stretch across the sand, with divisions for juniors, adults, amateurs, and open players.
Cannon Beach makes a great home base for the tournament because Seaside is close enough for an easy drive, but you can return to a quieter beach town after the matches.
- Location: Seaside Beach
- Drive from Cannon Beach: About 15 minutes
- Admission: Free for spectators
Hood to Coast Relay Finish in Seaside
Date: August 28–29, 2026
Known as the “Mother of All Relays,” the Hood to Coast is the largest running relay race in the world. Teams of 8 to 12 runners cover nearly 200 miles from Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood all the way to the beach in Seaside — running through the night in relay fashion. Over 12,000 runners participate, and the race draws participants from more than 40 countries and all 50 US states.
The finish line party in Seaside is open to everyone. The Seaside Chamber of Commerce hosts a Beer, Wine, and Spirits Garden that runs throughout the day, and there’s live music on the main stage. Awards are presented on the beach in the late afternoon. Even if you’re not running, the energy on the beach when teams start crossing the finish line is truly something to see.
- Location: Finish line on the beach in Seaside
Book Your Cannon Beach Summer Rental Directly
Featured Property: Fernwood Beach House
When you’re planning a summer trip to Cannon Beach, location matters. Staying close to town makes it easier to enjoy the Fourth of July parade, art galleries, restaurants, Haystack Rock, and local state parks without spending the whole trip in the car. But, because of all the awesome activities, rentals go fast.
If you’re considering a visit to the Oregon Coast this summer, now is the time to reserve your stay while there’s still availability. Book your Cannon Beach summer rental directly with Beachcomber to avoid extra third-party fees and choose from professionally managed homes backed by a local team. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Events in Cannon Beach
What is the weather like in Cannon Beach in the summer?
Summer is the driest season on the Oregon Coast, but “summer” conditions on the coast run more like mid-July through September. June is often still cool and overcast. Expect highs in the upper 50s to mid-60s°F with occasional fog in early summer, warming up to the mid-60s and 70s in July and August. Layers are always a good call, even on warm days.
What activities are available in Cannon Beach in the summer?
Beyond the scheduled events above, summer Cannon Beach activities include tide pooling at Haystack Rock, beach walking and biking, kayaking in nearby Nehalem, exploring the galleries in town, hiking in Ecola State Park (when it’s open), and whale watching (seasonal).
How far is Cannon Beach from Seaside?
Cannon Beach is approximately 10 miles south of Seaside on Highway 101 — about a 15–20 minute drive.
When should I book Cannon Beach summer rentals?
As early as possible. Summer is peak season on the Oregon Coast, and Cannon Beach in particular fills up well in advance around major events like the 4th of July and the Sandcastle Contest weekend. Booking directly with Beachcomber gives you the best chance at availability and the most flexibility with your reservation.
Is Cannon Beach good for families in the summer?
Cannon Beach is an excellent family destination in summer. The beach is safe for walking and playing (though the water is cold), and events like the Sandcastle Contest, the 4th of July parade, and the Academy Variety Show are all family-friendly. The Haystack Rock tide pools are a particular highlight for kids.
More Cannon Beach Planning Resources:
- Annual Events in Cannon Beach
- First-Time Guide to Cannon Beach
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Cannon Beach
- Best Things to Do in Cannon Beach
