Central Oregon Coast's Glass Float Drops Mellow a Bit: Special Drop Dates Fewer in '26

Published 12/22/25 at 4:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – For 26 years now, Finders Keepers has been the cause of great joy, anticipation and that bummed-out feeling you haven't yet lucked in. Some search for years; others for an hour. The central Oregon coast's beloved glass-float tradition is now moving back to what has always set it apart: the thrill of unexpectedly discovering something beautiful, handmade, and entirely unplanned along the open coast.

This time around the focus is not on large-scale extra glass float drops. Instead of emphasizing competition or scheduled hunts, the 2026 season returns to the program’s roots - serendipity, local craftsmanship, and the simple wonders of wandering.

Inspired by the Japanese fishing floats that once drifted ashore on Oregon beaches, Finders Keepers launched in 2000 to revive that feeling of “just happening upon” a piece of coastal history, much like finding a perfect shell to keep.

It was spear-headed by then-executive director Jennifer Sears, whose leadership and staff support launched the first season. She passed away in 2005. Afterwards, others guided the program’s evolution, eventually expanding Finders Keepers to a year-round tradition in 2018.

For many years, the number of floats matched the calendar year - 2001 floats in 2001, 2010 floats in 2010 - adding a playful numerical twist to the annual drops. That shifted to the special drops.

Since its beginnings, more than 75,000 artisan-made glass floats have been placed across Lincoln City’s seven miles of shoreline. Each one is crafted by Oregon artists and intended to be found, kept, and treasured as a personal memory. The tradition has also helped establish Lincoln City as one of the West Coast’s premier hubs for blown-glass art, home to numerous studios and galleries.

This year adds another change: there are less of the special events.

While the program’s heart remains rooted in spontaneous discovery, Explore Lincoln City will also offer a small number of themed float releases celebrating local traditions and community partners. These six special drops - 341 floats in total - add festive touchpoints while still supporting the broader return to year-round, serendipitous finds.

The special drop dates for 2026:

January 9-11, 2026: Opening Weekend: 100 floats will be dropped.

February 6-16, 2026: Retro Expo: 100 Japanese antique-style floats.

April 22-25, 2026: 50 Earth Day floats released.

June 19-20, 2026: 31 special floats for the Chinook Winds Casino Resort Anniversary.

September TBD: 10 floats for Fall Kite Festival.

October 30-November 1, 2026: 50 Halloween-themed floats placed.

“Finders Keepers has always been about connection, the moment when someone looks down and finds a piece of art made by local hands, waiting just for them,” says Kim Cooper Findling, Director of Explore Lincoln City. “As we enter the 2026 season, we’re bringing the program back to its quiet magic. Any walk can lead to a discovery. Any day can be special.”

Throughout 2026, more than 3,000 floats will be placed along the beach by the city’s secret army of “Float Fairies.” The intention isn’t to trigger a rush to the shoreline - it’s to encourage visitors to slow their pace, explore, and experience the coast with a renewed sense of wonder. Less chasing. More meaning. More mellow.

Please note that all dates are subject to change based on King Tides and weather conditions. All floats are dropped between the high tide line and below the beach embankment, but it is advised to always be aware of tide levels, weather conditions, and current advisories when visiting the beach.

For additional information, visit explorelincolncity.com or follow along @lincolncityor https://www.explorelincolncity.com/things-to-do/glass-floats/glass-artists/

Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours

 

 

April Gets Even Cheaper Midweek at Depoe Bay, Lincoln City: Oregon Coast Deals
Off-season rates plus more at Keystone Vacation Rentals. Depoe Bay lodging specials, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Newport hotel reviews

Central Oregon Coast's Summerlike Sept and Oct Getting Booked Up - Some Renta...
Lincoln City's Keystone: brief rental openings in Sept, slightly more Oct. Lincoln City hotel reviews. Depoe Bay hotel reviews

Legendary Inn at Nye Beach in Newport
Newport Hotel Review: there's a serious glow here, not just from the ethereal Infinity pool. Upscale and gorgeous, pet friendly. Newport hotel news

Multiple, Killer Oregon Coast Balcony Views at a Mere Two of Newport's Hotspots
A slice of infinity at one and a charming mansion in dense woods. Newport hotel reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Fireworks Return to Lincoln City, But Major Changes As It Focuses on Oregon Coast Wildlife
Show is moved to Devils Lake because of a wildlife reserve, but events stay in Taft. Lincoln City events

Unique Quartet Show By Candlelight On Oregon Coast Gives Rock Some Twists
NPAC on Thursday, May 14, experience string versions of Bowie, Stones. Newport events

One of Oregon's Top Coastal Accesses Changes Hands: Lincoln City Takes Over D River Rec Site
State Parks hands over the lease to the city, which will build new additions

A Bit of Oregon Coastal Swank At Not Quite the Coin
Lincoln City's Inn at Wecoma creates a rush of lovely surprises. Lincoln City hotel reviews

When Oregon Coast Whales Spout Rainbows - Yes, It's a Thing
The one thing whales off Oregon and Washington have in common with unicorns. Marine sciences

Another Gray Whale Washes Up on Oregon Coast, at Seaside: Early Observations, Video
The sixth in the NW in three weeks; early indications suggest it may have been undernourished. Marine sciences

Ecola State Park Officially Back Open Monday - N. Oregon Coast Landmark At Cannon Beach
With no notice, but Cannon Beach Chamber confirms. Travel, traffic

Beaverton Man Injured After Falling 20 Feet Off South Oregon Coast's Sisters Rock
He had knocked out teeth and difficulty breathing after falling into a sea cave. Gold Beach, Brookings, safety

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted