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/

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