Ice Skating Rink at South Oregon Coast's North Bend A Big Hit and New Tradition

Published 12/30/25 at 12:25 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(North Bend, Oregon) – Awhile back, a holiday tradition popped up on Oregon's south coast that was really more than about Christmas. Thanks to some grants – which included the acquisition of a big tent – the City of North Bend plopped an ice skating rink at one spot in town.

That's right: ice skating.

But how, you may ask, does ice skating work in a temperate place like the south coast?

It's an artificial type of ice and it's now a happenin' for both locals and visitors alike. Every year, this “cool” installation appears in mid November and goes until the end of January – sometimes even Valentine's Day.

It may be fake ice, but it's the real thing.

This time around in 2026, North Bend’s winter ice skating rink is open through January 31, offering what organizers describe as the only public ice skating experience on the Oregon coast. The seasonal attraction invites families, friends, and visitors to lace up and take to the ice inside a large, weather-protected event tent in downtown North Bend (2040 Union Ave.).

Best of all: it's free. Absolutely no charge.

If you don't have skates, well... they do have to charge to rent those out.

Skaters can rent a pair of skates for $5. Payment is accepted by cash, credit card, or check made payable to the City of North Bend. All participants are required to complete a skating waiver before entering the rink.

The rink accommodates up to 70 people at a time, and youth under 14 must be accompanied by a guardian. They sometimes max out, but you may enter at no cost as long as space is available.

A series of themed skating nights will be held throughout the season, including disco, movie, costume, and karaoke nights. Details and schedules are posted on the rink’s Facebook page.

It began as an inspired attempt by city officials at snagging a few more visitors during the off-season. It worked.

Now the facility features a 3,250-square-foot synthetic Xtraice surface housed within a 5,000-square-foot tent. The structure is shielded from coastal winds by surrounding buildings, allowing skating to continue regardless of weather. Seating is available for spectators, who are encouraged to dress warmly due to the cold environment inside the tent.

To assist younger or less experienced skaters, the rink provides four polar bear–style balance aids designed to help users navigate the synthetic ice. That's the large, colorful walker-like things you see some pushing around in the photos here.

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