Looking Ahead on Oregon Coast: Depoe Bay, Newport Highlights in 2025

Published 02/17/25 at 6:39 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – A bit like the old song starts off: “In the year 2025...” there's gonna be an exuberant raucous and loads of fun. At least on the central Oregon coast. Newport and Depoe Bay boast whales, marine science and aquarium attractions, high-adrenaline bike events, gobs of music, at least one major surf contest, and then there's that wacky cardboard boat race.

Of course, there's always Whale Watch Week at spring break and then at the end of the year, which happens all over the coast but is especially prolific in these two towns. This is only a brief overview of what's happening in the little hotspots of Newport and Depoe Bay in 2025.

Ongoing: Whale Watch Center, Depoe Bay. Join state officials at the Depoe Bay seawall for help spotting whales that saunter past this part of the central Oregon coast. Hwy 101, Depoe Bay, Oregon. www.whalespoken.org.

Newport Performing Arts Center in Nye Beach has a vast array of performances throughout the year, including theater, live music and operas simulcast into the theater from sometimes rather exotic locations. Among the highlights are shows by the Newport Symphony Orchestra.

April 12 - Hatfield Marine Science Day '25 - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Annual science fair and open house featuring marine science programs and scientists based at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. The event is free, family-friendly, and ideal for lifelong learners. Throughout the day, you can visit marine science exhibits from research programs based on the Hatfield campus, interact with researchers, and enjoy The Kids Zone: a hands-on space for learning about marine science. Behind-the-Scene Tours at the Hatfield Visitor Center are also included. Newport, Oregon. https://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/

May 10 - Coast Hills Classic Mountain Bike Race - A thrilling mountain bike race through rugged central Oregon coast terrain. https://coasthillsclassic.com. Newport, Oregon.

August 2-3, 2025 - Ride the Dirt Wave - Enjoy mountain biking at Wilder Trails and Big Creek Trails. Newport, Oregon.

August 16-17 - 20th Wooden Boat Show 2025 - A free, family-friendly festival celebrating the boat-building heritage of Toledo. Visitors can marvel at a diverse array of boats, including steamboats, classic vessels, and unique owner-built creations. (https://www.portoftoledo.org/). Toledo, Oregon.

September 6-7 - Agate Beach Surf Classic 2025 - This two-day competition at Agate Beach features surfing divisions for adults and youth. Proceeds go towards the youth scholarship fund at the Newport Recreation Center, supporting economically disadvantaged children from Lincoln County. Online registration is $65; Day Before registration is $75. Newport, Oregon.

October 3-5 - Oregon Coast Jazz Party - A decades-long tradition returns to Newport. The Oregon Coast Jazz Party, organized by the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts (OCCA), will take place at the Newport Performing Arts Center. Newport, Oregon.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Each December. Depoe Bay features a tree lighting ceremony. In Newport, there is the Lighted Boat Parade along Newport's waterfront.

Every Friday, Saturday in December. Sea of Lights. Enormous holiday display on the central Oregon coast. Prepare to be immersed in over half a million colorful lights, music and holiday decorations while exploring the aquarium after-hours. Oregon Coast Aquarium. 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-3474. www.aquarium.org.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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