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October Means a New, Bigger Sand Labyrinth Festival in Central Oregon Coast's Florence

Published 08/21/25 at 6:35 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – Get ready for a sprawling stretch of Florence’s sands to be extra lovely this fall.

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Heceta Beach in Florence will transform into a canvas of walkable art on October 18 and 19 as the annual Circles in the Sand event returns to the central Oregon coast. The free public gathering, led by renowned beach artist Denny Dyke, will feature intricate labyrinths drawn in the sand, inviting visitors to stroll through a meditative and visually stunning experience.

Dyke and his work have been spotlighted on CBS Evening News, and he is celebrated for his large-scale beach drawings along the southern Oregon coast, covering Bandon with intricate wonders every summer. This year’s Florence installation, adjacent to Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center, will be enhanced by contributions from local artists using shells, driftwood, and other natural materials to accent the designs.

Drawing begins at 3:00 p.m., timed with a low tide at 3:13 p.m., and the public walkthrough opens at 5:00 p.m. Sunset is expected around 6:30 p.m., offering a dramatic close to the day’s art.

New to the event this year is a kite exhibition featuring Rod and Cindy Thrall, a husband-and-wife team known for their synchronized aerial displays. Organizer Lon Beale said the addition will bring “spectacular” energy to the beach, alongside a vendor area at Driftwood Shores showcasing sandboards, apparel, and local artwork.

Due to limited parking near the beach, organizers have arranged a free shuttle service from Grocery Outlet at 2066 Highway 101, operating from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. both days. Additional shuttles from Link Lane will connect Florence with Eugene and Yachats, with stops at the same location. Details are available at Link-Lane.org.

“This is always an inspiring event at a great time of year to visit Florence’s beaches,” said Bettina Hannigan, president and CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s wildly artistic, spiritually uplifting, and truly one-of-a-kind among beach events nationwide.”

Visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it and explore Florence’s attractions. More information can be found at FlorenceFun.com.

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