South Oregon Coast's Circles in the Sand Lands at Florence for Two Days

Published 09/14/2026 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Florence, Oregon) – At first glance you may think it's some gigantic, geometric puzzle in the sand. Or maybe like that meme: “I'm not saying it was aliens....”

However, it's all a bit more down-to-Earth than that, but it's now a spectacular tradition on the Oregon coast. Circles in the Sand reaches out and northward from its usual Bandon home to return to Florence on October 24 and 25. Heceta Beach in front of the Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center will transform into hundreds of feet of a walkable labyrinth that lasts only until the tide washes it away.

The free event offers a strong visual opportunity for media. Internationally recognized beach artist Denny Dyke and a volunteer crew will spend several hours carving the intricate design into the sand, and spectators are welcome to watch the artwork take shape. The walk-through opens at 5:00 p.m., allowing visitors to experience the finished labyrinth as the afternoon light shifts toward sunset. Low tide and sunset occur at roughly 7:00 p.m. each evening. By the next morning, the beach will be blank again.

CIRCLES IN THE SAND happens October 24 and 25. Heceta Beach

When the Beach Becomes Art

Dyke launched Circles in the Sand in 2011 and has since gained an international following for his large-scale sand labyrinths, which have been featured on the CBS Evening News. In the project’s early years, some beachgoers reportedly mistook the patterns for unexplained “crop circles.” Using simple tools, careful measurements and thousands of steps, Dyke and his team create geometric designs stretching across Heceta Beach. Visitors are invited to walk through the artwork, becoming part of a piece that will soon disappear.

“There really isn't another place quite like this,” said event organizer Lon Beale, internationally known as Dr. Dune for his work in sandboarding and dune stewardship. “Watching thousands of people step into something that exists for only a few hours creates an experience they'll remember long after the tide has erased every line.”

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is a co-sponsor. President and CEO Bettina Hannigan said the combination of accessibility, art and natural beauty defines the event.

“The world's greatest art galleries preserve their masterpieces for centuries. Florence celebrates artwork that survives for only a few hours,” Hannigan said. “That sense of wonder, combined with the beauty of Heceta Beach, makes Circles in the Sand one of the most inspiring experiences on the Oregon coast.”

How to Get There?

Organizers recommend using Florence’s Rhody Express bus service to reach Three Rivers Casino Resort, where a free shuttle will transport visitors to the beach. Parking near Heceta Beach is extremely limited.

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Pick-ups: On the hour, 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Drop-offs: On the half hour following each pickup
Admission: Free

ACCESSIBILITY

Heceta Beach features Mobi-Mats - accessible beach pathways located just north of Driftwood Shores - to assist visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and other mobility devices. David’s Chair, an all-terrain motorized beach wheelchair, is available by reservation at DavidsChair.org.

Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center, a co-sponsor, will also host kite-flying demonstrations, live music and food concessions on the outdoor deck and lawn.

Oregon Coast Hotels in this area - - Where to eat - - Florence Oregon Virtual Tour, Map

 

 

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