Oregon Coast & Central Oregon Travel Newsletter - Page 24
March 2026 Newsletter – Experience March on the Oregon Coast & Central Oregon
Spring Energy, Coastal Migration & Mountain Adventure
March on the Oregon Coast and in Central Oregon is where winter exhales and spring begins to breathe. Gray whales return to Oregon’s shores, coastal towns come alive with music and culture, and the mountains offer their final and most exhilarating weeks of ski season. Whether you’re tracking a whale spout from a clifftop viewpoint, dancing to jazz in a bayfront ballroom, or catching the last powder runs on Mt. Bachelor’s sun-drenched slopes, March delivers a uniquely Oregon kind of joy. Fewer crowds, longer days, and a region stepping into its seasonal rhythm make this a perfect month to explore Oregon’s wildly distinct landscapes.
Oregon Coast March Events & Experiences
Beachcombing Exploriences
March 5, 12 & 26, 2026
Lincoln City, OR
As tides pull back and late-winter storms reveal fresh deposits along the shore, Lincoln City’s guided Beachcombing Exploriences offer a perfect way to experience the coast in its most elemental form. Led by a local expert, these free, educational beach walks teach participants how to identify agates, fossils, native shells, and coastal minerals. Dress for the weather, bring your curiosity, and you might just find a keeper.
South Coast Clambake Music Festival
March 12-15, 2026
Coos Bay, OR
Now in its fourth decade, the South Coast Clambake Music Festival is one of Oregon’s most beloved music traditions. “Clambake” is an old-school musical term for a jam session, and this festival delivers four days of jazz, swing, doo-wop, blues, big band, and 50s rock across three stages under one roof at the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort in Coos Bay. Proceeds support youth music education in Coos Bay and North Bend, making every ticket a gift to the next generation of musicians.
The Brothers Doobie @ Egyptian Theatre
March 17, 2026
Coos Bay, OR
The Coos County Community Concert Association brings one of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated tribute acts to the historic Egyptian Theatre. The Brothers Doobie recreate the soulful sounds and driving energy of the original Doobie Brothers, performing beloved classics like “What a Fool Believes,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” and “Black Water.” The Egyptian Theatre’s intimate setting makes this a standout evening for music lovers visiting the South Coast.
Oregon Spring Whale Watch Week
March 21-29, 2026
Statewide Oregon Coast
Each spring, more than 20,000 gray whales make their northbound migration from Baja California back toward Alaska, and Oregon’s dramatic headlands offer some of the best land-based whale watching on the Pacific Coast. Oregon State Parks stations trained volunteers at 15 viewpoints along the coast during Spring Whale Watch Week, helping visitors spot spouts, tails, and the occasional breach from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Guided boat tours out of Depoe Bay bring you even closer. Pack binoculars, dress for the weather, and prepare for one of nature’s great spectacles.
Cape Kiwanda Gray Whale Watch
March 21-29, 2026
Pacific City, OR
Each spring, gray whales migrate past Cape Kiwanda, one of the most dramatic natural platforms on the Oregon Coast, making Pacific City a prime viewing destination during Whale Watch Week and beyond. The towering golden sandstone headland provides an elevated, unobstructed view of the Pacific, where whale spouts can be visible from shore on calm days. The surrounding Headlands Coastal Lodge hosts weekly coastal music evenings throughout the month, pairing live acoustic performances with ocean views and local food, making it an ideal complement to a day on the water.
Hatfield Marine Science Center Programs
Throughout March
Newport, OR
March brings bracing spring energy to Newport’s celebrated bayfront, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center, home base of Oregon State University’s marine research, offers one of the most enriching free experiences on the Oregon Coast. Walk through exhibits on gray whale biology, estuarine ecology, and Oregon’s working ocean. Tidepool touch tanks, marine research displays, and expert-led programs make it a compelling stop for curious minds of all ages. The center played a foundational role in launching Oregon’s iconic Whale Watch program back in 1978 and remains the heartbeat of coastal science education on the central coast..
Central Oregon, March Events & Experiences
Winter PrideFest
March 5-8, 2026
Bend, OR
Winter PrideFest has grown into Central Oregon’s boldest winter celebration, drawing more than 2,400 attendees for four days of mountain adventure, nightlife, and LGBTQ+ community. Events span Bend and Mt. Bachelor, beginning with a Kick Off Party at UPP Liquids and continuing with signature gatherings like the Pink Party and Queer Comedy Night at Tower Theatre. Days feature discounted lift tickets and group skiing, while evenings bring drag shows, DJs, comedy, and packed dance floors across downtown venues. Winter PrideFest also serves as the group’s largest annual fundraiser.
Hydro Flask St. Patrick’s Day Dash
March 14, 2026
Bend, OR
One of Bend’s most spirited community traditions, the St. Patrick’s Day Dash combines scenic riverfront running with a lively post-race celebration. Participants choose from a 10K, 5K, or 1.5-mile course along the Deschutes River, with costume contests and plenty of green encouraged. The Post-Dash Bash is open to the public and features craft beer, local food vendors, bagpipers, Irish dancers, face painting, and live music. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Bend, with the first 600 long-distance registrants receiving a commemorative Hydro Flask.
Sunriver Observatory Night Sky Viewing
March 19, 2026
Sunriver, OR
March’s cold, clear nights create ideal conditions for stargazing at the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver, home to the nation’s largest collection of publicly accessible telescopes. Evening programs begin with an educational introduction to the night sky, followed by guided telescope viewing and a constellation tour that brings ancient star stories to life. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes and are open to all ages, making this a standout experience for curious visitors and serious skywatchers alike.
High Desert Museum Sky Hunters
March 21-28, 2026
Bend, OR
The High Desert Museum’s Sky Hunters program delivers an intimate indoor raptor demonstration where powerful birds take flight just overhead. Visitors gain a close-up look at the agility, speed, and natural behaviors of native birds of prey in a fully immersive setting. Tickets are available only on the day of each program and must be picked up at the Museum, so early arrival is strongly recommended.
Free Snowshoe Tours at Mt. Bachelor
March 23-29, 2026
Mt. Bachelor, OR
Led by U.S. Forest Service volunteer rangers, these free 90-minute interpretive snowshoe tours explore the winter ecology of the Mt. Bachelor area. Participants learn about Cascade volcanic geology, wildlife adaptations, and the Deschutes watershed while traveling through alpine terrain. MSR snowshoes are provided at no cost, and no prior snowshoe experience is required. Guests should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and dress for winter conditions.
Subaru WinterFest at Mt. Bachelor
March 27-29, 2026
Mt. Bachelor, OR
Subaru WinterFest caps Mt. Bachelor’s ski season with three days of spring skiing, live music, and mountain culture. Free concerts headline the weekend, including performances by Shakey Graves and Emily Nenni. On-mountain activities include gear giveaways, dog-friendly events, and complimentary snacks, while additional concerts take place at Deschutes Brewery on Simpson Avenue. It is one of the most energetic weekends of the spring ski season.
March in Oregon: Spring Energy, Coastal Wonder & Mountain Finales
March is the month when Oregon fully awakens. Whales return to the coast. Snow softens on the mountain. Breweries tap their spring seasonals. And everywhere, a sense of possibility returns. From the rugged shores of Coos Bay to the star-filled skies above Sunriver, this is Oregon at one of its most dynamic and authentic moments.
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