Your Guide to September Getaways on the Oregon Coast & in Central Oregon
Travel trip to the Oregon
September on the Oregon Coast and in Central Oregon feels like a secret locals share: softer crowds, golden evenings, and festivals that spill into starlit nights. From illuminated kites over the surf to music and Oktoberfest in the high desert, the month is made for unhurried adventures. Mark your calendars and make the most of your Oregon adventures, and find your perfect home base with Meredith Lodging.
Events on the Oregon Coast
Guided “Explorience” Days & Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking in the Moonlight
September 06, 2025
Otis, OR
Join a naturalist-led, moonlit paddle (weather permitting) through a serene estuary in the Cascade Head Biosphere. Bring your own kayak/canoe, PFD, whistle, and cold-water layers, or arrange a local rental delivery. Flatwater route; required safety gear and permits apply for 10’+ craft.
Crabbing Explorience
September 06, 2025
Lincoln City, OR
Learn regulations, gear, identification, and cooking tips from a local expert, then try your luck right from Lincoln City. Bring a shellfish license (12+) and basics like a folding trap, bait (chicken legs work well), bucket, gloves, and a crab gauge. Family-friendly, shore-based, and deliciously rewarding.
Bird Watching Explorience
September 12, 2025
Otis, OR
A Seven Capes Bird Alliance–led outing in a sensitive estuary restoration area, prime for migrating warblers and other coastal species. Free and no registration required; bring binoculars and layers. Note: no dogs permitted inside Cascade Head.
Festivals & Big Weekend Moments
Beach, Bike & Blues Festival
September 13, 2025
Waldport, OR
The largest blues music festival on the Oregon Coast returns to Waldport! The 4th annual Beach, Bike & Blues Festival brings six hours of live blues by the bay, bike-friendly fun for all ages, and a bustling vendor fair filled with local restaurants, Rogue brews, and coastal bites. With small-town hospitality and sweeping ocean views, it’s the perfect day to celebrate music, food, and community on the coast.
Cottage Tour
September 12-14, 2025
Cannon Beach, OR
The Cottage Tour opens the doors of Cannon Beach and Arch Cape’s most charming cottages and gardens for a fall weekend awash in coastal light and character. Wander at your own pace with a self-guided map, peek into lovingly preserved spaces, and discover the stories behind shingled facades and tucked-away blooms. From shipwrecks to the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, making every porch and picket fence part of a living timeline. Intimate, family-friendly, and wildly photogenic
Bandon Cranberry Festival
September 13–14, 2025
Bandon, OR
Bandon celebrates the 79th Annual Cranberry Festival, the largest community tradition honoring local cranberry farming. This lively harvest weekend kicks off September 13–14 with a parade, market, live music, and the famously fun cranberry-eating contest. Pre-festival traditions include royalty coronation, kitchen contests, and football games, rolling into a weekend of shopping, dining, arts, car shows, and small-town hospitality by the sea.
Cape Kiwanda Longboard Classic
September 19-21, 2025
Pacific City, OR
The Pacific Northwest’s longest-running longboard surf contest brings an opening-night party, full weekend heats with live scoring/livestream, and Sunday finals, plus Pelican Brewing food & bev, merch, and music on the sand.
Cruz the Coos
September 20, 2025
Coos Bay, OR
One of the coast’s largest classic-car cruises: Show ’n Shine by day at Ko-Kwel Casino Resort, then a roaring dusk cruise through downtown. Vintage vibes and chrome for days.
Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival
September 20–21, 2025
Lincoln City , OR
Fall Kite Festival fills Lincoln City’s D River beach with color and motion: glowing Night Fly, giant kites, expert demos, kids’ activities, breezy, family-friendly, photogenic, an Oregon Coast classic to lift spirits.
Annual Bay Area Fun Festival (BAFF)
September 20-21, 2025
Coos Bay, OR
“The last big party of the summer” brings a downtown parade, live music, vendors, and the storied Prefontaine Memorial Run. A perfect capstone to coastal summer.
Legends Fest Gold Beach
September 26–27, 2025
Lincoln City, OR
Two days of live music with a playful PNW “Legends” theme, plus food, spirits, artisan vendors, and kid activities. Family-friendly hours (12–9 p.m.); kids under 12 free with adult.
Weekly & Community Favorites
South Coast Running Club
Every Wednesday in September
Coos Bay, OR
Two friendly pace groups (≈6 miles and ≈3-4 miles) make this a perfect way to meet training partners and new friends. All paces welcome; many runners wrap with a pint at 7 Devils. Come for the miles, stay for the community.
Coos Bay Farmers Market (25th Season)
Every Wednesday in September
Coos Bay, OR
The midweek hub for local produce, makers, and live music, plus cooking demos and kids’ activities. SNAP/EBT with Double Up Food Bucks, WIC, and Senior Nutrition vouchers are welcomed, making fresh food accessible for all.
Events in Central Oregon
Bend Roots Revival
September 12-14, 2025
Bend, OR
A free, all-ages music celebration spotlighting 100+ local acts across rock, folk, jazz, hip-hop, and more. Pure Bend culture, wander between stages, discover new artists, and soak up the community vibe.
Oregon Whiskey Festival
September 19-20, 2025
Bend, OR
Sample Oregon-made bourbons and ryes, meet distillers, and enjoy live music and food trucks. A spirited showcase for the state’s booming whiskey scene.
Cascade Equinox Festival
September 19–21, 2025
Redmond, OR
Three days of music, art, yoga, workshops, and installations under starry high-desert skies. Camping optional; community vibes essential.
Bend Oktoberfest
September 20, 2025
Bend, OR
Stein-holding and pretzel-tossing contests, a beer-slide showdown, live bands, great eats, and the adorable wiener-dog races. Free to attend; festive to the core.
Sisters Folk Festival
September 26-28, 2025
Sisters, OR
An Americana treasure where “all the town’s a stage”, in Sisters, OR. National acts and rising songwriters play tents, cafés, and theaters, cozy, walkable, unforgettable.
Sunriver Oktoberfest (Inaugural Year)
September 26–27, 2025
Sunriver, OR
Raise a stein at this walkable, family-friendly debut in Sunriver, with beer gardens, live music, games, and community activities across the village core.
Weekly & Community Favorites in Central Oregon
Hoodland Farmers Market
Every Wednesday in September
Welches, OR
Stock up on produce and artisan goods near Welches along Hwy 26, an easy stop en route to scenic drives or hikes near Government Camp and Sandy.
Bend Farmers Market
Every Wednesday in September
Bend, OR
Shop fresh produce, proteins, and farm goods each Wednesday, set along Brooks Street behind the Tower Theatre.
Sisters Farmers Market
Every Wednesday in September
Sisters, OR
Stock up in downtown Sisters: Sundays, from 10 am–2 pm at Fir Street Park. Find 45+ vendors with fresh produce, artisan foods, and live music.
Why September Books Fast (and How to Stand Out)
Quieter beaches, warmer water: Late-season ocean temps and calm mornings make tide-pooling and beach walks extra dreamy, without peak-season crowds.
High-desert golden hour: Crisp nights + clear skies = unforgettable starry patio hangs after the show.
Quick Packing Tips
Coast: Layers (including a windproof shell), beanie, and sandals you don’t mind sandy.
Central Oregon: Warm daytime wear, a cozy puffer for 50° nights, and a reusable water bottle, altitude + desert air = thirsty.
Insider Oregon Travel Tips – Check Out What’s New on the Blog
Make the most of the final days of summer with a relaxed 3-day Bend and Sunriver itinerary. Explore downtown Bend, Cascade Lakes, scenic trails, Sunriver…
Plan a family summer getaway around the best lakes near Bend and Sunriver. Explore scenic spots for swimming, paddling, fishing, and picnicking, plus practical tips…
Plan an unforgettable August escape with an Oregon Coast sunset rental. Discover the best areas for ocean views, what makes a rental truly oceanfront, and…
The Oregon Coast Food & Wine Celebration returns July 18, 2026 in Coos Bay. Enjoy Oregon wines, craft beers, fresh seafood, and chef demonstrations. Book…
Plan the perfect family summer getaway on the Oregon Coast. Discover kid-friendly beaches, the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s new Amazon exhibit, and family activities from Seaside…
Highlight homes that are walkable to venues (D River Wayside in Lincoln City, downtown Bend, The Village at Sunriver). Sweeten stays with simple perks, s’mores kits, early check-in, or a local coffee voucher, to turn browsers into bookers. When you’re ready, Meredith Lodging has the perfect coastal cottage or Central Oregon retreat waiting.
Book your 2027 Oregon vacation early and save 10% on eligible Meredith Lodging vacation rentals with promo code SUMMER10. Reserve between July 31 and August…
Celebrate Labor Day with a getaway to the Oregon Coast or Central Oregon. Meredith Lodging offers vacation rentals in some of Oregon’s most popular destinations,…
Enjoy one last summer escape with Meredith Lodging’s Summer Send-Off Sale. Save 15% on eligible Oregon Coast and Central Oregon vacation rentals for August arrivals…
Welcome to our last-minute vacation rentals page! Here you will find homes with availability this upcoming weekend and greatly reduced rates! This is your chance…
