August by the Sea: Your North Oregon Coast Events Guide

August is the North Oregon Coast at full volume, sand courts packed with volleyball teams, a Columbia River tradition older than the state's oldest buildings, and small-town gatherings that make the coast feel like home even if you're just visiting. Here's what's on the calendar, week by week.

WEEK ONE (August 1 - 9)

Cannon Beach

• Kick off the month with Ink On Clayboard on August 2, a hands-on workshop exploring black-and-white floral, sea life, or animal illustration using clayboard and ink. No drawing experience required; this one's built for beginners and seasoned artists alike. It runs 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at 107 Sunset Boulevard.

• Also running throughout the month: SEE Creatures at House of Orange Gallery, open daily from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at 107 Sunset Blvd.

Astoria

• The town's biggest tradition takes over: the Astoria Regatta, running August 5-8. Since 1894, it's held the title of the oldest celebration in Oregon's oldest city, and one of the oldest festivals in the West. The week opens with the free Queen's Farewell (5:30 PM) and Queen's Coronation (7:00 PM) at the Liberty Theatre and McTavish Room on August 5, followed by four days of parades and community events through the weekend. Full schedule at astoriaregatta.com 

• On August 8 at 7:00 PM, the Columbia River Symphony presents its summer concert, "Destiny: Follow the River to Where the Music Meets the Horizon," at 1203 Commercial Street.

Seaside

• The big one: the Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament, August 5-9. This is the largest beach volleyball tournament in North America; more than 40,000 visitors converge on Seaside's beach for five days of competition across every skill level, from juniors to open division. If you're staying nearby this week, expect the beach and the town to be busy

• The 2026 Seaside Beach Discovery Program also begins its August run, with sessions August 7 and 8 (plus more dates later in the month) from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the beach in front of the Seaside Aquarium. Now in its 31st year, this free program invites visitors to explore the natural world of the Oregon Coast alongside program educators.

WEEK TWO (August 10 - 16)

Seaside

• The Beach Discovery Program continues August 14 and 15, same time and location, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in front of the Seaside Aquarium.

Cannon Beach

• The Free Community Clothing Swap opens its first stretch of dates, August 14-15, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum (1387 S Spruce St, at Sunset & Spruce). Now in its second year, everyone is welcome to donate, browse, and take home clothing at no cost.

Gearhart

• The second annual CMH Classic golf tournament on Friday, August 14, and tee off for a great cause! Four-person teams will compete on the scenic Gearhart Golf Links in a thrilling tournament, vying for the championship trophy and ultimate bragging rights. Proceeds will support the CMH Foundation and the BuildCMH Expansion Project, helping expand health care services in our community.

WEEK THREE (August 17 - 23)

Cannon Beach

• The Clothing Swap resumes for its second stretch, August 19-22, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, same location.

Seaside

• The Beach Discovery Program wraps its scheduled dates on August 20 and 21, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in front of the Seaside Aquarium.

WEEK FOUR (August 24 - 31)

Seaside

• The Seaside Golf Classic tees off Wednesday, August 26, at Gearhart Golf. This tournament is one of the year's biggest fundraisers for the Seaside Downtown Development Association and Seaside Kids Inc.; proceeds go toward keeping youth sports free for local kids.

• The month closes with the Hood to Coast Relay Finish Line, August 28–29. The relay itself stretches nearly 200 miles from Mt. Hood to the Oregon Coast, and Seaside's beach hosts the celebration as thousands of runners cross the finish line after a full day and night on the road. Even if you're not running, the finish-line energy on the beach is worth experiencing.

Astoria

• On August 28 at 7:30 PM, Horse Feathers plays the McTavish Room as part of a tour marking the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Words Are Dead. Doors open at 7:00 PM. This is a standing-room-only show, with ADA seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Planning a coastal getaway around any of these events? [Browse North Oregon Coast homes] or [reach out to the Saltaire team] to talk through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament in 2026?
A: August 5–9, 2026. It runs five days this year, expanded from four in previous years to accommodate a growing number of teams.

Q: Is the Seaside Beach Volleyball Tournament really the largest in North America?
A: Yes. It's widely recognized as the largest beach volleyball tournament in North America, drawing more than 40,000 visitors annually. It's the second-largest in the world, behind a tournament held in Venice, Italy.

Q: Where does the Hood to Coast Relay finish?
A: On the beach in Seaside, Oregon. The relay covers nearly 200 miles from Mt. Hood to the coast, with the finish line celebration on August 28–29, 2026.

Q: Will Hood to Coast weekend affect traffic in Seaside, Astoria, or Warrenton?
A: Yes. Organizers note that Astoria and Warrenton see heavy crowds and traffic impacts during Hood to Coast weekend, even though the relay's final legs and finish line are centered in Seaside and Clatsop County.

Q: Is the Astoria Regatta free to attend?
A: Most Regatta events are free, including the Queen's Farewell and Coronation on August 5. Some events charge a small fee to support Regatta scholarships and education programs.

Q: How old is the Astoria Regatta?
A: It dates back to 1894, making it the oldest celebration in Oregon's oldest city and one of the oldest festivals in the western United States.

Q: Is the Horse Feathers show in Astoria seated or standing?
A: It's standing room only at the McTavish Room. ADA seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.