One of the best times to visit Ocean Shores isn’t just when the sun is shining—it’s when the town comes alive with one of its many annual festivals. Throughout the year, Ocean Shores hosts events celebrating everything from fresh seafood and kite flying to chainsaw art, beach treasures, adorable corgis, and local artists.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another coastal getaway, timing your vacation around one of these popular Ocean Shores festivals can make your visit even more memorable.
Here are some of the Ocean Shores festivals you won’t want to miss.
Razor Clam & Seafood Festival
Few events capture the spirit of the Washington coast quite like the Razor Clam & Seafood Festival.
Held each spring at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, this popular festival celebrates the Pacific Northwest’s favorite coastal delicacy with fresh seafood, chowder competitions, Dungeness crab dinners, oysters, cooking demonstrations, local vendors, live music, and beer and wine tasting. If razor clam digging is open during the festival, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend the morning on the beach before enjoying an afternoon of incredible food.
Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.
Sand & Sawdust Festival
One of Ocean Shores’ signature events, the Sand & Sawdust Festival combines two uniquely Pacific Northwest art forms into one unforgettable weekend.
Watch talented chainsaw carvers transform massive logs into detailed works of art while master sand sculptors create incredible sculptures along the beach. You’ll also find artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, family activities, and a chainsaw carving auction. It’s one of the most unique festivals in Washington and a favorite among returning visitors.
The festival runs every year around the beginning of summer. Visit Tourism Ocean Shores website to learn more.
Gray’s Harbor Festival of Colors
Ocean Shores’ wide beaches and steady ocean breezes create the perfect setting for one of the state’s most colorful events.
Every June, the Festival of Colors International Kite Festival fills the sky with enormous display kites, precision flying demonstrations, synchronized performances, and colorful creations from kite enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re an experienced flyer or simply watching from the sand, it’s an incredible sight that has become an Ocean Shores tradition.
Visit their website for the latest information.
Corgi Beach Party
If there’s one festival guaranteed to make you smile, it’s the annual Corgi Beach Party.
Each summer, hundreds of corgis—and thousands of spectators—gather on the beach for one of Ocean Shores’ most beloved events. The day includes corgi races, costume contests, group photos, games, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to meet some very happy four-legged visitors. Even if you don’t own a corgi, it’s a fun event for the entire family. Best of all, proceeds help support the Ocean Shores Food Bank, making it a celebration with a great cause behind it.
Visit the Ocean Shores Food Bank website to learn more.
Beachcombers & Glass Float Expo
Held at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, this expo focuses on one of the most popular activities in Ocean Shores. This festival celebrates everything people love about searching the shoreline.
The Beachcombers & Glass Float Expo features expert presentations, local artists, beachcombing displays, handcrafted glass floats, vendors, educational exhibits, and unique coastal treasures. If you’ve ever wondered what you might discover while walking the beach, this event is a great place to learn more.
Follow their Facebook group to learn the latest updates.
Arts & Crafts Festival
Looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir? The annual Arts & Crafts Festival showcases talented artists and makers from across the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, woodworking, paintings, photography, textiles, home décor, and much more. It’s the perfect place to find a unique reminder of your trip to Ocean Shores while supporting local artists.
Held in September at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, the Arts & Crafts Festival is the perfect place to find gifts for others and for yourself! Visit Associated Arts website to learn more.
Why visit during an Ocean Shores festival?
Ocean Shores festivals offer much more than entertainment. They’re one of the best ways to experience the community and local culture.
Whether you’re sampling fresh seafood, watching professional kite flyers, admiring incredible chainsaw sculptures, shopping for handcrafted artwork, or cheering on hundreds of corgis racing across the sand, these events showcase everything that makes Ocean Shores such a memorable place to visit.
Many festivals are free or inexpensive to attend, making them an easy addition to any vacation itinerary.
Stay close to Ocean Shores’ biggest events
The Polynesian Resort is an ideal home base for exploring Ocean Shores throughout the year. After a day at one of the town’s festivals, you can return to your ocean-view condo, prepare a meal in your full kitchen, relax in the indoor pool or hot tub, or unwind on your private balcony as the sun sets over the Pacific.
No matter which season you choose to visit, there’s a good chance an exciting festival is happening nearby. Before your trip, be sure to check the official Ocean Shores events calendar for the latest dates and schedules so you don’t miss your favorite celebration. For more ideas on things to do in Ocean Shores, browse our website for more suggestions.
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