Enjoy community theaters, film festivals and al fresco concerts all summer long.
The Oregon Coast isn’t all about beaches and forested hikes. Add a little culture to your trip and be moved by luminous outdoor performances or the sparkle of musicians on stage. You’ll find all kinds of live artistry, from delightful community theaters and chamber concerts to wildlife film festivals and oceanside piano performances. Here are some of the Coast’s greatest hits.
Vintage Theater and Outdoor Concerts on the North Coast
In the heart of downtown Astoria, the century-old Liberty Theatre features a vibrant lineup of live music and plays all year long. You can often catch performances by the North Coast Symphonic Band or the Columbia River Symphony, which will perform in 2025 at the Astoria Regatta in August.
At the nearby historic Columbian Theater, you’ll find a steady mix of indie and blockbuster films along with live-music events. This summer plan to relive the 1980s with a special screening of “The Goonies” just blocks from some of the film locations. It’s one of many convivial events in June celebrating the cult classic’s 40th Birthday Bash.
For electric plays, check out Ten Fifteen Productions, a cozy theater that presents modern and edgy productions. In 2025 shows include “For Peter Pan on Her 70th Birthday” by playwright Sarah Ruhl. In Cannon Beach, the community favorite Coaster Theatre Playhouse showcases classic musicals and plays in a remodeled 1920s roller rink with comfy seating. From July to September, the Tolovana Arts Colony holds a series of outdoor concerts in the town’s city park with musical styles ranging from Afrobeat to zydeco.
One of the state’s most enchanting summer events includes two stops on the Oregon Coast. “In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” is a live piano concert series that travels to stunning outdoor destinations. You can see Portland pianist Hunter Noack play his 9-foot Steinway piano overlooking ocean vistas in Gearhart (Aug. 29 and Aug. 30, 2025) and Coos Bay (Sept. 6 and Sept. 7, 2025).
Outstanding Orchestras and Music Festivals on the Central Coast
In summer 2025, tap your feet to the joyful Lincoln Pops Big Band at the Newport Performing Arts Center in Newport’s historic Nye Beach or at one of the band’s standing rehearsals held the first Thursday of every month at the Gleneden Beach Community Club. You’ll also find comedy and live-music performances.
The center is also home to the Newport Symphony Orchestra, the only year-round, professional symphony orchestra on the Oregon Coast. For a dynamic evening in 2025, catch the free Fourth of July Community Concert at the Newport Middle School.
The Lincoln City Cultural Center also hosts a wide array of live music from local chamber concerts and folk quartets to renowned national artists — check the calendar for many options during your visit. Be sure to add the popular Siletz Bay Music Festival to your calendar for August. Every summer the standout event brings more than 65 extraordinary musicians from across the globe to perform everything from orchestral music to jazz and hip-hop. The two-week event takes place at various venues including Regatta Park and the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center.
Indie Film and Music Magic on the South Coast
Come summer the annual Oregon Coast Music Festival in the Coos Bay area can’t be beat. Held every July, the popular event welcomes more than 80 musicians from across the country for two weeks of performances held in venues from Mingus Park to a scenic boathouse. Expect a range of soul-stirring tunes from bluegrass trios to folk music.
For fantastic live theater, check out North Bend’s Liberty Theatre — home to Little Theatre on the Bay. Originally a silent-movie palace, the century-old cinema now hosts live plays and musicals in a renovated space. The Bandon Playhouse showcases everything from classic musicals to works by new playwrights. In summer 2025, seek out the Bandon Fringe Festival — an exploration of theatrical and performing arts that includes short-form plays and literary works. In Brookings the Chetco Pelican Players presents six community-inspired plays a year.
Brookings is also home to the annual Wild Rivers Film Festival, an immersive four-day experience that’s packed with over 40 film screenings along with industry panels and workshops, all geared toward indie filmmakers and adventurous movie lovers. Check the schedule for the town’s American Music Festival Summer Concert Series. The series offers free concerts from late June through early September in Azalea Park and celebrates 30 seasons in 2025.
– By Kerry Newberry
Top photo: In a Landscape by Arthur Hitchcock