For more than 65 years, Dory Days has honored Pacific City’s unique dory fishing tradition with a weekend of community celebration by the sea. Held each third weekend in July, the event brings together locals, visitors, and generations of dory fishermen to celebrate a maritime heritage found nowhere else on the Oregon Coast.
Hosted by the Pacific City–Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association, Dory Days is free and open to the public. The weekend includes the Dory Days Parade, an artisan fair, family activities, dory boat displays, and opportunities to learn more about the historic fleet that still launches directly from the beach at Cape Kiwanda.
Event Highlights
- Free and open to the public
- Weekend-long Artisan Fair featuring local vendors and handcrafted goods
- Dory Days Parade at 11 a.m.
- Launching Through the Surf exhibit
- Family-friendly treasure hunt hosted by Pelican Brewing Company
- Dory boat displays and Pacific City fishing heritage
- Opportunities to sponsor or volunteer
What to Expect
Dory Days celebrates a fishing tradition that dates back more than a century. Pacific City’s dory fleet remains one of the few in the country that launches and lands directly from the beach, making it an enduring symbol of Oregon Coast heritage.
Visitors can explore the Artisan Fair, watch the parade, learn about dory history, and enjoy a weekend shaped by Pacific City’s working waterfront culture. For those who want to experience the tradition without heading out on the ocean, Dory Days is one of the best times to see the fleet up close.
Visitor Tips
- Dory Days is held annually on the third weekend in July.
- Parking is available at the Cape Kiwanda Day Use Area and Pacific City Boat Launch.
- Daily parking passes cost $10 and can be purchased by credit card at on-site kiosks.
- Book lodging early through a local vacation rental management company or lodging property, as summer weekends fill quickly.
- Watch for signed dune closures and stay on open routes while exploring Cape Kiwanda.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re attending the parade, exploring the Artisan Fair, or learning about Pacific City’s historic dory fleet, Dory Days offers a memorable way to experience one of Oregon’s most distinctive coastal traditions.
To sponsor, volunteer, or find current event details, visit pacificcitydorydays.com.
