Rockaway Beach 4th of July

All-day fun

Recognized as one of the most magnificent Independence Day celebrations on the Northern Oregon Coast, Rockaway Beach is the preeminent place to be on the fourth of July. Celebrate your freedom with the Rockaway Beach Independence Parade at 11 a.m. and keep the patriotic spirit going all day long with a host of holiday festivities that generally includes:

• The Rockaway Lioness bake and plant sale: Sample sweet treats and support the community when you buy a loaf of fresh banana bread, a chocolate chip cookie and other homemade goodies. Plus check out a variety of plants for your garden—or a spare windowsill!
• The Annual Dachshund Races: Head over to Phyllis Baker City Park (2nd Street) after the parade. You’ll get to watch the little sausage-shaped dogs scramble along the course on their stubby legs—it’s adorable, sometimes hilarious, and always a good time.
• Airsoft paintball tent festivities: Get ready to dodge, aim and fire with a little friendly competition under the big tent!
• A flyover by the National Guard: Enjoy watching the planes from your spot on the sand.

The tides of tradition

It wouldn’t be a summer celebration without hot dogs and some wholesome backyard games! Get yourself a frank off the grill, play some ball on the beach and participate in a treasure hunt. At this celebration, you’ll enjoy a big serving of family fun.

The Oregon Coast is often revered for its quiet, spacious beaches where you don’t have to worry about “No Trespassing” signs or crowds. But holidays are a time when that changes—in a good way! Folks come out from all over to celebrate the 4th at the shore, and there’s nothing more fun than the feeling you’re at a big, summer party all day (or all week, if you’re making a full vacation out of it!). Enjoy the atmosphere, meet new friends and eat some tasty food as you take in the perfection of ocean waves and miles of sandy shore.

You can also break away for a few hours during the day, before the big show at sundown. Take a ride on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad or head into town to check out spots like the gem and jewelry shop or The International Police Museum. Stop by The Offshore Grill for a bowl of clam chowder, or look to catch your own crab dinner at nearby Kelly’s Brighton Marina.

Bring the heat

You can purchase your own sparklers and fireworks in town from the Rockaway Lions, Chamber of Commerce or the Neah-Kah-Nie speech team. At dusk, head over to the Rockaway Beach Wayside or find a cozy spot on the white sand beach and get ready for a spectacular fireworks display to remember. When it gets dark (around 10 p.m.) the Rockaway Beach Volunteer Fire Department will launch their incredible fireworks extravaganza, suitable for your Independence Day’s grand finale.

In case you need any more convincing, Coastal Living magazine listed our fireworks display as one of the best in the country. Now, that’s patriotic. Tillamook County and Uncle Sam want you to come to Rockaway Beach this Fourth of July!