Long Beach Rodeo
Location: Long Beach, Washington (Peninsula Saddle Club)
Dates: July 25th to July 26th, 2026
Experience an authentic American tradition at the annual Long Beach Rodeo, featuring exciting events like bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. The action-packed weekend kicks off with a lively parade through downtown Long Beach alongside hearty cowboy breakfasts and entertainment for the entire family.
Independence Day Celebrations | July 3 – 4, 2026
Location: The Long Beach Peninsula and Port of Ilwaco Details:
Independence Day Celebrations
Location: Long Beach Peninsula, Ilwaco, and Ocean Park, Washington
Dates: July 3rd to July 4th, 2026
July 3: "Feel the Thunder" Fireworks Show
Catch a stunning firework display over the marina at the Port of Ilwaco beginning at dusk. Visitors can arrive early to explore the waterfront shops and enjoy local dining before the evening show kicks off.
July 4: Downtown Ocean Park Parade
Gather along the streets of downtown Ocean Park at 1:00 PM for a festive, family-friendly holiday parade. The vibrant procession features local community groups, colorful floats, and classic coastal charm.
July 4: Bolstad Beach Approach Fireworks Display
End the holiday weekend with a spectacular fireworks display right on the coast at the Bolstad Beach Approach boardwalk beginning at dusk. Bring blankets and beach chairs to watch the brilliant lights reflect over the Pacific Ocean.
Music in the Gardens Tour
Location: Long Beach Peninsula, Washington (Self-guided tour across various private gardens)
Dates: July 11th, 2026
Step behind the gates of stunning private coastal gardens while enjoying live performances from talented regional musicians on this premier self-guided tour. Visitors can explore unique local landscapes, sample light refreshments from gracious hosts, and pick up custom event maps at designated peninsula greenhouse and gallery locations.
Beach Clean-up
July 5th, 2026
The Entire Beach
Every Beach approach has a 40-yard dumpster ready for the over 200 metric tonnes of Fireworks and, therefore, the garbage that litters the beach and surrounding areas after all the independence day celebrations. So grab a grocery bag, garbage bag, or fill up the pickup, and help the locals clean up and keep our beaches in pristine conditions.
Every Friday in July 2026
Ilwaco Art Walk
165 Howerton
Ilwaco, WA
There is no better way to spend a Friday evening on a romantic getaway than a walk through the upscale art galleries of the Washington coast. Take home a painting, sculpture, a handwoven basket of some exquisite jewelry to remind you of your time on the Long Beach Peninsula. Free.
Every Saturday in Ilwaco, WA
Port of Ilwaco
165 Howerton Ave
Ilwaco, WA 98624
The Saturday market begins every Saturday at 10:00 AM. It is the perfect place to find local organic produce, fantastic baked goods, a vast selection of local plants, and many homemade arts and crafts. There is no better place to spend a Saturday than at the Port.
Firecracker 5K Walk/Run
Location: Ilwaco, Washington (Port of Ilwaco)
Dates: July 4th, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Lace up your running shoes for the 14th annual Firecracker 5K walk and run held at the scenic Port of Ilwaco marina. This family-friendly holiday event offers fun division trophies for all ages, free registration for kids, and race proceeds directly supporting local community fireworks displays.
Register Here
Feel the Thunder" Fireworks Show
Location: Ilwaco, Washington (Port of Ilwaco, 165 Howerton Ave)
Dates: July 3rd, 2026 at Dusk (approx. 10:00 PM)
Experience an unmatched auditory and visual spectacle at the annual "Feel the Thunder" Fireworks Show. The unique geography of the surrounding hills naturally amplifies the echoes of the pyrotechnics, creating a booming coastal experience that lives up to its name. Gather your friends and family along the waterfront to kick off the Independence Day weekend early with brilliant lights over the marina boat slips.
SandSations Sand Sculpture Festival
Location: Long Beach, Washington (Bolstad Beach Approach)
Dates: July 15th to July 19th, 2026
Transform the scenic shoreline into an open-air art gallery during the five-day SandSations festival. Visitors can watch talented master sculptors carve intricate creations, join instructional sand academy workshops, or compete in public sandcastle-building divisions designed for all ages and skill levels.
Clamshell Railroad Days
Location: Ilwaco, Washington (Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum)
Dates: July 18th to July 19th, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Celebrate regional transportation history at the annual Clamshell Railroad Days celebration. This family-friendly event features intricate model train layouts from regional railroad clubs, historical museum exhibits, and commemorative button admissions that support local heritage preservation.