(LINCOLN CITY, Ore.) — As fall approaches, Lincoln City prepares to welcome one of the Oregon Coast’s most beloved events: the Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival. But the fall fun doesn’t stop there. From the Ale Trail and scenic hiking routes to the city’s signature “Exploriences” programs, Lincoln City offers an array of ways to embrace the season.
With crisp coastal air, fewer visitors, and ample opportunity for unexpected discoveries, fall is an ideal time to explore all that Lincoln City offers.
The Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival returns to Lincoln City Sept. 25–27 with a temporary new home at Chinook Winds Casino Resort while construction continues on the new Lincoln City Welcome Center at D River Wayside. Explore Lincoln City is excited to partner with Chinook Winds Casino to keep this beloved Lincoln City tradition flying high.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can watch spectacular kite demonstrations by professional fliers, marvel at colorful giant show kites filling the sky, create their own kites, and explore interactive displays. The weekend kicks off Sept. 25 with the Night Fly, which lights up the night sky with illuminated kites in a magical, family-friendly display. The Night Fly runs from 7–10 p.m., with Pixie Fest carnival games benefiting the Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City. For a full rundown of events, visit explorelincolncity.com.
Beer is to fall what rosé is to summer and there’s no better time to explore Lincoln City’s vibrant craft beer scene. The Tap and Brew Trail Passport is a digital guide that leads beer lovers to a diverse lineup of local breweries and watering holes, offering plenty of opportunities to sip your way through Oregon’s celebrated beer culture while exploring the coast.
Craft beer isn’t the only trail worth exploring this fall. Cooler temperatures and misty mornings make autumn an ideal time to hit Lincoln City’s hiking trails, where lush forests, dramatic waterfalls, and sweeping coastal scenery take center stage. Prefer a little company on the trail? Lincoln City Parks & Recreation, in collaboration with Explore Lincoln City, hosts guided hikes throughout the fall, making it easy to experience the area’s natural beauty alongside fellow explorers.
Fun on the trails doesn’t end there. The Oregon Coast Visitors Association has recently launched its Seafood Trail, a new map highlighting coastal restaurants, seafood markets, food carts, dockside retailers, and fisher-family businesses serving predominantly Oregon-landed seafood.
After all that eating and drinking, take a detour into the arts with Lincoln City Art Trails, where colorful public art, galleries, and creative experiences add a little culture to your coastal adventure. For those looking to create their own trail, Finders Keepers will have two special drop dates: one in September around the Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival and one in October for Halloween, so be on the lookout while enjoying the coastal beauty.
Of course, a fall visit to the coast comes with a few important safety reminders. Autumn storms can bring powerful swells, sneaker waves, and drifting logs—a reminder that the Pacific Ocean is as untamed as it is beautiful. Before heading out, check the weather and tide conditions, stay alert near the water, and when in doubt, admire the waves from a safe distance.
For more fall inspiration, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com. See you on the coast!
