Published on 27.08.24 at 7:15
By Andre’ GW Hagestedt, Oregon Coast Beach Connection
(Coos Bay, Oregon) – She is now 150 years old, but doesn’t look a day over 100.
Coos Bay has been celebrating its 150th anniversary as a city for the past few months, and the festivities are now in the home stretch as everything culminates in October.
In 1874, Marshfield was born – the small town that was the forerunner of Coos Bay.
This is all a Southern Oregon Coast party of historic proportions – literally. This epic party takes you on streets into the city’s past, to some dance and music concerts, and even into the land of German bratwurst and beer.
What’s coming:
First, there is the ongoing self-guided driving tour of the historic homes of Coos Bay and Empire. Empire is still a distinctive neighborhood that was once a city of its own. Together, the main area of Coos Bay and this district offer about two dozen impressive homes to view.
September 5th and 12th. Music on the Bay, the annual music festival in Mingus Park, runs into September, each time with a different lineup. 7 p.m.
September 14. Pirate Day. Set sail for a swashbuckling adventure at the Coos History Museum. It’s a day of free, fun pirate-themed activities for local kids and families. Make your own paper pirate hat, learn about the history of local pirates, and immerse yourself in exciting shipwreck-themed activities. Bring the whole crew for a day of discovery and adventure on the high seas. 1210 N. Front Street. Coos Bay, Oregon.
September 19. Special lecture series on Thursday to mark the 150th anniversary. The September program includes the history of Eastside and Empire at the Coos History Museum. Free admission, starts at 6 p.m.
Sept. 21-22. Bay Area Fun Festival. It started 50 years ago to celebrate Coos Bay’s 100th birthday, but the show is still alive and well. Highlights include live entertainment, the famous Cruz the Coos with nearly 500 vintage cars, the Prefontaine Memorial Run, live music, the BAFF Parade and more. Downtown Coos Bay.
October 12. First annual Oktoberfest. Although it is not part of the big festival in the coastal city in southern Oregon, it is a fundraiser for the Coos History Museum – and a first for the city.
It starts at 9 p.m. – with live music from the Roseburg German Band, a beer garden serving 7 Devils beers (a South Coast specialty), German food, a silent auction, a cake walk, and Oktoberfest-themed fun and games. There’s even a yodeling contest. 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets go on sale September 1. Admission: $35. It’s held in the museum.
October 26. 150th Anniversary Block Party in Coos Bay. It’s the highlight of the season, but so far it’s all a mystery. Details will be announced at some point.
