Skip to content

Seaside Stories

All About Independence Day 2020 in Seaside

May 26, 2020 | by City of Seaside Visitors Bureau

Let’s be clear: July 4th is going to look a little different in Seaside this year. While many of your favorite events had to take a step back due to COVID restrictions – including the annual fireworks show at the Turnaround – Seaside is in Phase 2 of Oregon’s reopening framework and remains a popular beach destinations this holiday. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy this unique Independence Day holiday safely and responsibly.

First Saturday Art Walk ✅

First the good news! The First Saturday Art Walk will indeed be held this year from 5 to 7 pm on Saturday, July 4th between Holladay Drive and Broadway in the historic Gilbert District of Seaside. The art walk is celebrating its 16th year with new summer art in every gallery and will be following the state’s guidelines on masks, social distancing, and limited occupancy at any one time.

4th of July Old Fashioned Social ❌

Unfortunately, the 4th of July Old Fashioned Social at the Seaside Historical Society & Museum has been cancelled. With food, music, games, face painting, and more, this Seaside tradition has become a family favorite.

4th of July Parade ❌

Another tradition we’ll have to do without this year is the 4th of July Parade through downtown Seaside for all to see. It will be back next year!

4th of July Fireworks ❌

One of the largest fireworks shows on the West Coast, this 25-minute extravaganza is the undisputed highlight (at least in terms of its impact) of every Independence Day in Seaside. For a few good reasons, the Chamber of Commerce has decided to wait until next year for another round of unbelievable fireworks.

To ensure you leave with a good experience and we protect the health of our community and environment, here are six tips to keep in mind:

BRING MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCE. Stay at least six feet from those outside your party and wear a mask when downtown or in close proximity to others. Masks have been shown to reduce risk of contagion for yourself and those around you. If you’re sick, please stay home.

USE ONLY LEGAL OREGON FIREWORKS. Illegal fireworks explode, behave in an uncontrollable and unpredictable manner, eject balls of fire, or travel more than six feet on the ground or one foot into the air.

SHARE THE BEACH. No tents on the beach, avoid digging large fire pits (nothing larger than three feet in length, width or depth), and pallets are not allowed in any circumstances as they litter the sand with hidden nails. Please keep fires at least 50 feet from the beach grass and do not start fires in drift wood.

STASH YOUR TRASH. Use the public garbage receptacles posted at entry points to the beach along the Promenade.

COME PREPARED. Seaside restaurants are a great option for meals during your visit – dine-in options are limited, take-out is plentiful – but consider bringing all groceries with you to lessen the burden on our local supply chains, which residents depend on.

BE RESPONSIBLE. Police, fire, and city officials work around the clock to keep services in town running as smooth as possible with the large numbers of holiday visitors. If you need assistance with a non-emergency or want to report something, don’t hesitate to contact authorities at 503.738.6311. If you see something, please say something.

Thank you for enjoying your Independence Day in Seaside and we look forward to the return of our annual parades, events, and fireworks next summer.

and so much more!

The Iron Horse Comes to Town

A look at the train that connected Seaside to Portland in 1898

Seaside Nightlife

Above photo: A group enjoys some live music in a photo by Don Frank. Some visitors come to Seaside for the beach, some for the att...

Bird is the Word

Birding opportunites abound in Seaside and the surrounding area.

Seaside Lifeguards: A Fond Seasonal Farewell

Can you believe it’s almost Labor Day Weekend? Don’t fret!  We’re still probably in for some dynamic weather throughout Sep...

Seaside Promenade

I walked along the Prom last weekend on a beautifully bright and sunny day and found myself surrounded by walkers, runners, people on all sorts of wheels, strollers, couples holding hands, and dogs of all sizes leading their people around. I also heard all sorts of accents and languages-and saw plenty of cameras.

Discover Seaside’s Upper Broadway and Gilbert District

One of Seaside’s greatest delights is its walkable downtown. You can take a stroll from the ocean and Promenade all the way up B...

How to Be an Earth Steward in Seaside

An estimated 14 billion pounds of discarded plastic and garbage — from cigarette butts and water bottles to food wrappers and pl...

Northwest Travel Magazine: Best Eats on Oregon’s North Coast

Article on Best Eats on Oregon's North Coast

Mural Walking Tour

Seaside has a flourishing art scene with quaint galleries and a monthly art walk in the historic Gilbert District, but it also has...

Stop and Smell the Roses

Spending a little time with Seaside's pocket gardens

Winterize Your Beach Walk

Winter is a special time around Seaside. It’s when seasonal storms pummel Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and bring massive stands of ...

Seaside’s History is an Honored Guest in Its Present

There are many local landmarks that celebrate the rich history of Seaside, a town that has been enjoyed as a popular beach getaway...

My First Trip to Seaside

Recalling a memorable first trip to Seaside, Oregon

Pocket Garden Walking Tour

When you walk down Broadway Street, you notice the patches of flowers planted along the sidewalk — all bursting with color, no m...

Seaside Golf Club

A look at the history of the Seaside Golf Club.

Episode One: Grave of the Unknown sailor

The Seaside Audio Walking Tour exploring the mysterious grave of the unknown sailor.