Here’s a shout-out to meeting and event planners looking for a truly unique destination for their group. Consider Lincoln City, Oregon. It’s not only home to the world-famous Finders Keepers glass float program, two internationally recognized kite festivals, and Oregon’s only UNESCO Biosphere Region, but more than that, it also boasts seven miles of public beaches, a prolific arts scene, and a laid-back, beach-town type of vibe.
Flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and lush forests to the east, Lincoln City claims to be the Oregon Coast’s destination of choice for sustainability-minded corporate and association groups, as well as individual travelers. It’s got all the good stuff, from ocean-to-table cuisine and ideal stargazing conditions to postcard-worthy summer beach getaways and what they call “moody winter storm watching,” where every season brings something different. (Follow along @lincolncityor for inspiration, or begin planning a visit at explorelincolncity.com.)
Currently, Lincoln City is preparing to welcome one of the Oregon Coast’s most beloved events: the Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival – but it doesn’t stop there. It’s a colorful and lively destination. From the Ale Trail and scenic hiking routes to the city’s signature “Exploriences” programs, Lincoln City, Oregon, offers plenty of ways to embrace the season while hosting a corporate meeting or similar event. If it’s too late to plan an offsite conference now, consider booking it for next year. Here’s what they say:
In Lincoln City, corporate groups will find crisp coastal air and fewer vacationers, meaning ample opportunity for unexpected discoveries. Currently, city highlights include the Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival, returning Sept. 25–27 to a temporary 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.
The event also features spectacular kite demonstrations by professional fliers, colorful kites filling the sky, interactive displays, and more. What better way to welcome your group than with an unforgettable experience? The weekend kicks off Sept. 25 with the Night Flight, 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.
And if beer is to fall what rosé is to summer, 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 some professional leadership on the trail? Lincoln City Parks & Recreation, in collaboration with Explore Lincoln City, hosts guided hikes throughout the fall, making it easy for your group members to experience the area’s natural beauty alongside fellow explorers – and meeting-goers.
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.
To explore ways Lincoln City can be put to work for your next group event, visit ExploreLincolnCity.com. Planners, you won’t be disappointed!