Arts & Culture in Cannon Beach
Published: 01/29/2011  Updated: 08/14/2019

The Cannon Beach art scene comes in many forms.

Immerse Yourself in the Visual Arts
Recognized as one of the Pacific Northwest's best art towns, Cannon Beach is home to over a dozen galleries where you will discover the work of local artists, the emerging talent of Northwest painters and some of the country's most celebrated sculptors. In the vibrant galleries, you'll not only enjoy artwork that inspires you, but several art festivals and frequent gallery events also offer the opportunity to actually meet the artists or watch them create their visionary work. Watch as glassblowers coax molten glass into beautiful works of art, a year round attraction at Icefire Glassworks, where art glass has been created in Cannon Beach for nearly 40 years. Cannon Beach galleries feature the work of top professional artists working in many styles and media, including painting, sculpture, glass, jewelry, ceramics, photography and functional art. Explore Cannon Beach galleries to find art that inspires you and you may find the perfect new focal point for your home, office, garden or entryway that you will treasure forever.

Live Theater and the Performing Arts
Cannon Beach celebrates the performing arts with a year-round schedule of live community theater performances, special concerts and festivals throughout the year that brings live entertainment. Coaster Theatre offers an intimate setting to watch community theater productions as well as other special events and concerts throughout the year. A free series of outdoor summer concerts in the park brings live musical performances to Cannon Beach on select Sunday afternoons beginning on the Fourth of July and running through Labor Day. The Cannon Beach Chorus, a regional group of vocalists, also performs concerts throughout the year.

Arts & Cultural Events
Cannon Beach celebrates arts and culture with a variety of events each year. Art festivals include Spring Unveiling , June's Plein Air & More and November's Stormy Weather Arts Festival. The annual Sandcastle contest is a creative outlet for both master sculptors and kids with pails. Each September, the Cannon Beach Cottage Tour offers a step back in time to an earlier era. Culinary arts are featured at Savor Cannon Beach wine and culinary festival in March, where galleries also participate with wine and art receptions and events.

Historical Perspective
Gaze out to the beach and imagine the scene over 200 years ago when a rugged party of elkskin clad explorers from Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery found a 100-foot long whale on the beach. Picture the Indian village that occupied the shores of Ecola Creek. Look out at a lighthouse that guided ships along these shores over 125 years ago. The Cannon Beach History Center makes history an interactive experience for kids and is home to the original cannon that was found on the beach and gave this community its name. This summer, The History Center will host a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution entitled "Earth from Space," July 2 through August 28.

Enjoy Shopping with Style
Cannon Beach is a delightful place for shoppers who love to explore the charming courtyards and pathways that lead to unique shops, galleries and boutiques. From fashions to home furnishings, Cannon Beach features dozens of specialty stores with carefully selected merchandise. You'll find the perfect gift, addition to your wardrobe or decorative item for your home. You'll find an exceptional selection of decor with coastal and cottage styles, outdoor gear and apparel for recreational adventures and Northwest specialties ranging from salt water taffy to smoked salmon. Apparel stores offer casual styles, handcrafted garments and popular designers. Of course, you'll also find a store just for your dog. With no state sales tax, you can celebrate your shopping finds and your savings, too.



DON'T MISS

Explore the galleries to find the work of regional and nationally known artists.
Visit historical sites from the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1806.
See a live theater performance at the acclaimed Coaster Theatre.
Discover unique shops with art, furnishings and regional and international goods.
See the Cannon that gave the city its name at the History Center.
Arts & Culture in Cannon Beach