Celebrate the Nation’s 250th Birthday in Lincoln City

Stars, Stripes and Wildlife

Get ready to be a part of the Semiquincentennial (or 250-year anniversary) celebration that’s sure to be the biggest party of the year! Explore Lincoln City will kick off the festivities with Stars, Stripes, and Wildlife in the Taft District near Siletz Bay, commemorating Independence Day while also honoring and protecting the area’s unique coastal ecosystems. A city-sponsored professional fireworks show will take place around Devils Lake directly after the celebrations conclude in Taft.

Stars, Stripes, and Wildlife seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and natural habitats with interactive educational activities and an array of live music, food, and a beer garden. It’s a great way to start the national festivities while also learning about the larger world that surrounds us all. The fireworks show is returning to Lincoln City this year, but will move away from the Taft District; the move not only helps protect critical wildlife habitat, but also eliminates erosion caused by the huge crowds and heavy equipment needed for the fireworks display.

Stars, Stripes, and Wildlife is a free, family-friendly celebration that begins at 12:00 PM at the Taft Pavilion, located at the west end of SW 51st Street, and runs until 5:00 PM. The event features a beer garden by Pelican Brewing Company, local food from Bobablastic food truck, music from Ska Island and Hektic Week, and interactive activities including wildlife education from the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative. Locals and visitors alike are invited to observe this special Independence Day at the beach in a more mindful way, with a focus on local wildlife like harbor seals and Western Snowy Plover and the irreplaceable ecosystems that they call home, such as the Siletz Bay Wildlife Refuge and Salishan Spit.

Event Access and Parking

It’s important to plan for the weekend due to increased holiday traffic. Public parking will be available throughout the Taft District, and additional parking will open at Taft High School beginning at 11:00 AM. Complimentary shuttle service will run between the high school and the event site until 6:00 PM. Lincoln City's professional fireworks display will take place at Devils Lake and will be launched near Regatta Park. Because of the extremely limited parking, Regatta Park will be closed to vehicles starting at 6:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to use an evening shuttle service that will run between the Lincoln City Community Center and the park from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

For optimal viewing of the City's professional fireworks display, visit LincolnCity.gov

Find detailed parking information and directions for Stars, Stripes and Wildlife here.

Fireworks are Prohibited in Lincoln City

The sale, offer for sale, possession, and use of fireworks is prohibited everywhere within the city of Lincoln City—including all private and public property (such as beaches, streets, and parks). Violators will be fined and/or prosecuted for lighting any firework here. This includes sparklers and novelty devices.

Find further information detailing Lincoln City's firework regulations here.

Pack it In, Pack it Out

In an effort to further protect local beaches and public spaces, please pack out all trash. Guests and locals alike can participate in Explore Lincoln City’s Trash for Treasures program, where a photo of collected litter from the shoreline can be entered for a chance to win a handmade glass float. Community beach cleanups will continue on July 5th to address any remaining trash throughout the area.

Planning a trip to the beach to celebrate Independence Day? Follow Explore Lincoln City on Facebook and Instagram for additional information on events and updates for the holiday weekend.