Garibaldi Days Livens Up N. Oregon Coast in July - History of the Festival

Published 07/16/25 at 7:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Garibaldi, Oregon) – For 65 years now, one sleepy little fishing village along Tillamook Bay wakes up – indeed practically bolts upright – every fourth weekend in July. (Oregon Coast Beach Connection photo)

This time around it happens July 25 through 27.

Garibaldi Days returns to this authentic Oregon coast destination with the 2025 theme “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay.” Presented by the City of Garibaldi, this beloved coastal tradition features a full weekend of family fun, music, and maritime vibes.

“[It] gets rolling with a big parade before lunch, followed by lots of games and entertainment throughout the day, including a kids fishing tank, a teen dance, and a waterball tug of war between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Garibaldi Fire Department,” said organizers.

The celebration kicks off Friday with vendor booths open from noon to 8 p.m., the Historic Boathouse and Maritime Museum welcoming visitors in the afternoon, and trains departing from the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad provide shuttles throughout the day from Rockaway Beach.

Courtesy photo

“Families also enjoy rides on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railway, which pulls into the Garibaldi station all day,” organizer said. “In the evening, there’s a big fireworks display over the bay. Between the fireworks, rock music, food vendors and beer garden, nights are as awesome as Garibaldi Days.”

Festivities continue Saturday with expanded vendor hours, additional museum and boathouse access, and the ever-popular parade beginning at 11 a.m. Fireworks light up the bay at 10 p.m., promising a memorable coastal night.

Live music rocks the stage on Saturday, starting at 12:20 p.m. with NE Day Now. The evening lineup includes Ladies of the 80’s, Jump (Van Halen tribute), Jett-A-Tarr, and Back in Black (AC/DC tribute) closing out at 9:15 p.m.

Family-friendly activities include the Kid Zone at Lumbermen’s Park and the Water Ball Challenge from 3 to 4 p.m., where the Fire Department squares off against the Coast Guard. Sunday starts with the Car Show at the Port on Biak Avenue at 9 a.m., while trains continue their scenic runs throughout the weekend.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad historical photo

Additional highlights include the Garibaldi Days Silent Auction on July 25 and 26, and live performances by Out-Patientz at Kelley’s Place, and Scott Casey & The Gentleman Bandits at Ghost Hole Public House on both Friday and Saturday nights.

Schedules are subject to change. Sponsors include Honda Marine, Big Tuna Marine LLC, and R-Sanitary Service.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Departures at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM.

Questions? Contact Garibaldi Business Association at info@garibaldi.biz or the port office at (503) 322-3292 or email info@portofgaribaldi.org. https://www.facebook.com/GaribaldiDays/

Garibaldi Days History

It apparently all began in 1960 with some kind of a class reunion, possibly to do with the US Coast Guard there, as later coverage of Garibaldi Days included roundups of personnel gathering at the festival.

By 1966, the celebration had officially been going for awhile and included sky diving that year, along with a Coast Guard demonstration, a dance and a crab race. You could buy a crab for 50 cents and have the little guy race for you.

In 1974, newspaper coverage showed an “outstanding financial success,” as one Garibaldi Days head honcho told Oregon media outlets. That windfall was more the taverns, however, but still there were thousands visiting the tiny coastal town that weekend. The lighted boat parade at night was one highlight, and there was a carnival with nine rides that did “a booming business.”

“The biggest success was the U.S. Coast Guard reunion which brought more than 30 former Coast Guardsmen from as far away as Los Angeles and Belgrade, Mont. back to Garibaldi. Astoria, Seaside and Portland also were well represented,” wrote the Daily Astorian that year.

In an emotional moment, former Coast Guard Lt. John McCormick was presented with a signed guestbook. He had started at the Barview station (by then defunct) in 1921.

There was also a bathtub race.

By the 2010s regional articles show Garibaldi Days leaving an even bigger mark, and the fun included a fish tank, go karts, a Gyroscope ride and even karaoke.

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