Visitors flock to Ocean Shores to stroll six miles of sandy beaches, watch the waves crash and take in the ocean air. Vehicles are permitted on beaches in many areas of Ocean Shores and horseback rides are also popular for seeing the shoreline. Residents of Ocean Shores and visitors to the area may look forward to several annual events held in town and on the beach.
Sponsored by the Ocean Shores Jazz Society, the Jazz at the Beach festival is held each November and features three days of live jazz music. On Saturday morning of the festival weekend, which is November 5 through 7 in 2010, kids are invited to a free jazz hour with music played by high school students. On Saturday evening, an umbrella parade is held at the town's convention center and Sunday morning features two gospel music services.
The Ocean Shores Jazz Society
P.O. Box 293
Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360-289-4094
osjazz.com
Each February, the annual Antiques and Collectibles Show is held at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Sponsored by the Action Committee for Tourism, or ACT, the event features more than 80 vendors who display collectibles such as baseball cards and postcards and antiques, such as dolls and furniture. Experts are available to appraise items for visitors as well as a glass and crystal repair service, as of 2010. Door prizes are awarded hourly at the show and admission fees benefit local non-profit organizations.
Action Committee for Tourism
P.O. Box 387
Ocean Shores, WA 98569
oceanshoresact.com
With a dual purpose of collecting money for charities and organizing a motorcycle run, the Sun and Surf Run is held the last weekend in July, as of 2010, at the Ocean Shores Convention Center and is sponsored by Sun Charities. Motorcycle parades, stunt team performances, live bands and an auction are a few of the featured events during the Sun and Surf weekend in Ocean Shores. According to Sun Charities, the Sun and Surf Run is one of the largest motorcycle events in Washington, with over 3,000 bikers attending each year, and has been operating since 1988.
Sun Charities
Sun and Surf Run
P.O. Box 25735
Federal Way, WA 98093
425-533-7848
sunandsurfevent.com
Sponsored by a team from local Cutting Edge Kites who hold world titles in competitive kiting, the Kite Challenge is held annually in June on the sandy beaches of Ocean Shores. Hundreds of colorful kites can be seen twirling in the skies over the beach, according to the city's tourism website, and events include stunt competitions and kite lessons.
The Ocean Shores International Kite Challenge
Cutting Edge Kite Shop
676 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW
Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360-289-0667
cuttingedgekites.com
