Boiler Bay Beacon
NEWPORT — The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival is more than a spotlight for prizewinning Northwest wines and craft beers — it’s a vivid reminder of the good life that has drawn at least 1 million visitors to the Oregon Coast, in the dark of winter, for 49 years.
Putting the rat race behind them, more than 20,000 people are expected to attend the four-day event Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 19-22. Whether wild party reveler or astute wine aficionado, there’s something for everybody at this year’s event — except children and pets, which are thankfully barred. For 2026, the Chinook Winds Casino & Resort-sponsored festival will feature 60-plus Northwest wineries under one tent, 20 top chef-inspired eateries and a music marquee with round-the-clock bands.
The event is an economic lifeline for the tourist industry as motels, restaurants, retailers, gas stations, grocery stores and other coast businesses are expected to earn a $10 million payday from overall spending. Hand-picked vendors are the first to profit from the event, however, with many netting $7,000-$10,000 for the four-day affair. Prudent festival-goers take note: winemakers often throw their unsold inventory up for sale in the late hours of the final day.
Motels and resorts in Depoe Bay and Newport are expected to be at near capacity for the event. Being the early bird is the key more than ever for tickets as well and lodging.
Exit surveys by the Newport Chamber of Commerce reveal interesting dynamics to the event. On Fridays, the 35-55 crowd attends in large numbers; on Saturdays, 21- to 35-year-olds pack the tents; on Sundays, the older generation, 40-65, take advantage of the box sales.
Founded in 1977 to promote Newport’s seafood industry and energize the off-season tourist season, it accomplished both goals in spectacular fashion. Now home to the longest-running wine competition in the Northwest, this year’s show will also feature a Seafood Chowder Competition. Tasting kits are just $15.
Times for the festival are Thu. 5-9 p.m.; Fri. noon-8 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
