Florence, Oregon, is preparing to welcome back one of its most visually striking and spiritually uplifting traditions this fall. On October 18 and 19, Heceta Beach will once again transform into a vast outdoor canvas for the annual “Circles in the Sand” event, a free community gathering that blends large-scale beach labyrinths, interactive art, and, new this year, a professional kite exhibition.
At the center of the event is Denny Dyke, a renowned beach artist whose walkable labyrinths have earned him recognition well beyond Oregon’s coast, including a feature on the CBS Evening News. With the help of dedicated volunteers, Dyke will begin sketching intricate designs in the sand at 3:00 p.m. each day. By 5:00 p.m., the public will be invited to step into the creations, walking through winding pathways that many describe as both playful and meditative. The natural setting enhances the experience, with the event carefully timed to coincide with low tide at 3:13 p.m. and a sunset backdrop around 6:30 p.m.
What sets this event apart from typical beach festivals is its focus on interactive participation. Visitors are not simply spectators but part of the art itself, moving through the sand drawings as the lines form an ever-changing temporary gallery. Local artists add further touches by incorporating shells, driftwood, and other natural materials, making each year’s installation unique to the moment and place.
For 2025, organizers are expanding the spectacle with the addition of kite performances by Rod and Cindy Thrall, a husband-and-wife team of expert kite pilots. Their colorful aerial displays will bring movement to the skies above the labyrinths, creating a layered experience of art on both the sand and in the air. A vendor area located near Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center will showcase sandboards, apparel, and local artwork, providing visitors with opportunities to take home pieces of coastal creativity.
Because parking near Driftwood Shores is limited, organizers have arranged a shuttle service to ensure easy access to Heceta Beach. Free shuttles will run from Grocery Outlet on Highway 101 to the beach between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. on both days. Additional transportation is available through Link Lane, with affordable routes running between Eugene, Yachats, and Florence, all connecting to the shuttle hub at Grocery Outlet.
The event is hosted by Driftwood Shores Resort and Sand Master Park with support from a wide range of sponsors, including the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Sea Lion Caves, Three Rivers Casino Resort, and Mo’s Restaurant, among others. Organizers say the event has grown into an annual pilgrimage for both the local community and visitors, combining artistry, nature, and a sense of shared experience.
Circles in the Sand remains entirely free and open to the public, underscoring its mission of accessibility and community connection. As October approaches, Florence is not only preparing for an influx of visitors but also reaffirming its identity as “Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” where creativity and natural beauty meet.
With its combination of elaborate sand designs, artistic collaborations, and now dazzling kite acrobatics, the 2025 edition of Circles in the Sand promises to be both a visual feast and a soulful escape for those who gather along the edge of the Pacific.