Celebrating Wild Things: A Yachats Festival of Art, Fun, and Conservation
There’s a place where the beauty of nature, the joy of creativity, and the spirit of community come together – and it’s right here in Yachats, Oregon. Our family-friendly festival, Wild Things, sponsored by the Yachats Chamber of Commerce and happening on May 11th, is a special celebration of the unique wildlife and natural beauty that grace our coastal region. It's an event where conservation meets creativity, and everyone learns the value of protecting and celebrating the incredible biodiversity of our beloved coast.
The Magic of Wild Things
Wild Things is more than just a festival; it’s a joyful gathering that honors the Wild Things of the Oregon coast. It’s a celebration of our native flora and fauna, a day of education and exploration, and a time to revel in the incredible magic of our natural world.
Imagine the Commons and surrounding areas filled with music, demonstrations, plant and animal walks, viewing stations, tide pool adventures, and more. Picture a colorful parade of Wild Things marching joyfully, led by five giant puppets and followed by folks of all ages dressed as their favorite coastal plants and animals.
The festival’s unique blend of art, fun, and environmental awareness offers something for everyone:
Art and Creativity: Local Yachats artist Lucinda Cross’s artwork brings the festival to life on our poster, setting the tone for a day of expressive fun. Michael Gurierro created and gathered folks to make art in the form of bigger-than-life animal puppets, and kids and adults alike can join in crafting their own Wild Things accessories for the parade.
Educational Booths and Activities: Learn about our coastal ecosystem through engaging demonstrations, plant and animal walks, and educational booths hosted by an incredible lineup of organizations.
Wild Plant Sale: Hosted by the MidCoast Watersheds Council and Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, this plant sale is a great opportunity to support local conservation efforts while adding some beautiful native plants to your garden.
Music and Entertainment: The festival will feature interactive performances by Your Song My Song, an environmental justice-focused children’s entertainment group. Their shows are filled with music, puppets, and storytelling that celebrates Earth’s beauty while inspiring audiences to take action.
The Wild Things festival isn’t just about a day of fun – it's about nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. By offering hands-on activities and interactive learning opportunities, we’re empowering our young people to understand the importance of conserving our natural resources and wildlife.
In the end, the Wild Things festival is a joyful celebration of life in all its forms. It's a reminder that we are all interconnected, and that each of us plays a role in preserving the wild beauty of our coastal home. Whether you’re joining in the parade, learning from the workshops, or simply enjoying the music and art, you’ll be contributing to a vibrant, connected community that understands the value of conservation and celebration.
So, bring your friends, bring your family, and join us for a day of fun, learning, and creativity. Let’s honor the Wild Things that make the Oregon coast so special and inspire our younger generation to protect this beautiful place we call home.