Date posted: 6/30/2026

Celebrating the Stories, Landmarks, and Traditions of Astoria & Warrenton

This year, Astoria and Warrenton have many reasons to celebrate! Across our community, 2026 brings a collection of meaningful anniversaries that honor the places, stories, creativity, and history that make our area so unique.

This is a year to look back with gratitude, celebrate what is thriving today, and look ahead to the next chapter of our communities' history.

For this post, we're hearing from Rachel, who is a North Coast nonprofit professional, fundraiser, and community advocate with a deep love for Astoria’s arts, history, and local culture. Originally from Oahu, Hawaiʻi, Rachel has called the Oregon Coast home since 2018 and has become deeply connected to the people, places, and stories that make the region so special. With a background in theater, fundraising, and community events, she brings an insider’s appreciation for the historic landmarks, creative spaces, and meaningful milestones that continue to shape Astoria’s identity. She highlights a few of the anniversaries we're celebrating this year and the places that make this coastal area unforgettable.

Astoria's Place in the National Story


The story of Astoria began here more than two centuries ago and continues to unfold today.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Across the country, communities are reflecting on local history, civic life, and the many stories that make up the American experience.

Here on Oregon's North Coast, that reflection feels especially meaningful. Established in 1811 with the founding of Fort Astoria, Astoria holds a remarkable place in national history as the oldest permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Astoria has long been part of a larger national story of exploration, migration, trade, cultural exchange, resilience, and change. This year marks 215 years since that beginning, offering another opportunity to reflect on the long, layered history of this place. Astoria's and Warrenton's identities have been shaped by Indigenous history, maritime trade, fishing, canneries, immigration, art, architecture, small businesses, and generations of families who have called this region home.

Visitors inspired to explore the region's history can continue the journey at Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton, where military history spans the Civil War era through World War II. The historic military reservation, gun batteries, and museum help tell another chapter of the American story unfolding along the Columbia River. The story of the Lower Columbia also includes nearby Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, where visitors can explore the final chapter of the Corps of Discovery's journey and gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped the Pacific Northwest.

The nation's 250th celebration gives our community a chance to look at history with both pride and thoughtfulness - honoring the people who shaped this place while continuing to make room for fuller, more inclusive stories about who we are and where we are going.

The Astoria Column Turns 100


The Astoria Column is an iconic piece of history in the Pacific Northwest.

For a century, the Astoria Column has stood high above the Columbia River as one of the most beloved and recognizable landmarks on the Oregon Coast. Completed in 1926, the Column is a monument to the natural riches of the Pacific Northwest and the people who settled there, and has become a symbol of Astoria's history, beauty, and deep sense of place.

Whether you remember climbing the spiral staircase, flying a wooden glider from the top, bringing visiting friends and family to see the view, or simply looking up to see it watching over the town, the Column holds a special place in the hearts of generations.

This centennial year is a celebration not only of the Column itself, but of the many stories it represents: the river, the people, the industries, the cultures, and the communities that helped shape Astoria. The 100th anniversary gives us a chance to honor this landmark and reflect on the pride and history it continues to inspire.

Visitors can celebrate the centennial by climbing the Column, exploring the surrounding park, and visiting the "A View from the Top" temporary exhibit at the Heritage Museum, which includes special interpretation of the landmark's first century and themed activities.

Ten Fifteen Productions Celebrates 5 Years

In just five years, Ten Fifteen Productions has become a vibrant home for local theatre, creativity, and community.
Photo credit: Ten Fifteen Productions

Not all milestones have to be reflective of our area's long history. We also find joy in celebrating new organizations and businesses. Ten Fifteen Productions represents Astoria's creative future in motion. Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year, The Ten Fifteen has quickly become a vibrant cultural hub in downtown Astoria.

This nonprofit theater has created space for local actors, directors, designers, technicians, writers, volunteers, students, and audiences to come together through live theatre, creative education, and community events. It is a place where local talent shines, bold stories are told, and everyone can find a way to belong.

The Ten Fifteen's anniversary is also a celebration of resilience. Nonprofit arts organizations are built through passion, persistence, and community support, and Ten Fifteen has become a powerful example of what can happen when people believe in local art and the importance of shared creative spaces.

Visitors can experience that creative energy firsthand by attending a performance at Ten Fifteen, or other local stages like the Liberty Theater and Charlene Larson PAC. Or, participate in a local event. Take a look at the events calendar at the end of this email for a selection of activities coming up.

40 Years of Short Circuit


Follow the Historic Oregon Film Trail to discover locations featured in beloved movies and television productions.

2026 also marks the 40th anniversary of the beloved 1986 film Short Circuit, which brought Astoria to the big screen and helped cement the city's place in pop culture history.

For decades, films made in and around Astoria have drawn visitors, sparked nostalgia, and given locals another reason to celebrate the distinct character of our town. The Short Circuit anniversary is a joyful reminder that Astoria's charm has always been cinematic: our hills, waterfront, historic buildings, and unmistakable personality make this place unforgettable.

Fans can celebrate the film's 40th anniversary by exploring recognizable filming locations throughout the community, or spending some time at the Oregon Film Museum and Heritage Museum.

For those who enjoy infusing their road trips with pop culture, Oregon's North Coast has many fun places to connect. Visit the Columbian Theater where nostalgic films often are on the marquee, Video Horizons for rentals and sales of physical media, and many thrift shops and antiques stores to hunt down an elusive treasure to fill your collection.

Businesses Carrying History Forward


History isn't just found in museums—it's still being crafted daily at places like Josephson's Smokehouse.

Some of the region's most enduring stories can be found in businesses that continue to serve the community today. Van Dusen Companies traces its roots to 1849, making it the oldest business in Oregon. Josephson's Smokehouse has been smoking seafood on Astoria's waterfront for more than a century and four generations, while City Lumber Company has supplied builders and homeowners since 1904. LEKTRO's roots in Warrenton date back to the 1940s, and the company continues to be a leader in electric vehicle technology today.

Together, our many longstanding businesses remind us that history here isn't confined to museums, but it's woven into daily life throughout Astoria and Warrenton.

Explore the Stories Behind the Milestones

History comes to life among the forests and trails of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

This year's anniversaries offer plenty of reasons to explore. Climb the Astoria Column during its centennial year. Catch a performance at Ten Fifteen Productions. Visit local museums and historic sites. Walk Astoria's historic neighborhoods, explore Fort Stevens, or discover the stories preserved throughout Astoria and Warrenton.

Every landmark, business, and historic site represents a chapter in the region's continuing story. And, there's never been a better time to experience it for yourself. Whether you're discovering the area for the first time or returning to a favorite place, 2026 offers countless opportunities to connect with the stories, landmarks, traditions, and celebrations that continue to shape Astoria and Warrenton.

Discover inviting places to stay and inspiration for your next getaway.

Keep Exploring Astoria & Warrenton

  • Museums & Historic Sites - Explore the stories and places that shaped Astoria and Warrenton
  • Arts & Entertainment - Discover live music, theater and entertainment on the North Coast
  • Astoria Column - Visit this iconic landmark during its 100th anniversary year
  • Places to Stay - Find lodging in and around Astoria and Warrenton
  • Eat & Drink - Discover local restaurants, seafood and places to enjoy a meal
  • Upcoming Events - See festivals, performances and other events happening in the region