It’s a shore thing

Finders Keepers float program returns to its roots in Lincoln City

As the Finders Keepers glass float program enters its 26th year, Lincoln City is refocusing the beloved tradition on what has always made it special: the quiet thrill of discovering something beautiful and handmade along the open coast.

This year, visitor-promotion agency Explore Lincoln City will place renewed emphasis on serendipity, artistry and exploration rather than competition or scheduled hunts. The program was originally inspired by Japanese fishing floats that once washed ashore on Oregon beaches and launched in 2000 as a way to recreate the simple joy of stumbling upon an unexpected coastal treasure.

Since the program began, volunteers have hidden more than 75,000 handcrafted glass floats created by Oregon-based artists along Lincoln City’s seven miles of shoreline. The program has also helped establish Lincoln City as a destination for blown glass art, with numerous studios and galleries calling the community home.

“Finders Keepers has always been about connection, the moment when someone looks down and finds a piece of art made by local hands, waiting just for them,” said Kim Cooper Findling, director of Explore Lincoln City. “As we enter the 2026 season, we’re bringing the program back to its quiet magic. Any walk can lead to a discovery. Any day can be special.”

Throughout 2026, more than 3,000 floats will be placed along the beach by the city’s “Float Fairies.” Rather than encouraging crowds to rush the shoreline, the goal is to invite visitors to slow down, wander and experience the coast with a sense of wonder.

While year-round discovery remains the heart of the program, a limited number of themed float drops will honor local traditions and community partners. These six special releases account for 341 of the year’s floats.

Floats are placed between the high tide line and below the beach embankment. Visitors are encouraged to remain aware of tides, weather conditions and posted advisories when exploring the shoreline.

For more information, go to explorelincolncity.com.

Special drop dates for 2026

January 9 to 11 - Opening weekend, 100 floats

February 6 to 16 - Retro Expo, 100 Japanese antique-style floats

April 22 to 25 - Earth Day, 50 floats

June 19 to 20 - Chinook Winds Casino Resort anniversary, 31 floats

September - Fall Kite Festival, 10 floats (date TBA)

October 30 to November 1 - Halloween weekend, 50 themed floats

All dates are subject to change due to weather and king tides.