EVENT INFORMATION

Date: Monday, May 25th 2026

Time: Festivities start around 11:00 AM

Main Gathering & Viewing Spots: Harbor docks, Depoe Bay bridge, and seawall

See below for more information on gathering areas

The Fleet of Flowers tradition survives on community effort. Here are some ways to get involved or volunteer:

Contact us for more information!

Some people line the seawall or other waterfront areas around the harbor to get a good, but more laid-back and informal, view of the event. The small-harbor setting makes this accessible and popular for community members.

The official ceremony begins at about 11:00 a.m. at the docks in Depoe Bay Harbor, across from the harbor’s Coast Guard station.
People who are participating by boat (with tickets/arrangements) board here; this is also where the wreath-laden vessels depart.
If you want to see the boats up close as they leave the dock, this is the spot to be.

For those not on a boat, a popular and recommended viewing area is the Depoe Bay Bridge and the nearby Whale Watching Center. From there you can watch the boats leave the harbor, pass under the bridge, and form their circle offshore.
This vantage gives a panoramic view of the fleet, and is often packed with onlookers once the docks portion of the ceremony ends.

If you want a good spot on the bridge or near the Whale Watching Center, arriving early helps. Once boats start leaving the harbor, vantage points get crowded.
For close-up boat viewing and wreath launching, being at the docks is best. For a wide-angle, scenic view, the bridge or Whale Watching Center vantage is ideal.

Parking

Parking in Depoe Bay is limited, especially on Memorial Day, so early arrival is highly recommended. Here are the best options:

Public Parking Near the Harbor – Several small lots and street-parking spaces are available around the harbor area. These fill quickly.
Downtown Street Parking – Additional parking can be found along Highway 101 and the surrounding side streets. Please follow posted signs and time limits.
Depoe Bay City Park Area – Additional street parking is often available near the city park and community center, a short walk from the harbor.
Accessible Parking – Designated ADA spaces are located in the harbor and downtown. Arrive early if you need accessible access.
Drop-Off Option – If you’re traveling with someone who has mobility challenges, you can drop them off in the harbor entrance before finding parking further away.

Tip: Traffic through Depoe Bay can get backed up near event start time. Give yourself extra time to park and walk to your viewing spot.