Exploding Whale Day 2026 is nearly here. See how the Oregon Coast is celebrating

Oregon blew up a whale nearly 56 years ago, and the ensuring chaos has lived on in history.

On Nov. 12, 1970, Oregon highway crews used dynamite to blow up a dead sperm whale that had washed ashore near Florence.

Crews hoped the blast would break the whale into pieces small enough for scavengers to eat. Instead, the blast sent large chunks of blubber flying. Nearby spectators ran for cover, and one chunk crushed a parked car.

KATU reporter Paul Linnman was there, and his historic report from the beach still has the Pacific Northwest laughing today.

For the 56th anniversary, Linnman is scheduled to return to Florence Nov. 14 and 15. The weekend will also include a short documentary and a free gathering in Old Town.

When can you see the documentary?

City Lights Cinemas in Florence is will show Oh Whale at 5:15 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15.

Linnman is scheduled to take questions and sign autographs.

Tickets begin at $5.

Where is the Exploding Whale Day event held in Florence?

The free event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Bridgeport Market, 75 Harbor St., in Old Town Florence.

A Portland band called The Exploding Whales will play. The American Cetacean Society will be there, and Linnman is scheduled to make another appearance.

Visitors can bring a note or a memento to leave at the community memorial. People are also encouraged to wear whale costumes.

The toast to the whale is at 3:45 p.m.

Where can you see bones from the whale?

The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum has bones from the whale at 278 Maple St., a short walk from Bridgeport Market.

The museum’s reported hours are noon to 4 p.m. Visitors who want to see the bones and catch the toast should go to the museum first.

People can also visit Exploding Whale Memorial Park on the Siuslaw River. The park is named for the whale that washed up on the ocean side of Florence.