12 Things You Probably Didn’t Know about the South Coast Clambake Music Festival
The South Coast Clambake Music Festival Returns to Oregon’s Adventure Coast March 13–16, 2025!
From traditional jazz and swing to ‘50s rock, doo-wop, blues, and big band, the South Coast Clambake Music Festival boasts a musical lineup that spans genres setting the stage for unforgettable live performances and dancing. It’s no wonder the annual festival is one of the most beloved music events on the Oregon Coast!
The South Coast Clambake Music Festival is more than a music event—it’s a vibrant celebration of arts, culture, and community. Held under one roof at The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park in North Bend, the festival spans three dynamic venues, each featuring top-quality sound systems and spacious dance floors. While this beloved annual tradition draws both locals and visitors to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston—there’s a good chance it still holds a few surprises for you.
Here are a few fun facts about the South Coast Clambake Music Festival you may not have known!
#1 - Despite the title, the South Coast Clambake Music Festival has nothing to do with clams. “Clambake” is an old-school term used by performers dating back to 1937 that means “jam session”. While the word is well-known among jazz musicians and performers, it sometimes puzzles newcomers who are surprised to learn that clams are not served during the festival. Rest assured, there’s no shortage of fresh seafood nearby! Local restaurants throughout Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston serve up plenty of clam chowder, fish and chips, and other favorites to satisfy your seafood cravings. Click here to see our local dining options (and yes, many of these restaurants DO have clams on the menu).
#2 - Elvis once starred in a movie called Clambake**.** In 1967, the one and only Elvis Presley starred in a film called Clambake, a feel-good beach musical comedy. While the film wasn’t a critical success, it became a cult favorite among Elvis fans, and its soundtrack still holds a special place in his music catalog. To celebrate the festival, there will be a screening at the Historic Egyptian Theatre in downtown Coos Bay on Friday, March 14th @ 7pm. Visit www.egyptiantheatre.events to learn more.
#3 - The festival is family-friendly and welcomes music lovers of all ages. The South Coast Clambake Music Festival is a family-friendly event where parents and grandparents can share the joy of live music in a safe, upbeat setting, fostering a love for music with the next generation. It’s a special opportunity for young attendees to discover new music, dance, and experience the local arts scene. Youth All-Events Badges are just $20 for ages 13 to 20 (with student ID), while children 12 and under attend free with a paying adult—making it easy and affordable for families to join the fun. Minors are not permitted at the festival after 10:00 PM unless otherwise noted.
#4 - The South Coast Clambake Music Festival is a nonprofit organization. You may be surprised to learn that The South Coast Clambake Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization led by a dedicated board of directors. The festival’s mission is to enhance the economic, cultural, and educational development of the community by promoting and preserving music.
#5 - The festival offers FREE dance lessons before and during the festival. One feature that sets The South Coast Clambake Music Festival apart from other festivals is the FREE dance lessons that are open to both beginners and experienced dancers! From ballroom to swing, festival-goers can take part in free lessons led by professional instructors who generously volunteer their time to teach popular styles like the Foxtrot, West Coast Swing, and East Coast Swing. Leading up to the festival, additional dance workshops are often offered, giving attendees a head start on their steps before the music begins. Visit clambakemusic.com to see the Dance Lessons schedule.
#6 - Thousands of local schoolchildren benefit from The South Coast Clambake Music Festival. Thanks to the generosity of festival sponsors and loyal supporters, The South Coast Clambake Music Festival brings live music into many Coos County elementary and junior high schools during the festival week—reaching more than 4,500 students. This special outreach program introduces young learners to a variety of musical genres, helping them develop a deeper appreciation for live performance and the rich traditions of American music. Learn more.
#7 - The festival took a 3-year hiatus during the pandemic. The South Coast Clambake Music Festival took a three-year hiatus from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first extended pause in the event’s long history. During this period, organizers prioritized the health and safety of performers, attendees, and the community. The absence was felt deeply by both locals and longtime festival-goers, as the event had become a beloved tradition on Oregon’s Adventure Coast. In 2023, the festival made its much-anticipated return, bringing back its signature lineup of jazz, blues, and swing music, along with a renewed sense of excitement and connection for the community.
#8 - The festival venue is owned by the Coquille Indian Tribe and is an event hub on Oregon’s South Coast. With over 500 employees, The Mill Casino is one of the largest employers on Oregon’s South Coast. Located along the Coos Bay waterfront on the site of a former lumber mill, the casino is owned and operated by the Coquille Indian Tribe. It serves as a key economic driver for both the tribal community and the surrounding region, supporting tribal programs, education, and cultural preservation, while creating jobs for locals. Beyond gaming, The Mill Casino is a hub for entertainment and community gatherings, hosting concerts, festivals, and signature events like The South Coast Clambake Music Festival and the Mill-Luck Salmon Celebration.
#9 - In addition to bands from San Francisco and Portland, The South Coast Clambake Music Festival features local bands. Festival-goers not only get to experience nationally recognized acts at the festival, but they also get to discover local bands from Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston. These hometown performers bring a unique flavor to the festival, celebrating the area’s rich musical heritage and highlighting the exceptional talent within the local community. Fan favorite Shaymus Hanlin is based out of Portland, but the singer is originally from North Bend and got his start performing with local bands like Oregon Coast Lab Band and Bay City Swing . Another crowd favorite returning this year is The Throttles —a talented group of music educators known for bringing high-energy performances to the festival stage. Ocean Blvd and Swinging in the Rain are also local bands that are a part of this year’s musical lineup.
#10 - The Festival gives high school musicians a platform to perform. High school bands from across Coos County are invited to perform at the festival venue on Friday morning, giving students a valuable opportunity to play before a live audience and learn from their peers. After their performance, band members enjoy a provided lunch—a time to connect with fellow young musicians. In support of local music education, The South Coast Clambake Music Festival also contributes financially to each participating school. These student performances, meals, and donations are made possible thanks to the generosity of festival sponsors and donors.
#11 - The first Southcoast Clambake Music Festival was held in 1988. Originally known as the “Southcoast Dixieland Clambake Jazz Festival,” the festival dates back to the mid-1980s when a group of local musicians began discussing the idea of bringing a jazz festival to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston. Members of the Coos Bay Clambake Jazz Band helped spearhead the effort, rallying support from the community. After two years of fundraising and planning, the first Southcoast Dixieland Clambake Jazz Festival debuted in 1988, kicking off what would become a beloved musical tradition on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.
#12 - The festival hosts a Sunday Morning Gospel Service that is open to everyone. The South Coast Clambake Music Festival’s Sunday morning gospel service, held in The Salmon Room at The Mill Casino, offers a spiritually uplifting close to the weekend. This year’s service, led by the Rae Gordon Band , is free and open to both festival-goers and the local community, featuring soulful gospel music to end the festival on a high note.
2025 Schedule and Line-Up
Many of the bands are scheduled to perform more than once throughout the weekend, so festival-goers can be sure to watch their favorites perform. Here’s a summary of this year’s schedule- please note this list is subject to change without notice, please visit https://clambakemusic.com/
for the most up-to-date schedule and full details. Doors open 30 minutes before the start of the first concert. Venues are family sites until 10:00 PM unless noted.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
The event kicks off with a Warm-Up Party on Thursday in the Salmon Room at The Mill Casino from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. with performances by The Throttles , Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle and Tom Rigney & Flambeau .
Friday, March 14, 2025
The day begins with special performances by local high school bands at the Mill Casino from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by featured bands performing in the Salmon Room, Hazel Room, and Cedar Room from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., including the following acts:
- Dave Bennett Quartet
- Tom Rigney & Flambeau
- Gino & The Lone Gunmen with guest Shaymus Hanlin
- The Throttles
- Ocean Blvd
- Fenix Rising
- Gino & The Lone Gunmen
- Alpha Rhythm Kings
- Rae Gordon Band
- Swing Dance Lesson with Paul Poresky & Sharon Rogers
- Dave Bennett Quartet with guest Shaymus Hanlin
- Swinging in the Rain
- Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle
Saturday, March 15, 2025
The music celebration continues on Day Two, kicking off at 10:00 a.m. and running nonstop until 11:00 p.m. Performances will take place in the Salmon Room, Hazel Room, and Cedar Room. The following acts are scheduled for Day Two:
- Tom Rigney & Flambeau
- Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle
- Dave Bennett Quartet
- Marlo Dance Studio Dance Demonstration
- Alpha Rhythm Kings with Shaymus Hanlin
- Rae Gordon Band
- Fenix Rising
- The Throttles
- Ocean Blvd
- Gino & The Lone Gunmen with Shaymus Hanlin
- Swing Dance Lessons with Brett Granstrom/Keri Pilgrim from Spark Up Dance LLC
- Danielle Kelly Soul Project
- Swinging in the Rain with Shaymus Hanlin
Sunday, March 16, 2025
The third and final day of the 2025 South Coast Clambake Music Festival will open with the Sunday morning gospel service led by Rae Gordon Band starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Salmon Room before the When the Saints Go Marching In Umbrella/Dance Parade starts at 11 a.m. Performances will take place for the rest of the day until 6:30 p.m. in the Salmon Room, Hazel Room, and Cedar Room. The following acts are scheduled for Sunday:
- Rae Gordon Band
- When the Saints Go Marching In Umbrella/Dance Parade
- Alpha Rhythm Kings
- Fenix Rising
- Ocean Blvd
- Ben Rice & The PDX Hustle
- Gino & The Lone Gunmen
- Dave Bennett Quartet with guest Shaymus Hanlin
- Swinging in the Rain
- The Throttles
Plan your trip!
Badges are on sale in Ko-Kwel Gifts at The Mill Casino now through noon on Friday, March 7th or Online . After that, badges may be purchased in the Salmon Room foyer.
- All Events Badge - $110
- Youth All Events Badge (13 – 20 years old with student ID) $20
- Youth 12 & Under (with paid parent) Free
Individual Event Badges:
- Thursday Warm Up- $15
- Friday Event Badge- $50
- Saturday All Day Badge - $70
- Saturday Day Badge (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) - $40
- Saturday Evening Badge (5:00 PM – Midnight) - $50
- Sunday Badge- $40
Special lodging rates are available to Clambake Music Fans for a limited time (based on room availability). Be sure to mention the Clambake Music Festival when booking your stay at the properties listed below to take advantage of special discounted rates just for festival attendees. Better hurry! These special rates are based on room availability and are available for a limited time. Participating lodging options include:
- The Mill Casino, Hotel & RV Park – Conveniently located on-site, offering easy access to festival venues. Visit Website
- Best Western Plus Holiday Hotel – Offering modern amenities in the heart of Coos Bay, close to local restaurants and shops. Visit Website
- Red Lion Hotel Coos Bay – A comfortable stay just minutes away from the festival. Visit Website
More Helpful Tips for Festival-Goers
- Make it a weekend: Beyond the festival, build extra time into your schedule to explore the area’s unique offerings—browse antique shops and local boutiques in our downtown districts, wander through scenic State Parks , go fishing , visit local museums , or discover the wonders of marine life at the Charleston Marine Life Center . Click here to see more adventures on Oregon’s Adventure Coast!
- Dress comfortably and bring layers: Yes, the festival is indoors, but Oregon Coast weather can be unpredictable—ranging from warm sunshine to cool, damp conditions.
- Bring dancing shoes: The music is so irresistible—you’ll find yourself drawn to the dance floor. And if dancing isn’t your thing, the free dance lessons will have you moving in no time!
- Parking: There is plenty of free parking available at The Mill Casino, but arrive early for prime spots.
- Accessibility: Venues are wheelchair accessible, with seating for all abilities.
Ready to join the fun? Visit www.oregonsadventurecoast.com to start planning your trip to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston! You can also visit the official Clambake Music Festival website for tickets and event updates.
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