2026
Exploding
Whale
Memorial
Celebration
2026 Exploding
Whale Memorial
Celebration
Celebration & Commemoration Information
It’s that time of year again, when the community of Florence and cult exploding-whale lovers across the globe memorialize the famous whale occurrence. It happened one fateful afternoon on the shores of Florence, fifty-three years ago, November 12,1970.
A public 56th Anniversary Exploding Whale Memorial celebration is planned Sunday, November 15th. The celebration is open house style, family friendly, a little quirky; a lotta fun. Wearing whaley fun costumes is encouraged too.
Whale Tail Trail
Starting on November 9th (when in 1970, the 8ton sperm whale washed ashore on the South Jetty), will be a moment of silence at Noon. The rest of the week we will be highlighting various points of interest in Florence.
Oh Whale Movie
The incredible documentary movie Oh Whale will be showing at our local Independent Theater City Lights Cinemas.
Information of the Art Installation
All are encouraged to bring small offerings and homages to the whale to be placed at the art installation. The exhibit is meant to be fanciful, fun and will naturally evolve throughout the day into the evening when it glows with lights and the reflections of the colorful contributions.
A Chunk of History
Don’t miss a visit to the Exploding Whale exhibit at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum across the street from Homegrown at 278 Maple Street. Check their hours as they change from season to season. The exhibit has actual whale bones from the honored whale and the museum is full of interesting Florence historical displays.
Whale Points of Interest
List is being updated, please check back soon.
Do You Want to Sponsor or participate in Annual Events?
Contact BeauxArts Fine Art Materials at 541-991-8213 or Email WhaleGoBoom97439@gmail.com.
For more event scoops contact BeauxArts Fine Art Materials at 541-991-8213 or Email WhaleGoBoom97439@gmail.com
Keep the Spirit Alive
Exploding Whale merch available year-round at BeauxArts Fine Art Materials, 2285 Highway 101, Suite H. Online Shop will be open soon! Proceeds go towards Youth Art Scholarships and for people in crisis. Thank you for supporting the greater good!
*Meet special guest Paul Linnman, the anchorman whose memorable report helped turn the exploding whale story into quite a sensation, will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs, and for some Q&A.*
When news anchor Paul Linnman arrived in Florence OR on November 12th, 1970, he had no idea that the story he was about to tell would forever define his career. Following a small Oregon town, an exploding whale, and the man who made the story famous, Oh Whale is about how we don't get to choose our fate, only what we make of it.
Movie Times & Tickets with Proceeds towards the Random Acts of Kindness activities that support Youth Arts & People in Crisis:
Confirmed for the14th & 15th are the Q&A with Paul Linnman himself!
11/14/26 at 5:15pm showing will be a Proclamation Reading by Mayor Ward in honor of the Exploding Whale.
Our
2026
Sponsors
The 56th Anniversary!
Get to Know Our 2026 Sponsors
This event is supported by the generous contributions from:
ABOUT
History
On November 9th 1970, a 45 foot ~8ton sperm whale washed ashore on the South Jetty in Florence, Oregon.
The beach location was under the jurisdiction of Oregon Department of Transportation, née Oregon Highway Division. Ideas to assist decomposition lead to the idea to blow up the whale. A charge of one-half short ton (lots) of dynamite was selected to break the carcass down and distribute pieces for nature to continue the decomposition process.
Detonation was at 3:45pm on November 12th, 1970.
The explosion threw whale flesh around 800 feet in a hemisphere of directions.
Needless to say, the idea didn’t really work as desired, BUT most importantly, we celebrate this historical event for many reasons.
Unfortunately, in 1979, 41 sperm whales beached nearby on the same beach, state parks officials burned and buried them.
Purpose
You may wonder why celebrate something that seems disgusting or not something to celebrate?
Over the past few years, more & more people and businesses have wanted to participate in a celebration. This celebration covers many things:
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Cultural event that has lived on for more than 50 years!
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Lesson on learning from our mistakes
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Celebrate nature, our environment and it’s processes
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A debacle that has turned into a local legend AND known world wide
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Honoring history, even the absurd
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Channels morbid curiosity into a positive channels that support local flavor
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Promotes economic prosperity
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A community pride event
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Helps fund local arts & cultural activities
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etcetera
Learn more about the Exploding Whale at the Siulsaw News location on the Whale Trail.
Events
Kick Off
November 9th, 2026 is the Start of the Commemoration: Video HERE
Whale Tail Trail
Explore the dunes and offerings our community has put together for honoring the Exploding Whale.
November 9th, 2026 at Noon - Moment of Silence at Noon for the Whale.
November 12th, 2026 - 56 years ago the Exploding Whale Situation Happened. Please pause for a moment of silentce at 3:45pm, when the blast occured, in rememberance of the Whale.
November 14th, 2026 at 5pm is the Proclamation from the City of Florence at City Lights Cinemas by Mayor Rob Ward. Special showings on the 14th and 15th. See City Lights for Tickets and Times. Q&A with the Ledgen Paul Linnman too!
Memorial Celebration
Memorial & Toast on November 15th, 2026 from Noon to 4+ with Exploding Whale Award/s at 2:30pm, then a Memorial Toast at 3:45pm at Bridgeport Market, near the Port of Siulsaw Boardwalk. Please be aware of filming/photos at this event.
Mermaid Luna will be in attendance in her Grotto!
Photobooth with prints too! & More!
At the Memorial Celebration we will have special guests; including but not limited to Marine & environmental information guests & other community friends!
