With more than 70 percent of the planet being covered in water, there are plenty of aquatic topics to make movies about.

No matter how stunning the result, creating something with yarn only uses a few basic moves and can get pretty…dull.

Ok, I know you just made a face when you saw this week’s column is about beets. You either made a happy face or a yuck face. You either love them or you really don’t.

Winter Waters returns to the Central Coast with a weekend of public events exploring ocean science, sustainable food systems and Newport’s blue economy Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 8.

Neil Simon’s comedy “The Sunshine Boys” will take the stage at Theatre West beginning on Thursday, Jan. 29, with performances running through February 21.

Thanks to the ample parking lot at the Newport Performing Arts Center, you won’t have to take many steps to get to the screening of “The Fifth Step,” a tense and darkly funny stage drama from National Theatre Live.

Coastal Carvers will present its 32nd annual Artistry in Wood carving show and sale at Chinook Winds Casino Resort this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17 and 18.

The Newport Visual Arts Center is getting tactile with the return of Fiber Fest — a multi-gallery showcase and hands-on workshops running through Feb. 28.

The Willamette Writers Coast Chapter will present an afternoon of learning and inspiration with local author Dr. Ruth Ballard at Newport Public Library this Saturday, Jan. 17.

Adventurous, acoustic-forward jazz will fill the auditorium of the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Wednesday, Jan. 21, when Adam Moezinia’s Folk Element Trio comes to town.

Internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine will be the featured artist as the Newport Symphony Orchestra continues its current season with a weekend of performances this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 17 and 18.

Your guide to live music on the Central Oregon Coast

Your guide to everything fun to see and do on the Central Oregon Coast

Though few polar plunges are as well-appointed as the informal event on this week’s cover, there is still time to make a bracing start to 2026 at two upcoming cold-water dunks.

Two new shows will open at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Friday, Jan. 9, with the group exhibition “The Telephone Game II” in the Chessman Gallery and “Energy and Movement,” an art quilt show by Patricia Caldwell in the Fiber Arts Studio Gallery.

High-energy bluegrass and newgrass will take the stage at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Saturday, Jan. 10, as Moon Mountain String Band brings its dynamic acoustic sound to the coast.

Birders of all experience levels will have a chance to start the new year outdoors as Seven Capes Bird Alliance leads two guided bird walks in early January, highlighting winter birds and accessible local habitats.

What school building has the most stories? The library.

Which instructor always has the correct answer? The English teacher — because they’re always write.

Experience the sweeping drama and vocal brilliance of Vincenzo Bellini’s final opera “I Puritani,” presented live in high definition at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Saturday, Jan. 10.

A free Sunday afternoon chamber concert will bring professional and student musicians together at Atonement Lutheran Church in Newport this Sunday, Jan. 11