From Art to Music to Food: Whidbey Island Events and Festivals You Can’t Miss
These are the Whidbey Island events and festivals that you can celebrate every year.
Whidbey Island offers vistiors and residents alike the gift of its natural beauty, delicious food and wine, and its vibrant arts and culture scene. Throughout the year, you can find a variety of Whidbey Island events and festivals that feature the best of Whidbey Island.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, culture, and community, Whidbey Island is the perfect place for you. Whether you are a local or visiting from out of town, you are bound to love the numerous events and festivals on Whidbey Island that showcase its close-knit community.
Related post: Exploring Whidbey Island Washington: The Ultimate Local’s Guide
Whidbey Island Events and Festivals
We’ve compiled a list of the most exciting Whidbey Island events and festivals that you can experience on this beautiful island.
January
Whidbey Island Film Festival, January 11th – 15th, 2023
The Whidbey Island Film Festival is a three-day event that celebrates independent and international cinema. The festival features screenings of over 25 films, as well as Q&A sessions with filmmakers and other special events.
February
Coupeville Chocolate Walk
The Coupeville Chocolate Walk is an annual event that takes place in February in the charming town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island. During the event, participants can purchase tickets to sample a wide variety of chocolates from local chocolatiers and businesses. The chocolates are all made using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, and there are a variety of flavors and styles to try.
As participants walk through the town, they can also enjoy live music, art displays, and other fun activities. The event is a great way to experience the local culture and connect with the community while indulging in some delicious treats. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from the event go to support local charities and non-profit organizations.
Red Wine & Chocolate Tour, February 11th – 12th, 18th – 19th, 2023
During The Red Wine and Chocolate Tour, visitors can sample a variety of locally produced red wines and chocolates, many of which are made using local ingredients.
The event takes place at various wineries throughout the island, and visitors can purchase tickets to tour the wineries and sample the wines and chocolates. In addition to the tastings, the tour may also feature live music, art displays, and other fun activities.
Langley’s Mystery Weekend, February 25th – 26th, 2023
This quirky event takes place in February and invites attendees to solve a fictional murder mystery that takes place in the town of Langley. Participants can take on the role of detective, witness, or suspect and interact with actors and volunteers who bring the story to life.
March
Penn Cove Musselfest, March 4th – 5th, 2023
The Penn Cove Musselfest celebrates the island’s famous Penn Cove mussels with two days of food, wine, and live music. Attendees can sample a variety of mussel dishes from local restaurants, enjoy wine tastings from Whidbey Island wineries, enjoy mussel cooking demonstrations, take a mussel farm boat tour, and more.
Find the full list of events for this exciting weekend.
April
Whidbey Island Marathon, April 23rd, 2023
This annual event takes place in April and features a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5k, and kids marathon. The course winds through the island’s picturesque countryside and offers stunning views of the Puget Sound.
May
Penn Cove Water Festival, May 13th, 2023
The Penn Cove Water Festival is a fun and educational event that offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Whidbey Island. This festival celebrates the Native American culture of the region and pays tribute to the island’s maritime heritage.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including Native American canoe races, live music, dance performances, storytelling, and a traditional salmon bake. The festival also features arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, and a children’s area.
Annual Chum Run 5k Run and Walk, May 13th, 2023
This race benefits the Healthy Island Youth Scholarship Fund (HIYI). The program provides financial “assistance to children from low-income families, providing opportunities for area youth to participate in sports and other physical activities.”
June
July
Maxwelton Beach Fourth of July Parade and fireworks show, July 4th, 2023
The Fourth of July Parade starts in the morning and features a variety of floats, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, all decorated in red, white, and blue to celebrate Independence Day. The parade route follows Maxwelton Road, and spectators can enjoy the festive atmosphere and cheer on the participants.
After the parade, the community gathers at the Maxwelton Beach Community Club for a day of fun activities, including live music, food vendors, and games for kids. In the evening, the community comes together again for a spectacular fireworks show over the beach.
Whidbey Island Fair, July 27th – 30th, 2023
The Whidbey Island Fair is a beloved annual event that celebrates the island’s agricultural heritage. The fair features livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, and exhibits showcasing local produce, crafts, and art.
Island Shakespeare Festival
From July through September, the Island Shakespeare Festival brings the works of William Shakespeare to life in a stunning outdoor setting. The festival takes place in a beautiful forested amphitheater and features free performances of some of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.
Langley Choochokam Arts Festival
The Choochokam Arts Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the arts and culture of Whidbey Island. The festival features over 100 artists and craftspeople, live music, dance performances, and a wide variety of food vendors.
August
Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival
The Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival is one of the oldest and largest festivals on Whidbey Island. The festival features over 200 artists and craftspeople from around the region, as well as live music, food vendors, and a beer and wine garden.
Tour de Whidbey, August 19, 2023
The Tour de Whidbey offers riders the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and scenic routes of Whidbey Island, while also raising funds for healthcare programs and services on the island. The event typically offers a variety of route options, ranging from a leisurely 10-mile ride to a more challenging 100-mile ride.
Whidbey Working Artists’ Summer Open Studio Tour, August 19th – 20th, 2023
During the tour, visitors have the unique opportunity to visit the private studios of painters, sculptors, photographers, and other creatives who call Whidbey Island home.
The tour provides an intimate look into the creative process and the chance to connect with artists in a personal setting.
September
Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative’s Eat Local Month
The event is organized by the Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative, which is a non-profit organization that promotes local agriculture and sustainable food practices.
During Eat Local Month, the community is encouraged to eat and buy locally grown and produced foods as much as possible. The event includes a variety of activities and promotions to highlight the benefits of eating local and supporting local farmers and food producers.
Some of the activities that take place during Eat Local Month include farm tours, cooking classes, chef demonstrations, and other food-related events. Many local restaurants and food businesses offer special menu items made with locally sourced ingredients, and there are also several farmers markets and farm stands where visitors can purchase fresh produce and other locally made food products.
Oak Harbor Music Festival, September 1st – 3rd, 2023
The Oak Harbor Music Festival is a free, family-friendly event that showcases local and regional musicians of all genres. The festival features multiple stages, a beer and wine garden, and a wide variety of food vendors.
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DjangoFestNW, September 20th – 24th, 2023
DjangoFest Northwest is an annual music festival that takes place on Whidbey Island in September. This festival is a celebration of the music and legacy of Django Reinhardt, a legendary jazz guitarist and composer from Belgium. The festival attracts musicians and fans from around the world and features performances, workshops, and jam sessions. DjangoFest Northwest has been held on Whidbey Island since 2004 and is one of the most popular events on the island.
Whidbey Island Kite Festival
The Whidbey Island Kite Festival is a fun and colorful event that features kite-making workshops, demonstrations, and competitions. The festival takes place on the beach at Camp Casey Conference Center and is free and open to the public.
October
Haunting of Coupeville, October 1st – 31st
During the Haunting of Coupeville, the town’s historic buildings and streets are transformed into a spooky and eerie setting, with ghost stories, paranormal activities, and other haunting experiences. The event typically features guided ghost tours, haunted houses, scary movies, and other Halloween-themed activities.
The event also includes a variety of family-friendly activities, such as pumpkin carving contests, face painting, and trick-or-treating for kids. Local businesses and organizations participate in the event, with many offering special promotions and discounts for visitors.
November
December
The Greening of Coupeville
This event features the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, a parade, and other holiday-themed activities.
Find more things to do on Whidbey Island.
As you can see, Whidbey Island is a destination that truly comes alive through its events and festivals. From the quaint and charming to the epic and awe-inspiring, there’s always something going on that will make your visit to Whidbey Island even more memorable.
So why not plan your next adventure to this beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest and experience the magic of Whidbey Island events and festivals for yourself? You won’t be disappointed!
Which of these Whidbey Island events and festivals do you enjoy the most?
