The Evergreen state is in bloom! It’s no secret why Washington is a destination in the warmer months. Each community offers its own special slice of Pacific Northwest history, dining, arts and entertainment with proximity to a limitless supply of breathtaking scenery and an abundance of outdoor recreation you’ll daydream about long after you leave. Spring and summer events are occurring everywhere — makers markets, farmers markets, community barbecues, wine tasting events and so much more. Supporting local vendors and artists is a beautiful way to learn about the different communities in Washington. Our INNSiders have compiled a list of Washington state events happening this summer to get you started.
Leavenworth Village Art In The Park
Village Art In The Park is the longest continually running art show in the northwest, taking place every weekend from the end of April through mid-October in beautiful Leavenworth, WA. This event features a beautiful and diverse mixture of local and national artists at every level of experience in nearly every craft. If you decide to visit the beautiful Leavenworth during the warmer months, you’ll also encounter live music events, trivia nights, bingo and more.
Lavender Weekend
Sequim is home to over 24 stunning and aromatic lavender farms, making it an internationally known destination for the healing perennial. Each summer before harvest, when the flowers bloom and color the landscape with vibrant purple, Lavender Weekend is held. Washingtonians, tourists and lavender lovers from around the world are invited to enjoy a summer weekend of family activities, food, shopping and all things lavender of course. Whether you’re in the area for a day, a weekend visit or longer, the charming city of Sequim sits near the base of the Olympic Mountains with plenty of natural beauty to explore.
University District Street Fair
Seattle’s lively university district holds its annual street fair in May. Live music performances, hundreds of vendors and culturally diverse food make this special late-spring celebration an honored tradition in the city.
Northwest Folklife Festival
The annual Folklife Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend on the renowned Seattle Center campus, an active hub for arts, education and entertainment in the region and of course, the home of the Space Needle. This huge celebration is a famed local event that highlights multigenerational arts, culture and heritage of the Pacific Northwest. It hosts thousands of artists and culture bearers, hundreds of food and craft vendors, as well as panels, discussions, workshops and more for the community to enjoy.
Woodinville’s Weekly Car Show
Every Saturday through mid-October the Woodinville Cut Shop hosts a Show and Shine featuring hot rods, classics and cruisers. Whether you’re a classic car fanatic or not, you’ll enjoy this wonderful experience on your way to explore the beautiful Woodinville Wine Country.
Orcas Island Lit Fest
This Washington state event is truly a gem. Literature is the focus of this annual June celebration on the charming and tranquil Orcas Island — the largest island of the beautiful San Juans. Distinguished authors and avid readers gather for a weekend of community-driven panels, readings, live music and children’s activities that spotlight the “vibrant literary culture of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.” All book lovers are welcomed to engage in this one-of-a-kind festival experience.
Vashon Island Strawberry Festival 2022
This weekend festival features live music all day, a parade, beer garden and many activities for the community to enjoy. Local Vashon businesses and organizations from all over the island participate to bring widespread fun and merriment. Stay for a relaxing weekend getaway and soak in the beauty of peaceful Puget Sound beaches.
Anacortes Arts Festival 2022
Venture to Skagit County for a calming coastal getaway in Anacortes! The Anacortes Arts Festival is the perfect daytime activity to explore artisan’s booths, artist demonstrations and more, accompanied by live jazz music and an abundance of entertainment and food vendors all weekend long. There’s something for everyone, kids included, and August brings comfortably warm and sunny days.
Washington State International Kite Festival
Kite fliers, fans and spectators from around the globe gather in Long Beach, WA, in late August to fill the sky, participate in DIY workshops and compete for the best kite. The World Kite Museum hosts this annual weeklong celebration of kites on the Long Beach Peninsula, a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of southern Washington. If you have time, explore the exhibits inside the kite museum for an incredible look into the history, business and science of kite flying!
Washington State Garlic Fest
Garlic lovers unite for this mouthwatering Washington state festival. This local event is like many others – live music on stage, talented artisan vendors, family friendly activities and plenty of food. The truly special characteristic is the 60+ varieties of fresh garlic brought from farmers across the northwest. Indulge in this one-of-a-kind experience in Centralia, WA, this August.
Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days
Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days is a 5-day celebration jam packed with entertainment for the whole family. This exhilarating Washington event features live music, a carnival, parade and rodeo for your enjoyment, as well as motorcycle and car shows, specialty acts and more! Wrap up your summer on a high note making memories with your loved ones and soaking up that Eastern Washington sunshine all day long.
