National Geographic Names Whidbey Island Top Place to Travel in September
Seeking somewhere to travel this September? Trust the team at National Geographic, who just named Whidbey Island a top place to travel this month. The article recommends Eat Local month, as a means of supporting the community and farms of the island. There are a variety of events in Washington’s Whidbey and Camano Islands this fall focus on the people, food, and history of this beloved destination. Enjoy the bounty of all things local during Whidbey Island’s Eat Local Month, preview new trails before they open to the public, take part in an historic anniversary at Ebey’s Landing, and more. Read on for details.
Whidbey Camano Land Trust Guided Walk & Talk Series, select dates from August 30-September 19. Get attuned with nature as you explore incredible properties that have been protected by the Land Trust, several of which are yet to be opened to the public. Get up close and personal with old-growth forests, peaceful meadows, healthy wetlands and scenic viewpoints. Learn about native flora and fauna, different conservation attributes and more from knowledgeable guides. whidbeycamanolandtrust.com
Seasonal Events at Kristoferson Farm, September through December
This fifth generation, family-owned farm on Camano Island is home to Canopy Tours Northwest zip-line adventure, among other activities for visitors. Here are a few fun activities for the whole family this fall and winter:
Cider Pressing: September 16-17. Join the fall farm tradition to watch cider pressed from apples grown on the farm. This delicious fresh cider will be available for purchase for two days only – quantities will be limited.
Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off: October 7. Visit the Kristoferson Farm Stand at 10am for the Pacific Northwest Giant Pumpkin Growers weigh-off. See some amazing pumpkins and squash as the tractor hoists these giants on the scale as they compete for the top prizes, get your photo opp, and celebrate the season of the pumpkin. The heaviest will be on display after the event.
Wreath Workshops: November 26 & December 3. Create and take home a beautiful holiday wreath made from fresh greens grown on the farm in this two-hour workshop. It’s the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit!
Whidbey Island Eat Local Month, September 2023. Whidbey Island is celebrating local in a big way throughout the month of September, highlighting food, farming, community and the bounty of their local food system. There will be self-guided farm stand tours, farmer’s markets, u-pick farm experiences, events, and more. whidbeyeatlocalmonth.com
Oak Harbor Music Festival, September 1-3, 2023. This three-day festival taking place in downtown Oak Harbor is packed with local musicians showcasing a variety of musical genres. The event is free to attend and will have local bites, arts and crafts, vendor booths, and a beer garden for those 21+. All proceeds from the weekend go towards scholarships that provide equal access to music education programs and various musical opportunities. oakharborfestival.com
Camano Ciderfest, September 2, 2023. Camano Ciderfest will showcase locally made ciders from the best of the area! Food trucks will be on site, as well as the delicious offerings from Camano Commons Marketplace, Tapped Camano, and The Baked Cafe! To top it all off there will be live music all day from some local artists, what could be better? CiderFest will be held at Camano Commons 848 N Sunrise Blvd on Camano Island, Saturday September 2, 2023 entry at 11am or 2pm. Ticket price includes six tasting tokens. camanociderfest.com.
Greenbank Farm Harvest Faire, September 10
This historic 180-acre farm is the host of a harvest festival to celebrate Whidbey Island’s bounty in conjunction with the island’s Eat Local Month. This family-friendly event takes place from 10:00am – 4:00pm and features farm tours, a local artisan’s market, children’s crafts, family lawn games, live music, and more! greenbankfarmharvestfaire.com
Farm Picnic – September 16. Quick, what kind of farm grows people? Whidbey Island’s Organic Farm School. It grows farmers. The school has been giving future farms hands-on experience in everything from soil to spreadsheets, tomatoes to taxes, chickens to… well, you get it. As the season winds down, it’s time this year’s crop of farmers celebrates with the community with a picnic on the farm. https://organicfarmschool.org/
Whidbey Farm and Market Cornfest, September 16-17. Join the fun in Whidbey Farm and Market’s second annual Corn Fest where you can enjoy a corn maze, ice cream, a corn hole tournament, and more!
Djangofest, September 20-24, 2023. The Djangofest music festival is dedicated to the vibrant Django genre, which is a blend of American jazz and Romani folk music. The 4-day event will take place at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. Tickets and more info at djangofest.com.
Whidbey Island Cider Festival, September 30. Back for the first time since 2020 at Pacific Rim Institute, enjoy tastings from local cideries, live music, food, children’s activities, and a tour of one of the last existing native prairies in the Pacific Northwest. Tickets go on sale September 1.
The Twisted Barn, Roller Barn, September 30 – November 5. Oak Harbor’s community gathering space, The Roller Barn, transforms to The Twisted Barn for the season, offering a variety of spooky experiences for a range of ages. The story of ill-fated miner Jack Twisted comes to life throughout the spooky barn, with three options from lights on matinee to the full haunted house. Learn more at www.therollerbarn.com/the-haunted-barn.
Halloween in Coupeville, It’s Practically Magic, October 27-28. Twenty-five years ago, the charming town of Coupeville played host to Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and other celebs as the backdrop for fall’s favorite film, “Practical Magic.” The Halloween in Coupeville, It’s Practically Magic event will take place this October with a pumpkin race, parade, movie nights, as well as a self-guided walking tour of all the sites from Front Street that are included in the movie! Stay tuned for more event details coming soon!
Ebey’s Forever Conference and Community Event, November 3-4. To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the signing of Ebey’s Landing Historical Reserve enabling legislation, Coupeville is celebrating this momentous occasion with a two-day conference in November. The weekend will be filled with field trips, panel sessions, presentations, and keynote speakers. Conference tickets available now: ebeysreserve.com
Camano Island Chili Chowder Cookoff, November 11, 2023. In its 26th year, the Camano Island Chili Chowder Cookoff is the annual competition showcasing some of the best professional and amateur cooks preparing their unique versions of chilis and chowders. This event also includes tastings from more than twenty participants, beer and wine offerings, and raffle drawings of various items from local merchants.
Whidbey Art Market, November 24-25, 2023. A market born during the pandemic as way to combat isolation, is now in its third season showcasing paintings, sculptures, pottery, and more from local area artists. Perfectly timed for Thanksgiving weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on your upcoming holiday gifts. whidbeyartmarket.com
About Whidbey and Camano Islands
Just north of Seattle in the heart of the scenic Salish Sea, sit two of the most charming island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey offer different experiences with each season. A colorful palate of locally owned shops and restaurants provide deep and delicious connections to the community and the land. Off the beaten path trails and beaches share sanctuary, solitude and a deeper connection with the incredible marine and forest ecosystems that thrive within these communities. Rich history and a healthy dose of local color in all mediums is provided by the region’s many artists. Lodging options range from nationally renowned hotels with farm-to-table dining to secret spots ideal for a quiet retreat. For more information on amenities, lodging and a calendar of events visit www.whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.