Fly to Island Time Faster + Summer Happenings on Whidbey and Camano Islands
Summer travel to island time in the Pacific Northwest got easier this year with new nonstop flights landing at Paine Field. Located just four miles from the Whidbey Island ferry landing in Mukilteo and 44 miles to Camano Island, its panoramic windows, Beecher’s Cheese shop and two-gate terminal make this privately-owned airport an easy and accessible choice with daily flights servicing nine destinations including Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose.
From Shakespeare and gypsy jazz to farm tours and festivals, a variety of events define the lifestyle on Washington’s Whidbey and Camano Islands. Read on for a selection of events and happenings to shape your summer bucket list.
Penn Cove Water Festival, May 4, 2019
The history of Penn Cove comes to life at this annual revival of the area’s Native American heritage. The festival features canoe races, native arts and crafts vendors, storytelling, musical and dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic native foods, youth activities, exhibits and displays. www.penncovewaterfestival.com
The Camano Island Studio Tour, May 10-12, 2019, May 18-19, 2019
Celebrate Mother’s Day with two consecutive weekends on Camano Island, as more than 30 local artists open their studios and galleries from 10am to 5pm. Free to the public, a tour map can be picked up on the island at the Windermere office parking lot at 8181 N Sunrise Blvd, Camano Island starting opening day or downloaded on the website. www.camanostudiotour.com
Savor Spring Food, Wine & Spirits Tour on Whidbey, May 18-19, 2019
The annual Savor Spring Food, Wine & Spirits Tour on Whidbey offers a true Taste of Whidbey. Tour participating wineries and distilleries on Whidbey Island to taste handcrafted wines and spirits paired with locally grown and prepared foods. Tickets are $25 in advance. www.whidbeyislandvintners.org
Island Shakespeare Festival, July 14 – September 3, 2019
Revel in timeless tales performed island-style at The Island Shakespeare Festival, running Wednesday through Sunday evenings. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Inferno and The Winter’s Tale will be performed in repertory each evening. Guests are invited to arrive early to picnic and enjoy the ambiance. www.islandshakespearefest.org
Whidbey Island Fair, July 18-21, 2019
Bring the family to Whidbey for small-town fun and fare, with island charm! The annual Whidbey Island Fair returns to Langley this July, with a weekend of festivities including a parade, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, farm animals, live entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts vendors and more. www.whidbeyislandfair.com
Whidbey Island Race Week, July 23-27, 2019
The 37th Annual Whidbey Island Race Week is the premier sailboat racing event in the Pacific Northwest. Thousands of sailboat racers make their way to Oak Harbor every July to participate in this week-long sailboat racing regatta tradition. www.whidbeyislandraceweek.com
Oak Harbor Music Festival, August 30-September 1, 2019
Celebrate Labor Day weekend in historic downtown Oak Harbor! Two main stages will host more than 30 bands and acts throughout the weekend, featuring all types of musical genres. Attendees can listen to free, live music from two outdoor beer gardens, with local food vendors, arts and crafts booths and pop-up shops. www.oakharborfestival.com
DjangoFest Northwest, September 18-22, 2019
Langley’s DjangoFest Northwest has evolved into a premier showcase of gypsy jazz music in North America. The five-day festival offers musical performances, workshops, and informal “djam” sessions around the seaside village. www.djangofest.com
Whidbey Island Grown Week, September 27-October 6, 2019
This fall experience Whidbey Island Grown Week, a 10-day celebration of local businesses, farmers, purveyors and experiences. Enjoy self-guided farm tours; Greenbank Farm’s Harvest Faire; farm chef collaboration dinners; cooking demonstrations; cycling tours, and more. www.whidbeyislandgrown.com
Whidbey Island Cider Festival, September 28, 2019
The Whidbey Island Cider Festival returns this September! As part of “Whidbey Island Grown Week,” taste ciders from different Pacific Northwest cideries, enjoy delicious food, live music, children’s activities and more. The event is hosted at the Pacific Rim Institute in Coupeville, Wash. www.pacificriminstitute.org
About Whidbey and Camano Islands
Drive off the mainland to find two of the most accessible and scenic island destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Camano and Whidbey sit just north of Seattle, a short trip via bridge or ferry. Offering a different experience with each season, the islands provide locally inspired shops and restaurants, dynamic events for a variety of interests, recreation and beach combing. 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 whidbeycamanoislands.com. Connect on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.