August on Whidbey: An Island-Wide Celebration of Art, Music & Creativity
This August, Whidbey Island turns into one big open-air gallery and stage, with a month-long lineup of festivals, open studios, live music and artists painting the island’s iconic landscapes in real time.
Long a haven for artists and makers drawn to its rugged coastline, forests, farmland and creative communities, Whidbey offers travelers the chance to experience the arts beyond traditional gallery walls. Visitors can browse hundreds of handcrafted works in historic Coupeville, catch a weekend of live music and workshops, step inside working artists’ private studios and watch painters set up their easels across the island.
Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival | August 8–9
Historic downtown Coupeville kicks off the month with one of Whidbey Island’s signature arts traditions. This all-volunteer-run festival fills the waterfront town with quality handcrafted goods, locally made art and food vendors. Even better, festival proceeds are reinvested in the community through grants and scholarships, making every purchase part of a larger commitment to supporting local arts and education.
LittleBIGFest | August 14–16
Music takes center stage at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds during this three-day celebration of music, art and community. Founded in 2018, LittleBIGFest is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Whidbey’s thriving music and arts culture while providing scholarships for local arts education. Along with a packed live music lineup, the festival features music and creative workshops and a Family Fun Zone with games, activities and performances for kids of all ages. Visitors can make a weekend of it with single-day and weekend passes, plus on-site camping available separately.
Whidbey Working Artists Summer Open Studio Tour | August 15–16
For a more intimate look at the island’s creative community, Whidbey artists open the doors to their working studios from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. throughout the weekend. The self-guided tour gives visitors a rare opportunity to meet artists in their own creative spaces, see works in progress and discover the breadth of art being created across the island.
Whidbey Plein Air Paint Out | August 17–23
The island itself becomes the canvas during the annual Whidbey Plein Air Paint Out. Artists fan out across Whidbey to capture its beaches, bluffs, forests, farmland and historic communities en plein air, giving visitors the chance to encounter painters at work against the very landscapes inspiring their canvases. The week culminates with opportunities to view and purchase newly created works—a chance to take home an artist’s interpretation of Whidbey.
Together, the events make August an ideal time to experience why Whidbey Island has become such a vibrant creative destination. A traveler could spend the morning meeting artists in their studios, browse an arts festival in a historic waterfront town, watch a painter capture a windswept coastal landscape and end the day listening to live music—all surrounded by the natural beauty that continues to inspire the island’s creative community.
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 palette 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 Instagram and Facebook via @GoWhidbeyCamano.