Find Wintertime Fun on Whidbey and Camano Islands
It’s time to travel! Grab the freshly minted calendar and set your sights on an event or festival for you. Whidbey and Camano Islands prepare to celebrate its bounty of artists, culinary stars, independent filmmakers, and more. Read on for details on upcoming events and a reason to get on island time in 2024.
Whidbey Island Film Fest, January 17-21. This one-week film festival is a program of Whidbey Island Center for the Arts and features a curated list of Screwball Comedy films. Passes for the entire series are on sale now, and individual tickets will be on sale later in December: whidbeyislandfilmfestival.org
Sound Waters University Field Trips, February 4. Sound Waters University, the largest educational and outreach event of Sound Water Stewards of Island County, provides a wide variety of classes, presentations, and hands-on field trips that share how we make a difference in our fragile natural environment. Attendees can choose from various informative classes, from climate change to birds, whales, coastal geology and so much more. Field trips take place February 4, and include a Skagit Snow Goose Caravan to Walking on the Wild Side of the Old Growth Forest at South Whidbey State Park and many more. soundwaterstewards.org
Northwest Glass Quest, February 17-26. In its 12th year, the greatest treasure hunt in the Pacific Northwest is taking place in Stanwood and Camano Island! For 10 fun-filled days, search for unique hand-blown glass treasures made by world-renowned glass artists, Mark and Marcus Ellinger. thegreatnwglassquest.com
Langley Mystery Weekend, February 24-25. For fun and good old-fashioned detective work, Langley’s annual Mystery Weekend should fit the bill perfectly. Scour the seaside village for clues, question some characters, and try to solve the murder over this 2-day event.
MusselFest, March 1-3. Join the annual celebration of delicious and award-winning mussels grown in Coupeville by Penn Cove Shellfish. Hop a boat tour to the Penn Cove seafood rafts, which is the only time they open to the public all year! Enjoy a chowder-tasting tour with recipes, live music, and more.
Camano Island Studio Tour, May 10-12, May 18-19. One of the longest-running studio tours in the Pacific Northwest, these two weekends showcase a blend of established and new artists representing a diverse array of mediums and visual arts for the public to view. Free to attend.
Penn Cove Water Festival, May 18. This annual revival of historic Coupeville takes places on May 18, bringing families together to enjoy Native American tribal canoe races, musical entertainment, crafts, and culture. penncovemusselfestival.com
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 provides 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 are 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.