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The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Summer Festivals Around Washington
Seize the Summer
The ultimate guide to outdoor summer festivals around Washington
written by Ryn Pfeuffer
In Washington, summer doesn’t just show up—it makes an entrance. The sun lingers longer, trails beg to be explored and, suddenly, meadows and marinas become impromptu stages. This is a place where you can catch a fiddle solo echoing through the foothills one weekend and sip lavender lemonade while browsing local art the next.
Maybe you’re hopping a ferry to a strawberry-studded island or finding your groove at a riverside blues fest. Do you prefer a side of Shakespeare with your stargazing? King County’s parks have you covered. No matter how you summer, there’s a festival here that gets it. One that’s a little wild, a little weird and all about making the most of our precious warm days.
Bring the kids, the dog, your dancing shoes—or none of the above. From bites to beats, Washington’s outdoor fests let you do fun your way. Ready to find your favorite? Let’s go.
Chinook Fest
JUNE 12-15
Set in the forested foothills near Naches, Chinook Fest is your ticket to three days of country-rock tunes, craft brews and campfire vibes. It’s flannel-shirt-friendly, low-key and surrounded by ridgelines that make every guitar riff sound even sweeter. Families are totally welcome. Daytime sets are mellow, but bring ear protection for tiny ears if you plan to stick around after dark. www.chinookfest.com
Methow Arts Festival
JULY 4
Spend the Fourth of July getting crafty in Twisp, where the Methow Arts Festival turns Independence Day into a celebration of creativity. Giant puppets, live music, art stations and tasty food—set against trails and rivers. It’s small-town magic with an artsy twist, and, yes, it’s absolutely made for kids. www.methowarts.org/our-events
Seattle Shakespeare Company: Wooden O
JULY 10-AUGUST 17
Wooden O brings the Bard to the backyard—aka parks all across King County. It’s free, outdoors and the perfect excuse to picnic under the pines while catching a comedy like A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This summer, Wooden O will feature As You Like It. Kids are welcome, especially for the laugh-out-loud plays. Pro tip: Comedies are preferable to tragedies for family night. www.seattleshakespeare.org/woodeno
Sequim Lavender Weekend
JULY 18-20
In July, Sequim goes full bloom with fields of fragrant purple and all the cozy vibes. Wander through lavender farms, shop handmade goods, catch live music and picnic among the flowers—a cottagecore daydream with a side of small-town sparkle. Kids will love the scavenger hunts, farm animals and room to roam. www.visitsunnysequim.com
Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival
JULY 18-20
Dance your heart out in the rugged beauty of the North Cascades at the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival. With an award-winning lineup, this all-ages blues fest offers a killer mountain backdrop and river access to cool off between sets, as well as camping on site. www. winthropbluesfestival.com
Vashon Island Strawberry Festival
JULY 18-20
Hop a ferry and head to Vashon this July for a berry good time. This beloved island bash serves up parades, live music, quirky charm and strawberries in every form—shortcake, jam, you name it. Plus, the views from the ferry are just the cherry on top. Bring your bike, cruise the streets and soak up the sweet small-town energy. It’s fun, laid-back and 100 percent kid-friendly. www.vashon-maury.com/ strawberry-festival
Timber! Outdoor Music Festival
JULY 24-26
Get ready for the perfect mix of indie tunes and outdoor fun at Timber! Outdoor Music Festival in Carnation. Set at Tolt-MacDonald Park, this fest lets you kayak, paddleboard, stargaze and even enjoy morning yoga or painting workshops between sets. Imagine summer camp with better tunes—chill days, starry nights and nonstop fun. With kid zones and family camping, it’s a jam for all generations. www.timbermusicfest.com
Subdued Stringband Jamboree
AUGUST 7-9
Head to the woods for the Subdued Stringband Jamboree in Deming for a grassroots folk fest that’s all about campfires, banjos and starry-night singalongs. Set on a farm, this cozy celebration of roots music has a small, soulful vibe perfect for music lovers seeking something real and community-driven. Think Portlandia meets old-timey fiddles in the forest. It’s family-friendly with a laid-back vibe where kids can dance and get creative. www.stringbandjamboree.com
Omak Stampede and World-Famous Suicide Race
AUGUST 7-10
In August, Omak brings together rodeo action and Indigenous tradition at the Omak Stampede. The heart-pounding “Suicide Race,” where riders and horses race down a steep hill into the Okanogan River, is the main event. With a powwow, carnival rides and a family zone, this four-day festival is ideal for both families and adrenaline junkies. www.omakstampede.org
Bainbridge Island Summer Studio Tour
AUGUST 8-10
Explore Bainbridge Island’s hidden art studios on this self-guided tour through lush backroads. You’ll get a dose of local art, nature and a ferry ride—all wrapped into one. It’s chill, artsy and a little magical. www.bistudiotour.com
Westport Art Festival
AUGUST 16-17
The Westport Art Festival brings together local art, live music, food vendors and beach fun at the marina—an epic way to spend the day soaking up sun and creativity. www. westportartfestival.org
Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival
AUGUST 30-31
Bumbershoot transforms Seattle into a hub of outdoor art, performances and open-air stages. With lush lawns and water features, it’s an eclectic mashup of fun. During the day, it’s a playground for families, with plenty of activities for kids. www.bumbershoot.com
Rainier Beach Farm Fest
SEPTEMBER 20
In September, the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands hosts Farm Fest, a harvest celebration packed with hands-on farming, live music, garden tours and local bites. Get ready to get your hands dirty while soaking in the community spirit. With chickens to meet, crafts to make and plenty of space for little ones to play, it’s a perfect family outing. www.tilthalliance.org
Beat the Heat: Must-Know Tips for Festivalgoers
Here are some tips for making the most of your summer festival experience:
Stay hydrated: Summer heat can sneak up on you, especially at outdoor festivals. Bring a refillable water bottle or use water stations to stay refreshed throughout the day.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking and standing, so opt for comfy, breathable shoes (preferably closed-toe) to avoid blisters or sore feet.
Check the weather forecast: Weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly. Bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, and don’t forget sunscreen to protect your skin during the day.
Pack light, but smart: You don’t need to carry everything, but a few essentials like sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a portable charger for your phone can make your experience much smoother.
Plan your schedule: Festivals often have a packed lineup of activities, so take a look at the schedule ahead of time to prioritize must-see performances or attractions.
Arrive early: For the best spots and to avoid long lines, get there early, especially for popular activities or performances.
Bring cash (and card): Some food vendors or artisans may only accept cash, but most festivals accept card payments, too. It’s wise to have both options on hand.
Respect the space and people around you: Festivals are a communal experience, so be mindful of personal space and others around you, whether in the crowd or at the food stands.
Have a festival buddy: It’s always more fun with a friend or two. Plus, it helps coordinate meet-up spots if you get separated.
Protect your ears: If you’re attending loud music festivals, consider earplugs to protect your hearing, especially for little ones.
Take time to explore: Don’t just focus on one thing—wander around, check out food trucks, explore art installations or take in the overall vibe of the festival.
Plan for parking or transportation: Popular festivals can mean packed parking lots. Consider taking public transit, biking or using rideshare apps to make getting there easier.
Press Play: Your Perfect PNW Summer Soundtrack
This ultimate Washington summer playlist is the perfect soundtrack to and from your favorite festivals. Whether you’re hitting the road or winding down, these tracks capture the essence of Pacific Northwest adventures.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis: “Can’t Hold Us”
The Head and the Heart: “Rivers and Roads”
ODESZA: “A Moment Apart”
Fleet Foxes: “Helplessness Blues”
Crystal Skulls: “Brigantine Castles”
The Shins: “New Slang”
Band of Horses: “The Funeral”
Sleater-Kinney: “The Future is Here”
Brandi Carlile: “The Story”
Death Cab for Cutie: “You Are a Tourist”
Shabazz Palaces: “An Echo from the Hosts That Profess Infinitum”
Modest Mouse: “Float On”
Pearl Jam: “Alive”
