Guide to Washington Events

January

• Celebrate the longstanding tradition of beachcombing the northwest Pacific coast after winter storms. Hand blown glass balls are hidden along the North Beaches near Long Beach and Grays Harbor, so Come Have A Ball On The Beach. January 13 - March 31
  
  

• The Port Susan Snow Goose Birding Festival in Stanwood, halfway between Seattle and Bellingham celebrates the winter nesting grounds of thousands of Snow Geese and Trumpeter Swans. Listen to speakers, tour the bird habitat, and enjoy fine arts, crafts, and fresh-caught salmon. February 24-25

• The seaside community of Anacortes near the San Juan Islands hosts the Anacortes Salmon Derby. For fishermen, there's nothing like trying your luck and skill against others in competition for prizes, and all for a charitable donation. March 10-11
• Port Townsend transforms into a Victorian era seaside town for the Annual Victorian Festival. Tour the rich Victorian style homes, a vintage fashion show and 19th century federal troop reenactment highlight the weekend. March 16-18

• Cumulating with a parade through Tacoma and surrounding towns, the Daffodil Festival celebrates the springtime arrival of fields of yellow bulb flowers grown throughout the area. In 2008 the festival will celebrate its 75th year! Throughout April
• Celebrate the arrival of spring at The Spring Fair in Puyallup. Piglet racing, a flower show, a midway and amusement rides offer something for the entire family. April 17-20

• Continuing into June, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States, and continues to grow. This 24 day festival hosts some of the hottest independent films from around the world. May 24 - June 17
• The legacy of the Ski to Sea race, from Mt. Baker to the Bellingham waterfront, continues its near 100-year tradition. A team relay race of cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, running, biking, canoeing, mountain biking, and kayaking, and associated events and concerts, is sure to excite. Held annually at the end of May.
• Connecting Woodinville and Walla Walla, the Washington Wine Highway event highlights the locally crafted wine and food of Washington's wine country. Weekend wine tastings around the region, live music and other vendors, combined with a unique road-trip atmosphere make this a great getaway trip. Memorial Day Weekend

• The small town of Toppenish hosts the Mural-in-a-Day celebration of the mural art form, including painting a new mural in a single day. There are now over 60 murals in the town, that illustrate Washington and regional history and major world events. First Saturday in June.
  
  

• Continuing through August, Seafair is one of the largest and most diverse events in the greater Seattle area. Entertaining families for over 50 years with hydroplane races, an air show, triathlon, and the Fleet Week ship tours, Seafair is an ongoing festival that celebrates the Puget Sound area. July 7 - August 5
• Where else can you eat onions like they are apples than the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival. A weekend of swinging music, arts and craft vendors, and of course, extensive locally grown food centering around the Walla Walla onion. July 21-22

• One of the largest weekend festivals in Washington, the Taste of Edmonds offers the best food, wine, beer, arts and crafts, and entertainment that Washington has to offer. Ranked in the top 100 of North American festivals. Find out why, just north of Seattle. August 10-12

• Described as the "Woodstock of wooden boats," hundreds of hand-crafted wooden boats explore the scenic Puget Sound, departing from historic Port Townsend. September 7-9
• One of North America's largest music and arts festival, Bumbershoot in Seattle draws musicians, artists, and visitors from around the world. Labor Day Weekend
• The five day Django Fest Northwest celebrates the music and spirit of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhart on scenic Whidbey Island. September 19-23
  
  

• Celebrating the extensive hops grown in the Yakima valley, the Fresh Hop Ale Festival hosts beer-tasting, homebrew contests, and the headline beer-in-a-day competition. Food and music are also available. October 6.
• The Forest Storytelling Festival preserves and shares the art of the story, experiences that transcend culture and pass on wisdom and folklore. Port Angeles hosts this unique festival of some of the most dedicated storytellers, humorists, and authors. Oct. 19-21
  

• Hosted by the Heritage Nordic Museum in Seattle, Yulefest celebrates the coming holiday season as well as honors the commitments that immigrants have made to Washington culture. November 17-18
  
  

• Sunnyside's Lighted Christmas Parade is one of the more unique parades in the world. Held at night, the parade features tractors, combines, horse-drawn wagons, and other farm implements sparkling with thousands of lights. A fantastic way to celebrate the agricultural heritage of the Yakima region. December 1