CAN'T-MISS SUMMER EVENTS IN WASHINGTON
You can’t miss these exciting outdoor events this summer.
One of the best parts about living in the Pacific Northwest is the abundance of festivals, concerts, parks, and more. Each summer, various events are held across Washington and are the perfect opportunity to meet new people, try new foods, camp in a new place, or discover a new musician.
Below, we’ve outlined some highly-anticipated outdoor events in Washington this summer. Gather your friends and family in your van and hit the road!
June Events
Washington State Parks Free Admission Days
While a Discover Pass is required to enter Washington State Parks, there are a few days each year when entry is free:
June 10: National Get Outdoors Day
June 11: Free Fishing Day (a fishing license is not required for certain fishing destinations)
June 19: Juneteenth
Washington is full of beautiful state parks. If you’re able to get out on any of these three days, we recommend checking out Deception Pass State Park, Fort Worden Historical State Park, or Palouse Falls State Park.
Photo Courtesy: Sequim Lavender Festival
July Events
Sequim Lavender Festival: July 21-23
Sequim, Washington, is the lavender capital of North America. You’ll enjoy live music, food trucks, and hundreds of vendors at the street fair, or take a farm tour and cut your own fresh lavender.
Sequim is also very close to Olympic National Park, so be sure to check out our Olympic Peninsula road trip itinerary to find other fun adventures nearby.
Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival: July 21-23
Located at the Blues Ranch on the Methow River in the resort town of Winthrop, Washington, the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival is a three-day event packed full of exciting entertainment. There will be vendors, beer gardens, on-site camping, and more.
Hit the road in your van and set up camp at this iconic music festival!
Darrington Bluegrass Festival: July 21-23
This year is the 46th annual Darrington Bluegrass Festival! Head northeast for the weekend and see Dave Adkins Band, Rick Faris, and others perform at the base of the Cascade Mountains.
August Events
Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival: August 2-5
Head northwest to the Olympic Peninsula for a weekend filled with blues performances! The extensive lineup is split up amongst three days: August 2, August 4, and August 5. Friday is free to all, and tickets for the other days can be purchased online.
Rainier Music Festival: August 5
The third annual Rainier Music Festival will be held at the Ashford Amphitheater at the base of Mount Rainier. From 12 pm to 10 pm, this festival will feature live music, delicious food, panoramic views, and a fun-filled atmosphere. Because this event is only one day long, we recommend turning this into a longer road trip and experiencing everything the national park offers.
Washington State International Kite Festival: August 21-27
Head to Long Beach, Washington, for a week-long kite celebration and competition! You can attend as a flyer or a spectator but are sure to have fun either way. There will be hundreds of unique vendors, as well as food and drinks available.
September Events
Wooden Boat Festival: September 8-10
Did you know the largest boat festival in North America is held in Port Townsend, less than 3 hours from Seattle?!
Head to the Victorian seaport to learn about the many different types of boats and adventure on the water. Tickets for this family-friendly event can be purchased in advance online or at the festival entrance.
The Great Prosser Balloon Rally: September 23-25
Head east for the weekend to watch hot air balloons take the sky at The Great Prosser Balloon Rally. Most of the balloons are launched at sunrise, so spectators are encouraged to arrive by 6:15 am. The weekend includes a harvest festival, farmers market, street painting festival, and more. Admission is free!
October Events
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival: October 6-8
Held in Port Angeles, Washington, this festival showcases everything from Native American heritage to delicious Olympic Coast Cuisine. The festival partners with local environmental education organizations to create a better understanding of the natural resources and issues facing the Olympic Peninsula. Head out to Port Angeles for a weekend of great food, live music, and education!
Fresh Hop Ale Festival: October 7
Held in the Yakima Valley, this festival brings beer lovers from all over the world to the “home of hops.” Over 45 breweries, wineries, and cideries will be present, along with live music and great food. This one-day event takes place from 5 pm to 7 pm, and tickets can be purchased online.
Photo Courtesy: Bass Canyon
Other Events
Shows at The Gorge
If you’re from Washington, chances are you’ve heard of The Gorge, a premier outdoor concert venue on the Columbia River. There are hundreds of shows played each year, and many members of our Peace Vans community are in attendance. Dave Matthews Band is playing from August 31-September 2, and The Lumineers & James Bay are playing from September 7-10. Camping is available for both events!
Ready to hit the road for our favorite summer events?
Our fully-outfitted rental vans are perfect for a week-long Mount Rainier trip or just a weekend at The Gorge. Spots are limited–book now for your desired dates!