Whidbey Island is home to an impressive list of festivals and annual happenings, and when our calendars start to fill up, it can be all too easy to miss out on some of this island’s special events.

If you’re planning for the year ahead, take a glance at each month to see what Whidbey Island festivals and special events are happening when. Be sure to mark your calendar with your favorite to ensure you don’t miss out!

JANUARY

Whidbey Island Film Festival

The Whidbey Island Film Festival has already been scheduled to come back January 10-12, 2020! Sign up for the festival’s newsletter to make sure you stay in the loop for next year.

FEBRUARY

Red Wine & Chocolate

Each year around Valentine’s Day, Red Wine & Chocolate offers the opportunity to visit wineries, sip on local wines, and sample some delectable chocolate creations.

MARCH

Musselfest

Celebrate Penn Cove’s world famous mussels! Go on a mussel farm tour, and of course, eat tons of mussels!

St Patrick’s Day Parade

This parade has been happening in Oak Harbor for 45 years now, and right after, you can enjoy a Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner at the American Legion Hall.

APRIL

Holland Happening Festival

This international festival is based on the American version of the Netherlands’ “King’s Day,” and you can join in on the festivities with fun exhibitions, food, artisan booths, and more.

Bunny Daze

Hop around Langley and meet a special bunny guest with treats, search for stuffed bunnies, and enjoy shopping for bunny-themed gifts as Easter approaches.

Clinton Easter Egg Hunt

Each spring, kids gather on the Saturday before Easter to search for 10,000+ candy-filled eggs, play on fire trucks, take photos with the Easter Bunny, and more.

MAY

Savor Spring

Explore wineries and distilleries on this weekend tour that pairs wines and spirits with delicious local foods.

Coupeville Memorial Day Parade

This 40+ year tradition takes place in the historic downtown waterfront area of Coupeville. The parade ends with a special ceremony and concert at the bandstand at Coupeville Town Park.

Prairie Days Festival

Sponsored by Goosefoot, Prairie Days in Coupeville is all about “preserving and enhancing the rural character of Whidbey Island.” This free and family-friendly event includes experience tours, a native plant sale, and more.

Penn Cove Water Festival

“The Mission of the Penn Cove Water Festival Association is to continue an annual revival of the historic Coupeville Water Festival by bringing families together to enjoy Native American canoe racing, entertainment, crafts and culture and by giving them a chance to learn about, appreciate, and protect the environment in which we all live.” The first festival occured in 1930, and you can read more about the history of this important celebration here.

Whidbey Sail Fest

Learn about and celebrate Whidbey Island’s rich maritime culture with this action-packed festival that features vessel tours, free music, free activities, and much more.

JUNE

Strawberry Daze at Bell’s Farm

Stop by Bell’s Farm for a day of u-pick strawberries, pre-picked berry sales, farm tours, a petting zoo, local food, and other fun activities. The 2nd annual Strawberry Daze event was held in 2018—stay tuned for 2019 info!

JULY

Oak Harbor 4th of July Carnival

This lively celebration typically begins the weekend before the 4th of July, and visitors can enjoy rides, games, food and much more.

Whidbey Island Fair

Started back in 1912, the Whidbey Island Fair showcases everything from livestock to local art.

Island Shakespeare Festival

Started in 2010, this annual festival is a Shakespearean enthusiasts dream with several performances that occur throughout July, August, and into September.

Race Week Sailing Regatta

In 2019, Whidbey Island Race Week will occur for the 37th year! Click here for information about how to participate.

Whidbey Island Music Festival

This weeklong event in Freeland features a program of performances by incredibly talented virtuosos. Click here to see 2018’s festival artists.

AUGUST

Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival

Whidbey Island has a rich arts culture, and it’s estimated that 15,000 people attend this 50+ year-old event.

Oak Harbor PigFest & Barbecue Competition

In 2018, 25 teams from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Canada gathered to compete and see who could whip up the best barbecue. There’s even a free BBQ lunch provided at this tasty community gathering.

Oak Harbor Music Festival

I’m super proud to be the Title Sponsor for the Oak Harbor Music Festival for the 3rd year in a row! Attendees can enjoy 30+ bands, two beer gardens, lots of food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and more during this memorable last weekend of summer.

SEPTEMBER

Whidbey Island Grown Week

This 10-day celebration is all about showing off Whidbey’s local harvest, and you can take part in events organized by Whidbey Island Grown.

Whidbey Island Cider Festival

In 2018 the Pacific Rim Institute hosted the 2nd annual Whidbey Island Cider Festival,

OCTOBER

The Haunting of Coupeville

This month-long happening in Coupeville is sure to have you spooked for all of October! Grab a map and have fun exploring haunted visitors and check out the calendar of events to see what other haunted happenings are taking place around town.

Halloween Torchlight Parade

This family-friendly even takes place in the late afternoon so everyone can admire costumes before the sun goes down.

Mutt Strut Dog Parade & Costume Contest

Dress up your doggy and get ready to show off their four-legged fashion in a parade and costume contest! Awards go out for best owner and dog costume combo, best celebrity dog, and more!

NOVEMBER

Whidbey Island’s “Autumn on Whidbey” Wine Tour

This incredible weekend of local art, wine, and spirits is a celebration of harvest and of Whidbey Island’s rich farming culture.

DECEMBER

Holly Jolly Parade and Shop ‘n Stroll in Downtown Langley

The annual holiday parade takes place at the very beginning of December, and after the parade you can shop and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Oak Harbor New Year's Eve Fireworks

Each year on New Year’s Eve, people all over the island gather to take in the view of fireworks at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor. It’s the perfect way to end the year as a community!