Exciting LGBTQ-Friendly Events Coming to Whidbey and Camano Islands

Whidbey and Camano Islands, located in the scenic Puget Sound region of Washington State, offer a tranquil escape with their rugged coastlines, lush forests, and charming small towns. Known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities, the islands attract visitors seeking hiking, kayaking, and beachcombing adventures. Whidbey Island, the larger of the two, is home to Deception Pass State Park, with its iconic bridge and dramatic views, while Camano Island offers a quieter, more rural atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful retreat. Both islands boast a thriving arts scene, farm-to-table dining, and welcoming communities, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and those craving a serene getaway.

If you plan a visit, make sure to check out some of these wonderful events:

Whidbey Island Culture Fest, May 3-4 

Join in the first annual family-friendly, two-day event as the beauty and diversity of Whidbey Island is celebrated! Discover your heritage, explore your roots, and embrace new traditions as the richness of cultures are celebrated through music, dance, art, and food. There will be a parade, live entertainment, and a beer garden for those 21+. oakharborchamber.com 

Camano Island Studio Tour, May 9-11, May 17-18 

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. camanoarts.org 

Penn Cove Water Festival, May 10 

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. penncovewaterfestival.org 

Whidbey Ren Faire, May 24-26  

Step back in time and immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and history at the Whidbey Island Renaissance Faire. This is a one-of-a-kind event that transports visitors to a bygone era filled with knights in shining armor, fair maidens, wizards, and mythical creatures. There will be jousting tournaments, a medieval marketplace where artisans and craftsmen sell handmade goods, from leatherwork and jewelry to period costumes and weaponry, live performances, and interactive workshops. whidbeyislandrenfaire.org  

Island Shakespeare Festival, June through September Island Shakespeare Festival opens its summer season on June 8 and offers a variety of performances and viewings through September.  Bring a picnic for the family and enjoy the wine, beer and refreshments garden before the show! Find a full schedule of events linked here.   

Stanwood-Camano Pride Parade and Party in the Park, June 1  

Kick off pride month with the 3rd annual parade and party at Freedom Park on Camano Island! Food, crafts, Glass Quest ball hunt, chalk bomb throw, music by DJ Heidi, and more! 12pm – 4pm. stanwoodcamanoprideparade.com  

South Whidbey Pride Parade, June 21 

Join in the festivities to celebrate equity and inclusion and show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community. This year’s parade will begin and end at the South Whidbey Community Center. The event will also include music, food trucks, activities, and booths with information and giveaways! 11am-4pm. southwhidbeypride.org 

Windermere Stanwood Camano Soap Box Derby, June 14 

Come experience the Windermere Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby at Arrowhead Ranch on Camano Island. This family-friendly competition is for children ages 7-17, with derby racers and their mentors taking part in weekly build clinics to construct their car. This fun-filled day is held on the Saturday of Father’s Day Weekend every year. stanwoodcamanoisland.com 

Maxwelton Independence Day Parade, July 4 For more than 100 years, the parade has marched through this small unincorporated community, ranging from school bands to 4-H clubs to civic groups. The parade begins at noon, registration and shuttle service begins at 10:30 a.m.  There is no cost to enter.  

Whidbey Island Fair, July 24-27 

The Whidbey Island Fair features a variety of entertainment, including local bands, carnival games, animal exhibits, and unique vendor booths. The fair aims to promote community involvement and showcases the talents of local artisans and organizations, ensuring a memorable experience for attendees of all ages. whideyislandfair.com 

Race the Reserve, August 9 

Join in on this 5K, 10K, or half marathon, where runners will begin and end their adventure on the south side of Coupeville. You will have a unique opportunity to run within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve (the first of only three designated historical reserves in the country) that will provide a stunning visual compilation of dramatic seaside bluffs, dense forests, and fertile prairies. Proceeds from this run benefits Coupeville High School. Register by July 27.   

Coupeville Arts & Craft Festival, August 9-10 

The arts & crafts festival is an all-volunteer run event where you can find quality handcrafted items and locally made art. There will also be a variety of food vendors located in the Food Court. All proceeds from the festival will be donated back to the community through grants and scholarships. coupevillefestival.com 

Little Big Fest, August 15-17 

Founded in 2018, LittleBigFest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a continuously thriving music and arts culture on Whidbey Island, providing scholarships for music and arts education through this annual 3-day music and arts festival at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds. There will also be a Family Fun Zone with games, workshops, and performances to entice children of all ages. Both individual day and weekend passes are available. Camping passes are available and sold separately.  www.littlebigfest.org   

Whidbey Working Artists: Summer Open Studio Tour, August 16-17

Every summer, the artists of Whidbey Island open the doors to their studios for guests to meet the artists and see works that are in progress. Studios will remain open from 10:00am – 5:00pm both days. whidbeyworkingartists.com  

Oak Harbor Music Festival, August 29-31 

This three-day festival taking place in downtown Oak Harbor is packed with local musicians showcasing a variety of musical genres. The event is free to attend and will have local bites, arts and crafts, vendor booths, and a beer garden for those 21+. All proceeds from the weekend go towards scholarships that provide equal access to music education programs and various musical opportunities. oakharborfestival.com