Gay Summer Getaway: Whidbey & Camano Islands

From summer parades and outdoor concerts to fall festivals and film-inspired fun, Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands invites travelers to experience the charm of Island County through a vibrant lineup of seasonal events happening now through October 2025. Visitors can enjoy everything from the Island Shakespeare Festival and community Pride celebrations to the Whidbey Island Fair, music festivals, local food experiences, and the beloved “Practical Magic” festivities in Coupeville. With something for everyone, the events offer a perfect opportunity to explore the natural beauty, creativity, and welcoming spirit of this unique Washington destination.             

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.  

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

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

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. 

Oak Harbor Independence Day Parade, July 4

Downtown Oak Harbor will be dressed up for the city’s annual Independence Day Parade, Friday, July 4, starting at 11:00am. The parade kicks off at SE Midway Boulevard, follows SE Bayshore Drive, and wraps up near the Ace Hardware parking lot at 150 SE Pioneer Way.

Oak Harbor Independence Day Fireworks, July 4

At the end of the day enjoy a dazzling display of lights and color as we celebrate Independence Day with an unforgettable fireworks show! Watch the night sky come alive with vibrant explosions, marking the perfect end to a day filled with patriotism, fun, and community spirit. Fireworks begin at 10:00pm.

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

Sounds of Summer Concert Series, July 30, August 5, August 13, August 20

The Oak Harbor Music Festival presents Oak Harbor’s favorite seasonal tradition with a series of summer concerts at Windjammer Park. Whether you’re dancing barefoot in the grass, or simply soaking it all in, Sounds of the Summer is the perfect way to kick off these glorious summer evenings. All concerts begin at 6:00pm.

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

Whidbey Plein Air Paint Out, August 12-15

For four days, artists ranging from novice to expert come out to paint the glorious beaches, forests, townscapes, and vistas around Coupeville! The artwork produced will be featured in a Gala and Art Sale on August 18. Artist registration is open now at this link. Spectators are welcome to interact with the artists as they paint, or join the gala as a patron, with tickets for $25.

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 16-17Every 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

Whidbey Island Eat Local Month, September 2025

Whidbey Island is celebrating local in a big way throughout the month of September, highlighting food, farming, community and the bounty of their local food system. There will be self-guided farm stand tours, farmer’s markets, u-pick farm experiences, events, and more. whidbeyeatlocalmonth.com

Djangofest, September 17-21

The Djangofest music festival is dedicated to the vibrant Django genre, which is a blend of American jazz and Romani folk music. The 4-day event will take place at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. Tickets and more info at djangofest.com.

Practical Magic Activities, October 23-26

The charming town of Coupeville played host to Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, and other celebs as the backdrop for fall’s favorite film, “Practical Magic.” To celebrate this cult classic, the town comes alive with a variety of activities including a screening of the popular movie October 23-26 with showings beginning at 6:00pm. Activities for 2025 include:

• October 23-26, Scavenger Hunt throughout downtown Coupeville

•  October 23-26, Practical Magic movie screenings at Rec Hall in Coupeville

• October 25, Spells & Brews Bike Ride & Beer garden on downtown Main Street

• October 25, Torchlight Parade & Street Dance on downtown Front Street

• October 26, The Great Pumpkin Race on downtown Alexander Street