Arts, music, and festivals are key ingredients in the recipe that makes Anacortes, Washington a delicious Northwest destination any time of the year. A vibrant showplace for artists and musicians, Anacortes prides itself on its diverse public art collection and many festivals that happen throughout the year.

Art in Anacortes

Art is deep-rooted in the community with installations in locations throughout the city including public buildings, waterfront settings, parks, and forest lands. Thriving arts organizations offer year-round programming in theater, music, visual, and literary arts. Anacortes also features over 150 colorful outdoor murals by native, Bill Mitchell, a delightful invitation to locals and visitors alike to seek, find, and admire through a self-guided mural tour.

Performance Art

Music evokes emotion, it connects and inspires people, creates moods, and surrounds you with beats and melodies… The Business in downtown Anacortes has an impressive catalog of independent artists and local musicians throughout a broad scope of genres. Live music and entertainment can be enjoyed four or five nights a week in Anacortes – check out these businesses and venue sites: Anacortes Rockfish Grill, The Brown Lantern, and The Heart of Anacortes.

Anacortes Community Theatre is an intimate venue that seats 114 patrons for its main stage performances. Each season features six shows of all genres with nearly 10,000 total seats available.

Fidalgo DanceWorks‘ mission is to provide excellence in dance education and performance for all. They accomplish this by offering 58 dance classes weekly for folks of all ages and abilities and by presenting 3 performances each year at Brodniak Hall. Check out their website for a complete list of classes and events.

The Heart of Anacortes is where musicians, artists, and the community can get together in a family-friendly and fun place to listen to live music, observe the arts, and engage with the community.

Festivals

With so many festivals and events happening throughout the year, you’ll love coming back to experience them all. Enjoy wine tasting, explore the many fields of tulips, discover art in all mediums and even take some home, bring man’s best friend to a festival of his very own, and so much more…

Here’s a brief annual calendar to help plan your trip – even more events can be found on our events calendar.

February

For wine enthusiasts, Anacortes UNCORKED, a wine & food experience event hosted by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce brings over 20 wineries, caterers, and wine pairing treats overlooking the scenic Guemes Channel.

April

The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is a destination event for the Pacific Northwest. Held the entire month of April, it celebrates millions of tulips bursting into bloom with events, activities, and bloom viewings.

In partnership with the Fidalgo Island Quilters, downtown Anacortes businesses host a quilt walk all month long. You’ll find more than 70 quilts adorning shop and gallery storefronts up and down Commercial Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare. Or look for small yellow tulip signs on shop windows that serve as your invitation to explore additional quilts displayed inside.

May

Don’t miss out on the Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show! Featuring close to 100 boats in the water, plus other vendors to help you with all of your boating needs.

June

The Anacortes Waterfront Festival celebrates the nautical heritage of Anacortes with a fun, family-friendly event, which runs the first Saturday and Sunday in June at the beautiful Cap Sante Marina.

A free Kids Fishing Derby hosted by the City of Anacortes and the Puget Sound/ Fidalgo Chapter Anglers offers each kid who enters a chance to win prizes and of course catch fish.

July

Celebrate our country’s independence with a parade downtown followed by the Rock the Dock! Enjoy great music, family fun, and fireworks at Seafarers’ Memorial Park.

10 blocks of treasures can be found at the annual Shipwreck Fest flea market on the third Saturday of the month.

August

In its 6th decade, the Anacortes Arts Festival is a celebration of arts in all forms. The festival runs the first full weekend in August each year. Plan to stay for the weekend and enjoy one of the area’s longest-running festivals.

September

For 35 years, Anacortes has been a hub for the Oyster Run, the “The Largest Motorcycle Run in the Pacific Northwest.” The rally takes place on the fourth Sunday of September, and riders from all over the West Coast – Montana, Idaho, California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Canada – make the trek to this picturesque island in the Skagit Valley.

October

Taste hand-crafted brews at the Anacortes Bier on the Pier, a two-day event during the first weekend in October on Pier One.

Grab your costumes and Trick or Treat in historic downtown Anacortes. Shops from 10th to 3rd street on Commercial Avenue will be handing out treats.

December

Anacortes shines with a Coastal Christmas celebration the entire month of December. With special events sure to fill your heart with the seasonal spirit don’t miss the annual Christmas parade and the lighting of the town’s Christmas Tree. The Tree Lighting Ceremony features hot chocolate, special visitors, and performances from local performing arts groups. Take the family or loved ones on a free horse-drawn trolley ride through our historic downtown and be sure to save time for breakfast with Santa, the adored Wonderland Walk, Celtic Christmas Concert, and Anacortes Farmers Market – Holiday Event.