Seattle will do its big LGBTQ+ celebrations as usual, but it's not the only Washington pride out there. Yakima boasts a free Wicked-themed prom and full-blown parade, a Pride festival lands in Spokane, and Vancouver hosts a downtown Pride block party where band 76th Street make an appearance. 

Hands get dirty at Tacoma's big park party, including workshops on succulent wreaths and terrarium making. Multiple paint and sip sessions throw plants, art, and booze into one glorious hangout, and lectures cover plant-related folklore and tricks for helping houseplants thrive in our less-than-sunny months. Vendors, live music, and a beer garden keep the party going. 

Nothing handy parents love more than consulting on how to make a homemade vehicle go real fast. The annual Father's Day soap box derby at Arrowhead Ranch on Camano bills itself as the largest such race west of the Mississippi; kids (with parental help) make and race their wooden cars on a special thousand-foot track. Warning: if you take your kids to watch it, you might end up with them demanding to be involved next year.

Nestled among hilltop walking paths, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center welcomes the summer solstice with live music, hands-on art making, and poetry. Inside, bugs—yes, real bugs—form mesmerizing tapestry-like designs on every wall, and taxidermied animals have a tea party. It's art, alright. Outside, new sculptures join the dozens of current installations hiding along a short walking path. 

The Columbia Gorge town of Stevenson marks more than 30 years of combining tunes with good tipples. Two stages host live blues music while kegs of local brew are flowing. The Skamania County Fairgrounds welcome campers, so no one need drive home. It's one of the longest running blues festivals in the state, plus a good excuse to party on the Columbia River.