Spend a little time in Washington and you’ll surely hear about some of our largest festivals like Bite of Seattle, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and Hoopfest. But do some exploring and you’ll see that our small towns also have some exciting festivals, and they happen all year. They may not have the fanfare of our bigger cities’ events, but they’re just as fun.
Here are 10 small-town festivals to put on your calendar for this year or next:
- Long Beach Razor Clam Festival
Long Beach Razor Clam Festival Facebook Every April, the Long Beach community hosts a weekend-long festival of clams. Guests can enjoy free razor clam-digging lessons, sample tons of seafood and participate in a Clam Chowder Taste-Off, among other things. This year’s festival is April 29 & 30.
- Poulsbo Viking Fest
Poulsbo Viking Fest Facebook If you live near the coast, you’ve probably heard of this festival.. but for those who haven’t, head to the charming Nordic town of Poulsbo on May 19 for a Viking-themed festival you’ll never forget.
- Juan de Fuca Festival, Port Angeles
Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts Facebook Hosted by the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts, this small town music festival usually has a big turnout. This year’s festival dates are May 26-29 and include musicians from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Africa and London.
- Prospectors’ Days, Republic
Prospectors’ Days Facebook For the last 60 years, the mining town of Republic has hosted this amazing festival. This year’s dates are June 9-11, a beautiful time of year to be in the area.
- Palouse Cabin Fever Brew Fest
Palouse Cabin Fever Brew Fest Facebook Since winter can be an isolating time in Eastern Washington, Palouse hosts an annual Cabin Fever Brew Fest every February. Sample local brews and meet your neighbors while enjoying a much-needed night out, which benefits the Palouse Community Center.
- Kla Ha Ya Days Festival, Snohomish
Kla Ha Ya Days Festival Facebook Kla Ha Ya Days welcomes people from all over Washington to celebrate the beauty of Snohomish. Proceeds from the family-friendly activities support Snohomish-based community organizations with programs and services for youth and families. This year’s festival is July 12-16, kicking off with a parade.
- Garlic Fest, Chehalis
Garlic Fest Chehalis Facebook This is a festival based on garlic-themed cuisine. In other words, it’s amazing. This year’s dates are August 25-27, and you can enjoy live music, crafts and antiques along with your delicious garlic delicacies.
- Union Gap Old Town Days
Union Gap Facebook Located just outside of Yakima, Union Gap is a small pioneer town with a lot of local history. On June 17 and 18, head to Fullbright Park to celebrate Union Gap Old Town Days. It’s free!
- Mossyrock Blueberry Festival
Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Facebook Every August, the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival is held at several venues in the quiet Lewis County town. Aside from all the blueberry treats, you’ll see plenty of live music from great local bands.
- Brinnon ShrimpFest
Shrimpfest Facebook Located on the Hood Canal, the The Brinnon ShrimpFest is a weekend festival full of local seafood, crafts, music, kids’ activities and other exhibits. It’s held on Memorial Day weekend, so if you love shrimp, plan your trip now.
Washington has so many amazing festivals. Here are some annual food festivals you won’t want to miss.
Long Beach Razor Clam Festival Facebook
Every April, the Long Beach community hosts a weekend-long festival of clams. Guests can enjoy free razor clam-digging lessons, sample tons of seafood and participate in a Clam Chowder Taste-Off, among other things. This year’s festival is April 29 & 30.
Poulsbo Viking Fest Facebook
If you live near the coast, you’ve probably heard of this festival.. but for those who haven’t, head to the charming Nordic town of Poulsbo on May 19 for a Viking-themed festival you’ll never forget.
Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts Facebook
Hosted by the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts, this small town music festival usually has a big turnout. This year’s festival dates are May 26-29 and include musicians from Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Africa and London.
Prospectors’ Days Facebook
For the last 60 years, the mining town of Republic has hosted this amazing festival. This year’s dates are June 9-11, a beautiful time of year to be in the area.
Palouse Cabin Fever Brew Fest Facebook
Since winter can be an isolating time in Eastern Washington, Palouse hosts an annual Cabin Fever Brew Fest every February. Sample local brews and meet your neighbors while enjoying a much-needed night out, which benefits the Palouse Community Center.
Kla Ha Ya Days Festival Facebook
Kla Ha Ya Days welcomes people from all over Washington to celebrate the beauty of Snohomish. Proceeds from the family-friendly activities support Snohomish-based community organizations with programs and services for youth and families. This year’s festival is July 12-16, kicking off with a parade.
Garlic Fest Chehalis Facebook
This is a festival based on garlic-themed cuisine. In other words, it’s amazing. This year’s dates are August 25-27, and you can enjoy live music, crafts and antiques along with your delicious garlic delicacies.
Union Gap Facebook
Located just outside of Yakima, Union Gap is a small pioneer town with a lot of local history. On June 17 and 18, head to Fullbright Park to celebrate Union Gap Old Town Days. It’s free!
Mossyrock Blueberry Festival Facebook
Every August, the Mossyrock Blueberry Festival is held at several venues in the quiet Lewis County town. Aside from all the blueberry treats, you’ll see plenty of live music from great local bands.
Shrimpfest Facebook
Located on the Hood Canal, the The Brinnon ShrimpFest is a weekend festival full of local seafood, crafts, music, kids’ activities and other exhibits. It’s held on Memorial Day weekend, so if you love shrimp, plan your trip now.
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