If you thought that the fun ended after Labor Day, then we have a surprise for you. San Juan Island is just getting started for the year! During the fall and winter, the town of Friday Harbor loves to throw family-friendly events almost every weekend. From our year-round farmer’s market to holiday events, Friday Harbor is livelier than ever. You just need to know which events are the best and luckily for you, we’re willing to give you all of our favorites.
San Juan Island Farm Tour: September 21-22, 2019
Visit all of the best farms on San Juan Island for a day filled with exploration, fun times, and fresh produce! The San Juan Islands produce year-round, but September is the best time to harvest! The Whale Museum hosts an open house from 3:30-5pm where you can wander around the space where their are great crafts for the kids. Afterward, the town gathers at Memorial Park where The Riptide Cafe will have hot cocoa ready to sip while carolers sing to the crowd. Once the sun sets and it is dark enough, Friday Harbor will brighten up with Christmas lights all over. This magical event is the perfect introduction to the holiday season.
San Juan Brewing Oktoberfest: October 12, 2019
Who doesn’t love a good Oktoberfest? Great beer, tasty food, upbeat music for dancing, and friendly people make Oktoberfest an event most people look forward to all year round. October 12th will have a full day of activities and events at Friday Harbor’s infamous San Juan Brewing Company. Dress in your finest Bavarian wear and start working on your bicep to win the liter holding contest.
Friday Harbor Film Festival: October 25-27, 2019
The 7th annual Friday Harbor Film fest is taking over the island from October 25-27th. Stories of the Pacific Rim stretches over 3 full days featuring over 30 documentary films at 5 venues. You can purchase a 5 film package, a 10 film package, or an all-access wristband that will guarantee you admission to every film. Films span from adventure-seeking productions that will inspire you to head into the world and try something new, to enlightening documentaries about our negative impacts on the environment that will make you question your personal consumption choices, to entertaining stories about modern-day history in the making.
Friday Harbor Winterfest: November 30 – December 31, 2019
Even though the San Juan Islands rarely ever receive snow, the holiday spirit comes alive in Friday Harbor. There are Christmas shops and events with carolers throughout the holiday season, but we’ve picked out two favorites that are an absolute must-see.
Island Lights Festival: November 30, 2019
On November 30th, the whole town comes together for the annual lighting of the tree and the town! The Whale Museum hosts an open house from 3:30-5:00 where you can wander around the museum and there will be great crafts for the kids. Afterward, the town gathers at Memorial Park where The Riptide Cafe will have hot cocoa ready to sip while carolers sing to the crowd. Once the sun sets and it is dark enough, the town will light up with Christmas lights all over. This magical event is the perfect introduction to the holiday season.
Old Fashion Christmas Market: December 14, 2019
Are you a last-minute shopper or still have that one person you just can’t seem to find anything for? The Old Fashioned Christmas Market is the perfect holiday event.This European-style market in the Brickworks Events Center is filled with holiday crafts, San Juan Island farm produce, holiday music, and lots of activities that the whole family will enjoy. Pick up any last-minute holiday decorations to tie your home together or munch on some traditional holiday pastries as you peruse the fair.
Whether you like shopping and eating or drinking and dancing, there is a fun fall or winter festival in Friday Harbor. Come to one, or visit the island each month to experience some of the best weekends of the year!
