Friday Harbor events occur throughout the year, but summer months come with warmer days and a chance for more outdoor activities. Along with the farmers markets and art fairs, there are some spectacular annual festivals and series that come with an exciting atmosphere. When planning your trip to Tucker House Inn this summer, take into account some of these Friday Harbor events. Don’t miss out!
5 Friday Harbor Events This Summer
San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour
June 3-5
A treat for those interested in the arts, the San Juan Island Artists’ Studio Tour is celebrating its 25th year in 2016. The annual self-guided tour will take you to private workshops and artists’ studios that feature everything from paintings, photography, and sculpture to ceramics, glass, and jewelry. This tour will allow you to learn more about the art-making process as well as give a chance to purchase art directly from the source. Studios will include guest artists, musicians, and gardens, and each space will feature a raffle for a piece of original artwork.
San Juan Island Marathon
June 19
A qualifier for the Boston Marathon, the San Juan Island Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K draw thousands of travelers each year to Friday Harbor and the surrounding Washington islands. The race takes place on Father’s Day weekend and covers hilly scapes with changes in elevation from 25 to 250 feet as well as city streets that twist and turn through town and down country roads. The race will follow a clockwise loop around San Juan Island, starting and finishing at Lakedale Resort.
Summer Concert Series
July 1-Sept. 4
Every year, there is a summer concert series in Friday Harbor known as “Music in the Park.” This is by far a favorite of Friday Harbor events! The shows happen on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon each week, bringing a variety of musicians and genres to the Port of Friday Harbor. These free concerts are great for kicking back and relaxing at the end of a busy vacation week and are great for families and pets, as well as friends and couples. You can bring a picnic from Tucker House, spread out a blanket on the grass, and listen to regional music while looking out over the harbor and watching the ferries go by.
San Juan Island Lavender Festival & Summer Arts Fair
July 16-17
The Pelindaba Lavender Farm is a rolling sea of purple in summer months, offering beautiful views and calming aromatherapy. At this year’s Lavender Festival, you will have access to tours and exhibits that walk you through the process from field to finished product. You can harvest your own bouquet, attend demonstrations that cover topics such as cultivation and history, and embrace your creative side at the Craft Tent. There will also be lavender ice cream, lavender cookies, and lavender lemonade, iced tea, and coffee as refreshments! Don’t miss one of the premier Friday Harbor events!
San Juan County Fair
August 17-20
The San Juan County Fair is one of the Friday Harbor events you don’t want to miss! The theme this year is “Barn and Raised in the Islands,” following up last year’s theme of “Strawberry Fields For-Heifer.” From these titles, you are sure to see and pet some farm animals along with enjoy entertainment in the form of art, exhibitions, concerts, games, and rides. The agriculture exhibit is a popular stop, as well as cooking with local foods presentations, a beer garden, and local performers.
Stay at Tucker House Inn
When planning which of these wonderful summer Friday Harbor events to attend, be sure to book your stay with Tucker House Inn. Located in the heart of Friday Harbor, our pet-friendly inn has luxurious guest rooms as well as a quaint San Juan Island feel. We can’t wait to see you during your visit!
Photo Credit: Pelindaba Lavender (cover)
