Summer in the San Juans is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced! There is constant activity and community events. And there is truly something for everyone! Whether you are a small aircraft enthusiast or like to support local farmers, there will definitely be something to suit your fancy. The team at the San Juan Island Inn Collection has picked out some of our favorites to share with you.
June 2017
The 1st Annual Pirate Festival and Tall Ships
Dates: June 23rd – 25th
Admission: The festival is free and sailings start at $42
Arggggg! Be one of the first to experience Friday Harbor’s Pirate Festival. All of your pirate-related dreams can finally come true! There will be a treasure hunt, pirate stories, dinghy races, knot tying, tours on tall ships, and a pirate costume contest. Good thing I brought my pirate costume from home, eh? Live music will be going on Friday and Saturday nights, with a pancake breakfast Sunday morning!
Nikki’s Birthday
Nikki’s BirthdayDate: June 23rd
Admission: Free!!
Yes, our Guest Relations Coordinator is turning 23!! You certainly won’t want to miss the opportunity to wish her happy birthday as she enters into her “golden year”. The best part is you can tell her happy birthday as many times as you want for no additional fee. And because I know you’re thinking, “Oh shoot! I haven’t gotten her a gift yet”, have no fear, she is very easy to delight. She thoroughly enjoys cold brew from the Salty Fox, Prosecco, and wild flowers. Just s
Orca Sing
Date: June 24th
Time: 6:00pm
Admission: Free, but a Discover Pass is needed for the State Park
Ever wonder why the orcas keep coming back to the San Juans? Contrary to popular belief, it is not because there is food in the area – it’s because we sing them back! Okay okay not really. But I’m sure it helps! Orca Sing is an annual event honoring the Southern Resident orcas with an evening of music. This year, music will be performed by Fred West and Seattle’s City Cantabile Choir.
Island Stage Left presents “Humble Boy”
Dates: June 23rd – July 9th
Island Stage Left is a non-profit organization that provides quality theatre experiences to Island locals and visitors alike. They want to share the world of theatre to anyone and everyone no matter what their financial situation is. They have been doing this for over 10 years by maintaining low expenses and wonderful volunteers! This summer’s production will be held outside at Wold near the Lavender Farm.
July 2017
4th of July Celebrations
Date: July 4th of course!
Why not celebrate America’s Independence on an island this year? Your day will be filled with a new-found community, excitement, and plenty of laughter!
Parade and Fireworks
Our small town parade is second to none! It starts at 10:30am and features patriots of all ages! Directly after the parade is the Pig War Picnic. That evening, there will be live music at the Port of Friday Harbor. The fireworks begin at dusk around 10:00pm.
Pig War Picnic
Admission: Admission Free, Adult Meals $10, Kids Meals $5
There will be music, a pie-eating contest, a cakewalk, kid’s games and the best barbecue in town! Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor. The picnic will take place after the parade on the grounds of the San Juan Island Historical Museum.
Roche Harbor Old-Fashioned Celebration
Admission: Free
9:00am – 3.3K Family Fun Run at Yellow Brick Road
10:30am – Kids Games at Pool Lawn
12:30pm – Doughnut Eating at West Lawn
3:30pm – Blindfolded Dinghy Race
4:00pm – Log Rolling at Wharf Building
10:30pm – Firework Show in the Harbor
16th Annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival
Dates: July 15th – 16th
Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Admissions: Free
Head out to the Pelindaba Lavender Farm see, touch, smell, taste, and take home Island lavender! There will be tours and demonstrations revolving around lavender. There will also be over 30 local artists who will have their work on display and for sale in the fields. Plus, it’s pet-friendly! So let your furry family members enjoy the festival as well.
7th Annual Orcas Island Cider and Mead Festival
Date: July 22nd
Time 11:00am – 4:00pm
Admissions: $15
Head over to Orcas for the day on the inter-island ferry to enjoy a multitude of ciders and meads. This festival benefits Orcas Island Children’s House. There will also be live music, local food, and the farmer’s market next door. Admission includes tastes and commemorative tasting glasses. This even is only available for adults 21 and older.
18th Annual National Historical Park Encampment
Dates: July 28th – 30th
Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Admission: Free
The three day weekend includes recreations of mid-19th century Royal Marine Light Infantry and U.S. Army camp life, demonstrations of music, blacksmithing, spinning and weaving, sewing, cooperage and carpentry, along with the pageantry of period uniforms in scarlet and blue. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to dress up for the Candlelight Ball on Saturday at 8:00pm!
August 2017
San Juan Summer Arts Festival
Dates: Every Friday in August (August 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th)
Time: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
“Over 25 art vendors, food from local farmers and chefs, local beer, wine, and spirits, and a stage with local and visiting musical talents! It’s a festival to celebrate this incredible community, to welcome visitors, and to enjoy the amazing talents of the creatives who live here! Fun for the whole family, please come out and support this incredible event!”
Annual Eastsound Fly-In & Antique Car Show
Dates: August 4th – 6th
Admission: Free
There will be a pancake breakfast both days at the Fire Hall from 7:00am to 11:00am.
The Orcas Fly-In hosts 100-150 aircrafts from around the country. There are warbirds, experimentals, old fashioned airplanes, local pilots and seaplanes, aircraft, plus flying demonstrations. Definitely not a show to be missed! Also enjoy the Orcas Road Classics car club’s annual car show hosted in conjunction with the Fly-In.
San Juan County Fair
Dates: August 16th – 19th
Time: 10am – 9pm
Admission: Tickets start at $5
The San Juan County Fair is where the islands come together celebrate the traditions and talents of their communities. The fair goes on for four days with plenty of fun for the whole family. Enjoy homemade pie, local art, farm animals, horse events, and even a carnival for the kids!
Another Team Party!
Date: August 16th, 21st, and 22nd
This time we’re celebrating Glenn and Susan! In the span of one week, we get to shower them with praise for both of their birthday’s plus their anniversary. Susan is feeling a little down this year because she is finally about to hit 30. She’s been 29 for the past 5 years and decided it was finally time to move on from the 20s. Although she is sad put her 20s in the past, she is excited for the next 25 years of being 30! The, after both of their birthdays, we will celebrate Glenn and Susan’s 19th anniversary. These crazy kids got married after knowing each other for 6 months and have been the best pair ever since. Similar to Nikki, Susan enjoys a few glasses of Prosecco during parties and Glenn goes for a Ranier!
Concours d’Elegance of the San Juan Islands
Date: August 27th
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Admission: Entry fee starts at $15; donations encouraged for viewing
The 11th annual Concours d’Elegance will be held at the San Juan Vineyards. There will be a multitude of classes showcasing the best of the best! Classes will include: German, American, Other Countries, Custom/Modified/Hot Rod, and Motorcycles. Classes are open entry with all vehicles eligible for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in Class, Best in Show, and People’s Choice awards.
September 2017
Bike-n-Brew
Date: September 23rd
Time: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Admissions: $60 for the race, $25 for the brew
Two questions. Do you like to bike? Do you like beer? If the answer to both is yes then I have the PERFECT event for you! The San Juan Island Lions Foundation is putting on a “Bike-n-Brew” this summer. The event takes place on September 23, 2017 and tickets go on sale February 1, 2017. All of the proceeds from the event help fund the local club’s projects. The race kicks off at the fairgrounds, travels all around the Island and then, of course, celebrates the day with an after party at Brickworks featuring local brews.
TEDxSanJuanIsland
Date: September 23rd
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $45 – $55
“TEDxSanJuanIsland strives to create a community where conversations about diverse ideas inspire others to make a difference. We work hard to find speakers who can open participants to a broad spectrum of topics and thoughts. Our goal is for all participants to leave the conference empowered to effect positive change in our community.
Held at the San Juan Community Theatre, the event will feature multiple live speakers and TED Talk videos. Audience members and speakers will enjoy the opportunity to network and exchange ideas during conversation breaks and a fully catered lunch session.”
Every Weekend
Music in the Park
Dates: Every Friday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm and Sunday from 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Admission: Free
“Music in the Park” is hosted by the Port of Friday Harbor and is fun for all ages! Bring a picnic, relax and listen to local and regional music as you gaze out at the harbor, watching ferries, boats and seaplanes come and go. See the schedule here.
Farmer’s Market
You’d think that being a local, I’d get tired of the Farmer’s Market each week, but I really don’t! There is just something about the community coming together each week that is truly heartwarming to me. “The San Juan Island Farmers Market is your source on Saturdays for beautiful and bountiful island produce, fine crafts, and delicious prepared foods.” Fruits, flowers, herbs, goat cheese, eggs, tomatoes, jams and jellies, baked goods, sushi, sausages, sustainably harvested tuna, shellfish, grass-fed meats, mushrooms. You name it, we’ve got it!
Live Music at Rumor Mill
After an evening dining at out Coho Restaurant, stop by Rumor Mill for cocktails and live music! They always have a variety of different artists each week. Sip some wine while enjoying a jazz quintet one night and put on you dancing shoes the next night with some classic rock. There is even the occasional open mic night during the week! See their full schedule on their Facebook page.
Is Your Dance Card Full Yet?
There is always something to do and see on San Juan Island. Between these events, whale watching, kayaking, and Island exploration, you are bound to be entertained during your entire vacation. Stay with us at the Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites and we’ll make sure you have a memorable summer experience!
