We islanders have our unique ways of celebrating holidays—and creating some of our own. Every month seems to bring at least one parade or festival that calls us into the streets, waters, and parks to cheer, march, or strut. Read the observations of one island philosopher and one “Conductor of Fun” on the relationship of celebration to community…and relive some of Whidbey’s best events through photographs that capture the spirit of islanders who know how to throw a better party.
For more about celebrations on Whidbey, pick up a copy of the 2018 Spring/Summer print issue, available at retail locations on the island.
South Whidbey
- Polar Bear Plunge, January 1
- Sea Float Scramble, first Saturday in January
- Whidbey Winter Gathering, late January
- Mystery Weekend, last weekend of February
- Bunny Daze, March 26-31
- Earth + Ocean Month, April
- Welcome the Whales, Orca Network, April 14
- 5/10K PAWS By the Sea, Memorial Day, May 28
- Celebrate America Patriotic Presentation and Fireworks Show, Freeland Park, July 3
- Queer Pride Parade, June 16
- Maxwelton 4th of July Parade
- Whidbey Island Fair, July 19-22
- Whidbey Island Fair Parade, July 21
- Island Shakespeare Festival, July 14-Sept. 3
- Soup Box Derby, August 26
- Mr. South Whidbey Pageant, early October
- Mutt Strutt Parade, Goosefoot, October 20, Bayview Corners
- Black Cat Ball, October 27
- Spooktacular, October 31, Langley
- Holly Jolly Holiday Parade, early December
Coupeville/Central Whidbey
- Penn Cove Musselfest, first weekend in March, Coupeville
- Penn Cove Water Festival, May 12, Coupeville
- Coupeville Memorial Day Parade, Concert, Town Picnic, May 26
- Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival, August 11/12, Coupeville
- Whidbey Island Kite Festival, September 15/16, Camp Casey Conference Center
- Whidbey Island Cider Festival, September 29, Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship
- Haunting of Coupeville, October 1-31
- Jingle Trail Run + Walk, December 1
- Christmas Parade and tree lighting, December 1
Oak Harbor
- Resolution 5K run and Polar Bear Plunge, Windjammer Park, Oak Harbor
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pioneer Way, March 17
- Third Annual Comicon, April Spring Break
- Holland Happening, downtown Oak Harbor, April 26-29
- Oak Harbor’s Old Fashioned 4th of July
- Whidbey Island Race Week, July 19-22
- Oak Harbor Music Festival, August 30-Sept. 2
- Monster Mash, Midway St. October 27
- No Tricks, Safe Treats, Pioneer Way, October 31
- Community Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner, Elks Lodge, November 22, 360-240-0175
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Windjammer Park, December 31
All photos on this page were taken by David Welton.
