About the Area
Yearly Calendar
Spring
March:
- St. Patrick's Day
We honor our pioneering forefathers every March when the Irish paint Oak Harbor green! We have a parade and other fun events.
April:
- Meerkerk Garden Magical Festival of Flowers
Enjoy peak blooming season and celebrate spring in the gardens. Children of all ages love this tradition of making forest fairies from woodland materials. - Holland Happening
Whidbey Island received a large influx of Dutch settlers around the turn of the century and still retains much of its Dutch character. For three days every April, descendents fill the town with tulips, and we celebrate things Dutch with displays, activities, food and entertainment.
May
- Freeland Harborside Parade
A real old-time parade with local car clubs, marching bands and horses; the townsfolk come in beach attire. - The Penn Cove Water Festival
This indigenous festival on the Coupeville waterfront has an exciting range of tribal events, from canoe races to arts and crafts displays. Storytelling, dance performances, special Indian foods, and fun children's activities round out the day. - South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market
This local cooperative supplies organic produce, nursery items, crafts, and hot food/deli for takeout in an outdoor setting on Thompson Rd. and Highway #525. Visitors can picnic on the grass and listen to live music. Saturdays from 10am - 2pm, May through October.
Summer
June
- Meerkerk Gardens Annual Picnic & Plant Auction
Locals bring a plant to auction and a dish to share to this annual charity picnic, which runs at the gardens. - South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market
This local cooperative supplies organic produce, nursery items, crafts, and hot food/deli for takeout in an outdoor setting on Thompson Rd. and Highway #525. Visitors can picnic on the grass and listen to live music. Saturdays from 10am - 2pm, May through October, and Wednesdays mid-summer through the end of September from 4pm - 6pm.
July
- Independence Day: Oak Harbor Old Fashioned 4th of July
This community festival near the windmill in Windjammer Park is a lot of fun, with a beach-side carnival, flag-lined streets, an exciting a fly-over of Navy aircraft to kick-off the grand parade, and a fireworks display at dusk. - Whidbey Island Race Week
This famous regatta offers five days of the Northwest's most competitive racing, as well as great parties, beach volley ball, golf and a fantastic Reggae night. - South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market
This local cooperative supplies organic produce, nursery items, crafts, and hot food/deli for takeout in an outdoor setting on Thompson Rd. and Highway #525. Visitors can picnic on the grass and listen to live music. Saturdays from 10am - 2pm, May through October, and Wednesdays mid-summer through the end of September from 4pm - 6pm.
August
- Whidbey Island Triathlon
- The Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival
One of Washington's oldest, continuously run festivals, this event is widely recognised for the high quality of its arts and crafts, all handmade by artisans from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. - Island County Country Fair
Livestock, horticulture and flowers are on display, alongside handiwork, baking and fiber arts in this traditional community fair. - South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market
This local cooperative supplies organic produce, nursery items, crafts, and hot food/deli for takeout in an outdoor setting on Thompson Rd. and Highway #525. Visitors can picnic on the grass and listen to live music. Saturdays from 10am - 2pm, May through October, and Wednesdays mid-summer through the end of September from 4pm - 6pm.
Fall
September
- Oyster Run
The largest motorcycle run in the Pacific Northwest. - Plein Air Painters' U.S. Open
An annual arts event including an open competition with awards, a gala exhibition, silent auction, and a public exhibition and sale, for the benefit of the Coupeville Arts Center. - Military Appreciation Picnic
Oak Harbor locals show their support for the nearby Naval Base in this annual picnic in Windjammer Park on the waterfront. - Island Way Classic Mustang Club Car Show
Local enthusiasts meet once a month in Oak Harbor, and the highlight of their year is this annual show downtown. - Driftwood Days
A fun family sculpture making day in Windjammer Park. - Whidbey Island Kite Festival
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, the kite festival just south of Coupeville features impressive ground and air displays of color and imagination. Activities include kite-making for kids and sport-kite lessons and demonstrations. The Whidbey Island Sport Kite Championships (a premiere event) are also held. - Tour de Whidbey
Cycle through some of Whidbey's most lovely scenery and help raise funds for the General Hospital. Local eateries offer a pancake breakfast and post-ride chili feed for participants. - Whidbey Island Open Studio Tour
An annual event when many local artists open their studios for visitors. - South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market
This local cooperative supplies organic produce, nursery items, crafts, and hot food/deli for takeout in an outdoor setting on Thompson Rd. and Highway #525. Visitors can picnic on the grass and listen to live music. Saturdays from 10am - 2pm, May through October, and Wednesdays mid-summer through the end of September from 4pm - 6pm.
October
- Whidbey Island Farm Tour
Tour working farms on Whidbey during their annual event. Also available on the website is a free self-guided tour. - Halloween: No Tricks, Safe Treats
Oak Harbor offers children and their families a magical and safe Halloween in the old downtown. - South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market
This local cooperative supplies organic produce, nursery items, crafts, and hot food/deli for takeout in an outdoor setting on Thompson Rd. and Highway #525. Visitors can picnic on the grass and listen to live music. Saturdays from 10am - 2pm, May through October.
November
- Whidbey Dragon Boat Club Salmon Derby
One-day fishing event at Oak Harbor Marina. Cash and merchandise prizes. Charity event with proceeds that go to promote cancer awareness. - Community Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner
Sponsored by the Oak Harbor Elks Lodge, everyone is welcome at this annual dinner.
Winter
December
- Oak Harbor Festival of Trees Gala
This entertaining black-tie event featuring uniquely decorated trees and wreaths benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County. - Oak Harbor Yacht Club Holiday Boat Parade
- Oak Harbor Holiday Shoppers Stroll & Tree Lighting
Santa arrives in his pirate ship in time to light the 35 foot downtown holiday tree; also includes caroling and other holiday festivities.
