This week is packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy the long days, with free music almost every night and plenty of art to take in. The upcoming weekend brings outdoor markets, more live music, and the beginning of a major arts festival.
Midweek Offerings
Wednesday, July 22, has a few free music options. In Anacortes, The Davanos are playing classic rock, blues, and country western at Seafarers Memorial Park. Over on San Juan Island, you can catch Ranger and the Re-Arrangers at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), or simply enjoy Music on the Lawn at the San Juan Historical Museum. For art lovers, The San Juan Islands Museum of Art is hosting a free talk, "The Art of the Line: An Etching Talk with Meg Partridge & Howie Rosenfeld."
Thursday, July 23, brings the Riverwalk Summer Concert Series to Skagit Riverwalk, offering free live music. If you're on San Juan Island, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art has its summer exhibitions open for a $10 entry.
The Weekend is Here
Friday, July 24, starts with the free Salish Sea Artisan Market, showcasing local artists and makers. Music-wise, Ribbons & Bows play in Downtown Oak Harbor and Cherry Cherry performs at Seafarers Memorial Park, both free. For theater, Orcas Center presents Casey Skinner's: You Can't Hide for $10, and Anacortes Community Theatre has a performance of 'Damn Yankees'. You can also catch Theatre Under the Stars: The Drawer Boy by Island Stage Left for free.
Saturday, July 25, is a busy day. In Anacortes, Marcia Kester plays the Anacortes Farmers Market, and the Art at the Depot | Fine Art Exhibition has its public opening as part of the Anacortes Arts Festival, featuring over 80 regional artists. For music, Culann's Dog plays traditional Irish music at Waterfront Park in Friday Harbor, and Nonstop to Nashville performs at the SWIFT Center in Sedro-Woolley. Clinton Fearon & The Boogie Brown Band are at the Guemes Island General Store. If you're looking for something for the kids, the free Youth Arts Festival at Hillcrest Park has entertainment and hands-on crafts.
Sunday, July 26, offers HOPE FEST 2026 – Helping Our People Evolve, a free social event. In the evening, the Charlie Porter Quintet performs for free at the Village Green.
Looking Ahead
Next week, art camps kick off with Art & Science Camp 2026 at Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Alchemy Art Center: Summer: Kids Art Camps!. The Anacortes Arts Festival begins in earnest on Friday, July 31, with over 220 booth artisans and a regional fine art show. Music continues with The Troy Fair Band at Seafarers Memorial Park on Wednesday, July 29, and Bluesfish at Skagit Riverwalk on Thursday, July 30. Also on Thursday, the Alchemy Art Center hosts a Ceramics Community Art Night!.
Friday, July 31, also sees the start of the Lopez Uncovered Music Festival 2026 (LUMF 2026) at Lopez Community Center which is free. Keith Howard plays Downtown Oak Harbor, also for free. For theater, young performers present James and the Giant Peach, Jr. at Orcas Center for $10.
For full Skagit / Island / SJI listings, check out [driftvelo.city/skagit-island-sji].