This time of year, you can just about set your watch by the festivals and outdoor music. We've got a big one kicking off this weekend, and plenty of other chances to get out and enjoy the good weather.
The Anacortes Arts Festival Takes Over
The Anacortes Arts Festival begins this Friday, July 31st, and runs all weekend in Anacortes. It's free to wander through the over 220 booth artisans and fine art show. You can also catch the Art at the Depot | Fine Art Exhibition at the Depot Arts Center all weekend. On Saturday, August 1st, the Anacortes Farmers Market at the Depot Arts Center gets a jazz soundtrack with Manieri Jazz Endowment Performance ~ Hilltop Jazz starting at 10 AM. The festival continues through Sunday, August 2nd, with plenty of art and music to take in.
Island Life and Outdoor Tunes
Out on the islands, there's a lot happening too. On Friday, July 31st, the Lopez Uncovered Music Festival 2026 (LUMF 2026) starts at the Lopez Community Center and it's free. Also, the Orcas Artist Studio Tour has an art opening at the Orcas Center at 5:30 PM, with art displayed until August 25th. If you're looking for theater, James and the Giant Peach, Jr. is playing at the Orcas Center for $10. For even more music, Keith Howard plays in Downtown Oak Harbor at 5:30 PM, and First Friday Art Walks are happening at 6 PM.
Saturday, August 1st, the First Saturday Art Walk is on Lopez Island at 4:30 PM, featuring local artists. Later, Wheelie Fargo plays at San Juan Vineyard. If you're near Friday Harbor, the One More Time Band will be playing hot modern jazz at Waterfront Park at 2 PM as part of the Port of Friday Harbor's Summer Music Concert Series.
Sunday, August 2nd, has more music with Reposado and Nick Drummond at Village Green at 5 PM. Over at the Orcas Center, you can catch SCS: Reposado and Nick Drummond (Aug 2) at 5 PM. And for a solo acoustic guitar performance, Alec Stone Sweet plays at the Celtic Arts Foundation.
Midweek Melodies and Fairs on the Horizon
Wednesday, July 29th, kicks off with the Summer Concert Series – The Troy Fair Band at Seafarers Memorial Park for free at 6 PM. Over at the San Juan Historical Museum, there's Music on the Lawn at 6:30 PM. Thursday, July 30th, the Alchemy Art Center hosts a Ceramics Community Art Night! at their Forest Campus at 6 PM, and Bluesfish plays a free concert at Skagit Riverwalk at 6 PM.
Looking ahead, the Skagit County Fair starts on Thursday, August 6th, at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, promising live local entertainment. And the San Juan County Fair will be kicking off on Friday, August 7th, at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. That same day, Summer Sips is happening at the Mount Vernon Downtown Association at 5 PM, and the Erik Christensen Band plays for free in Downtown Oak Harbor at 5:30 PM.
For full Skagit / Island / SJI listings, check out full Skagit / Island / SJI listings.