The shift in seasons is definitely in the air, and this week brings a mix of indoor and outdoor happenings across the islands and Skagit. From music to art and plenty of chances to grab some local produce, there's a fair bit to keep you busy.
Midweek Merriment
Starting off, Ecstatic Dance is back at the Lopez Community Center on Wednesday morning, if you're looking to move. Later that day, in Friday Harbor, glass artist Raven Skyriver will be giving an Artist Talk at The San Juan Islands Museum of Art. Down in Anacortes, The Placebos will be playing at Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery if you're in the mood for some live music. Thursday, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art has its Summer Exhibitions open, featuring a few different shows for $10. Back on Lopez, there's a unique event focusing on The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog at the Lopez Community Center.
Weekend Wonders
Friday kicks off with a theatrical performance of The Shawshank Redemption at Whidbey Playhouse Inc. Music lovers can head to the San Juan Community Theatre for the Archipelago Collective Chamber Music Festival. Saturday is a big day for farmers markets: you'll find them at Riverwalk Plaza for Salmon Day at the Mount Vernon Farmers Market, the Brickworks Event Center for the San Juan Island Farmers Market, the Eastsound Village Green Park for the Orcas Island Farmers Market, and the Lopez Island Farmers' Market. All are free and good spots to find local goods. For art, the Anacortes Artist's Studio Tour is a free chance to visit various open studios around Anacortes. Music-wise, To & From plays at the Anacortes Farmers Market, Salt Luck is at Zech Hall at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, and the Skagit Symphony offers a free performance at the SWIFT Center. The Archipelago Collective also has their Chamber Music II performance at the San Juan Community Theatre for $30. Sunday brings the Valley Made Market to Riverwalk Plaza, featuring handmade goods and live music. The San Juan Islands Museum of Art Summer Exhibitions are also open again. For a relaxed Sunday afternoon, Live Bluegrass, Country, Folk & Oysters can be found at the Orcas Hotel & Cafe.
Looking Ahead
Next week on Tuesday, DjangoFest Northwest kicks off at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, featuring a lineup of international and local gypsy jazz musicians. As the next weekend approaches, Friday is packed with options. You can explore the 32nd Annual Fall Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts, Car Show & More at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, or head to Jackson Beach for a free S'mores Beach Party. For music, The Dmitri Matheny Band presents "Louie, Louie, Louie" at the Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, and Tracy Grammer performs at the Lopez Community Center. Saturday is prime for fall festivities with the free Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival at Christianson's Nursery, which also promises live music. Farmers markets continue on San Juan and Orcas Islands, and Joe & Kelly will be playing at the Anacortes Farmers Market. In the evening, the San Juan Community Theatre hosts Songs & Stories with Roger McGuinn for $70. Sunday wraps up the fortnight with a free Summer Concert Series featuring the Saratoga Orchestra Brass and Percussion Ensemble at Penn Cove Gallery, and the Skagit Brass Quintet at McIntyre Hall Performing Arts & Conference Center.
For more details on these and other happenings, check out the full Skagit / Island / SJI listings.