The State of Washington has plenty for visitors to enjoy over 2024, from concerts and food festivals, to wonders of nature, every month visitors will discover something new and unique to the state.
Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend, Yakima Valley, February 16-19
Lovers of red wine and chocolate will be in heaven at Yakima Valley Red Wine and Chocolate Weekend, sample local reds accompanied by tastings of special treats at more than 40 wineries during Presidents Day Weekend.
Winthrop Balloon Roundup, Winthrop, March 1-3
More than a dozen hot-air balloons fill the sky over Winthrop each winter as part of the Winthrop Balloon Roundup, a three-day event which is now in its 27th year. Perfect for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who can also explore the area’s Nordic ski trails.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Mount Vernon, April 1-30
This iconic Washington State event brings visitors to the Skagit Valley each spring to view the acres of tulips and daffodils that blanket the valley in a patchwork of colour. The month-long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival includes more than just blooms and display gardens. Visitors can also enjoy art shows, a street fair, and concerts.
Spot Orcas from the San Juan Islands, May-September
Orcas can be sighted in the Puget Sound throughout the year, but visitors’ best chance for spotting one of the three Southern Resident pods is usually from May through September. San Juan Outfitters offers visitors wildlife tours where naturalists not only point out orcas, but also porpoises, humpback whales and bald eagles. A portion of each ticket goes into a fund for salmon and orca conservation. Tickets from £98
Skagit Valley Highland Games, Mount Vernon, July 13-14
Scots will discover a home away from home in Washington during July, don’t forget to pack kilts and bagpipes for this traditional Scottish event held halfway across the globe. Enjoy bag piping and drumming competitions, fiddling, traditional Scottish athletics and Scottish Highland dancing.
Summertime stargazing in Olympic National Park, June-August
On clear nights during the summer, visitors can join a Master Observer at Hurricane Ridge for an evening of astronomy and stargazing. With 95% of the park designated as wilderness and an absence of human-caused light, Olympic National Park is the perfect place to experience the wonders of the night sky.
Washington State International Kite Festival, Long Beach, August 21-27
Visitors will enjoy world-class kite flying and competitions on the Long Beach Peninsula as flyers from around the world convene to awe spectators with choreographed movements and kite battles as part of the seven day International Kite Festival. Attendees will also be able to learn some kite tricks themselves, design their own kites, with awards for almost every category.
Departure Fest NW, Quilcene, September 22-24
This three-day music festival is held at the breath-taking Lake Leland Amphitheatre on the Olympic Peninsula. Departure Fest NW Attendees can enjoy camping, live music, craft vendors and phenomenal food. The event takes a community-oriented approach to traditional music festivals by infusing Native storytelling with world-class music, local artisans, and local businesses.
Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, Port Angeles, October
The annual Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival celebrates the region’s seafood and maritime and cultural traditions. In addition to seafood, visitors can catch live music on two stages, browse more than 75 craft, merchant, and food booths, take part in a 5K, and watch a U.S. Coast Guard demonstration.
Village of Lights, Leavenworth, December
This Bavarian village was practically made for Christmas, visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit and take in more than half a million lights and enjoy sleigh rides, roasted chestnuts, carollers, kids’ activities and Santa photos from December through February.
