Top Picks

AUGUST

SKAGIT COUNTY FAIR

August 10–13 Entertainment is endless at the Skagit County Fair with three live show stages, carnival rides and food, Mutton-bustin’, a kids’ pedal tractor pull, archery demonstrations, and a wide range of exhibits, contests, and races. There will also be animals both big and small, including horses, goats, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, rabbits, birds of prey, and even dinosaurs! Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., Mount Vernon, 360.416.1350, skagitcounty.net

SUBDUED STRINGBAND JAMBOREE

August 11–13 Sing and stomp to funky folk music at the Subdued Stringband Jamboree. Come for a day or camp for the weekend with this local music community festival. Bicyclists can camp for free, and there’s no fee at all for kids under 14! Children can enjoy the music with their parents or head over to Kidsville for arts, crafts and activities. Deming Log Show Fairgrounds, 3295 Cedarville Rd., Bellingham, stringbandjamboree.com

ANACORTES ARTS FESTIVAL

August 5–7 For 60 years, this vibrant festival has connected artists and enriched the community with creative spirit. The Anacortes Arts Festival will feature hundreds of artisan booths, working studios for artists to demonstrate their crafts, fine art exhibitions, and a discovery area for kids. Visit the beer and wine gardens or food trucks to stay refreshed and jam out to live music. Downtown Anacortes, Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.293.6211, anacortesartsfestival.com

BIRCH BAY PIRATE DAZE

August 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Throw on an eye-patch and walk your peg-leg over to the Birch Bay Pirate Daze, where kids will battle for prizes in a costume contest to look like the most scoundrel pirate they can be. The little pirates will hunt for buried treasure, play games, and enjoy the music of the day with their best mates. Blaine Marine Park Playground, 272 Marine Dr., Blaine, blainebythesea.com

DRAYTON HARBOR MARITIME FESTIVAL

August 6–7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Come spot dazzling mermaids and rugged pirates at the Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival! Hoist your flag and sail over to this weekend of family fun where you’ll find vintage steam boats, a pirate parade and costume contest, a market and craft fair, scavenger hunt, and enough food to sink a ship. Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Dr., Blaine, 800.624.3555, blainechamber.com/ events

NORTHWEST WASHINGTON FAIR

August 11–20 The Northwest Washington Fair has such an abundance of fun activities you won’t even know where to start. There’s the carnival for rides and games, prize-winning and baby animals, delicious fair food, and all kinds of family entertainment from rodeo and derby to daredevils and lumberjacks to circus acts and musical performances. Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center, 1775 Front St., Lynden, 360.354.4111, nwwafair.com

WINES OF WHATCOM 2022

August 13, 4–6 p.m. Test out your sommelier skills at the third annual Wines of Whatcom. Local wineries will be showcased along with a silent auction and live music from Matt and Rebecca Ridenour. Whether you go for the VIP upgrade or not, all tickets include unlimited tastings which can be enjoyed alongside hors d’oeuvres and other food. Proceeds support Wild Bird Charity. Bellewood Farms and Distillery, 6140 Guide Meridian Rd., 360.318.7720, bellewoodfarms.com

SAN JUAN COUNTY FAIR

August 17–20 The San Juan County Fair has been providing agricultural education and entertainment to the community for more than a century! Come for a day or camp for a few and check out the vast variety of performers, vendors, art, produce, and livestock showcases and competitions like the Trash to Treasure creative event or the Zucchini 500 race. San Juan County Fairgrounds, 849 Argyle Ave., Friday Harbor, 360.378.4310, sjcfair.org