Events in Anacortes today

The third edition of this ultra-distance loop begins and ends in Bellingham and covers roughly 546 miles through the Pacific Northwest. Riders cross the Cascades twice on the Snoqualmie side, then add a late tour of Whidbey Island before closing the circuit. It is designed for nature-focused cyclists who want a mostly rideable, self-supported challenge on a mix of forest roads, rail trails, and quiet connectors without hike a bike. The route follows an official GPS track and blends approximately three quarters pavement with a quarter gravel, dirt, and other mixed surfaces, using short unpaved links where they help. Expect rainforest passes, shifting valleys, Snoqualmie area trails and tunnels, and salty coastal miles along Whidbey. The event follows a strict self-supported style with no outside assistance, no private caches, and no support crews, with commercial resupply only. Treat it as a single stage from start to finish, since the clock never pauses. Pack in and pack out, and respect rural communities and trail corridors. Live tracking is required. The primary option is the Ride Yr Bike app, and Garmin inReach or SPOT devices are also acceptable. Tracking supports safety, route verification, and a public map for friends and dot watchers. This is suited to riders seeking a longer, wilder Washington loop than a compact valley ride without committing to a multi-state line haul. Anticipate significant effort and true mountain weather, and select gear for mixed surfaces. The manual suggests tires around 35 millimeters with a relatively smooth tread rather than a paper thin road racing setup. Entry is 65 USD and includes setup for the Ride Yr Bike tracker and a roster listing.

The 32nd annual fall sale brings together a bustling lineup of vendors, great food, and live music. A car show is also part of the festivities. Browse for bargains and enjoy the lively atmosphere throughout the event.

A celebration of 19 years of Apple Yarns and the start of knitting season features cozy inspiration, surprises, and community. The spotlight is on Mecha by Malabrigo, well suited to quick fall projects, and the event includes a free First Fall Hat pattern. Attendees can look forward to an exclusive anniversary color, a hidden Apple treasure hunt on the website, the kickoff of a Fall Sweater Challenge, and giveaways with prizes throughout the event. A complimentary YarnFall sticker is also available. Whether you have been connected to Apple Yarns for years or are just discovering it, this gathering offers plenty of ideas for your next project.

Glow Bowling is on offer. Book a lane in advance to secure your spot.

Aegis Games hosts a local Gundam tournament where fans can test their skills, try new builds, and enjoy spirited matches in a friendly setting. The entry fee is $6. Prizes include store credit that scales with turnout, plus official promo items while supplies last. The event welcomes newcomers and seasoned competitors alike, offering a relaxed place to play and connect with other Gundam enthusiasts.

The Shakedown hosts a night of rock, blues, and indie folk with Cristina Vane and Kendl Winter. Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 on the day of the show. Cristina Vane brings a far-reaching musical perspective shaped by extensive travel and a multicultural upbringing. Now based in Nashville, she was born in Italy near the Alps and grew up between Italy, England, and France, with American and Guatemalan roots informing a sound that fuses her rock background with early blues, traditional banjo, country, and bluegrass. A multi-instrumentalist known for fingerstyle and slide guitar alongside clawhammer banjo, she sharpened her skills busking on the Venice Beach Boardwalk and working at McCabe’s guitar shop. Her third studio album, Hear My Call, reflects that journey. She has toured widely and shared stages with artists such as Wynonna Judd, Molly Tuttle, Bob Weir, Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Nikki Lane, Town Mountain, Duane Betts, Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Arlo McKinley, and Willi Carlisle. Her work has been highlighted by Rolling Stone Country and NPR, she appeared in a Bank of America spot tied to Ken Burns’ Country Music documentary, she was a guest for Billy Strings’ String the Halls 3, performed on Travis Book’s Happy Hour, and has played festivals including Portland Blues Festival, Under the Big Sky, Four Corners Folk Festival, and Roosterwalk.

Hosted by the Fidalgo Club, the Ball Buster Classic brings golfers to Swinomish Links for a Greenskeeper's Revenge scramble. Entry is $125 per player or $500 per team, with discounts available to Fidalgo Club members. The day features raffle prizes, tee prizes, and on-course games. The event benefits the Anacortes High School boys and girls golf programs.

Hosted by Sons of Norway Abel Lodge in Conway, WA, this first annual 5K run and walk blends a celebration of Norwegian culture with a fundraiser to help preserve and modernize the lodge’s 94-year-old building. Participants can run or walk the course as Vikings cheer along the route, then enjoy Scandinavian snacks and refreshments afterward. Parking is available near the Port Authority Offices, and the route sets out from the nearby trail system. During registration, there is an option to add the official Uff Da 5K shirt, and extras may be available to purchase on the day of the event.

Now in its 12th year, this show spotlights a wide array of cars and is held alongside the 32nd Annual Fall Garage Sale, Antiques & More at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. The event also features live music and food.

A small yet lively market brings together homesteaders, local makers, and mamas who love creating and having fun. Explore handmade goods and found treasures shared with community members and friends. Laughter, groan-worthy dad jokes, and plenty of heart set the tone for a cheerful shopping experience.

Joe and Kelly make a return appearance at the Anacortes Farmers Market. The market offers vendors, food, and music.

Prepare for the Annual Skagit County Clothing Swap by dropping off gently used apparel ahead of the main event. This special donation day collects clean adult and children's clothing in good condition, limited to two large bags per person. Please do not bring underwear or socks. Only donations will be accepted on this day, there is no swapping. Donations can also be made at the swap itself, and shopping the swap does not require a prior donation. Everyone is welcome to take items at the swap. Donations are received in the recycling area of the Skagit County Transfer Station.

Enjoy creative time at The Book Rack with a friendly crafting circle. Those learning a yarn craft and looking for help, anyone seeking a fun group to create with, or folks who just want a change of scenery will find a welcoming place to work on projects. Purchase a drink or pastry from the cafe, then head to the game room to settle in with a portable craft. All ages and genders are invited, and any portable craft is welcome. Outside food and beverages are not allowed at this location. The group meets whenever the shop is open.

Local poets present original work in the galleries as a sendoff for the exhibition "Ross Palmer Beecher: Speaking in the Vernacular." The open mic centers on the theme of memorializing and is emceed by painter and poet Duane Kirby Jensen, host of Everett Poetry Night. The format encourages time with the artworks and the creation of ekphrastic poems sparked by the pieces on display.

This fundraiser for Clothes Closet features a shared meal and a silent auction with items provided by local businesses. Participants can contribute by enjoying the meal, placing bids, and giving generously. Appreciation is extended for the ongoing support offered through the years.

Family Promise of Skagit Valley hosts The Next Chapter, a fall auction at Swinomish Casino & Lodge. The evening features dinner, auctions, and uplifting stories that highlight the community's work to help local families find stable housing. With a focus on building homes and changing lives, the event supports efforts to ensure every child can rest safely and families can turn the page to a brighter future.

Dance outdoors with an ocean view as the sun sets over Bellingham Bay at Zuanich Point Park. A varied playlist is broadcast by radio to provided headphones, and gear is available on a first come, first served basis. The gathering welcomes people of all ages and abilities, across genders, sexual identities, body types, and backgrounds. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and come dressed for the weather. Free parking is available in the lot next to the park, and public restrooms are on site. Plan to meet by the statue. The event emphasizes personal choice in how to move, authentic self-expression, letting go of judgment, and the joy of moving together. There is no need to perform, simply be present, enjoy the music and the sunset, and move in whatever way feels right. Donations are appreciated and can be made digitally, by card, or with cash or check at the event.

This event at Sedro Woolley Eagles #2069 features a variety of line dances for all. All ages are welcome. The cover charge is $10.

Cytrus delivers a lush take on psychedelic rock shaped by classic 60s and 70s influences, blending groove-centered rhythms, sweeping guitar work, funk-tinged riffs, and exhilarating vocals. Their latest album, “Duality,” explores themes of good and evil, mortality and immortality, and the passage of time, drawing listeners into an immersive sonic landscape. Recorded with a mix of period-inspired techniques and equipment alongside modern instruments, the sound honors vintage roots while staying true to a distinct, contemporary identity.

Italian acoustic guitar virtuoso Luca Stricagnoli brings his acclaimed High Voltage Tour to the Walton Theatre in Bellingham as part of a global run visiting more than fifty cities across fourteen countries. This performance spotlights a musician redefining the possibilities of the acoustic guitar in real time, offering an evening that can reshape how the instrument is perceived. The event is tailored for fans of masterful guitar work and live music, with the High Voltage Tour presented live and in person.

Registration is open for the next edition of the Fueling Education Fun Run. Participate in person, or choose the Virtual Race to stay part of the experience. Trophies, medals, ice cream, prizes, and more add to the celebratory vibe.

Golfers gather at Avalon Golf Links for the sixth annual La Conner Volunteer Firefighters Charity Golf Tournament. The round follows a scramble format with a shotgun start and features closest to the pin and long drive contests along with door prizes. Optional individual skills games are available for an additional fee. Team entry is $600, with lunch and drinks included. All proceeds benefit the La Conner Volunteer Fire Department, supporting training and education, new equipment, maintenance of existing gear, and community outreach for La Conner and the surrounding area. To register a team, contact Chris McKnight at 360-840-5112 or laconnerfiredept@gmail.com. Marathon is the lead sponsor.

Scottish Fish deliver a vibrant concert that pairs Scottish and Cape Breton traditions with inventive modern flair. This Boston-bred quintet, touring since their early years, is known for youthful drive, imaginative arranging, and refined musicianship that can sound like a single voice one moment and a full tapestry of harmony the next. Reviewers have praised their blend of deep roots and striking originality, describing them as among the most energetic and creative groups in today’s Celtic scene. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $30 for Celtic Arts Foundation members. All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.

Author Kenneth Burr shares the heart of Taillights on the Road to Healing, a candid memoir that traces a path through love, loss, trauma, and renewal. After abuse in his youth, he wrestles with identity, falls in love during a season of grief, builds a family, and discovers the sustaining power of faith through his ministry. Cars and travels become milestones in this journey, from rare 1950s automobiles, sports cars, and modified classic trucks and vans to family road trips across the United States and Europe, with every mile offering a new way to see the world and himself. The story speaks to anyone worn down by rigid either-or views around faith and sexuality, offering encouragement to start again with hope. Burr is also the author of Coming Out, Coming Home, Making Room for Gay Spirituality in Therapy, a work recommended for therapists and ministers seeking to better include the LGBTQ+ community. His background includes a BS in Biology from Seattle Pacific College, an MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, post-masters MFT certification through Presbyterian Counseling Services, and service as past president of the Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

A free, DJ-powered community gathering returns for Summer 2026 as part of a five-evening series across two parks. This stop unfolds at Boulevard Park beside Bellingham Bay, where sunset over the water, a lively boardwalk, and soft grass create an easy setting for music from DJ Tru-ah that gets people moving, whether they consider themselves dancers or not. The spirit centers on neighbors sharing public space with good music and good vibes. Blankets or chairs, snacks and drinks, and extra layers suit the waterfront setting. Friends, family, kids, neighbors, and even that coworker who needs a night out will feel at home, and flow toys like hoops, poi, or fans add to the motion if you have them. Framed as an end of summer sunset session, it offers a warm farewell to the season by the bay.

A welcoming meetup for local women focused on making connections, conversation, and a bit of fun. Attendees are encouraged to introduce themselves, talk about what they are working on, and let others know the types of support that would be useful. The atmosphere centers on encouragement, relationship building, and networking among peers.

Settle in for crafty time at Wicked Teuton Brewing Company. Whether you are learning a yarn craft and have questions, looking for a friendly crafting circle, or simply need an outing, this gathering offers a relaxed place to work on portable projects. Bring your dinner if it fits your schedule, pick up a beverage at the bar, and head to the reserved table. All ages, genders, and portable crafts are welcome. Outside drinks are not permitted at this location. The group meets whenever Wicked Teuton is open.

Begin your fiddle journey with a four-week beginner course led by fiddler Cayley Schmid. Tuition covers all four classes and is $90, or $80 for CAF Members. The series is open to adults and teens, and to kids with a chaperone, and is best suited for ages 9 and up. Please bring your own fiddle or violin and bow. The first class focuses on checking instruments and making sure everyone has what they need, followed by time to pick up any additional items such as shoulder rests, rosin, or new strings. The second class explores technique and playing in more depth. For questions, contact Cayley@CelticArts.org.

Test your trivia chops with an evening led by Justin Smith. Teams can range from one to six players, with a $2 entry fee per person. Prizes await the top three teams, and there is also a prize for the group with the standout team name. Presented every Monday by Fountain Brewing at Zeeks Pizza.

Connect with local women at Calico Cupboard Mt. Vernon for a welcoming gathering centered on networking, conversation, and building friendships. Participants are encouraged to introduce themselves, talk about what they are working on, and share how the group can best support them. The atmosphere is supportive and participatory, making it easy to forge meaningful connections.

Morning Buzz is a meet-up where young professionals connect over coffee and purposeful conversation. Each session includes time to network, share updates, and explore a thoughtful question focused on professional and personal growth. It offers a straightforward way to build relationships and gain fresh perspectives. Individuals interested in Whatcom Young Professionals may attend as guests for up to three visits. This gathering takes place at ROAM Coffee, with additional Buzz options available on other days at Starbucks in Ferndale and at Makeworth Coffee in Bellingham.

Created for babies and toddlers from birth to age 3 with an accompanying adult, this interactive storytime features short stories, songs, fingerplay activities, and gentle movement in a playful setting. Additional sessions are available so families can choose the option that best fits their schedules.

Spend Tuesday nights pitching horseshoes in a relaxed, friendly setting. Participation is free, and horseshoes are available to use.

The VOC Committee participates in the monthly Whatcom County Council meeting to engage in local governance. Attendees can observe how choices are made, see how policies touch their work, families, and neighborhoods, and pick up practical ways to speak up for priorities that matter. Council sessions address budgets, infrastructure, land use, and public services, so public input helps ensure the community is heard. Showing up consistently and taking part helps people shape policy, hold representatives to account, champion jobs, infrastructure, and community investment, and stay current on issues that affect their future. Whether new to civic involvement or already experienced, this setting offers room to learn, take part, and build confidence in advocacy alongside fellow members.

Put your knowledge to the test at a weekly trivia night hosted by the crepe-making team. Themes rotate from week to week, with prizes up for grabs each time.

Students can gather for a teen hangout at Tossin' Axes, located next to Whidbey Island Bagel Factory and near the Island transit bus stop. With a student ID, axe throwing is offered at half price for $14.50 per hour, and minors need a parent-signed waiver on file. Beyond the targets, there is billiards, pinball, and classic arcade gaming. Tokens are easy on the budget at four for a dollar, and snacks and beverages start around one to two dollars. Outside food orders are welcome, the music is lively, and there is a Pokestop with plenty of pokemon.

Groups of four or more can enjoy unlimited bowling for $6.50 per person. Shoe rental is an additional charge, and each lane requires at least four bowlers.

Bingo Night at Knights Club welcomes participants to arrive before the first game begins, then settle in for number calling once play is underway.

The BSO Book Club meets at Village Books in Fairhaven for a discussion of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

A co-ed Best Ball Social Scramble for ages 13 and up brings golfers together for a friendly round with teams formed by drawing names from a hat, so friends might end up together or on different squads. A horn signals the start, and the evening wraps with announcements of KP and team winners, plus recognition for any hole in one. There is a $9 cash-only buy-in for the side pots, split as $1 for the hole in one, $3 for the KP, and $5 for the team winners. Green fees are reduced to $13 for this scramble and do not require cash for payment. The Sandwich Bar offers fresh sandwiches, grilled paninis, and hot dogs, and attendees can relax with fellow golfers after play. Registration takes place in the Pro Shop, with no pre-registration or membership required.