This weekend in Whidbey Island, WA

Set in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, this race showcases sweeping coastal and prairie scenery. Runners begin on the south side of this seaport community and make their way through Ebey’s Prairie and Crockett Prairie inside Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, taking in expansive ocean and farmland vistas. The route spans pastoral landscapes in the Reserve and the waterways of Puget Sound, Admiralty Inlet, and the Straits of Juan de Fuca, with sightlines that can stretch to Mount Baker, the North Cascades, the Olympic Mountains and Peninsula, Mount Rainier, and the San Juan Islands. Along Admiralty Inlet, participants might even spot the ferries traveling between Coupeville and Port Townsend. A mix of seaside bluffs, forested sections, dirt and paved paths, and open prairies creates a distinctive, competitive running experience in the first of only three historical reserves in the country. The event supports graduation week activities and a safe and sober graduation night for the 2027 seniors from Coupeville High School. This race is USATF sanctioned.

Learn practical ways to lower the risk of diabetes in a free, two-hour class at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center. It is intended for individuals with fasting blood glucose between 100 and 125 or an A1C between 5.7 and 6.4, a range in which about one third of people develop diabetes within three years. The session covers everyday strategies such as healthy eating, the basics of carbohydrate counting, becoming more active, and setting SMART goals for prevention. There is no fee to attend, but space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, call (360) 678-7656 ext. 4210.

In scenic downtown Coupeville, this celebration of art and handcrafts has thrived for over 60 years, bringing together more than 150 artisan vendors sharing their creations. Visitors can enjoy activities for kids, a unique food court, and the chance to browse and dine in Coupeville shops and restaurants.

Stop by for free admission to explore the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum. It’s a great chance to check out the museum’s exhibits at your own pace.

Bayview Farmers Market is a weekly Saturday stop for fresh local finds, lively live music, and handmade treasures. The market runs through the season at Bayview Corner, and on August 8 you can enjoy browsing the stalls and picking up your favorites, including Lumpia. It’s a welcoming community event for both regulars and first-time visitors.

Join the Toy Boat Workshop at Camano Island State Park to build your own wooden toy boat. The session includes a guided “shipyard” station so you can learn the process and take your finished boat home as a souvenir. The workshop is hosted by the Cama Beach Foundation, and there is a $5 suggested donation. For safety, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Enjoy relaxed crafting time at The Book Rack - Oak Harbor. Whether you are new to yarn and looking for tips, hoping to connect with a friendly craft circle, or simply want a change of scenery, this gathering offers an easygoing place to make things and chat. The group meets in the game room, and the cafe offers beverages and pastries for purchase. People of all ages and genders are welcome, and any project that is easy to carry fits right in. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. If the store is open, the meetup is on.

Stop by the Langley Whale Center for a free (or $3 suggested donation) visit on August 8. The event runs from late morning through the afternoon, giving you time to check out what the center has to offer.

Come by Thirsty Crab Brewery for a farm-to-table pizza pop-up from Fulla Za. Fulla Za’s mobile pizzeria brings fresh, creative pies and highlights the story behind the brand, founded by Whidbey Island farmer and cook Sam. Pizza will be available during the afternoon window of 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Enjoy an afternoon of toe-tapping bluegrass at Meerkerk Gardens. Music will be performed on the gazebo stage with Holmes Harbor as a scenic backdrop, featuring Ricky Gene Powell and the Boys of Greenwood Glen, and Salish Moon. The festival runs from noon to 4:00 PM, and there will be delicious food and plenty of fun. Dogs on leash are welcome, and guests should bring their own seating. Parking is limited, so carpooling, taking the bus, biking, or walking is encouraged.

Swing by for the Whidbey Telecom Summer Nights Series for a fun Happy Hour Under the Tent. Enjoy live music plus specialty cocktails while you take in the golden hour atmosphere at WICA in Langley. This is scheduled for Saratoga Swing, running from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Come enjoy live music with The Dead Guise, a returning act known for bringing the legendary sound of the Grateful Dead to life at Thirsty Crab Brewery. The show runs in the evening, and it’s a good idea to arrive early since this event fills up fast. Bring a blanket or folding chair to get comfortable.

Catch a live performance of Macbeth as part of the Island Shakespeare Festival. Seating is arranged so you’ll be seated together when purchasing tickets for multiple people.

Catch the closing night performance of Damn Yankees at ACT Theatre’s MainStage season. This musical follows a baseball fan who makes a deal to help his favorite team win, only to discover what it truly costs. The show includes mild adult themes like flirtatious songs, seductive dancing, and some adult language. Doors close at 7:00 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and this evening is the final performance in the run.

Experience Puget Sound bioluminescence on a nighttime kayak tour from shore near the intertidal area. As you paddle in the dark, the water lights up with natural sparkles created by bioluminescent sea life, while you also get to enjoy the starry sky overhead. The trip stays close to shore for great viewing, and it’s more of a float than a long-distance paddle. Tandem kayaks are used, and no prior experience is needed. The tour is about 2 hours and is for ages 10 and up.

An annual all Mopar car event takes place at Oak Harbor Mopars, bringing together Mopar vehicles and the community that appreciates them. It offers a welcoming setting devoted to Mopar pride and enthusiasm.

Stop by the Coupeville Library during the Arts and Crafts Festival for the Friends of the Coupeville Library book sale. You can browse hundreds of gently used books, CDs, and DVDs at bargain prices, including popular genres and kids’ titles. All sales are by donation, with cash and checks accepted, and kids always get a free book.

Stop by the South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market for fresh local produce, food, and a variety of artisans and crafters. There is also live music, and it is a great chance to connect with area growers and learn about their growing practices. The market encourages regenerative and organic, GMO-free methods. SNAP cards are accepted, and SNAP Market Match currency is offered, with additional nutrition program card options available for part of the season.

Catch Macbeth as part of the Island Shakespeare Festival. Seating is arranged so that you’ll be seated together when you purchase tickets together.

Enjoy a gentle sail on Penn Cove aboard the historic 1925 wooden pilot house schooner SUVA. This relaxed cruise runs with the sails hoisted and the engine off as you take in the scenic views of Penn Cove, Mount Baker, and the Cascade Range. The trip departs from the Coupeville wharf, and it’s a family-friendly outing that’s great for all ages. Please arrive about 15 minutes early, and consider bringing a light jacket since it’s cooler on the water.

Settle in for a relaxed Sunday as live music fills the winery. Take a seat, sip, and enjoy an easygoing soundtrack to the afternoon.

Salamander Junction brings a lively, electrified dance set to Thirsty Crab Brewery, drawing from American music legends. Expect a high energy performance featuring songs associated with Jerry Garcia Band, Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, JJ Cale, and Dwight Yoakam, with more in the mix to appeal to many tastes. The six-piece Americana group features Whidbey Island musicians Don Chappell on guitar and vocals, Luke Pauley on guitar and vocals, Simone Rico on guitar, keys, and vocals, Donald Singleton on bass, Jeff Nelson on drums, and Julie Cuic on fiddle. With this lineup, the band delivers a big, driving sound built to get audiences moving. Salamander Junction is dedicated to nurturing an inclusive community of musicians and music fans by creating a welcoming gathering they call the Junction, centered on camaraderie, fun, and plenty of great tunes.

Oak Bowl & Mario's Pizza hosts Military Appreciation Night with bowling, arcade play, and specials for eligible guests. Active duty, retired, reservist, dependent, and VA cardholders can show their card at the counter to receive the offers. Enjoy two games of bowling with shoe rental for $5 per person plus tax and half price arcade play. A large one topping pizza is $17, and Tall Boys are $3. Food and drink specials are available throughout the event.

Head to the Thirsty Crab stage for live music from Salamander Junction, a newly formed jam and dance band bringing an electric Americana sound. Expect a lively set featuring members connected to Salish Moon, Swampy Lakes and Milo, Wax Lips, and other local acts. Come dance, come jam, and enjoy an energetic evening of live music.

Experience Puget Sound bioluminescence on a nighttime kayak tour. As you paddle away from shore and float in intertidal waters, you’ll see glowing sparkles in the water beneath you while sea life (both plant and animal) creates its own light. This is a relaxed, mostly close-to-shore outing with a shared tour format, and no previous experience is required. Tandem (2-person) kayaks are used, and the tour is geared for ages 10 and up.