In a city that not only embraces the arts but actively encourages them (Edmonds was the first of Washington State’s Certified Creative Districts), it would stand to reason that there is always something artsy going on. 

And as we move through what locals loving deem June-uary (still cold, still rainy, even when summer is right around the corner, *sigh*) and into more consistent sunny days, more of those art-focused events are hosted outside. Big PNW win! Huge! 

Stick with us as we take you through a few months' worth of cornerstone events going on around town that are heavy on creative flair and light on cloud cover (fingers crossed).

June

People and tents at Edmonds Arts FestivalEdmonds Arts Festival, June 14-16

Officially boasting a 50+-year tenure, the Edmonds Arts Festival celebrates the arts and culture of Edmonds with booths, music, and food. Held on Father's Day weekend at the Frances Anderson Center, this prestigious arts festival attracts artists from across the US and Canada. Meet one of the festival’s 210 painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, and other unique artisans on the grassy field east of the Frances Anderson Center and on the Edmonds Arts Plaza. Gaze at the galleries inside the Frances Anderson Center, which showcase juried art from more than 500 artists. Take in the 1,100 pieces of art from K-12 students. Eat, boogie, and craft with your favorite kiddos. There’s something for everyone at the Edmonds Arts Festival. 

This foundational Father’s Day weekend event gets busy! Learn more about it and plan your exploration here.

July

Sketcher Fest, July 19-21

The premier festival of travel sketchbooks in North America, Edmonds Sketcher Fest’s second annual event brings together urban sketchers, travel sketchbook artists, art vendors, publishers, and art admirers for a weekend of workshops, exhibits, and sketching activities in Edmonds. The first event of its kind outside of Europe, Sketcher Fest blends the learning spirit of the Urban Sketchers Symposia with the festival atmosphere of the popular Carnet de Voyage events in France. At Sketcher Fest, you’ll celebrate art, travel, and the practice of documenting people, places, and culture in sketchbooks.

Check out the program and grab your tickets here.

August    

Makers Market at Taste Edmonds, August 9-11

Taste Edmonds is the Chamber of Commerce’s signature event of the summer. Not only is it a fundraiser for the other free events the Chamber puts on throughout the year (An Edmonds Kind of 4th, the Edmonds Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, Halloween Trick-or-Treating, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony), but it’s a rockin’ good time with friends and neighbors. 

In the past few years, the Chamber has added a Makers Market to the already stacked lineup of fun. This year brings more than 25 local vendors to Edmonds. Their art ranges from crafts and clothing to home goods and treats. The Makers Market will be set up outside of the ticketed Taste event and free of charge.

Learn more and start thinking about that second weekend in August here. 

All Summer Long

Edmonds Wine Walk Sip Stop at Ombu Salon in EdmondsWine Walks, July 6 and August 3 

In the summer months, Edmonds’ monthly Art Walks add in the art of wine. From 5pm-8pm, on the Third Thursday of July and August, sip and ponder local art in one of Downtown’s 40+ galleries. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy your creatively-inspired stroll:

  • These events are 21+. Please leave your pets and underagers at home

  • You’ll need to buy tickets, which include an admission bracelet, tasting glasses, and ten tickets good for one-ounce wine pours of wine at participating locations

  • Proceeds from Wine Walks benefit Art Walk Edmonds, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Arts in Edmonds. This is the same organization that installs new murals and other public art 

Plan your evening and check out all the participants, including which wineries are pouring, here.

Band playing a concert in Hazel Miller Plaza in EdmondsSummer Concerts in The Park

All summer long, the Edmonds Arts Commission is sponsoring a series of free concerts in parks around town. This is a great way to experience Edmonds and support local musical artists. 

Check out the schedule and pick a few to attend here.

How Will You Appreciate The Arts This Summer?

As you can see, there is a ton of delicious, beautiful, and body-moving art happening in Edmonds this summer. How do you plan to celebrate it? Show us by tagging @exploreedmondswa in your posts on social media and we’ll send you all our love in return. 

See you around town, (hopefully not much more) rain and shine!

Photos by Matt Hulbert