2012 Juan de Fuca Festival

The Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts in Port Angeles is one of the most exciting events on the Olympic Peninsula. 2012 promises to be better than ever!

Two Man Gentlemen Band Memorial Day Weekend Port Angeles

The Two Man Gentlemen Band performs at the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts.

The festival begins on Thursday, May 24, with a Pre-Festival Kickoff Event: African Rhythms — Celtic Soul. Early festival goers will be treated to Baka Beyond, a highly original Afro-Celtic danceband. Band members come from six different European and African countries. Keeping still while you listen is not an option. This could be worth an extra long weekend.

Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts celebrates the arts in all its mediums, but it is music that takes center stage.

The 2012 lineup includes:

  • Allen Stone, the amazing 24 year son of a preacher man who is taking the world by the ears.
  • Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited, known as the Lion of Zimbabwe.
  • Locarno, featuring Tom Landa and an exciting blend of Mexican, Cuban Son, Folk Music, Pop and Funk.
  • The Two Man Gentlemen Band, playing hot, raucous, retro swing.

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Summer Cider Day in Port Townsend

What promises to be the first Summer Cider Day of many takes place this Saturday July 9, 2011, from 11 a.m to 7 p.m.

Ciders from all over the Northwest – including 10 local cidermakers – will be at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. They’ll pour their cider, discuss differences between the various cider styles, and generally celebrate the fermented apple. It promises to be a fun event.

Two of our member Olympic Peninsula Washington Cideries will participate: Finnriver Farm & Cidery and Eaglemount Wine & Cider. They’ll be joined by cider makers from the Methow Valley, the Skagit Valley, the Willamette Valley, and beyond. Try one, try all.

Try Washington State Cider at the Summer Cider Day, July 9, 2011.

In addition to cider, there will be a selection of local cheeses and some fine live music. More information may be found at  Summer Cider Day.

2011 Sequim Irrigation Festival

2011 is the “One Hundred and Sweet Sixteen” Sequim Irrigation Festival. The oldest festival in the state is currently underway, and concludes Sunday, May 15. What a great excuse to drop everything and travel to the Olympic Peninsula this weekend.

Experience the 2011 Sequim Irrigation Festival, May 6-15.

Sequim Irrigation Festival Highlights:

  • Logging Show, Truck & Tractor Pull. May 13, 5-10 p.m., May 14, 10-5 p.m.
  • Strongman Showdown. May 13, 6-8 p.m.
  • Fireworks. May 13, 9:30 p.m.
  • Kids Parade. May 14, 10 a.m.
  • Grand Parade. May 14, noon.
  • Carnival. May 13-14 until 11p.m., May 15 noon to 5 p.m.

There are several Washington State Wineries close to Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula. When you’ve had your fill of parades and tractor pulls, slip away to taste locally made Washington wines at one of the wineries in nearby Port Angeles: Olympic Cellars, Camaraderie Cellars, Harbinger Winery, and Black Diamond Winery. As you head home on Sunday, allow time to try Washington wine and hard cider at Finnriver Farm & Cidery or Eaglemount Wine & Cider.

The 2011 Sequim Irrigation Festival is a wonderful tradition. Please visit the Sequim Irrigation Festival website for more information.