What to expect in Washington State in 2025

What to see, do and experience in the State of Washington in 2025?

Visitors can fully immerse in nature, culture and community an=t an array of special events and festivals throughout 2025.

From live concerts, to food festivals, sports events and natural wonders, here are the Pacific Northwest’s top picks for the year ahead:

Ellensburg Winterhop Brewfest, Ellensburg, 15 February

Beer enthusiasts will love sipping their way through the Winterhop Brewfest, which invites breweries from around the Pacific Northwest to showcase their beers in downtown Ellensburg venues. Whether visitors enjoy an IPA, a lager, or an ale they will enjoy some of the best brews the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival, Bellingham, 15-17 March

Visitors can join the community in celebrating diverse cultures and immerse themselves in arts, crafts, food, song, dance, storytelling, and other creative endeavors in the historic Fairhaven district at the annual Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival. The event brings together a multitude of cultures to celebrate unique heritage and traditions.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, Mount Vernon, 1-30 April

This iconic Washington State event brings visitors to the Skagit Valley each spring to view the acres of tulips and daffodils that blanket the valley in a patchwork of colour. The month-long Skagit Valley Tulip Festival includes more than just blooms and display gardens. Visitors can also enjoy art shows, a street fair and concerts as well as sample wines from the Puget Sound AVA at tasting rooms in La Conner.

Cruise season at the Port of Seattle, April-October

Cruise season to Alaska kicks off in late April allowing visitors to the state to see the Puget Sound and travel up to Alaska from Seattle. Having celebrated 25 years of sailing to Alaska in 2024, the Port saw 275 sailings with more than 800,000 passengers from April to October. The 2025 season will see new sailings from Cunard. Cruisers can expect to see plenty of incredible wildlife, learn more about the region’s cultural heritage and enjoy food from the Pacific Northwest whilst onboard. Sail to Alaska on a 10 night voyage from Seattle with Cunard starting from £1,209 per person, available HERE.

Spot Orcas from the San Juan Islands, May-September

Orcas can be sighted in the Puget Sound throughout the year, but visitors’ best chance for spotting one of the three Southern Resident pods is usually from May through September. San Juan Outfitters offers visitors wildlife tours where naturalists not only point out orcas, but also porpoises, humpback whales and bald eagles. A portion of each ticket goes into a fund for salmon and orca conservation.

Spokane Hoopfest, Spokane, 28-29 June

Every year Spokane hosts Hoopfest, the world’s largest three-on-three basketball event. More than 6,000 teams play 14,000 games across 42 blocks in downtown and anyone is welcome to get involved. Alongside the basketball there is an outdoor festival with shopping, food and interactive entertainment. Don’t miss The Toyota Shootoff and slam dunk competition which are some of the event highlights.

Sequim Lavender Weekend, Sequim, July exact dates tbc

Every summer, the landscape around Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula turns purple as the lavender fields bloom. Visitors should aim to be there during the third weekend in July to experience all things lavender. The Lavender Festival Street Fair offers music and lavender products, as well as visits to local farm fields.

Summertime stargazing in Olympic National Park, June-August

On clear nights during the summer, visitors can join a Master Observer at Hurricane Ridge for an evening of astronomy and stargazing. With 95% of the park designated as wilderness and an absence of human-caused light, Olympic National Park is the perfect place to experience the dark skies.

Departure Fest NW, Quilcene, 1-3 August

Departure Fest NW is a three-day music festival held at the breathtaking Lake Leland Amphitheater on the Olympic Peninsula. Attendees can enjoy camping, live music, craft vendors and food. The event takes a community-oriented approach to traditional music festivals by infusing Native storytelling with world-class music and local artisans. Wookiefoot, Sol Seed and Sierra Martin are amongst the music acts already announced for the festival.

OysterFest, Shelton, 4-5 October

Oyster lovers should head to Hood Canal in early October for shellfish, brews, music and the West Coast Oyster Shucking Championships. Entering its 43rd year, OysterFest attracts over 12,000 seafood enthusiasts for two days of activities, entertainment and delicious foods provided by local non-profits and volunteers.

Village of Lights, Leavenworth, December

This Bavarian village was practically made for Christmas, visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit and take in more than half a million lights and enjoy sleigh rides, roasted chestnuts, carolers, kids’ activities and Santa photos from December through February.

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