Summertime in Skagit County is almost perfect one could say. With mild, temperate weather reaching the mid 70’s or low 80’s, it is the perfect place for outdoor recreation and fun. The Skagit Valley is a farming community that is nestled between the Northern Cascades and the Puget Sound with many local berry stands, family-owned businesses, and small town charm. During the summer, many come to the Skagit Valley to get a taste of adventure through Kayaking, boating, fishing, rafting, biking, and more. Still, several other activities are just as exciting. From Wineries and live music to fresh fruit stands and farmers’ markets, Skagit County has an activity for everyone.
Skagit Speedway
The Skagit Speedway is a favorite pastime during the summer months. You can often hear the race tracks going from miles away, and the start of summer is always accompanied by the hum of the cars in the distance. The Skagit Speedway is usually up and running by early May and runs into September. While the schedule varies throughout the summer, there are traditionally races every Saturday with several Friday night or weekend-long events as well.
Adult tickets are 15 dollars for regular races, while a family pass for a family of 4 is available for $45. During special events such as the mid-season races, ticket prices may be higher. Some bleacher seats are available, but most general admission tickets are for the lawn area where families bring low sitting chairs or blankets to water the races on. The races are a great family event, but small children may find the experience too loud. If you do have small children, be sure to bring ear protection. You can find a complete list of the Skagit Speedway schedule here.
Farmers Markets
Anacortes
The city of Anacortes hosts a farmer’s Market year-round. During the summertime, this Market is held every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm from May 1st to October 30th. The farmers market is located close to the marina at 611 R Ave Anacortes, Wa 98221 (the Corner of 7th street and R Avenue). There are over 50 vendors that attend the Anacortes Farmers market, and the offerings range from fresh produce to Jewelry, homemade pie, and locally raised beef. You could spend several hours wandering through all of the vendors, snacking on streetcar food, and buying local makings.
Mt. Vernon
The city of Mt. Vernon also hosts an excellent farmers market every summer from May 15th to October 9th. The Market occurs from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays in the Riverfront Plaza on Main St Between Gates and West Montgomery. While the Mt. Vernon farmers market has only been open for a few years, it has grown steadily and now offers a wide variety of local goodies. There are a few hot food stands such as Kona Ice of Skagit Valley, Ma & Pa Kettle Corn, Pancakes at the Market, and Sweet Bellingham.
After you have checked out the hot food stands, make sure to grab some local flowers and whatever fruits and veggies are in season before moving on to the local artisans and other sellers. The Mt. Vernon Farmers market happens right off of the Skagit River and is surrounded by other shops and restaurants that you can check out after you are finished at the farmers market.
Scenic Drive up Chuckanut
Chuckanut drive is famous among tourists and locals alike for its stunning views of the San Juan Islands. Just outside of Edison, you can drive up windy Chuckanut drive and stop at viewpoints along your way to Bellingham. Although the actual distance between Edison and Bellingham is not very far, you will want to leave enough time to stop and take pictures. On your way up, you can also take a left turn at the hairpin turn and head down to Taylor’s Shellfish for a sampling of Fresh Oysters before you continue on your way. Chuckanut Drive is known for its sunsets. Bring a camera and pick a viewpoint to watch the sunset behind the Islands. You can also often see the Olympics from Chuckanut drive, which adds up to quite the amazing summer sunset.
Summertime in Skagit County: U-pick Berries
Skagit Valley is a farming community. One of the world’s only growers of commercial Tulips and strong Strawberry yields, Brussel sprouts, wheat, and more, there is always a new crop to check out. When you head to the farmer’s markets, much of what you will be buying only had to travel a few miles down the road. During June and early July, strawberries are in season! There are roadside fruit stands everywhere selling flats of strawberries, but if you want to make a day out of it, pick your own!
Schuh Farms in Mt. Vernon offers u-pick strawberries while there are in season. You can go out into their fields and pick the ripest strawberries that you can find. Once you’re done you can head to the barns and find a homemade shortcake to go with your strawberries. Schuh farms also have pies made with their own berries and a coffee stand to get a strawberry milkshake. While you’re there, make sure to check out the animal barns. Schuh farms has a family of goats and a herd of chicks who love to be fed and given attention.
Bertelsen Winery
The Bertelsen Winery sits on the edge of Skagit County, just off of I5. While their wine is definitely reason enough to visit, their summer concert series is another exciting activity to fill your summer days. They have music every Friday night during the summertime, as well as a few additional headline concerts on Saturdays. If the weather is nice, the event will be held outside on the patio and lawn. A food truck is often parked in the parking lot, and plenty of wine to taste and choose from. Dance, listen to music, drink wine and eat good food at the Bertelsen Winery. You can find out more about their summer concert series here.
Beer Hopping
If wine isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry, there are plenty of amazing breweries in Skagit County. Farm Strong Brewing offers a taproom, beer garden, and kitchen where all ages and dogs are welcome. If you are looking for beer and music, they have a concert every Tuesday night. Tickets are just $10, and they feature amazing bands from around the area. Check out their Facebook page to find out who the artist or band of the week is. Farmstrong also has Wednesday night Trivia. It is free to play, and there are prizes! If you are looking for beer and a good time, Farmstrong Brewing is a great place to check out.
Skagit County Fair– Summertime fun in Skagit County
The Skagit County fair is back for 2021! This hometown fair is home to a whole day worth of fun activities. There is a dog show, sheep, pigs, cows, rabbits, poultry, cavies, cats, 4H bars, indoor exhibits, a carnival, and an arena for the horse show. There is the main show stage and live entertainment as well. The Skagit County fair will be at the fairgrounds in Mt. Vernon Washington August 11th- August 14th. They have not released a full schedule or ticket information yet, but it is a confirmed event in the county, and there will be more information coming soon. The Skagit County Fair is highly attended by both locals and tourists and is fun for the whole family. There will be rides, an animals fair, food and more! Be sure to check back in to get tickets and plan your trip to the 2021 fair.
Eat at amazing restaurants
If you are looking for a summer smattering of local goodness, there are a few restaurants you have to check out. While you can check out a full guide of restaurants in the county on our website here, these are a few summertime must-stops.
Snow Goose Produce
The first is Snow Goose Produce. While it may not be a full-service restaurant, their massive ice cream cones more than makeup for it! With local flavors filled with fresh fruits and homemade cones, you can’t miss a stop at Snow Goose Produce. Located on Fir Island, Snow Goose is an essential stop in Skagit County. The line for ice cream often wraps around the outside of the building, but it is well worth the wait!
Rexville Grocery
Just down the road from Snow Goose Produce is the Rexville Grocery. The Rexville grocery is the perfect spot to head for lunch because of their made-to-order sandwiches. With fresh, local ingredients and homemade sourdough bread, it is the perfect place to head on a hot day. They offer other food as well but are best know for their sandwiches.
Skagit Flats Marathon
While most areas see the end of summer festivities with the start of the school year, summer events in Skagit County go long into September. The Skagit Flats Marathon & Half Marathon is happening in Burlington every year in mid-September. Get your running shoes out because this year’s race is on Sunday, September 12th. There is both a half marathon and a full marathon, both of which are run on an out and back course in Burlington and Bow. The race starts from the high school and lives up to its name as the Skagit “Flats” run because this race is dead flat. There is almost zero elevation change in this run, making it the perfect race for all levels.
Sedro-Wooley Car show
Also in September, the Sedro-Woolley car show will be held on the same day as the Skagit Flats Marathon this year! On Sunday, September 12th, the car show will be held at Murdock and Woodworth. This classic car show is a fun event to walk through and dream about your next classic car purchase or even enter your car into the show. The car show is held every year and is always highly attended. Make sure to plan ahead for lack of parking and make sure to register your vehicle the morning of, before you park, if you plan to participate.
Skagit County is home to a wide array of summer activities. With outdoor music, car shows, delicious summer eats, and more, you are sure to never run out of things to do in Skagit County. Get your summer schedules started now because there are so many fun events that your calendar will start to fill up!
