Image: Courtesy Parks Tacoma
this year, June brings a wave of soccer events alongside the typical month of Pride fests and general outdoor merriment. As we enter another PNW summer, Washington’s nature-minded activities shine with music festivals, art walks, and a DIY derby.
Image: Jay Inslee/flickr CC
Pride Events
Various | Throughout June
Seattle will do its big LGBTQ+ celebrations as usual, but it’s not the only Washington pride out there. Yakima boasts a full-blown parade with an adults-only after party, a Pride festival lands at Spokane’s Riverfront Park, and Vancouver hosts a downtown Pride block party where over 80 vendor booths hawk wares and live performances dot the block.
Point Defiance Flower and Garden Festival
Tacoma | June 6–7
Hands get dirty at Tacoma’s big park party, including workshops on miniature fairy gardens and terrarium making. Multiple paint-and-sip sessions throw plants, art, and booze into one glorious hangout, and lectures cover native plant identification and garden-pollinating bees. Vendors, live music, and a wine and beer garden keep the party going.
Image: Courtesy Cascadia Films/Matt Sagen
Summertide Solstice Art Festival
port angeles | june 13
Nestled among hilltop walking paths, the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center welcomes the summer solstice with live music, hands-on art making, and poetry. Inside, a bird-centered exhibition challenges viewers to slow down and notice more. Outside, sculptures hide along a short walking path and local food and drink fuel one of the year’s longest days.
Image: Courtesy Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby
Stanwood Camano Island Soap Box Derby
Camano | June 14
Calling all handy adults: The annual Father’s Day soap box derby at Arrowhead Ranch on Camano bills itself as the largest such race west of the Mississippi; kids (with parental help) make and race their wooden cars on a special thousand-foot track. Beware, though, if you take your kids to watch, you might end up with them demanding to be involved next year.
Washington State FIFA World Cup Fan Zones
june 15–july 6 | various
Nine Washington cities welcome soccer fans as official Seattle FIFA World Cup Fan Zones, from Bellingham to the Tri-Cities. The Olympia/Lacey outpost boasts a waterfront viewing experience on giant outdoor LED screens, live entertainment, and beer gardens; meanwhile, free watch parties complete with DJs and food trucks land in Spokane’s Riverfront Park.
Gorge Blues and Brews Festival
Stevenson | June 19–20
The Columbia Gorge town of Stevenson marks more than 30 years of combining tunes with good tipples. Two stages host live blues music while kegs of local brew are flowing. The Skamania County Fairgrounds welcome campers, so no one need drive home. It’s one of the longest running blues festivals in the state, plus a good excuse to party on the Columbia River.
Image: Courtesy Beyond Wonderland
Beyond Wonderland
quincy | june 27–28
The Gorge Amphitheater gets wacky for the annual Beyond Wonderland music fest. Stages, costumes, and installations take inspiration from Alice in Wonderland’s fantastical world. On stage, dozens of mostly EDM outfits—from Reaper to Mad Dubz—set the soundtrack.
