We all know how wonderfully weird Washington can be—and perhaps some of the best evidence of this lies in its colorful, eclectic, and sometimes downright bizarre festivals happening throughout the year. 

While some of the state’s quirkiest festivals have already happened, like Poulsbo’s Viking Fest (third weekend in May) and Rhubarb Days in Sumner (mid-to-late June), both are worth marking on your calendar for next year. There are still plenty of upcoming fun and quirky festivities happening across the state this summer.

Rusty Scupper’s Pirate Daze 

Westport, June 26-28

The streets and waters of Westport—perhaps best known as Washington’s surfing town—will be invaded by pirates over the last weekend of June. Westport’s docks are shut, and for three days, pirates rule the town. This year marks the 25th annual Pirate Daze, a weekend filled with Celtic music, fire performers, siren songs, and mermaid games. Put on your pirate’s hat, join in on the revelry, check out your favorite performers, maybe dress up your dog in pirate attire for the pet costume contest, and keep your eyes peeled for Captain Jack Sparrow roaming the area. 

Slug Fest 

Eatonville, June 27-28

Yes, there is an entire festival dedicated to the Northwest’s slimiest creature—and it’s now in its 43rd year! Taking place at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, the weekend is packed with slug-themed fun. Craft your own tentacles and take part in the slug race, slipping and sliding your way to the finish. While many might get squeamish at the idea of slugs (myself included), these moisture-loving creatures are an important part of our ecosystem, breaking down organic matter like leaves so it becomes food for plants and animals. Visitors can learn more fun facts about slugs at various educational talks throughout the festival. 

Legends of the Mountains 

Packwood, June 27-28

You may have heard a story or two about the mythical (or, perhaps, the very real) creatures lurking in the shadowy forests of Washington. Every year, there’s an event dedicated to Sasquatch lore. Over the last weekend of June, join expert speakers, filmmakers, Indigenous researchers, and other Bigfoot believers in Packwood. Folklore, reported encounters, films, live music, and food trucks set the stage for the very PNW occasion. 

Skagit Valley Highland Games 

Mount Vernon, July 11-12

For two days in July, the Skagit County Fairgrounds are transformed into the Scottish Highlands. This year marks the 30th anniversary. Whether you have Celtic roots or simply want to join the fun, the Skagit Valley Highland Games brings the games, music, and dancing of Scotland and Ireland to Mount Vernon. Tap your feet to the tunes of live bagpipers and fiddlers, watch Highland dancing competitions and sheepdog demonstrations, and sample whiskeys from the region. Of course, sign up for the Highland games and test your strength while throwing stones and hammers. Kid-friendly village games will also be taking place throughout the weekend. If you’re curious about your heritage, stop by the clan booths to learn more about your family clan. 

Geoduck Festival 

Allyn, July 17-19

The world’s largest burrowing clam is quite famous in the waters of Puget Sound. These funny-looking creatures can be up to three feet in length, and many live well over a hundred years. Naturally, Washington has an annual weekend dedicated to the geoduck—and this year is its 30th anniversary. Head to Allyn on the Kitsap Peninsula in mid-July to celebrate this clam against a very coastal PNW backdrop. Taste sashimi-grade geoduck (among other seafood) prepared by chefs, take part in a low tide mud run, and try your hand at shucking shellfish in the oyster shucking competition. Local breweries, arts and crafts, and a salmon bake are all part of the fun. 

Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire 

Snohomish, July 18-August 16

Over five weekends in July and August, Snohomish’s Sky Meadows will transport you to 16th-century Elizabethan England, where the grounds are transformed into the village of Merriwick. Each weekend has a different theme, from Vikings to fae and fables, inviting you to come dressed in costume, wearing your favorite corset, fairy wings, flower crowns, and tunics. Musicians and performers bring performances and live tunes to the stage, and you might just meet members of the Court wandering around Merriwick. Explore themed tea parties, knighting ceremonies, the maypole, and more by day, while fire shows, magic, and a bit of mischief take over the village come twilight. Camping is available over the weekends as well. 

Lammas Lughnasadh Festival 

Issaquah, August 9

Tap into your inner witch at Issaquah’s Lammas Lughnasadh Festival in August. The occasion honors the first harvest and the turning of the Wheel of the Year (a cycle of eight seasonal festivals, as observed by pagans and Wiccans, that honors the changing seasons and agricultural cycles). Magic meets modern witchcraft at this event, with plenty of witchy vendors, candles, crystals, brooms, food trucks, and live music. Lammas Lughnasadh is observed as a celebration of abundance and gratitude.  

Washington State International Kite Festival 

Long Beach, August 17-23

The Washington State International Kite Festival isn’t as well-known as some of the more popular festivals, and is a fun variation to the usual lineup of music, food, and sea-dwelling affairs during Washington summers. This year marks the 45th iteration, drawing kite-fliers from around the world. Over the course of a week in mid-August, the sky will be filled with kites of all shapes and sizes, transforming the coast of Long Beach. Expect choreographed kite ballets, workshops, competitions, and plenty of colorful kites soaring over the ocean.