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June in Port Townsend

June 4, 2018 by bluegullinn

 

 

 

Port Townsend is all abuzz with excitement about super-cool events this month. We’re serving up something for every appetite—with a cycling ride of the Tour de Forts, to the Brass Screw Confederacy Steampunk Hootenanny, to the Taste of Port Townsend event for foodies, and music galore with Centrum. We know you’ll love the adventure of surprise and delight when you join the fun!

And for those of you who love all things water, June is for you! Be part of the exhilarating send-off of the participants in the incredible 4th Annual Race to Alaska (R2AK), and don’t miss Port Townsend Orca Festival at Fort Worden.

The Port Townsend Wednesday Farmers Market opens June 6, at its new location, the Jefferson Transit Haines Place Park and Ride, from 2 -6 pm. The market season is in full swing with the Saturday Farmers Market Uptown from 9 am to 2 pm.

With the new Haines Place Park and Ride location, the Wednesday Farmers Market can be easily accessed from anywhere in the Jefferson County. Try taking transit to the market or walk, bike, hop or drive to the new location of the mid-week farm and food market. There’s plenty of parking and you can stroll from Uptown through Kah Tai Lagoon to get to the market.

This season there are more vendors registered for the Port Townsend Wednesday Farmers Market than in years. Here are 15 reasons to visit on opening day: Mountain Spirit Herbal Company, Duckabush Mushrooms, Spring Rain Farm & Orchard, Fiddlehead Creamery, Finnriver Farm, Serendipity Farm, Midori Farm, Hopscotch Farm + Cannery, Chimacum Valley Dairy, Bob’s Bakery, River Run Farm, Cape Cleare Fishery, Golden Harvest, Onatrue Farm, and Hurricane Hills Winery, plus a chef demonstration with Arran Stark at the opening day market. For more info, go to www.jcfmarkets.org.

The Port Townsend Main Street Program celebrates the Tastes of Port Townsend on June 7 from 5-8 pm at the Northwest Maritime Center. Foodies will enjoy delicious samples from 14 restaurants and dessert spots, breweries, wineries and cideries, plus tea and coffee.

From green curry chicken, seafood risotto, sushi, smokehouse sliders, smoked sockeye Nova Lox with cream cheese, salads and desserts, the many tastes will delight diners. There are new participants this year, including Finistere, Banana Leaf Thai Bistro, Port Townsend Vineyards, and Key City Fish Company. This event is a fundraiser for the Port Townsend Main Street Program, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to the historic districts Uptown and Downtown. This is a 21+ event, please bring valid ID. For more info and to purchase tickets, go to www.ptmainstreet.org.

Key City Public Theatre presents Daddy Long Legs, running Thursday through Sunday from June 8 through July 2. An adaptation of the 1912 novel of the same name by Jean Webster, this is the latest in many stage and film adaptations, and the most-true to the original work. Written in 2007, with music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, Daddy Long Legs is a two-person epistolary musical about a young orphan girl and her mysterious benefactor who empowers her through providing her with a college education. KCPT is opening the first West Coast production of Daddy Long Legs since the closing of its successful off-Broadway run in 2016.

For more info and to purchase tickets, go to www.keycitypublictheatre.org.

Join the Brass Screw Confederacy, for its seventh annual Steampunk Festival, June 8-10. Embark upon Perilous Adventures to exotic domains on the outskirts of imagination. Come decked out in your steampunk finery for another amazing year’s adventures. And while, this may not be the biggest, fanciest, first, nor certainly not the last steampunk something-or-other on earth—there is something to steam up ingenues and aficionados alike. You won’t be disappointed. This year’s event aims to rock you back on your boot heels and steam up your goggles. They’re turning it up with the Hottest Hootenanny ever, Tactical Croquet, the stupendous Bazaar of the Bizarre, Brass Screw Chautauqua, bands, magic and mayhem galore! For more details about what to expect, go to www.brassscrew.org.

Tour de Forts 2018 is a stunning ride on June 9, beginning at 8 am, that takes cyclists of all ages and abilities on a scenic and historic trip around the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula. Along the way, water and snack stops allow cyclists to enjoy the view from three old seaside forts that have been converted to beautiful state parks. Routes include a 62-mile, 35-mile, 15-mile and 11-mile options. To register, go to www.tourdeforts.org.

Centrum is hosting the 9th annual Chamber Music Workshop with a free public master class on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30 pm. Student concerts are on June 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm with a faculty performance on Sunday, June 17 at 2 pm featuring composers Haydn, Mieczyslaw Weinberg and Shostakovich. The Workshop closes with a performance with Grammy-winning Pacifica Quartet (pictured above). All performances are in Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden.

R2AK (short for the Race to Alaska) is simple. Get a boat without a motor. Race 750 miles to Ketichan, Alaska, any way you can. Don’t get eaten by a bear. $10,000 if you’re first.

The starting gun goes off at 0500 (nautical lingo for 5 am!) on Thursday, June 14, from the NW
Maritime Center in Port Townsend. The excitement of the start is palpable and not to be missed. But if that’s too early for you, come for the Pre-Race Ruckus on Wednesday, June 13, from noon to 8 pm and let loose like you’re about to sail to Alaska…with people who actually are about to set sail for Alaska! Bring your sense of adventure. Get a free tattoo. Have a blast. To join the fun and track the boats once they’re en route, go to www.r2ak.com.

Don’t miss 2018 Port Townsend Orca Festival at Fort Worden on June 23. A day of celebration, education, ceremony and adventure! Featured speakers from the Governor’s Orca Recovery Task Force, researchers from Ocean Initiative, Long Live the Kings, and the North Olympic Salmon Coalition – and then famed rock/ska band Locust Street Taxi performs starting at 1PM. Festival awards ceremony at 2PM will honor winners of the Rat Island Regatta and JPod Scavenger hunt, as well as Governor Jay Inslee for his long-term dedication and support of the Southern Resident Orcas of Puget Sound (Gov. Inslee will not be present). With all this followed by a song and dance by the North Olympic Orca Pod and a celebration of Finn the salmon’s 30th year anniversary, this year’s award ceremony will be one for the history books. http://ptorcafest.com.

The first of Centrum’s Free Friday Concerts begin at noon on Friday, June 29 at Fort Worden, outdoors on the Nora Porter Commons Lawn and lasts for an hour. http://centrum.org/free-fridays-at-the-fort/

Get your dancin’ shoes on and polka dot attire ready for Centrum’s Honky-Tonk Polka Dot Dance, Thursday, June 28 at 8 pm in the USO Building at Fort Worden featuring a variety of talented vocalists singing tunes from a range of traditions including Irish, Appalachia, Country, Blues and Gospel. This sells out quickly, so don’t delay and buy your tickets today at www.centrum.org.

Join the fun and Party at the Plaza on Saturday, June 30 from 3-6 pm across Water Street from the Jefferson Museum of Art and History. The party is coordinated by the Port Townsend Main Street Promotion Committee and volunteers to celebrate the completion of construction on Water Street. Dance to music with DJ Caleb Peacock, enjoy nibbles and fun for all ages. For more info, go to www.ptmainstreet.org.

A Few Upcoming Events this Summer—Save the Dates!
The 4th Annual “Old School” 4th of July at Fort Worden
The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, public concerts July 4, 6 and 7
Concerts on the Dock, July 12-August 30, every Thursday from 5-7pm downtown
Jazz Port Townsend, July 22-29
Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, July 29-August 5
Olympic Music Festival at Fort Worden, July 14 & 15, August 11-September 9 (weekends)
Key City Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, Hamlet, August 3-26

We can’t wait to welcome you to Port Townsend this summer!

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Happy Spring

April 3, 2018 by bluegullinn

 

Farmers Market Port Townsend

Farmers Market Port Townsend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Spring
We’re celebrating spring in Port Townsend and invite you to join us! It’s a beautiful season of new beginnings, fresh buds in bloom, animals birthing new offspring and the earth seemingly coming alive again. With farmers and gardeners planting seeds and harvesting early products, we’re excited to welcome back the Farmers Market after its winter hiatus!

Where else can you enjoy a goat parade with kids—both four-legged and two—as they wend their way along Taylor Street in Uptown Port Townsend through an array of farmers, bakers, crafters, shellfish growers, cider and wine makers and more?

It all begins with the opening of the Port Townsend Farmers Market on Saturday, April 7, with a ribbon cutting at 9 am followed by the baby goat parade. (Come in an animal costume for a chance to win a $20 Flora Market token!) Delight in the 70+ vendors that spring into the freshness of the season with a wide array of products for your enjoyment. A chef’s demo and live music will add to the day’s festivities. The Farmers Market invites you to celebrate 26 years of nurturing and sustaining local farms and entrepreneurs. For more info about the market, go to www.jcfmarkets.org.

Key City Public Theatre presents Wolf at the Door, April 12-28, with evening shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm. A tenant’s rights association built on shaky alliances comes to loggerheads in the face of a gentrifying block in this hilarious world premier by acclaimed playwright, Richard Dresser. The play utilizes double roles for each actor, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

There’s a new landlord in town promising to make the building better, safer and more modern, but what about the people in rent-controlled apartments who have started to disappear. And isn’t building security just a little over the top? Character Tina thinks it’s time to form a Tenant’s Association and fight back before it’s too late. Will they hang together or hang separately? Find out the answer at the play! For more info or to purchase tickets, go to www.keycitypublicthreatre.org or call 360.385.5278.

The Port Townsend Film Festival’s Women & Film weekend includes your choice of 16 films, and two special events. In this #TimesUp, #MeToo year, women filmmakers break the “rules” without apology at the “Women Speak Out” symposium, Saturday, April 14, at 10:30 am, at the Cotton Building in downtown Port Townsend with coffee and pastries. Saturday night’s special event begins with a gathering at Taps at the Guardhouse at Fort Worden, followed by a 7:30 pm screening of Catching Sight of Thelma & Louise, with director Jennifer Townsend, at the Wheeler Theatre at Fort Worden. Passes are $75 and all include concierge service. Only 250 passes are available. To purchase, go to www.ptfilmfest.com.

If you love to cook and dream about your ideal kitchen, come to the 21st Annual AAUW/UWF Kitchen Tour, Saturday, April 28 from 10 am to 4 pm. Nine unique homes in Uptown and North Beach will be featured. Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com and on the day of the event at the Hospitality Center at the First Presbyterian Church at 1111 Franklin Street.

Join Centrum for one of the most uplifting and memorable events of the year, the Centrum Choro Faculty Concert on Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 pm in the Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden. With an all-start cast of performances, this concert traditionally sells out was the talk of the town for the entire spring and summer season last year, so don’t delay and buy your tickets today at www.centrum.org/choro-performance/

Make Port Townsend your home base for the weekend and tour nine award-winning wineries and cideries across the Olympic Peninsula for the annual Wine, Cider and Cheese Tour, April 28-29, from 11 am to 5 pm. This wine and cider trail is one to be envied with each location offering a unique and diverse variety of wine and cider paired lovingly with local, hand-crafted cheeses. For more info and ticket details, go to www.olympicpeninsulawineries.org.

Save the date for upcoming events in May:

May 5
Opening Day on the Bay for Boating Season
Boat parade begins at 12:30 pm at the Northwest Maritime Center
www.ptyc.net

May 16-20
83rd Annual Rhododendron Festival
Enjoy the Pet Parade, Bed Races, Grand Parade and Rhody Run
www.rhodyfestival.org

May 26
Port Townsend Artisan Food Festival
www.jcfmarkets.org

We look forward to welcoming you to Port Townsend in April!

 

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Victorian Festival

March 5, 2018 by bluegullinn

Victorian Heritage Festival 2016, Port Townsend, WA

Victorian Heritage Festival 2018, Port Townsend, WA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please join March 23-25, 2018 in Port Townsend, WA for another delightful edition of the Victorian Heritage Festival

A wonderful weekend to celebrate all that is best in the West Coast’s favorite Victorian seaport.

Join us for this year’s theme: Legends of Literature. From Sherlock Holmes to Alice in Wonderland and all points in between, come celebrate the literary adventures of the time and see their real-world origins. For one weekend, among the grand old buildings and croquet lawns, the 1890’s will live again!

Now encompassing even more of the old town area, this year’s festival will feature many new offerings. Watch this space for details and mark your calendar: a grand time for the whole family!

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Happy Valentines Day

February 4, 2018 by bluegullinn

Enjoy Valentines Day in Port Townsend, WA

Romantic visit to the Blue Gull Inn B&B

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Valentines Day

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Summer is Sizzlin’ in Port Townsend!

July 2, 2017 by bluegullinn

 

 

Happy 4th of July

 

Summer is Sizzlin’ in Port Townsend! Summer is in full swing and promises to heat up even more with blazing hot events and activities throughout the month. We have performances that will get your blood pumping, your heart thumping and your feet stomping. Oh, yeah, and you’ll probably get caught laughing a lot too. Enjoy Port Townsend this summer!

Celebrate America’s birthday at Fort Worden and get ready for the biggest and best party of the year at the “Old School” 4th of July. Don’t miss an epic lineup throughout the day of live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, a hot air balloon, field games, free root beer floats, miniature golf and a tug-of-war, all culminating in a glorious display of fireworks once it’s dark. The festivities begin at 4 pm on the parade grounds at Fort Worden. The event is sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Thunderbull Productions, along with many local businesses.

An ”Old School” 4th overlaps with Centrum’s Fiddle Tunes Festival, a week-long immersion workshop presenting fiddle styles from specific regions of the world. Two performances will honor this American holiday: Fiddles on the Fourth is at 1:30 pm in the McCurdy Pavilion including a BBQ on the Green, and at 7 pm, Fiddles and Fireworks will showcase artists from Mexico, Missouri, Virginia and Alberta, also at the McCurdy Pavilion. For tickets, go to www.centrum.org.

Following the success of last year’s teen initiative production, Distracted, Key City Public Theatre is launching their 2017 teen initiative, a play written, directed, produced, and acted entirely by Port Townsend youth, Promposal, with performances July 7 – July 15, Wednesday – Sunday at 7:30 pm, with 2:30 pm matinees on July 8 and 9. Tickets are $12, with Pay-What-You-Wish performances on July 9 and 13.

True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country, Kurt Vonnegut wrote in his book Man Without a Country. Ian Coates’ new play Promposal blurs the line between the daily grind of high school and contemporary American politics. Despite the grim topical backdrop, this teen production is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud with its dark humor. For more info, go to www.keycitypublictheatre.org.

Rock the dock this summer at the free, all-ages, outdoor Concerts on the Dock, in downtown Port Townsend on the waterfront. The series, sponsored by the Port Townsend Main Street Program, runs every Thursday, July 13 through August 31, at the Pope Marine Park/City Dock Civic Plaza. Come to dance, see friends, enjoy a drink and have a bite. Local vendors and a beer, wine and cider garden will contribute to the festive atmosphere. Seating opens at 4:30 pm, show starts at 5 pm and ends at 7:30 pm. Bring a chair or a blanket and settle in for some great tunes. For more into and details about the bands that are playing, go to www.ptmainstreet.org.

Centurm offers the Free Fridays at the Fort concert series June 30 through August 4, showcasing fiddle tunes, jazz and blues on the lawn of the Commons at Fort Worden and is free to the public. Performances begin at noon and go until 1 pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic lunch or grab something to go at Reveille in the Commons. In the rare event of inclement weather, alternative plans will be posted on www.centrum.org.

The wildly popular Olympic Music Festival will be offering their stellar performances in partnership with Centrum with concerts held at the Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden.

Olympic Music Festival Artistic Director Julio Elizalde is joined by Andrew Wan, concertmaster of L’Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, and longtime OMF cellist Jennifer Culp, in a program of beloved trio masterworks by Beethoven, Brahms and Mendelssohn on July 15 and 16. For tickets, go to www.olympicmusicfestival.org

Artistic Director John Clayton has worked with Centrum to assemble a truly outstanding collection of jazz artists from around the country for this year’s Jazz Port Townsend. Enjoy “Jazz in the Clubs,” a movable feast of great music featuring intimate performances in venues in downtown Port Townsend. Your wristband is an all-night access pass, allowing you to move around to the various venues throughout the evening beginning Thursday, July 27 at 8 pm, Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29, at 10pm. For more information, go to www.centrum.org.

Pack up your dancin’ shoes, favorite shorts, best hat, music-loving friends and family and head to Port Townsend for some epic fun and blazing hot summer events this month. We can’t wait to see you!

A Few Upcoming Events later this Summer—Save the Dates!
Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, July 30-August 6
Olympic Music Festival at Fort Worden, August 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 and Sept. 2, 3, 9 & 10
Key City Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, Henry IV—Part 1, August 4-27
Jefferson County Fair, August 11-13
Uptown Street Fair, August 19
Concerts on the Dock, every Thursday in August

 

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Love from Japan

June 1, 2017 by bluegullinn

Love from Japan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love from Japan! We receive many comments from our guest over the past 2o years. Here is just one example from a Mom and Daughter that stayed with us just yesterday. In each guest room we have a diary book for guest to make write comments in. Over the years we have seen many comments in these books. Everything from how great their stay at our in was, to great places to dine and what to see and do in the area. We hope you can visit the Blue Gull Inn Bed & Breakfast and share your comments in our diary. You can make a reservation right on line at www.bluegullinn.com or just give us a call at 360-379-3241. Port Townsend is known for great dining, shopping and FUN. For a list of things to see and do in Port Townsend, WA. Check out www.enjoypt.com.

Thank you so much for staying with us and your nice comments!

We are happy to hear you enjoyed your visit.

 

 

The ND Hill House is also the Blue Gull Inn B&B

Nathaniel D. Hill House

Built: 1868

Location: 1310 Clay Street Uptown Port Townsend, WA

The ND Hill House was built by the Hill Family in 1868. It is one of the first homes built in Port Townsend, WA. Port Townsend was incorporated in 1851 and is one of the oldest cities in Washington State. Dr. Hill was the local Pharmacist, owning the ND Hill & Sons Pharmacy. He had locations in both downtown and at one point in Uptown as well. Keep in mind that in that time period a pharmacy would also sell what we call hardware today. The ND Hill building still stands today on the corner of Water and Quincy streets, in downtown Port Townsend, WA. ND Hill became one of the most successful and well-respected men to live in what was the Washington Territory. He was the first manufacturer of medicinal drugs. ND Hill was a very hard working businessman and became in many commercial businesses. For example, banking, railroads, saw mills, hardware, and telegraph companies. He was a territorial representative and County Commissioner. He became one of the leaders in the drive for Statehood in Washington.

 

ND Hill came to Port Townsend in 1868 with his wife, Sallie Hazeltine Haddock Hill and their two sons, Robert Crosby Hill and Howard Hazeltine Hill.

 

It is hard to imagine the ND Hill House was built 3 years after the end of the Civil War in the United States.

 

The Hill Family resided in the home at 1310 Clay Street for 90 years until 1958. At that time the house was sold by Hill’s granddaughter, Sally Hill. She was the last family member to live in the house. She was an elderly woman by that time, who had returned to Port Townsend to care for her father, Howard Hill who was 90 years old. No longer able to climb stairs, he slept on a day bed in the dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Old School 4th of July in Port Townsend

May 31, 2017 by bluegullinn

Fireworks on the Beach

Fireworks on the Beach

 

Old School 4th of July in Port Townsend

 

Old School 4th of July in Port Townsend

Fireworks off the Beach at Fort Worden State Park – 10 pm

Bring the family, enjoy the show!!!

BOOM! BOOM! BOOMSHAKALAKA!!!

Get ready for the biggest and best party of the year!

The “Old School” 4th of July is coming back for a 3rd round of community collaboration and celebration!

4PM – 10PM Fort Worden State Park
200 Battery Way, in Port Townsend, WA

Featuring live entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, hot air balloon, field games,

free root beer floats, miniature golf, tug of war and a glorious display of fireworks!

It takes a community to pull off a party like this and it can’t happen without your help

There are tons of ways to get involved

An “Old School 4th of July” is the theme of a big celebration this year at Fort Worden State Park featuring music, games, pie-eating and tug-of-war contests, and a free firework display.

The event is sponsored by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Thunderball Productions and Centrum’s Festival of American Fiddle Tunes.

People are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, blankets, games and anything else they want to share.

The Fort Worden Parade Grounds are open for free parking starting at 3:30 p.m. on July 4; all other parking requires a Discover Pass, available at the park for $30 for a year, $10 for a day.

The sign-up for the pie-eating contest, $20, begins at 4 p.m., with apple pies made by artisan baker Meredith Hotchkiss. The first 12 people to sign up are to compete.

At 6:30 p.m., a flock of bird-shaped piñatas are ready to release candy from Elevated Ice Cream Co. and dental hygiene products donated by David Chuljian, DDS. Free root beer floats are to be served to the first 1,000 people in attendance starting at 7 p.m.

There also is still time to sign up for the Old School 4th of July tug-of-war contest with a $1,000 grand prize. Deadline is at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2 at Pope Marine Park. Additional activities include, but are not limited to, a display of “old school” cars by the Rakers Car Club, boffing with Wildwise Adventure School, henna art by Sacred Skin Henna, a miniature golf course and a PT Village Building Convergence art installation.

Most importantly:  Be there!   Party with us on the parade grounds at Fort Worden Tuesday, July 4th

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June Events in Port Townsend

May 31, 2017 by bluegullinn

Find Port Townsend, WA

June Events in Port Townsend

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whale Watching

Whale Watching

 

 

 

 

 

 

 June Events in Port Townsend
June Events in Port Townsend. Port Townsend is all abuzz with excitement about super-cool events this month. We’re serving up something for every appetite—with a cycling ride of the Tour de Forts, to the Brass Screw Confederacy Steampunk Hootenanny, to the Taste of Port Townsend event for foodies, and music galore with Centrum. We know you’ll love the adventure of surprise and delight when you join the fun!

And for those of you who love all things water, June is Orca Month and we’re celebrating to the max with events throughout the month. Catch your breath when the wind fills the sails of the stunning wooden boats in the Classic Mariners’ Regatta and be part of the exhilarating send-off of the participants in the incredible 3rd Annual Race to Alaska!

Port Townsend is one of the best places in the country to see whales, and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, along with Puget Sound Express and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Orca Month with free public events during the Port Townsend Orca Festival, June 3 – June 24. Hang out with whale experts, educators, tribal representatives and artists, for educational and fun-filled days of exploration around the area’s orca population and the broader whale ecosystem in the Salish Sea. Learn more and see full schedule at http://ptorcafest.com.

Photo by Ashlyn E. Brown

The 34th Classic Mariners’ Regatta, June 2-4, brings beautiful wooden boats, high-caliber sailors racing their hearts out, and a friendly atmosphere that is more pot luck than yacht club. Since 1984, the Classic Mariners’ Regatta has animated Port Townsend Bay with the wooden boat spirit that is quintessentially Port Townsend. This event draws classic wooden boats from across the state to race, and celebrate the beauty of these classic vessels. The weekend kicks off with a welcoming gathering on Friday night. Saturday brings two races, the first starting at noon and the second one commencing immediately after. The final sailboat race will start at noon on Sunday and the weekend concludes with an awards ceremony at 5pm. www.nwmaritime.org/events/classic-mariners-regatta/

Nanda returns on June 3 for OMDIGHABEN, at the McCurdy Pavilion for a 7 pm show of dauntless kung-faux, acrobatics, juggling and other amenable mayhem. This carefully orchestrated typhoon of Acrobaticalist Ninja Theatre is the first brand new, feature-length, all-Nanda show since 2010. If you’re a long-time fan of acrobaticalism, you won’t want to miss the birth of OMDIGHABEN. To purchase tickets, go to http://buytickets.at/thunderbull/96744/r/fb.

Tour de Forts 2017 is a stunning ride on June 4, beginning at 8 am, that takes cyclists of all ages and abilities on a scenic and historic trip around the northeast corner of the Olympic Peninsula. Along the way, water and snack stops allow cyclists to enjoy the view from three old seaside forts that have been converted to beautiful state parks. Routes include a 62-mile, 35-mile, 15-mile and 11-mile options. To register, go to www.tourdeforts.org.

The Race to Alaska (R2AK) was born in the spirit of tradition, exploration and the lawless self-reliance that defines the sea-faring journey through the Inside Passage. 750 miles. No motors. No support. All the way to Alaska. R2AK is the first of its kind and North America’s longest human and wind-powered race. First place is $10,000 and second place is a set of steak knives.

The race starting horn blares at 5 am on Thursday, June 8, with public viewing areas open at the Northwest Maritime Center. R2AK is like the Iditarod, on a boat, with a chance of drowning, or being run down by a freighter, or being swallowed by a whirlpool. There are squalls, killer whales and tidal currents that run upwards of 20 miles an hour. There’s also some of the most beautiful scenery on earth—as well as a wicked block party to kick this insanity off!

The R2AK Pre-Race Ruckus is Wednesday, June 7, from 3-8 pm. It’s the start of crazy and it’s free for everyone. Beyond great food and drinks, dance it up with Uncle Funk and the Dope 6. Oh, and don’t forget to check out all the amazing race boats! To join the fun and track the boats once they’re en route, go to www.r2ak.com.

Key City Public Theatre presents Murder Ballad, a sexy, explosive new rock opera that explores the complications of love, the compromises we make, and the betrayals that can ultimately undo us. The show runs Thursday through Sunday from June 8 through July 2. With a title like Murder Ballad, it’s no surprise that this is a treacherous love triangle destined for tragedy. A torrid affair with vibrant music, see this hit show at KCPT in one of its first West Coast productions.

It premiered Off-Broadway in 2012, where it was a New York Times Critic’s Pick. Ben Brantley said the play was “a small, but savvy musical that panders in style to those of us who lap up febrile accounts of fatale attractions.” For more info and to purchase tickets, go to www.keycitypublictheatre.org.

The Brass Screw Confederacy, Port Townsend’s Steampunk Festival, is June 9-11, and it aims to rock you back on your heels and steam up your goggles with a weekend of costume-clad piratical adventure. The event brings together the region’s finest Steampunk artists and entertainers for a weekend of authors, panels, music, art, gritty history and whimsical flights of fantasy.

This year’s event features New Jersey Steampunk duo Frenchy and the Punk and the World Premiere of BRASS Bolts: Dollymops and French Apaches, a Steampunk short film. Don’t miss the swashbuckling adventures of BOOM! (Brotherhood of Oceanic Mercenaries) with their piratical percussive presentation.

On Friday night, belly up to the bar of the Steampunk Saloon to catch the return of Hot Damn Scandal, joined by The Crow Quill Night Owls and Rogues End. Saturday evening, join the Steampunk Hootenanny with Frenchy and the Punk and Nathaniel Johnstone Band. Tickets available at the 607 Water Street. See www.brass-screw.org for a list of times, locations and schedule of events.

Photo by Elizabeth Becker/Seaport Photography

The Port Townsend Main Street Program celebrates the Tastes of Port Townsend on June 15 from 5-8 pm at the Northwest Maritime Center. Foodies will enjoy delicious samples from 13 restaurants and dessert spots, two breweries, two wineries, three cideries, plus tea and coffee.

“We are showcasing the fantastic flavors of Port Townsend celebrating our exciting culinary scene—complemented by hand-crafted, artisan beverages,” says Sandy Spencer, board member of the Port Townsend Main Street Program. From savory salmon bites, wood-fired pizza, lamb meatballs, chili coconut boil, salad, sushi and scrumptious desserts, the many tastes will delight your palate. This event is a fundraiser for the Port Townsend Main Street Program, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to the historic districts Uptown and Downtown. This is a 21+ event, please bring valid ID. For more info and to purchase tickets, go to www.ptmainstreet.org.

Get your dancin’ shoes on and polka dot attire ready for Centrum’s Honky-Tonk Polka Dot Dance featuring Courtney Granger and Luke Bell on Friday, June 30 at 8 pm at the USO Building at Fort Worden. Tickets are $15 sold at the door only.

A Few Upcoming Events this Summer—Save the Dates!
The 3rd Annual “Old School” 4th of July at Fort Worden
The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, public concerts July 4, 7 and 8
Concerts on the Dock, July 13-August 31, every Thursday from 5-7pm downtown
Jazz Port Townsend, July 23-30
Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, July 30-August 6
Olympic Music Festival at Fort Worden, July 15 & 16, August 12-September 10
Key City Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park, Henry IV—Part 1, August4-27

We can’t wait to welcome you to Port Townsend this summer!

 

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May Events in Port Townsend, WA

May 1, 2017 by bluegullinn

 

 

 

 

May Events in Port Townsend, WA. As April showers give way to May flowers, nothing takes center stage as eloquently here in Port Townsend as the Rhododendron, which you’ll see blooming prolifically around town. It’s not only Washington’s state flower, but it’s the star of the show this month as we celebrate our 82nd Rhododendron Festival, with activities and fun for the whole family…even your pet! Mark your calendars to join us May 15-21!

But that’s not all that’s coming your way in May. Read on to learn about more exciting events for you to enjoy in Port Townsend this month!

Art Wave, May 1-31
You’ll be inspired by this colorful month-long exhibit of over 400 pieces of children’s artwork displayed in businesses in Uptown and Downtown, created by grades K-12 in the Port Townsend School District. Come to the historic districts for Art Walk on Saturday, May 6, from 5:30-7:30pm and see the creativity of our children. Sponsored by the Port Townsend Main Street Program. www.PTMainStreet.org

Opening Day on the Bay, Saturday, May 6
Opening Day of the 2017 boating season is cause for celebration as the Port Townsend Yacht Club invites the public to view the waterfront parade. Watch the boats sail by from the Northwest Maritime Center Pier, Pope Marine Park or any other convenient location along Water Street. The parade will begin after the departure of the 12:30 pm ferry to Coupeville. Following the parade, there will be the traditional Blessing of the Fleet. www.PTYC.net

KPTZ Two Tribute Concerts Celebrating the Music of the Beatles, May 6 and 7

As KPTZ, Port Townsend’s local community radio station, marks its sixth year of serving Port Townsend and its surrounding communities, the station will host two special Beatles tribute concerts at the Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden on Saturday, May 6 at 7 pm and Sunday, May 7 at 2 pm. Produced by KPTZ staff and volunteers, this year’s events follow the success of last year’s sold-out Joni Mitchell Tribute Concert. All proceeds will help to support and sustain the station’s ongoing operating expenses.

Advance tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets and at the KPTZ station, at Mountain View Commons. For more information: visit www.kptz.org, email accounts@kptz.org, or call 360-379-6886.

82nd Annual Rhododendron Festival, May 15-21
Talk like a local and call it “Rhody!” For those of us in Port Townsend, this term encompasses anything going on during the week of the festival. We simply call all of it “Rhody.” Feel free to do so too. Make plans to join us this year for Rhody and celebrate our Port Townsend “community holiday” with us. Here’s the scoop:

Wednesday, May 17
6pm Trike Race begins
Thursday, May 18
4:30pm Pet Parade begins and the Funtastic Carnival opens at Memorial Field
Friday, May 19
3:30pm Kiddies Parade begins and the Carnival is ongoing through the evening
6:30pm Bed Races begin
Saturday, May 20
1pm Rhody Festival Grand Parade with a Cake Picnic to follow
Sunday, May 21
11am Rhody Run XXXIX begins
www.RhodyFestival.org or www.RhodyRun.com

4th Annual Artisan Food Festival, May 27
Celebrate the delicious, diverse and abundant artisan and local food of Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula at this year’s Artisan Food Festival, Saturday, May 27 from 9 am to 2 pm on Tyler Street in Uptown Port Townsend and from 5 pm to 10 pm at Propolis Brewing, 2457 Jefferson Street.

More than 70 artisan food vendors and local farms will feature craft beer, cider, wine, goat and cow cheese, pastries, arts and crafts. During the day enjoy chef demonstrations by chef Arran Stark of Jefferson Healthcare, Kelly Bell of Gray Wolf Ranch, and Gabriel Schuenemann of Alder Wood Bistro. There will also be cheese tasting and paring by award-winning Mt. Townsend Creamery, live music, kids’ activities and more. In the evening, join for local handcrafted herbal ales by Propolis Brewing, with artisan foods by local chefs, live music by Abakis and Dirty Beat Duo. Free with suggested $5 donation for the evening event. All ages welcome. Visit http://jcfmarkets.org/ptaff/ for more information.

Save the date for upcoming events in June:

June 2-4
Classic Mariners’ Regatta
Watch beautiful wooden boats and high-caliber sailors racing their hearts out.
www.nwmaritime.org/classic-mariners-regatta/

June 8
Race to Alaska
No motor, no support, all the way to Alaska. Watch the race start in Port Townsend!
www.r2ak.com

June 9-11
The Brass Screw Confederacy – Steampunk Festival
Join us somewhere between 1891 and a time that yet may be…
www.brass-screw.org

June 15
Port Townsend Main Street Program’s Taste of Port Townsend
Sample. Sip. Mingle. It’s going to be delicious!
www.ptmainstreet.org/tastes-of-port-townsend-2/

June 30 and July 1
Centrum’s Voice Works Performances
Boogie at the Honky Tonk Polka Dot Dance, June 30, 8 pm
Indulge in Vintage Vocals: Roots to Jazz to R&B, July 1, 7:30 pm

We can’t wait to see you in Port Townsend in May!

Find Port Townsend, WA

 

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Centrum Port Townsend

July 6, 2016 by bluegullinn

Centrum Port Townsend

Nonstop Music & Readings at Centrum in July

 Posted on June 27, 2016 by

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centrum-summer

Centrum Port Townsend,  is known around the world for its immersive arts and cultural workshops and festivals.  In July, 2016, we will present twenty-four public performances and literary readings (nearly one a day!) at Fort Worden State Park and in venues throughout downtown Port Townsend.

The month of July features in-depth multi-generational workshops in Voice, Fiddle Tunes, Poetry and Creative Writing, and Jazz.  Visitors and residents benefit from access to many free events at the Fort and world-class performances at concert venues on the Fort Worden campus.

This year also marks the 40th Anniversary of the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes and the 25th Anniversary of the McCurdy Pavilion, a WWI balloon hangar that Centrum converted into a 1,200-seat concert facility in the 1990s.

July Events

Voice Works: A Workshop for Singers (June 28-July 3)

Blood Harmony: Mothers and Fathers and Daughters
Friday, July 1, 7:30pm, Wheeler Theater

Free Fridays at the Fort (outdoor concert)
Friday July 1, Noon, featuring Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms

Honky Tonk Polka Dot Dance
Saturday, July 2, 7:30pm, USO Building

The Festival of American Fiddle Tunes – the 40th Gathering (July 3-July 10)

Fiddles on the Fourth
Monday, July 4, 1:30pm, McCurdy Pavilion

Fiddles and Fireworks
Monday, July 4, 7pm, McCurdy Pavilion

Free Fridays at the Fort (outdoor concert)
Friday, July 8, Noon, featuring The Seabright Serenaders

Rhythm and Roots Dance
Friday, July 8, 7:30 p.m. – Littlefield Green at McCurdy Pavilion

North and South America
Saturday, July 9, 1:30pm, McCurdy Pavilion

The Port Townsend Writers’ Conference  (July 17-July 24) 

Free Fridays at the Fort (outdoor concert)
Friday July 15, Noon, featuring Farko Dosumov & Friends

Writers’ Conference Public Readings (FREE)
July 17-23, 7 p.m., Wheeler Theater & Northwind Arts Center

Free Fridays at the Fort (outdoor concert)
Friday July 22, Noon, featuring Aba Kiser

Jazz Port Townsend  (July 24-July 31)

Free Fridays at the Fort (outdoor concert)
Friday July 29, Noon, featuring the Jazz Port Townsend Big Band Directed by Clarence Acox

Friday Night Mainstage Performance
Friday, July 29, 7:30pm, McCurdy Pavilion

Saturday Afternoon Mainstage Performance
Saturday, July 30, 1:30pm, McCurdy Pavilion

Saturday Night Mainstage Performance
Saturday, July 30, 7:30pm, McCurdy Pavilion

Jazz in the Clubs
Thursday, July 28, 8pm-11pm, Downtown Port Townsend Clubs
Friday, July 29, 10pm-12:30am, Downtown Port Townsend Clubs
Saturday, July 30, 10pm-12:30am, Downtown Port Townsend Clubs

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