Arts & Entertainment

Port Townsend, Arts & Entertainment

National Geographic calls Port Townsend “one of the most sophisticated places west of Seattle,” and arts and entertainment is a large part of the reason why.

For more than three decades, artists of all ages have flocked to Centrum, the nonprofit arts organization located at Fort Worden State Park, for artist residencies, workshops and performances. Centrum’s summer performance festivals in music and literature are national events, drawing thousands to the area.

Copper Canyon Press, also located at Fort Worden, is the nation’s premier poetry publishing house. Copper Canyon Press fosters the work of emerging, established, and world-renowned poets for an expanding audience.

Centrum’s Jazz Port Townsend is a summer highlight

Located at the entrance to downtown, Northwinds Arts Center is a hub of visual arts and literary activity, producing educational programs, lectures, readings and workshops, and by providing juried and invitational venues for displaying the work of regional artists.

Key City Public Theatre is perhaps the most active and vital theater organization on the Olympic Peninsula. Their year-round slate of performances and workshops draws audiences from around the region.

Port Townsend’s location, coupled with its proximity to the Seattle/Vancouver/Portland metro areas, makes the town an attractive destination for national music acts and audiences looking for intimate performance experiences.

From music, to theater, to visual and performing arts, Port Townsend is a destination not to be missed. Be sure to visit PTGuide.com’s comprehensive arts and entertainment calendar to find out what’s happening in Port Townsend.

Tags: beach, birdwatching, boats, deer, dining, fort worden state park, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Seaport, vacation, victorian, Waterfront
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Enjoy Fort Worden State Park

February 27, 2019 by bluegullinn

A Newsletter from Washington State Parks | February 2019

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Reservations | Discover Pass | Passes & Permits | Boating | Support Your Parks

Discover Pass gives you year-round access to millions of acres

When you purchase your Discover Pass, you aren’t just buying a parking pass. You are directly supporting the preservation of public lands. Not only does the Discover Pass give you access to state parks, it also offers you access to millions of acres of state recreation lands in Washington, including:

More than 100 developed state parks
More than 350 primitive recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas
Nearly 700 water-access points
Nearly 2,000 miles of designated water and land recreation trails
More than 80 natural areas
More than 30 wildlife areas

Purchase your Discover Pass today!

Welcome spring with Holi

at Lake Sammamish State Park

The Washington State Parks Folk & Traditional Arts Program invites the public to celebrate spring at the 2019 Holi Celebration at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah.

The annual celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23. (Driving directions.) The free event, which takes place at the park’s kitchen shelter, will include a Bollywood DJ, traditional music & dance and family-friendly activities. Nontoxic paint powder and vegetarian Indian food will be available for purchase.

Holi, an ancient Hindu spring festival, is also known as the Festival of Colors. This joyful and vibrant holiday brings participants of all ages and walks of life together to celebrate, socialize and say goodbye to winter. Learn more about Holi at the event!

The Holi Celebration is part of a broader series of events that celebrate Washington’s diverse heritage presented by the Folk & Traditional Arts Program. Learn more.

A Discover Pass is required for vehicle parking.

Beat the winter chill

with a State Parks scarf

Feeling chilly with the cold weather and snow Washington has been receiving this year? Then get your hands on the new Washington State Parks scarf!

This beautiful, high-quality woven scarf is two sided and lets you proudly support Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program.

The scarf is 61 inches long by 6.5 inches tall. It sells for $20 (includes tax) at Washington State Parks headquarters building, 1111 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, 98501. Or $20 plus $7 to have it shipped to you. Call (360) 902-8844.

The scarf is 80 percent acrylic and 20 percent polyester, and is machine washer/dryer safe. Proceeds support the Winter Recreation Program. Limited supply, so get your scarf today!

Find out how you can get your very own scarf here.

Photo: Blake the snowshoe hare is one of the mascots for State Parks’ Winter Recreation Program.

Avoid the rush!

Book a cabin or campsite now!

Planning your spring or summer vacation? State parks’ accommodations fill up fast, but you can make reservations up to nine months in advance for most parks.

If you waited too long to snag those summer weekend dates last year, consider a mid-week reservation. You might have better luck if you can be flexible on your dates. And there’s always the off season. Many cabins and yurts are cheaper then, too!

Looking for suggestions? We currently have openings for cabins and yurts at Twin Harbors and Ike Kinswa state parks. Book your stay today!

Photo: Yurt at Twin Harbors state park

Tags: beach, birdwatching, boats, deer, Events around Port Townsend, fort worden state park, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Port Townsend, Seaport, victorian, Washington Coast, Waterfront
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Olympic Peninsula Red Wine, Cider and Chocolate Tour – Feb 9-10 & 16-18, 2019

February 5, 2019 by bluegullinn

Olympic Peninsula Red Wine, Cider and Chocolate Tour – Feb 9-10 & 16-18, 2019

Red Wine, Cider & Chocolates

Olympic Peninsula Red Wine, Cider and Chocolate Tour – Feb 9-10 & 16-18, 2019

Enjoy our annual Olympic Peninsula Red Wine, Cider and Chocolate Tour! Let your temptations run wild with our unmatched extraordinary blends of Washington grapes, apples and pears – paired with decadent chocolate & local culinary fare. You’ll fall head over heels with Olympic Peninsula Wineries & Cideries, during the Olympic Peninsula Red Wine, Cider and Chocolate Tour. This tour takes place over two scrumptious weekends to allow you to savor each venue’s offerings. Our new release varietals and culinary offerings will satisfy every palate and have you falling in love with every sip.

Tickets for this self guided tour are available on-line for $40 or $45 at the wineries or cideries and are non-refundable. These tickets include a souvenir wine glass, wine and cider tastings at each location as well as sensational chocolate pairings. Visitors who get their ticket stamped at all nine tasting rooms will be entered into a drawing for a love inspired gift basket. Purchase tickets here.

All venues will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day for the tour and some venues may have extended hours for non-tour visits. Tasting fees for those not participating in the ticketed event will be $10 per person at each winery or cidery.

The Olympic Peninsula Wineries encourage responsible wine touring and recommend that you have a designated driver in your group. Designated drivers do not need to purchase a ticket and are always welcome to taste the food. While children are allowed in the tasting rooms, you must be 21 or over to purchase tickets and/or participate in wine and cider tasting.

Eaglemount Winery & Cidery: Join Eaglemount with chocolate serenade, delicious caramel sauce paired with our lineup of ciders, wines and meads with the new release of Brambleberry Burn Cider and wine release of Tempranillo you’ll fall in love with Eaglemount again and again.

Harbinger Winery: Attention Wine Lovers and Chocoholics!

The Red Wine, Cider and Chocolate Tour is your ticket to unabashedly celebrate several great things at the same time; the survival of another cold, dark January, the anticipation of blooming romance, and the celebration of red wine, hard cider and gourmet chocolate. The Harbinger crew has been surfing through an ocean of wine and chocolate pairings and gleaning tattered and wine- stained notes to create the ultimate palatial experience for you on the subject.

Also in the works is the highly provocative VIP Reserve tasting for those daring enough to step behind the velvet curtains of the Kitty Kat Lounge. Sample Harbinger Winery’s gold medal and reserve wines with handmade aphrodisiac chocolates and prepare to have your preconceived beliefs warped with mind-bending creations.

We hope to see you at Harbinger Winery for this much anticipated, once-a-year chocolate extravaganza!

FairWinds Winery: visitors can have fun dipping tasty tidbits from salty pretzels to sweet strawberries in the chocolate fountain and discover a favorite pairing with our current wine releases, including the popular Port O’ Call.

Finnriver Farm & Cidery: At Finnriver, we will seek to delight the senses with tantalizing tastes of our decadent brandywines and our farm crafted ciders, including our orchard series Golden Russet Cider, botanical Solstice Saffron Cider, our beloved Raspberry Brandywine and newly released Chai Brandywine. Also enjoy samples of chocolate delights or purchase a hot meal from the Finnriver Kitchen or one of our wonderful weekend food vendors: Dented Buoy woodfired pizza or Hama Hama oysters and chowder! We will also have live music Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Marrowstone Vineyards: Marrowstone Vineyards is excited to share their red wine and chocolate offerings to help shake off those winter blues! For the wine, cider and chocolate experience we will be pouring our red wines with a taste of sweet as well as savory. Silverwater Café will be providing us with delectable turtle fudge, and some decadently rich chocolate mousse truffles. For our savory option they are preparing cacao spice rubbed lamb skewers. These tasty bites of sweet and savory, paired with our red wines is something you will absolutely not want to miss out on.

Wind Rose Cellars: Wind Rose Cellars plans an exciting and educational experience when you visit our tasting room.

We will pour some of our award-winning reds paired with local chocolatier Yvonne Yokota. Yvonne will also be on site with chocolate truffles along with her delicious chocolate bark.

We will pour the following wines: 2013 Primitivo, 2014 Field Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Nebbiolo, 2014 Bravo Rosso, 2015 Hunters Red and our ever so popular 2017 Muscato. We have some special sales going on as well. We also plan to have our VIP bar open pouring some of our rare and super limited produced wines.

We also have live music planned:

February 8th “Dawn Martin” local keyboardist who really packs the house. 7-9pm
February 9th Forest Beutel” regional one-man band that plays blues. 7-9 pm
February 14th Blue Skyz Jazz local jazz Trio performing from 6-8pm
February 15th “Tony Flaggs Band” local trio that plays a mixture of rock with a little bluegrass. 7-9pm
February 16th “Sarah Shea and Chez Jazz” local jazz vocalist that will amaze you with her vocals. 7-9pm

Join us if you can. We’d love to show you our spin on Italian varietals grown in Washington State.

Camaraderie Cellars: we like to think that red wine and dark chocolate applied internally is just what the doctor orders to sustain your good health. Sips of varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, as well as Bordeaux-styled blends will certainly fill the bill. Add to that, tasty bittersweet chocolate heart cookies and dark chocolate bark bites. And to highlight savory chocolate, the Cocoa Spiced pulled pork will be back by popular demand. Enjoy tastings in our new Ridge Room. Toasting good health for all! Great discounts will help add to your cellar.

Olympic Cellars: Olympic Cellars welcomes you. It is our 40th Anniversary and in celebration, we will release our first ever Pinot Noir with a special commemorative label.

We are really excited to have ‘We Do Fudge’ of Sequim back on-site pairing the perfect fudge flavors with two new limited-release wines.

Petite Sirah, 2015 -This is our first vintage of this delicious full-bodied, well-balanced wine which tastes of juicy plum and raspberry.

Petit Verdot, 2015 – The mouth feel is plush, and the taste is distinctive for the espresso, bitter chocolate overtones to its plump core of black currant and blueberry flavors.

Last year’s favorite pairing of White Port and carrot cake fudge will also be back. Yumm! As always, we will have a variety of red and white wines available to sample.

You will also enjoy sampling some fun nibbles in the cellar and taking advantage of special discounts to stock up your cellar.

Port Townsend Vineyards: Come visit us on the Red Wine, Cider & Chocolate tour and taste a sneak peak of our highly-anticipated Discovery Rosé! Attendees will receive the first tastes of this year’s vintage. We’ll also be pouring our 2017 Merlot and 2016 Pinot Noir, delightfully paired with truffles from Elevated Chocolate and other snacks. Come walk through the tank hall to view operations and settle in inside our heated Discovery Room Pavilion.

Tags: beach, birdwatching, boats, deer, dining, Events around Port Townsend, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Port Townsend, Seaport, vacation, victorian, Waterfront
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Party in Port Townsend

August 2, 2018 by bluegullinn

Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Workshop

Party down in Port Townsend in August with live music all around town, Shakespeare in the Park and summer fairs for the whole family. You won’t want to miss a minute!

The Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival heats up the park with “Blues in the Clubs” as a moveable feast of great music for all ages in various venues at Fort Worden State Park. One nightly wristband gives you the freedom to move around to all the venues throughout the evening, gaining the full benefit of the club experience. Centrum’s Blues faculty will play sets in all sorts of interesting combinations on Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4 from 8 pm – midnight. For more information, go to www.centrum.org.

Rock out at the Trail Blaze Ball on Saturday, August 4 at Memorial Field in downtown Port Townsend. The fun starts at 4 pm with live local bands playing and from 7 – 10 pm, the rockin’, rollickin’ sounds of FreddyPink will have you dancing the night away. Food trucks with a local beer, cider and wine garden will be available along with trail outfitters and vendor booths. The evening is open to all ages with a suggested donation of $20 at the gate in support of the Olympic Peninsula’s magnificent Olympic Discovery Trail. https://olympicdiscoverytrail.org/odt-event/

In a Viking saga of love, honor and betrayal, Key City Public Theatre is proud to present the tragedy of the Prince of Denmark in Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park. Taken back to 932AD, Hamlet is reimagined as a saga where thanes and raiders seek fortune, power, and ultimately, a seat in the hallowed halls of Valhalla.

Directed by Marc Weinblatt, Hamlet features a cast loaded with KCPT mainstays and promises a thrilling take on the most famous of the bard’s work.

Performances run Aug. 3 through 26, outdoors in beautiful Chetzemoka Park (Jackson and Blaine Streets), Fridays through Sundays at 6 pm. All performances are Pay-What-You-Wish at the gate, with advance tickets costing $29, available at the playhouse box office at 360.385.KCPT (5278) or online at http://www.keycitypublictheatre.org/.

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the grass and to dress warmly for when the sun goes down. Picnic fare is welcome. Concessions will also be sold.

The dock is still rockin’ for a few more weeks at the free, all-ages, outdoor Concerts on the Dock in downtown Port Townsend. Sponsored by the Port Townsend Main Street Program, the concerts will be Thursdays, August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, at the Pope Marine Park/City Dock Civic Plaza. Local vendors and a beer, wine and cider garden will contribute to the festive atmosphere. Help us “Go Green” this year by renting a reusable cup during the concert and returning it at the end of the show. So far this has dramatically reduced the amount plastic used at each concert. 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 the list of bands, go to http://www.ptmainstreet.org/page14/page14.html.

The Jefferson County Fair welcomes you to this year’s Bug Up-themed fair, August 10, 11 and 12. Meet farm animals up close. Cheer on riders as they put their horses through their paces. See the largest fruits, vegetables and flowers grown in Jefferson County. Hear music from fantastic bands and get your dancin’ boots on. Take a turn at riding the bull. Indulge in an elephant ear or a corn dog. Or watch the demo derby or mud drag. It’s everything a country fair should be—don’t miss it!

Open 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm Sunday. For more details and ticket info, visit http://jeffcofairgrounds.com.

The Olympic Music Festival (OMF) presents its 35^th annual summer season in partnership with Centrum at Fort Worden. World-class chamber music performances take place at the Joseph F. Wheeler Theater, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm, August 11 through September 19. Programming also includes a free educational concert for children and their families on August 26 at 11 am.

Since the beginning of his tenure in 2014, OMF Artistic Director Julio Elizalde has electrified audiences by presenting world-class artists on the Olympic Peninsula in programs that center on the classical chamber music repertoire and, on occasion, venture into styles such as American folk music and jazz. To purchase tickets and for more detailed information about the performances, go to www.olympicmusicfestival.org or call 360.385.9699.

Key City Public Theatre will celebrate its 60^th birthday on August 14 with a fun and fabulous dance party. The party will start at 7 pm at Chetzemoka Park—dance til dusk on the Hamlet set with the Prince of Denmark himself!

Photo by Deja View Photography

On August 18, the beloved Annual Uptown Street Fair and Parade celebrates 28 years of fun in Uptown and includes great local music, the Port Townsend Arts & Crafts Fair, the Jefferson County Farmers Market, tasty food on the street, free art activities for families and much more.

Come hang out with the Uptown businesses and neighbors for the day at this colorful community event. The Arts and Crafts Fair and Farmers Market begin at 9 am; kids’ activities follow from 10 am – 3 pm, and music from 10 am – 5 pm. The Uptown Pub is hosting an outdoor beer garden. The “GRANDLY LOCAL PARADE” is at 2 pm. Come make a day of it in historic, pedestrian-friendly Uptown. Lawrence Street and Tyler Street are closed for the Street Fair, as well as the Farmers Market location on Polk Street. Bring your appetite—there will be delicious local food vendors at the event. Coordinated by the Port Townsend Main Street Program and sponsored by generous local businesses. For more information, go to http://ptmainstreet.org.

“Jelly” by David Eisenhour

The Art Port Townsend 20^th Annual Artist Studio Tour is a festival of the visual arts featuring an open studio tour of local artists. The tour is the final event of the annual Art Port Townsend Festival. Professional artists open their studios to provide demonstrations and display their work in many different mediums such as oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking, fabric arts, glass and a variety of mixed media. This annual event is a “must see” for regional artists and art lovers. There is no charge for the self-guided tour, running August 18-19 from 10 am – 4 pm. For more information and a map of the studios, go to www.northwindarts.org/programs/art-port-townsend/aboutstudiotour/

Don’t miss the party in August. Visit us for an amazing getaway and enjoy all things Port Townsend!

A Few Upcoming Events in September—Save the Dates!
42^nd Annual Wooden Boat Festival, September 7-9
Olympic Music Festival at Fort Worden, September 1, 2, 8 & 9
Centrum’s Ukulele Festival, September 12-16
19^th Annual Port Townsend Film Festival, September 21-23

Tags: B&B, beach, birdwatching, boats, deer, dining, Events around Port Townsend, Family, ferry, fort worden state park, fun, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Sand, Seaport, victorian, Waterfront
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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 4^th 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 9^th 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 4^th Annual “Old School” 4^th 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!

Tags: B&B, beach, birdwatching, boats, deer, dining, fort worden state park, fun, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Sand, Seaport, shopping, travel, victorian, Washington Coast, Waterfront
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Spring into Fun

May 7, 2018 by bluegullinn

Enjoy PT

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 83^rd Rhododendron Festival, with activities and fun for the whole family…even your pet! Mark your calendars to join us May 16-20!

But that’s not all that’s coming your way in May. Read on to learn about more exciting events and activities 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 5, from 5:30-7:30 pm and see the creativity of our children.

New this year, tap into your creativity at the ArtZone—a Paint n’ Sip Party on May 24 from 5-7 pm for adults 21+ to benefit Arts in the Port Townsend Public Schools. The class will be led by Jesse Watson, an award-winning local artist who’s known for his colorful landscapes and portraits. The $50 fee includes materials and refreshments. The art party will be held in the Kuhn Building at 1044 Water Street. Sponsored by the Port Townsend Main Street Program. http://ptmainstreet.org/may-is-art-wave/

Opening Day on the Bay, Saturday, May 5
Opening Day of the 2018 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

Gemboree, Saturday, May 5

The Port Townsend Rock Club is hosting their annual Gemboree showcase, including local experts demonstrating contemporary beading, jewelry bezel setting, stone sculpting and much more. The organization has been active for over 50 years in Port Townsend. Located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, the clubhouse hosts a complete studio, library and a cavalcade of people who love to work on and learn about gems, minerals and geology. Explore the possibilities at the Gemboree from 10 am to 2 pm. Free to the public. For more info, email porttownsendrockclub@gmail.com.

83^rd Annual Rhododendron Festival and Rhody Run, May 16-20
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 16
6pm Trike Race begins
Thursday, May 17
4:30pm Pet Parade begins and the Funtastic Carnival opens at Memorial Field
Friday, May 18
3:30pm Kiddies Parade begins and the Carnival is ongoing through the evening
6:30pm Bed Races begin
Saturday, May 19
1pm Rhody Festival Grand Parade with a Cake Picnic to follow
Sunday, May 20
11am 40^th Annual Rhody Run begins
www.RhodyFestival.org or www.RhodyRun.com

The 5th Annual Artisan Food Festival is May 26 in Uptown Port Townsend with 70+ local farms, live music, artisan foods, craft beer, cider, wine, and arts and craft vendors including cheese pairings with Mt. Townsend Creamery and Port Townsend Vineyards. Chef demonstrations by Jefferson Healthcare’s Executive Chef, Arran Stark; Finistere’s Executive Chef and Co-owner Deborah Taylor; Jess Rose, Silverwater Café’s Executive Chef; and Denise Joy from Mountain Spirit Herbal Company. For a schedule of events, go to http://jcfmarkets.org/ptaff/.

Save the date for upcoming events in June:

June 1-3
Classic Mariners’ Regatta
Watch beautiful wooden boats and high-caliber sailors racing their hearts out.
www.nwmaritime.org/classic-mariners-regatta/

June 7
Port Townsend Main Street’s Taste of Port townsend
Sample. Sip. Mingle. It’s going to be delicious!
www.ptmainstreet.org/tastes-of-port-townsend-2/

June 8-10
The Brass Screw Confederacy – Steampunk Festival
Join us somewhere between 1891 and a time that yet may be…
www.brass-screw.org

June 13 and 14
Pre-Race Ruckus and Race to Alaska
No motor, no support, all the way to Alaska. Watch the race start in Port Townsend!
www.r2ak.com

June 17
Centrum’s Chamber Music Series
An afternoon concert by the Pacifica Quartet
www.centrum.org/port-townsend-chamber-music-festival/

June 27, 28 and 29
Centrum’s Voice Works Performances
Vocal Showcase #1 of music and dances, June 27, 7:30 pm
Boogie at the Honky Tonk Polka Dot Dance, June 28, 8 pm
Vocal Showcase #2 of music and dances, June 27, 7:30 pm

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

Tags: beach, birdwatching, deer, dining, Family, ferry, flowers, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Seaport, shopping, victorian, Waterfront
Posted in Events around Port Townsend | Comments Off on Spring into Fun

Happy Spring

April 3, 2018 by bluegullinn

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 21^st 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
83^rd 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!

Forward

Tags: beach, birdwatching, boats, deer, dining, Family, ferry, flowers, fort worden state park, fun, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Seaport, vacation, victorian, Waterfront
Posted in Events around Port Townsend | Comments Off on Happy Spring

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!

Tags: B&B, birdwatching, boats, deer, dining, Events around Port Townsend, Family, ferry, flowers, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Seaport, Waterfront
Posted in Events around Port Townsend | Comments Off on Victorian Festival

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

Tags: beach, birdwatching, boats, deer, dining, Family, ferry, flowers, fort worden state park, Lighthouse, olympic peninsula, Seaport, shopping, victorian, Washington Coast
Posted in Events | Comments Off on Happy Valentines Day

Archives

Victorian Festival March 22-24, 2019