NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE

Make the Most of Summer: August Events Around the Northwest

Aug 5, 2026, 1:08 PM

Northwest Travel Life...

Northwest Travel Life

Originally published on Northwest Travel & Life.

The list of things to do in August in the Northwest is packed with one more big round of fairs, festivals, food, music and outdoor adventures. From blueberry celebrations in Alaska and dahlia fields in Oregon to rodeos in Washington and mountain biking and brews in Wyoming, there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy.

WASHINGTON

PlantCon | Aug. 15-16 | Seattle

PlantCon is an immersive weekend experience that allows plant lovers from all over to meet and get to know one another while enjoying workshops, presentations, and parties! It features a 200 booth plant market with sellers from around the globe, seminars and workshops from field experts, and exhibitions from the plant world’s leading brands.

Learn more at plantcon.org/seattle.

Omak Stampede | Aug. 13-16 | Omak

“We would like you to join us for a weekend of western entertainment that will be one of your fondest memories. From the first ride-in to the last running of the World Famous Suicide Race, you will enjoy an action packed weekend to includes a family friendly Carnival, Wrangler Kids Night, Indian Encampment & Pow Wow, Western & Native Art Show, Rodeo Dances and Vendor Row, Omak Stampede ‘Company Store.’”

Learn more at omakstampede.org.

Tour de Whidbey | Aug. 16 | Coupeville

“Join WhidbeyHealth Foundation for the annual Tour de Whidbey, a fully supported ride across the scenic roads of Whidbey Island. Cyclists of every level can choose from multiple route distances winding through farmland, forest, and Salish Sea shoreline, with rest stops, and mechanical & safety support along the way. Every mile ridden helps WhidbeyHealth Foundation in securing resources for high-quality healthcare for all on Whidbey Island.”

Learn more at whidbeyhealthfoundation.org/tourdewhidbey.

Festival Sundiata Black Arts Fest | Aug. 22-23 | Seattle

“The board of Festival Sundiata would like to invite you to join with us in supporting Festival Sundiata presents “Black Arts Fest ”: This will be a wonderful family event held at Seattle Center . The festival celebrates the arts and educates the community about people of African descent who form a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. The festival will encompass, music, spoken word, food, vendors, information, employment opportunities an incredible art exhibition and sale, drill team exhibition, and much, much, more.”

Learn more at festivalsundiata.org,

OREGON

Annual Dahlia Festival | August – September | Canby

“Stroll through almost 50 acres of breathtaking fields and a beautiful display garden of stunning dahlias featuring over 375 varieties. Treat yourself to a rainbow of colors by taking photos, shopping in our mercantile, and purchasing fresh-cut dahlias to take home…Fill your belly with yummy treats from our Food Carts, relax and enjoy the Live Music on the weekend, or take one of our Classes throughout the festival dates.”

Learn more at dahlias.com.

Bites & Bubbles | Aug. 15 | Eugene

“Join Sweet Waters on the River for their first annual Bites & Bubbles. Enjoy sparkling wines from Oregon wineries paired with chef-crafted small bites while taking in beautiful Willamette River views from their all-season patio. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique summer evening in Eugene, this is an event you won’t want to miss.”

Learn more at eugenecascadescoast.org.

India Festival | Aug. 22-23 | Portland

“India Festival brings India to the Square! This festival is a celebration of India’s Independence Day with live music, dance, food and other entertainment. India Festival is hosted by the India Cultural Association, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing Indian cultural awareness.”

Learn more at thesquarepdx.org/event/india-festival-2025-2.

Hood to Coast Relay Race | Aug. 28-29 | Portland

From the original Hood to Coast relay to races in different continents, the HTC energy has proven infectious. Our relay races grow in support every year, and our event production team is expanding our reach to new locations and new endeavors. Start with a 5k, or dive headfirst into the Mother of All Relays!

Learn more at hoodtocoast.com.

IDAHO

Idaho Korean Festival | Aug. 15 | Boise

“Celebrate Korean Culture at the Idaho Korean Festival on August 15, 2026. Join us in Boise, Idaho for a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Korean heritage, community, and creativity. This exciting event brings together traditional music and dance, authentic Korean food, hands-on cultural activities, engaging performances, and local vendors for an unforgettable day of fun and connection.”

Learn more at visitboise.com/events/idaho-korean-festival.

Sawtooth Salmon Festival | Aug. 27-30 | Stanley

“A FREE community celebration of the 900-mile journey of Idaho’s salmon from the ocean to Redfish Lake in Stanley, Idaho. Live Music & Bands, Salmon Tours & Viewing, Tribal Dancers , Speakers, Kid’s Activities, Crafts & Activities , Artists & Vendors & More!”

Learn more at sawtoothsalmonfestival.org.

Winfest | Aug. 29 | Boise

“We are so excited to invite you to the Basque Block for Winefest 2026 – Saturday, August 29 from 6-9pm…This year, we are only selling 300 tickets, so get them before it is too late. All participants will have access to commemorative wine glasses, access to nearly 100 wines & their knowledgeable pourers, pintxos/small bites and more.”

Learn more at basquemuseum.eus/winefest.

MONTANA

Alpenglow Festival | Aug. 28-29 | Bozeman

“As Bozeman’s premier Music & Arts Festival, Alpenglow showcases local talent, restaurants, and businesses alongside world-class artists. It’s two days jam-packed with excitement for everyone.”

Learn more at alpenglowfest.com.

Adventure Van Expo | Aug. 15-16 | Bozeman

“Come to the Adventure Van Expo shows throughout the summer and check out a weekend full of unique builds, custom designs, open house vans, vans to buy, public-built rigs and a whole lot more. Hang out with the outdoor community and connect with experts about their products all in one location.”

Learn more at adventurevanexpo.com.

WYOMING

River Festival | Aug. 14-15 | Green River

“Join the Green River Chamber in the celebration of our amazing river! The River Festival starts off at 4 PM on the third weekend of August, where we have music, beer, vendors, our shrimp boil, food trucks, and once it gets dark, FIREWORKS!”

Learn more at grchamber.com/river-festival.

Bikes and Brews | Aug. 22 | Jackson Hole

“Bikes and Brews is a family-friendly event featuring mountain biking in the JH Bike Park, live outdoor music, and a brewfest! Guests are encouraged to ride the bike park, climb the Via Ferrata, hike the trails, soar above the mountain with JH Paragliding and enjoy the scenery from the Aerial Tram and gondolas before ending the day with unlimited beer tastings and live music. The event is located on the Bridger Lawn just outside of JH Sports.”

Learn more at jacksonhole.com/bikes-and-brews.

ALASKA

Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival | Aug. 15-16

“The Alaskan blueberry: plump, delicious, and so popular that every year Girdwood puts on a big celebration in honor of blueberry season. As many as 4,000 people have been flocking to Girdwood one weekend every August for the past 6 years, and the festival gets larger and more exciting each year, with people coming from all over Alaska.

Visitors will find blueberry-focused events like no-hands-allowed pie-eating contests (for both kids and adults), chefs doing demos of how to cook various blueberry dishes, and dessert contests (featuring blueberries, of course).”

Learn more at alaska.org.

Alaska State Fair | Aug. 21- Sept. 7 | Palmer

The Alaska State Fair goes big with carnival rides, fair food, livestock, arts and crafts, flowers and one of its most famous traditions: weigh-offs of enormous Alaska-grown produce. Catch acrobats and live entertainment, wander agricultural exhibits and gardens and pack plenty of classic midway fun into a day at the fair. Concert lineup includes big-name acts like AJR, Megadeth, Ziggy Marley, Amy Grant, CAKE, Modest Mouse, The Beach Boys and more.

Learn more at alaskastatefair.org.

BRISITH COLUMBIA

Sunshine Coast of the Festival Written Arts | Aug. 13-16 | Sechelt

“Join Canada’s longest running summer gathering of Canadian writers and readers, featuring established literary stars and exciting, new voices… with opportunities for writers and readers to mingle amidst Rockwood’s heritage gardens.”

Learn more at writersfestival.ca.

Mural Festival | Aug. 14-16 | Chilliwack

“Welcome to our seventh year of the Chilliwack Mural Festival! This event celebrates public art presented by the Chilliwack Arts Council. Set against the backdrop of historic downtown Chilliwack, the three-day festival celebrates the creation of large-scale murals by emerging and established artists from Canada and around the world.”

Learn more at chilliwackmuralfestival.com.

RibFest Langley | Aug. 14-16

“RibFest Langley has become an annual tradition enjoyed by more than 47,000 people. With our Famous Ribbers (and other Great Food Options), Live Entertainment, Huge KidZone, and site-wide Adult Beverage service there is something for everyone.”

Learn more at ribfestlangley.com.

See the full list of events near you on our calendar.

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