Art for All…

The Arts in Anacortes are Alive and well! For over 50 years, the Anacortes Arts Festival has been bringing visitors to our community to celebrate the arts. The community is home to thriving arts organizations who offer year-round programming in theater, music, visual and literary arts.The City boasts a large public art collection in locations ranging from city streets and buildings, to waterfront settings, to parks and forestlands.

Summertime in Anacortes is filled with opportunities to experience music, theater, a thriving Farmer’s Market, gallery walks and the Anacortes Arts Festival the first weekend in August.

The Port of Anacortes hosts a series of FREE evening concerts on Wednesday and Friday, starting July 5,  from 6 – 8 at the Seafarer’s Memorial Park at the south end of Cap Sante Marina.   These concerts are casual (bring a chair or a blanket).  They feature a wide range of music from soothing jazz to fast paced rock standards.  If you prefer Saturday evenings, the City’s Heart of Anacortes at the corner of 4th and O Ave also has a summertime lineup of musical events.  These start on July 6 at 6pm and are family friendly.

If theater is more your vibe, consider taking in a live theater performance at the Anacortes Community Theater at 918 M Ave.   James and the Giant Peach is currently running through June 30 – followed by Noises Off by Michael Frayn July 26 – August 17.  Since 1964, ACT has been producing high quality theater featuring local Directors, actors and production crews.  Their auditions are open to everyone and their education program is training actors of tomorrow.

The largest Anacortes event – The Anacortes Arts Festival takes place on August 2 – 4 in downtown Anacortes.   It includes 250 booth artisans and a museum quality fine art show at the Port Event Center on the Guemes Channel (which opens on July 27).   The Festival schedules over 35 musical acts on three stages – each adjacent to beer & wine gardens pouring Northwest microbrews and wines (plus margaritas and other spirits).   There is Working Studios area that features artists demonstrating all variety of disciplines…graffiti, chalk painting, wood working, blacksmithing, carving, painting – and more…not to be missed.   Rounding things out is an active youth area and the 14th annual Art Dash half marathon, 10k, 5k.  Art Dash is a certified, timed run ending on the Port dock.

A popular Anacortes gathering place is our Farmers Market at the Depot Art Center, 611 R Ave,  from 9 – 2 Saturdays.  This weekly community happening includes produce and other food items from local growers and producers, handmade crafts, food vendors, live music and flowers.

Last but not least, the Anacortes First Friday Gallery Walk includes work by regional artistic talent in local galleries and businesses.  This is a very popular evening event happens year round.

Anacortes

Anacortes Open Streets – Buskerfest
NEW addition to community fun in the streets

Chamber of Commerce
Complete information about Anacortes

Anacortes Museum
Enjoy an online collection of more than 20,000 photographs including the Anacortes Mural Project

Anacortes Community Theatre
Year round live dramatic and comedy theater

Fidalgo Danceworks
Dance classes and performance for youth and adults

Anacortes Arts Commission
City arts organization fostering engagement in the arts for all citizens

Jazz at the Library
Anacortes Public Library’s extensive collection of jazz CDs & literature for streaming or loan, scheduled jazz & blues programming

Vela Luka Dance Ensemble
Music and dance celebrating Croatian heritage

An-O-Chords
Men’s harmony barbershop chorus

Skagit Valley Camera Club
Monthly meetings offering education and exhibition for photographers

First Friday Gallery Walk
Monthly Friday evening event showcasing local and regional artists in various locations

The Heart of Anacortes
Outdoor concerts, art exhibits & more