There used to be a single date in July where you were guaranteed a rain-free day and could schedule an outdoor wedding. That’s it. One day in the Pacific Northwest. Now we’re experiencing warmer temperatures more often. I’d still check the weather forecast too see if you need any rain clothes before heading out in July. But our rain, this time of year, is usually just a drizzle, so don’t let talk of precipitation dampen your plans.

Here’s my take on the best events for this month:

July 3-10:  Port Townsend’s Festival of American Fiddle Tunes attracts fiddlers, fiddle lovers and dancers to Fort Worden State Park.

July 4:  Tacoma’s Freedom Fair , located on the Ruston Way waterfront, has a little of everything – an air show, food, exhibits, rides while getting the breeze off the bay.

July 4:  Seattle’s Seafair Summer Fourth means grandiose fireworks at Gas Works Park.

July 4:  Grand Old 4^th Parade and Celebration in Tri Cities lets you begin the day with a pancake breakfast, followed by a fun run, parade and of course, a dazzling display of fireworks.

July 8-9:  Redmond Derby Days  includes a parade, musical entertainment and a beer and wine garden.

July 8-10:  Kent Cornucopia Days  has everything you could possibly want in a hometown festival from food to booths (400 vendors) to carnival rides and dragon boat races. Another one of my personal favorites.

July 9-10:  Seattle’s Ballard Seafood Fest  has been an event since 1974 designed to celebrate Ballard’s connection to the fishing industry. Try an adult beverage to go with your seafood choice, listen to live music, shop for arts and crafts and more.

July 14-17:  King County Fair in Enumclaw promises a truck pull, pig races, mutton bustin’, amusement rides, flying dogs and a bungee trampoline.

July 15-17:  The Bite of Seattle  showcases more than 60 area eateries, has beer and cider tasting, a wine bar and live cooking demonstrations.

July 15-17:  The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival  may not have as many fresh strawberries as usual because the crop was early this year. The festivities won’t be dashed though, you’ll find plenty of action including a classic care parade and a street dance.

July 15-17:  Sequim Lavender Weekend celebrates the fragrant herb with farm tours, musical entertainment and a street fair. I have it on good authority that this year you’ll find more activities than ever before. Don’t be surprised if you see shades of purple everywhere.

July 20-23:  Long Beach hosts a sandcastle building completion called Sandsations on the shores of their peninsula.

July 23:  Orcas Island Cider & Mead Festival

July 29-31:  Bellevue BAM Artsfair  closes some of the downtown streets so artists and crafters can display and sell what they’ve made. This fair never disappoints.

July 30:  Seattle’s Torchlight Parade in conjunction with the Seafair celebration.

Just Plain Cool

I believe this Olympic Peninsula Culinary site is new or at least updated. If you’re visiting the Peninsula, keep it handy.

Want to learn more about whales? After all, sharks have an entire week on TV. Let’s give whales equal time and follow the Whale Trail.

If you want to learn to make sturdy sand sculptures, check this out. All summer long, two-hour sand-sculpting lessons will be available for a fee to small groups of up to 10 people on Wednesdays through Sundays, in Long Beach. Wash. People will gain hands-on experience from concept and technique through build and sculpting. Sign up here.

 

What is your favorite July activity?