Port Townsend is sparkling in the spring sunshine with flowers abloom in all corners of town. This month the star of the show is the Rhododendron, Washington State’s official flower and an icon for Port Townsend. Rhodies are the centerpiece for the 81st Annual Rhody Festival with events and fun for the whole family, including your pet! Mark your calendars to join us May 16-22.
But that’s not all that’s coming your way in May. Read on to learn about additional exciting events for you to enjoy in Port Townsend!
Art Wave, May 1-31
You’ll be inspired by this exhibit of over 400 pieces of children’s artwork displayed in 33 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 7, from 5-8pm 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 7
Opening Day of the 2016 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 12:30pm ferry to Coupeville. Following the parade, there will be the traditional Blessing of the Fleet. www.PTYC.net. Boat US is celebrating their 50th anniversary at the Northwest Maritime Center, providing music by Lobo de Mar, hors d’oeuvres and prizes.
Mother’s Day Brunch, Sunday, May 8 at Fort Worden
Pamper Mom with brunch from 10am to 2pm at Fort Worden, surrounded by natural beauty and historic charm. Dine on the freshest, most decadent items that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. After brunch, take a stroll through the Centennial Rhododendron Garden. Call for reservations at 360.344.4400, ext. 514. www.FortWorden.org
81st Annual Rhododendron Festival, May 16-22
Make plans to join us for any and all of these events for our Port Townsend “community holiday” celebration:
Wednesday, May 18
6pm Trike Race begins
Thursday, May 19
4:-5pm Pet Parade begins
Friday, May 20
3:30pm Kiddie Parade begins and the Funtastic Carnival opens at Memorial Field
6:30pm Bed Races begin
Saturday, May 21
1pm The Rockin’ Rhody Grand Parade begins with a Cake Picnic to follow
Sunday, May 22
Jefferson Healthcare Rhody Run XXXVIII
9:30am Kid’s Sprint at Fort Worden
11am 12K Race Start at Fort Worden
www.RhodyRun.com
Leftover Dreams Brings Gems of the Great American Songbook to Key City Public Theatre, May 20
San Francisco Bay Area duo Leftover Dreams explores the back roads of American popular song in the first summer concert of the year at Key City Public Theatre (KCPT), produced by Toolshed Soundlab. Patrice Haan and Tony Marcus sing gems of the great American songbook with stunning harmonies and burnished accompaniment.
The duo presents a sampling of the best of the classic songs of Duke Ellington, Rodgers & Hart, the Gershwins, and Harold Arlen, mixed with lesser-known delights like Bernice Petkere, Ted Fiorito, and Ben Oakland that haven’t seen the light of day for decades. The concert begins at 8pm at the KCPT Playhouse. Go towww.keycitypublictheatre.org for tickets.
Artisan Food Festival, May 28
Celebrating the Olympic Peninsula’s artisan foods and makers, the 3rd Annual Artisan Food Festival will begin at the Port Townsend Farmers Market from 9am to 3pm and resume at Finnriver Cidery’s new Orchard location at 124 Center Rd. in Chimacum from 6-9pm.
The day will include artisan food making classes by CedarRoot Folk School; chef demos by Arran Stark, Sidonie Maroon, Laurette Feit and Dan Ratigan; artisan food juggling; live music by the Unexpected Brass Band and Rhythm Planet; and kids activities by the YMCA and the Port Townsend Public Library.
In the evening at Finnriver Cidery, Joy in Mudville will play live music plus Dented Buoy Pizza and the Paella House will be serving up farm-fresh food. There’s a suggested donation of $5 for the evening.http://jeffersoncountyfarmersmarket.org/celebrate/artisanfoodfestival/
Port Townsend Named Best Coastal Small Town 2016 in USA TODAY’S Reader Choice Awards
We’re quite thrilled with this nationwide recognition by all of you who voted for us! We came in #7 out of 20 nominees and the one on the West Coast in the top 10. Thank you for your vote and acknowledging our beautiful coastal small town!
Port Townsend-Coupeville Ferry Service in May
Please note if you’re traveling via Washington State Ferries between Coupeville and Port Townsend this month, there will continue to be one boat ferry service through May 25, with a second boat coming online May 26. Reservations can be made and are always encouraged. Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/takeaferry/.
Save the date for upcoming events in June:
June 3-5, 2016
Wooden Boat Foundation’s Classic Mariners’ Regatta
www.nwmaritime.org
June 9, 2016
Port Townsend Main Street Program’s “Taste of Port Townsend”
www.ptmainstreet.org
June 10-12, 2016
5th Annual Brass Screw Confederacy, a Steampunk Hootenanny
June 23, 2016
Race to Alaska
www.nwmaritime.org
June 28-July 3, 2016
Centrum’s Voice Works
www.centrum.org
We look forward to you coming our way in May!