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 82nd Rhododendron Festival, with activities and fun for the whole family…even your pet! Mark your calendars to join us May 15-21, 2017!
But that’s not all that’s coming your way in May. Read on to learn about more exciting events for you to enjoy in Port Townsend this month!
Art Wave, May 1-31, 2017
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 6, 2017, from 5:30-7:30pm 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 6, 2017
Opening Day of the 2017 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
KPTZ Two Tribute Concerts Celebrating the Music of the Beatles, May 6, 7, 2017
As KPTZ, Port Townsend’s local community radio station, marks its sixth year of serving Port Townsend and its surrounding communities, the station will host two special Beatles tribute concerts at the Wheeler Theater at Fort Worden on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 7 pm and Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 2 pm. Produced by KPTZ staff and volunteers, this year’s events follow the success of last year’s sold-out Joni Mitchell Tribute Concert. All proceeds will help to support and sustain the station’s ongoing operating expenses.
Advance tickets are available through Brown Paper Tickets and at the KPTZ station, at Mountain View Commons. For more information: visit www.kptz.org, email accounts@kptz.org, or call 360-379-6886.
82nd Annual Rhododendron Festival, May 15-21, 2017
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 17
6pm Trike Race begins
Thursday, May 18
4:30pm Pet Parade begins and the Funtastic Carnival opens at Memorial Field
Friday, May 19
3:30pm Kiddies Parade begins and the Carnival is ongoing through the evening
6:30pm Bed Races begin
Saturday, May 20
1pm Rhody Festival Grand Parade with a Cake Picnic to follow
Sunday, May 21
11am Rhody Run XXXIX begins
www.RhodyFestival.org or www.RhodyRun.com
4th Annual Artisan Food Festival, May 27, 2017
Celebrate the delicious, diverse and abundant artisan and local food of Jefferson County and the Olympic Peninsula at this year’s Artisan Food Festival, Saturday, May 27 from 9 am to 2 pm on Tyler Street in Uptown Port Townsend and from 5 pm to 10 pm at Propolis Brewing, 2457 Jefferson Street.
More than 70 artisan food vendors and local farms will feature craft beer, cider, wine, goat and cow cheese, pastries, arts and crafts. During the day enjoy chef demonstrations by chef Arran Stark of Jefferson Healthcare, Kelly Bell of Gray Wolf Ranch, and Gabriel Schuenemann of Alder Wood Bistro. There will also be cheese tasting and paring by award-winning Mt. Townsend Creamery, live music, kids’ activities and more. In the evening, join for local handcrafted herbal ales by Propolis Brewing, with artisan foods by local chefs, live music by Abakis and Dirty Beat Duo. Free with suggested $5 donation for the evening event. All ages welcome. Visit http://jcfmarkets.org/ptaff/ for more information.
Save the date for upcoming events in June:
June 2-4
Classic Mariners’ Regatta
Watch beautiful wooden boats and high-caliber sailors racing their hearts out.
www.nwmaritime.org/classic-mariners-regatta/
June 8
Race to Alaska
No motor, no support, all the way to Alaska. Watch the race start in Port Townsend!
www.r2ak.com
June 9-11
The Brass Screw Confederacy – Steampunk Festival
Join us somewhere between 1891 and a time that yet may be…
www.brass-screw.org
June 15
Port Townsend Main Street Program’s Taste of Port Townsend
Sample. Sip. Mingle. It’s going to be delicious!
www.ptmainstreet.org/tastes-of-port-townsend-2/
June 30 and July 1
Centrum’s Voice Works Performances
Boogie at the Honky Tonk Polka Dot Dance, June 30, 8 pm
Indulge in Vintage Vocals: Roots to Jazz to R&B, July 1, 7:30 pm
We can’t wait to see you in Port Townsend in May!