Six Washington festivals to plan your 2026 trips around

Spring has officially hit the Evergreen State, meaning festival season is about to start.

Washington is home to some of the wildest, most unique, and most unforgettable festivals you can experience.

Many locals and travelers look forward to these annual celebrations each year, often planning trips and weekend getaways around them.

Here are six upcoming festivals worth adding to your spring and summer plans.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon transforms miles of farmland into a colorful spring landscape filled with millions of blooming tulips.

The month-long celebration typically runs from late March through April, with four major gardens opening between March 21 and April 1.

Located about an hour north of Seattle, the festival draws thousands of visitors each year who come to walk through vibrant tulip fields at Roozengaarde and Tulip Town, take photos, and pick up fresh-cut bouquets.

Alongside the flower displays, visitors can enjoy tulip-themed treats, local art vendors, farm tours, tractor rides, and the annual tulip parade. Admission varies by garden and generally ranges from $12 to $30.

Turning tulip season into a spring getaway? You can browse nearby lodging options here.

Washington State Apple Festival

The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee is one of the state’s largest and oldest festivals, bringing more than a week of parades, food, and spring celebrations to North Central Washington.

In 2026, the festival begins April 23 and runs through May 3.

The longtime event celebrates the region’s apple-growing heritage. Wenatchee and the surrounding valley are often called the “Apple Capital of the World,” and the annual festival marks the arrival of apple blossoms that signal the start of the growing season across local orchards.

Visitors can expect a full lineup of events, including the Memorial Park Food Fair, a traveling carnival, live entertainment, and an arts and crafts fair.

Festival favorites also include the TekniPlex Youth Parade, the Stemilt Grand Parade, the Classy Chassis Parade and Car Show, and the Apple Blossom Run, along with beer gardens and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Wenatchee.

The Apple Blossom Festival is one of Wenatchee’s busiest times of year, and hotels can fill up quickly. If you’re planning to stay overnight, you can compare options here.

Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival

The Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival returns to Seattle Center April 10 through April 12, inviting locals and travelers to celebrate the beauty of cherry blossom season and Japanese culture in the heart of the city.

Held each spring during peak bloom, the longtime festival highlights the traditions, arts, and flavors that accompany Japan’s beloved sakura season.

Visitors can experience everything from powerful taiko drumming and graceful traditional dance to martial arts demonstrations, origami workshops, tea ceremonies, and cultural exhibits that offer a glimpse into Japanese heritage.

Food is also a major draw, with vendors serving favorites like sushi, ramen, teriyaki, and Japanese sweets.

Guests can browse craft booths, watch live performances throughout the day, and participate in hands-on cultural activities. Admission is free, making the festival one of Seattle’s most welcoming and vibrant spring traditions.

Turning cherry blossom season into a city getaway? You can compare hotels prices near the Seattle Center here.

Viking Fest

The 2026 Viking Fest in Poulsbo will take place May 15 through May 17, bringing a lively celebration of Scandinavian heritage to the Kitsap Peninsula. The annual event blends medieval-style fun with a bit of Norse flair.

Often called “Little Norway,” Poulsbo hosts the festival in honor of the town’s Norwegian roots and the traditional Norwegian Constitution Day celebration, known as Syttende Mai.

The event features traditional Scandinavian food, cultural performances, and family-friendly contests, making it one of the region’s most colorful spring celebrations.

Visitors can expect a full lineup of events, including a large street fair with food and craft vendors, carnival rides, a waterfront parade, live music and entertainment, and the popular Viking Fest Road Race.

For locals and travelers exploring the Kitsap Peninsula, Viking Fest offers a fun way to experience Poulsbo’s Nordic heritage along the town’s scenic waterfront.

Longships aren’t required, but an overnight stay might be. Browse nearby hotels and compare prices here.

Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival

The Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival takes place in the western-themed town of Winthrop, Washington. In 2026, the festival is scheduled for July 17 through July 19, bringing three days of live music to the scenic Methow Valley.

The longtime event is held at the Blues Ranch along the Methow River and features a full lineup of blues, soul, and roots artists performing throughout the weekend.

Visitors can relax by the riverside between sets, browse food trucks and artisan vendors, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that has made the festival a favorite summer tradition in the valley.

Weekend passes typically range from about $175 to $200. Youth tickets are available, and children 12 and under are admitted free.

With camping, late-night jam sessions, and a lively crowd of music lovers, the festival feels less like a typical concert and more like a summer gathering in one of Washington’s most scenic mountain towns.

For visitors traveling to Winthrop for the festival, booking early is a good idea as hotels fill up quickly. You can compare nearby hotel options and prices here.

National Lentil Festival

The National Lentil Festival will return to Pullman this summer, celebrating the crop that helped define the surrounding Palouse region.

The 2026 event is scheduled for Aug. 22 at Reaney Park, where visitors can enjoy a full day of food, live music, and family-friendly activities centered around lentils.

Pullman sits in the heart of the Palouse, a rolling landscape of fertile farmland known for producing lentils, wheat, peas, and other crops. The festival highlights that agricultural heritage while giving locals and travelers a chance to experience one of Eastern Washington’s most unique community celebrations.

Festival favorites typically include the Legendary Lentil Cook-Off, the world’s largest chili bowl, a community parade, the Tase T. Lentil 5K Fun Run, sports tournaments, Lil’ Lentil Land for kids, and a beer and wine garden.

Planning to stay overnight? Pullman hotels can book up quickly during the festival, so it’s worth checking availability early. Compare nearby hotel options here.

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Written by Pacific Northwest Crossing Editorial Team. We cover travel tips, news, destination guides and hidden gems from across the Pacific Northwest.

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