Located just north of the Strait of Juan De Fuca and cradled between Washington and British Columbia resides the beguiling archipelago of the San Juans Islands. A scenic and serene destination, the San Juan Islands are celebrating the month of October with a series of harvest inspired events during Savor San Juans.
With an extensive and eclectic variety of activities, October is the perfect time to visit and take in the island. Enjoy this handsome landscape surrounded by beautiful waters as you satiate your senses at the Great Island Grown Fest, farmers’ markets and parades, Oktoberfest celebrations, dinners, cooking classes, vineyard harvest festivals and more.
During the entire month of October, enjoy specialty three-course dinners for $30—$35 at participating restaurants on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island. Want to boost your culinary skills? Many restaurants on the islands will also be featuring specially themed cooking classes.
Learn about the islands’ bountiful farm culture as you feast and harvest during The Great Island Grown Festival. Celebrate the abundant farms and magnificent countryside as you devour exceptional, locally-sourced food and beverage from farmers’ markets, distillery demos, parades and more. The Great Island Grown Festival runs Tuesday, Oct. 1—Sunday, Oct. 13.
It’s not October without Oktoberfest and the San Juan Islands are hosting not one, but two Oktoberfest celebrations during Savor San Juans. Saturday, Oct. 5, features live music and entertainment, accompanied by Bavarian brews and a traditional Oktoberfest style dinner at the San Juan County Fairgrounds in Friday Harbor. The following weekend features Lopez Island’s take on the German festival with their own Oktoberfest party on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Look at the Pacific Northwest through the lens of acclaimed documentary filmmakers during the First Annual Friday Harbor Film Festival. Spend a weekend learning about local marine ecology, social justice issues, sustainable agriculture and more while viewing from a selection of 25 featured documentaries on Friday, Oct. 11—Sunday, Oct. 13.
Dreaming of wine? Celebrate the season on Saturday, Oct. 12, with the San Juan Vineyards Harvest Festival. San Juan Vineyards invites you to join in the festivities with a day of Siegerrebe grape picking in the vineyard. Volunteers will be thanked with wine, a barbecue feast and special door prizes.
Board your watercraft of choice and come celebrate the season of abundance at one of Washington’s most treasured destinations. For a full list of events, special lodging information and more, visit Savor San Juans.
