The first day of summer is right around the corner so it’s almost one of our favorite times of the year here. We’re talking summertime in Pacific County! It’s when the air is sweet with flowers, and the sun peeks out from behind the clouds. It’s the start of our festival season when you can enjoy one of the many outdoor activities occurring over the summer months. The small-town appeal of our community shines with friendly smiles during this time. With events scattered across the county, we’ve made a list of a few of our favorite things to experience here during summer.
Celebrate Pride in Chinook, Long Beach, and Raymond
Pride is celebrated year-round in town, but especially during Pride Month. Our community has always been inclusive and welcoming. And in June, we can enjoy an even more colorful celebration.
There is always a full roster of events. Festivities kick off with an adults-only drag show fundraiser. The fun continues with a Celebration of Solidarity march ending at a DJ dance party. Vendors, entertainment, and fellowship keep the party going until early evening. And what’s a weekend without Sunday Brunch? Enjoy Pride brunch in the sunshine with more music and marches in Raymond. The final cherry on the cake of the event is a family-friendly drag show at the historic Raymond Theatre.
Music in the Park in Long Beach
A free concert series returns for summertime in Pacific County. Music in the Park is back! Live music fills the air every Thursday and Saturday from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. The roving line-ups include everything from guitar to bluegrass to surf rock and opera. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets down to Veteran’s Field for the summer grooving.
Music in the Gardens in Long Beach, Ocean Park, and Seaview
It’s hard to imagine more small-town magic than the Music in the Gardens tour. Private gardens open their gates for one special night in July. There is live music in every garden. As the music plays, attendees will roam the enchanted backyards of the coastal communities. Everyone is welcome to attend this exclusive garden party.
Waikiki Beach Concert Series in Cape Disappointment State Park
Speaking of live music during summertime in Pacific County, welcome to the Waikiki Beach Concert Series. Over six nights in July through August, regional musicians will delight visitors during the Cape Disappointment State Park summer concert series. The beautiful outdoor amphitheater is the perfect backdrop for the rocking good times. Performances are family-friendly and free, provided you have a Washington State Parks Discovery Pass.
Ilwaco Saturday Markets
Summertime sunshine in Pacific County means that the village of Ilwaco resumes its Saturday Markets. Local vendors, artists, and farmers set up shop every Saturday from May to September for a charming waterfront market. The pop-up vendors join the galleries, restaurants, and quaint shops comprising the working Port of Ilwaco. We love roaming the sidewalks to find the perfect artisan trinket or treat to take home.
Pacific County 4th of July Weekend Celebrations
You haven’t experienced summertime in Pacific County unless you’ve been here for the 4th of July parties! Rain or shine, there are tons of celebrations surrounding Independence Day.
Old Fashioned Tokeland 4th of July Parade & Picnic
The hometown vibe of this annual event is always heart-warming. The first Tokeland parade was in 1976 and has been a community celebration ever since. The tradition of family picnics and field games, like water balloon tosses and sack races, make this a nostalgic afternoon every first weekend in July. Tokeland Road is closed to traffic to make way for colorful cars, floats, and participants. Enjoy live music from your picnic blankets. Bring the whole family for throwback fun.
11th Annual Firecracker 5k Run/Walk in Ilwaco
Kick July off with the 11th Annual Ilwaco Firecracker Run at the Port of Ilwaco. Held on the first Saturday of the month, the event is open to all ages and breeds! The most patriotic person (and four-legged friend) will win prizes and bragging rights. The 5k run starts at the Port and follows the Discovery Trail. Runners and walkers are encouraged to dress in their patriotic best, which means colorful photo opportunities.
“Feel the Thunder” Fireworks at the Port of Ilwaco
Join the gang for a grand firework display along the waterfront way of the Port of Ilwaco. You’ll be treated to majestic illumination as dusk settles over the boat slips. Bring your blanket and chair but be sure to leave behind any alcohol or personal fireworks.
Long Beach Fireworks Display
What’s a hometown holiday without a celebration on our famous 28-mile beach? Join neighbors and friends at the boardwalk for dazzling fireworks on the sand. Watch the night sky come to life with rockets and sparkles guaranteed to make you feel patriotic. Make a wish as the twinkling embers burn out over the endless waves on our shore.
Sandsations in Long Beach, Raymond, and Tokeland
The beloved Sandsations is back for another year! A barrage of talented sand artists storms the peninsula’s beaches every July. The seaside sculptures create elaborate designs from temperamental grains during the four-day festival. Combining one part science and one part ingenuity with a lot of luck, the artists make magic out of sand and water.
Watch winged creatures carved from wet sand and determination. See hand-crafted, sandy sea dragons spring from the shoreline. With some requiring more than 20 yards of sand, the creations are astounding.
The mid-July event, open to all ages, is an interactive experience that delights onlookers and encourages participation. Bring your buckets and shovels to join in the action.
Annual Long Beach Rodeo in Long Beach
Image Courtesy of Mike Penney
It isn’t our first rodeo…it’s our 76th! Summertime in Pacific County means the return of the annual Long Beach Rodeo. Attendees will enjoy two days of barrel races, bull riding, roping, wrastlin’, and rip-roaring festivities. The fun includes a Cowboy Breakfast and the crowning of the Rodeo Queen. Vendors, food stands, and a beer garden will accompany the high-energy performances.
More Pacific County Summertime Fun
There’s something special about small-town summer love, especially by the sea. Enjoy all these activities with your favorite people and experience your slice of summertime heaven in Pacific County.
The calendar is still heating up; we haven’t even talked about August yet! Check back here to keep up on the latest summer fun.
By: Danelle Dodds
Danelle is an international traveler, road tripper, writer, and artist. She firmly believes in testing the limits of word count, mileage, and AYCE sushi.