4 Edmonds Summer Events Worth Taking Out of the Group Chat
Written by Whitney Popa
Summer is the season for enjoying An Edmonds Kind of Day™ every day, but we realize large menus (à la The Cheesecake Factory) can feel overwhelming. And it’s true—there’s an event happening in Edmonds almost every day during the summer (bookmark this page to keep literal tabs on them all).
So, we sat down and thought about if we were to pick just a few to tell you about that are happening within the next four weeks, which events would we pick? We thought about family-friendly options, art-forward options, musical options, and events that inspire warm and fuzzy feelings. We landed on Sketcher Fest, PorchFest, Roper Romp, and Edmonds Block Party.
Keep reading to learn more about each one (and to plan your time) because these events must live beyond the group chat.
Four Can’t-Miss Edmonds Summer Events
Sketcher Fest, July 11-12
We’re speaking for ourselves here, but sometimes we humans can really suck at slowing down and observing. Sketcher Fest is the antidote to what has become more of our nature than we probably want it to be. The brain baby of longtime Seattleite (and former Seattle Times sketch columnist) Gabi Campanario, the weekend celebrates the art of noticing.
When Campanario came up with the idea and started thinking about where he wanted to host it, he thought of Brackett’s Landing, one of the first places he sketched when he moved to the area. Most of this year’s activities (workshops, displays, free draws) will take place in and around the Edmonds Waterfront Center, and you don’t have to be a pro to attend. Observers are welcome, too, as is traveling to get here. Learn more about the event and what to expect on its official website, from 425 magazine, and from The Stranger.
PorchFest, July 12
Created by FIELD owner Liz Morgan after attending a similar festival on the East Coast, PorchFest brings the Edmonds community together through free music, yards, streets, sidewalks, and actual porches. Since its inception, this grassroots, family-friendly event has provided a platform for musicians (and spoken word artists! And dancers!) to showcase their art while giving neighbors, local merchants, and friends a great reason to hang.
This year’s event runs from 1-6 p.m. If you want to get a taste of what to expect, check out their Spotify playlist here.
Edmonds Roper Romp, July 31
While the city didn’t invent the Roper Romp (it started as the Million Mrs. Roper March over a decade ago in New Orleans and has since spun off into hundreds of groups), Edmonds has certainly embraced its combination of fabulousity and generosity. This hilarious caftan crawl is back for its 4th year to raise money for The Edmonds Food Bank and WAISN - Washington Immigration Solidarity Network (last year, they raised $10,000 for the food bank and Housing Hope!).
The event itself is free, and Helens are invited to donate to make it a success. This year’s festivities will have a DJ, a free photo booth, and lots of new friends. Do it because you’re down for the causes, and most certainly for the selfies.
Sign up and see what you can win from the raffle here.
Edmonds Block Party, August 7-8
Arguably the party of the summer, Edmonds Block Party is about as Edmonds as it gets. With something for everyone (kid zones, cover bands, food trucks), this two-day event will put you shoulder to shoulder with your dentist, your kid’s soccer coach, and your spouse. Use it as a night on the town or a day of family fun—or both!
What many people forget about Block Party (née Taste Edmonds) is that it is the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce’s only fundraiser for all the free events we all know and love: the Fourth of July Parade, Edmonds Classic Car Show, Halloween Trick-or-Treat, and the Edmonds Treelighting Ceremony. So, not only do you get to spend a weekend partying in your favorite city by the Sound, you also get to help bring more events to life through your partying. There are few sweeter deals in life than that.
Here’s what you can expect this year:
Two Days of Live Music: Main stage performances that feature crowd-favorite songs and genres made for singing, dancing, and shared summer memories.
A 21+ Beer Garden: Social space with craft beer, local wine, ciders, seltzers, and assorted canned beverages. The beer garden includes front-row access to the main stage, too.
Food Vendors: The spirit of Taste Edmonds lives on through a curated lineup of food booths in the park. Expect diverse global flavors from talented chefs and local food entrepreneurs.
A Family-Friendly Zone: Saturday (noon-6 p.m.) will have a dedicated all-access stage and activities for all ages, with free admission for guests ages 20 and under, making the event more accessible for families.
An Optional VIP Block Party Experience: If you’re 21 or over, consider opting into the tented lounge, private bar with select offerings, limited seating, and private restrooms—perfect for guests looking to enjoy the event with a little extra comfort.
This is Your Edmonds' Summer Quartet
Whether you’re sketching solo en plein air, throwing an arm around your bestie as you romp in your favorite mumu, jamming in front of your favorite local shop, or holding your keg cup in the air as you bop your hips to Nite Wave, Edmonds has your day planner packed with events that will make everyone from the angstiest teenager to the most meddlesome mother-in-law happy.
All these events show off a special side of Edmonds. All of them are worth traveling to town to experience. All of them welcome you with open arms. So, get on that group chat and share your plans. We’ll be looking forward to your tags (@exploreedmondswa) and probably running into you at all of them.