The unique water festival at Coupeville on Whidbey Island features the annual tribal canoe races, native arts & crafts, storytelling, and dance performances. This is a free family event, no tickets needed.
Various music groups and performances are scheduled throughout the day at the Main Stage (Alexander Street, near the Island Co. Museum). Between scheduled performances, you’ll hear updates regarding the canoe races. If you wish to view the races, spectators can watch all the excitement from Coupeville Wharf and from Capt. Coupe Park near the boat launch.
Come the night before on Friday, May 8 for the 7:30 pm gathering around the bonfire at the Pacific Rim Institute (180 Parker Rd., Coupeville) to hear Native American Myths and Legends by Lou LaBombard – anthropologist, lecturer, and storyteller.
May 9 Performance Schedule:
11:00 – 11:30 am Welcome Announcements
12:00 – 12:45 pm Blue Lightning (Song and Dance)
1:00 – 1:45 pm Peter Ali (Flute Music)
2:00 – 2:45 pm Swil Kanim (Violin and Stories)
2:45 – 3:30 pm Native Myths and Legends (at Island Co. Museum)
3:00 – 3:45 pm Rona Yellow Robe & Bruce Witham (Songs and Stories)
4:15 – 5:00 pm Swinomish Canoe Family (Singing and Dance)
The Woodcarving and Flintknapping demonstrations are held throughout the day from 11 am to 5 pm on Front Street.
Nearing a 100 Years of Races. The first Coupeville Festival with Native American Canoe Races took place in 1930, with three 11-man canoes competing. Later years saw 22 different tribes attending the festival, with most participating in the canoe races. The Coupeville Water Festival, originally started by a local businessman, still carries on today.
For questions regarding the festival event, contact penncovewaterfestival@gmail.com
Photos: Penn Cove Water Festival Committee
