The historic village of Coupeville, Washington on Whidbey Island is celebrating 40 years of “Bold, Briny, and Blue” Penn Cove Mussels. Come join the special festivities, great eats, and family fun on March 7 and March 8. Activities include chowder tastings, mussel eating contest, chef demos, farm boat tours, and more.
Chowder Tastings. The cooler weather is a great time to enjoy 9 hot, delicious mussel chowder creations presented by local chefs; be sure to vote for your favorite. Winning chefs receive a coveted award and bragging rights for the year. Purchase your chowder tasting tickets online HERE, includes a souvenir chowder cup, ballots, and coupons for local businesses. Tastings held 11am to 4:30pm on Saturday, March 7; and from 11am to 4:00pm on Sunday, March 8.
Mussel Eating Contest. Brave bivalve eaters compete in the Coupeville Rec Hall on Sat. & Sun., starting at 3:15pm. The winner is crowned monarch and presented with hand-embellished mussel regalia. If you want to be one of the brave competitors and part of the entertainment, register in advance at the Merchandise Booth in the Rec Hall ($15 entry fee).
Chef Demonstrations. Have you always wanted to learn how to cook mussels? Then don’t miss the informative, fun how-to demonstrations from the best chefs. Free admission for the chef demonstrations held in the Rec Hall on Sat. & Sun., 11:30am-12:15pm and again from 2:00pm-2:45pm.
Then watch chefs go mussel to mussel during the Mussel Tussle, 12:30pm-1:30pm when seven judges from the audience are selected to determine who made the best mussels. All audience members get a sample of each Chef’s Mussels!
Mussel Farm Boat Tours. Are you wanting to learn more about how mussels are raised and harvested? Then be sure to purchase a ticket for a tour of the world-famous Penn Cove Shellfish Farm on beautiful Penn Cove. During this 45-minute boat tour, you will witness the mussel harvesting process up close, and guides will share interesting facts about mussel farming. Tickets must be purchased online HERE in advance. Check in at least 15 minutes before your departure at the desk behind the Wharf. Sailings depart every half hour on Sat. 10:30am-4:30pm and on Sun. 10:30am-4:00pm.
Activities at the Museum. Bring the children for all the fun activities downstairs at the Island County Historical Museum, located upland from the wharf. They will love the pirate and mermaid stories, climbing wall, and crafts workshop.
Go to https://www.penncovemusselfest.com/ to see a schedule for all the Penn Cove Musselfest Weekend Events.
Parking and Shuttles. Free parking is available at Coupeville HS and Coupeville Elementary. For $10 you can park in the Town Lot next to the library. Free Shuttle service will make stops at the HS and Elementary school. While most Chowder Tastings are downtown, some tastings are at restaurants nearby, so the Shuttle will also make stops for tastings at Tyee Restaurant & Motel, The Spectacled Sasquatch, Pizza Factory, and Goldie’s.
The Free Shuttle Service runs Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 5:00pm
Mussel Mingle. If you want to get an early start with festivities, Friday night is Mingle Night with food, drinks, and music – March 6 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.; must be 21+ to attend. Includes two beverages, fresh mussels from Front Street Grill or a French Dip from Whidbey Provisions. Additional food and beverage items available for purchase. Purchase tickets online HERE. Due to popular demand, a second Mussel Mingle night is being offered on Saturday, March 7 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Coupeville Wharf Dock. New aluminum floats are being installed and will be in place prior to the Penn Cove Musselfest. Two tour boats will be tied to the outside; check the tides before tying up your boat on the shoreside of the floats. The Harbormaster can be reached at 360-678-6379; moorage payment envelopes at the Wharf. Boaters can anchor out, best done in settled weather; please note that the mooring buoys are private.
Note: The new dock is designed to better withstand severe weather, and includes additional safety features.
