Langley (Washington)

The Whale Center gives visitors a chance to learn more about the endangered Southern Resident orcas who visit the area each fall/winter, and about the North Puget Sound Gray Whales, a small, unique population of 10-12 Gray whales who find sustenance in the waters of Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound every March-May.

Island Shakespeare Festival is a professional regional repertory theater company, and offers free outdoor performances of Shakespeare's plays, and other classical works, during the summer. The summer season runs Thursday-Sunday from July to mid September, with up to three plays in repertory at the height of the season.

A fake newspaper story is run in the South Whidbey Record or a fake newspaper can be purchased from the Visitor & Information Center, detailing the persons involved. The players are instructed to search every store for a box of cards, with a clue to the Murder mystery game printed on each card. Various locals play the parts of characters in the story, and players are invited to question them for information. The players who believe they have solved the game may submit their solutions and enter into a drawing of prizes.

The city closes most of First St and Anthes Ave south to Third St. Artists from around the Northwest showcase their art, while local musicians perform on a downtown stage.

This is one of the biggest community gatherings of the year. The fair has such a local impact, that Island Transit will run special shuttles between Langley and the Clinton Ferry, as well as shuttles between Oak Harbor and Langley, and extra ferry trips on the Clinton to Mukilteo run routinely at several hours.

This five-day festival celebrates the gypsy jazz style of Django Reinhardt, and featues workshops, concerts, and impromptu jam sessions around town.