Live Music is in the Air
By RYAN CROWTHER
As we finally inch our way toward spring, we’ve all become accustomed to the sound of raindrops pattering against our windows and talking ourselves out of weekend plans to stay cozy. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you understand. There’s nothing quite like the first warm, sunny afternoon you catch yourself smelling fresh cut grass and charcoal barbecues to remind us that better weather is on its way and days are finally getting longer.
As the chill leaves the air, this opens up ample opportunities and amenities to enjoy in Snohomish County.
From farmers markets to spring hikes and walks along the rivers, lakes and seaside towns, this time of year helps us to reconnect with nature and our neighbors. Spring also marks the kickoff to the outdoor event season. Community events make us appreciate where we live and often make it the best time to visit a place. Whether you’re into three-day music festivals or just looking for evening activities, Snohomish County is a fortunate home to high-caliber events this spring and summer.
The article continues below.
MAY 16-18
FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL AND NIGHT MARKET
Since 2014, Fisherman’s Village Music Festival has delivered a destination event featuring dozens of national, regional and local talent across venues in Downtown Everett. This year’s lineup includes Drive-by Truckers, Allen Stone, Shovels & Rope, SOL, Courtney Marie Andrews and dozens more. In addition to the ticketed event inside the venues, the Fisherman’s Village Night Market offers a free, two-block party on the pavement offering over 40 maker and artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, beer garden and more.
JUNE 1
BOTHELL BLOCK PARTY AND BREWFEST
One of Downtown Bothell’s biggest days offers over 20 brands of craft beer, cider, wine, kombucha and more, with a stacked lineup of live music playing all day. This year’s live music stage will include The Helio Sequence, Skating Polly, Oblé Reed, Hot Bodies in Motion and other local acts. The Block Party also enlists an impressive group of food trucks you’ll want to try.
JUNE 7-9
While Sorticulture is best known as one of the region’s largest and best garden, art and handmade outdoor product events, it also offers three days of live music and a beer garden in the heart of Downtown Everett. Attendees who have previously made a short visit to breeze through vendors should consider checking out this year’s lineup and making more of a day of it.
THURSDAYS, JULY 11 – AUGUST 29
MUSIC AT THE MARINA
For over 20 years, Music at the Marina on the Everett waterfront offers a sunny weeknight concert with a beautiful backdrop of the Port of Everett’s marina and mountains. With a hotel, new homes and a growing list of new waterfront restaurants and businesses at the Port’s Waterfront Place Development, this free weekly series only continues to grow. In addition to brick and mortar options, Music at the Marina offers food trucks, a beer garden, ice cream and more for sweet tooths of all ages. The Little Lies, Fleetwood Mac Tribute as well as Queen Mother, playing all of Queen’s biggest hits will return this summer, as well as some fan favorites playing original music.
JULY 19 & 20
Since 2015, artists such as Clint Black, Sir Mix-a-lot and Meat Puppets have played on the water’s edge at Boxcar Park. Last year’s success prompted a jump to a two-day event this year featuring classic Seattle rock and rollers Mudhoney and Sweetwater as well as 90’s country superstars Clay Walker and Deana Carter. The event will offer premium seated tickets as well as general admission, allowing attendees to bring a blanket or chair and sit further away from the stage. Boxcar Park’s views make it hard to keep your eye on the stage and this year’s lineup is sure to bring in some crowds.
AUGUST 9-11
One of South County’s largest community celebrations of over 40 years returns to the new Civic Center Playfield. All female AC/DC Tribute band Hell’s Belles and 80’s New Wave Tribute will headline this summer’s bash, along with a local lineup sure to keep everyone moving. Thousands of tickets are sold each day for a full day of live music, locally made beer and wine along with elevated meal options. Featured chef tents will offer sizzling meats and fusions from around the globe by Executive Chefs and restauranteurs Shubert Ho, Ethan Stowell and Jose Garzon. Food trucks, treat booths and family friendly activities such as putt-putt golf and jump houses make this event fun for the whole fam.
A free maker’s market will bring over 30 vendors to downtown Edmonds on the same site.
AUGUST 23 & 24
SNOHOMISH BLOCK PARTY
One of the county’s hottest newcomers, Snohomish Block Party, has made a name for itself the last couple years bringing artists such as Noah Cyrus and Black Belt Eagle Scout to the downtown known for its antiques and car shows. Dance parties, comedians, food trucks and a beer garden and themed events each day make this event worth your Friday and Saturday.
