Spring is upon us, and with warmer weather, the Pacific Northwest comes alive with festive events to fill your days. Washingtonians delight in abundant activities, and families venture outside to enjoy the many parades and festivals throughout the Evergreen State. You could quickly fill a calendar with exciting events like Spokane’s Lilac Festival or the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. That said, if you’re looking for a unique spring activity that offers something fun for the whole family, you’re in luck. Enjoy a day on the water celebrating Native American Culture at the Penn Cove Water Festival in Coupeville, Washington.

Penn Cove Water Festival is a yearly celebration of Native American culture.
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Born out of a desire to draw tourists to the area, the first water festival was held in 1930. Folks flocked to the area to witness Native American canoe races. Although only three 11-seat canoes participated that first year, eventually, the festival grew to host as many as 22 tribes.
The 2023 Penn Cove Water Festival will be held Saturday, May 13, in Coupeville, Washington.
Penn Cove Water Festival Association/Facebook
Year after year, the waters of Penn Cove are filled with cedar canoes.
Penn Cove Water Festival Association/Facebook

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Indeed, the tribal canoe races are a high point of the festival.
Penn Cove Water Festival Association/Facebook
Canoe races take place throughout the afternoon, with enthusiastic crowds gathering at the shore to cheer participants on.
In addition to the canoe races, the festival hosts a variety of family-friendly activities.
Penn Cove Water Festival Association/Facebook
Plan to stay the day and enjoy Native storytelling, dancing, tribal arts and crafts, and food vendors.
Enjoy live music performances by Native American artists.
Penn Cove Water Festival Association/Facebook
The mission of the Penn Cove Water Festival is to bring families and communities together by celebrating Native American culture and traditions.

The Penn Cove Water Festival truly is a celebration of community you don’t want to miss. For more information, visit the Penn Cove Water Festival official website or the Penn Cove Water Festival Association Facebook page. Coupeville is such a beautiful place to visit, why not make a weekend of it? Check out the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce website for local lodging recommendations.

Have you attended the Penn Cove Water Festival? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

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