Things to Do on Lopez Island in September
Lopez Lineup
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“Where Water & Land Meet” Opening (Chimera Gallery) – Sat Sept 6, 5–7pm. visitsanjuans.com
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First Saturday Art Walks – Sat Sept 6 (recurs monthly). visitsanjuans.com
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Pub Night at the Golf Club – Thu Sept 4, 4:30–6:30pm (golf 2pm); every 2 weeks through Oct 2. visitsanjuans.com
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Lopez Island Farmers Market – Saturdays 10am–2pm through Sept 20 (Lopez Village). visitsanjuans.com
Open in Shoulder Season
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Wineries and tasting rooms pop up at the market (e.g., Lopez Island Vineyards). lopezislandvineyards.com
September Weather: Lopez
Typical high ~65°F / low ~49°F; around 1.2 in total precip. Layers + a light rain shell are perfect. Time and Date
2025 Outlook (Lopez)
Like the rest of the archipelago, ENSO-neutral favors near-normal early-fall conditions with variable showers. Climate Prediction Center
Visit the Other Islands
Things to Do on Orcas Island in September
Events & Weekly Fun
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Tuesday Night Scrambles (Orcas Island Golf Course) – Tuesdays at 5pm through Sept 30. Drop-in friendly. visitsanjuans.com
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Friday Night FootGolf – Fridays at 5pm through Sept. visitsanjuans.com
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Orcas Island Farmers Market (Eastsound Village Green) – Saturdays 10am–2pm, through late September. Orcas Island Farmers Marketvisitsanjuans.com
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Doe Bay Artist in Residence – Select September dates; open-to-public sets. visitsanjuans.com
What’s Open
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Moran State Park is open year-round (lakes, trails, Mount Constitution). Bike access expands mid-Sept. visitsanjuans.com
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Doe Bay Resort & Retreat operates year-round—a serene fall base with music nights. Doe Bay Resort & Retreat+1
September Weather: Orcas
Around 68–54°F typical; pleasant hiking weather with a light jacket. Weather Spark
2025 Outlook (Orcas)
Early fall signals are modest; plan for seasonal temps and light, scattered showers as patterns shift later in the month. climate.uw.edu
Visit the Other Islands
Things to Do on San Juan Island in September
Can’t-Miss September Events
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First Friday Art Walk (Downtown Friday Harbor) – Fri Sept 5, 4–7pm. Walkable galleries + shops. visitsanjuans.com
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WaterWorks Gallery Showcase (Maria Michaelson & Glenn Hendrick) – Weekly Thu–Sat through Sept 27. visitsanjuans.com
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SJIMA “Shapeshifters” – Thu–Mon through Sept 15, 11am–5pm. visitsanjuans.com
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Climb San Juan – Couples Night – Tuesdays, 5pm–close (recurring through Dec 30). visitsanjuans.com
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Climb San Juan – Youth Classes – Mon–Wed, 3:30–5:00pm (recurring through Dec 31). visitsanjuans.com
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San Juan Building Association – 4th Annual Golf Tournament – Fri Sept 12 at San Juan Golf & Tennis Club (9-hole scramble; club calendar confirms date). sjgolfclub.comsanjuanba.com
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San Juan Island Farmers Market (Brickworks) – Saturdays, 9:30am–1:30pm (through Oct). visitsanjuans.com
Still Open (and worth it)
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Whale watching: Daily tours continue; peak humpback sightings run Aug–Oct. visitsanjuans.com
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Kayak tours: Discovery Sea Kayaks & others operate September outings. Discovery Sea Kayaksvisitsanjuans.com
Local Weather: September at a Glance
Average highs trend from ~70°F early month to ~63°F late month; lows near 50°F. Expect increasing clouds later in the month; light rain possible. Weather Spark
2025 Outlook (San Juan Island)
With ENSO-neutral and muted long-range signals, plan for near-normal early-fall weather; any warm spells or drizzly weekends will be short-lived.
Plan Your Stay
Browse our vacation rentals hosted by Greg, Sybil & Katie—perfect bases in town or near parks.
Things to Do on the San Juan Islands in September
Why September Shines
Shoulder season means ferries and restaurants are easier, trails are quieter, and humpback season peaks (August–October). Many outfitters and museums run full schedules well into fall.
visitsanjuans.com
Island-wide Highlights (selected dates)
First Friday Art Walk – Friday Harbor: Fri Sept 5, 4–7pm. Stroll galleries and shops downtown.
visitsanjuans.com
Farmers Markets (Saturdays):
- San Juan Island (Brickworks, Friday Harbor): 9:30am–1:30pm through Oct.
- Orcas Island (Eastsound Village Green): 10am–2pm, through late Sept.
visitsanjuans.com - Lopez Island (Lopez Village): 10am–2pm, Saturdays through Sept 20.
visitsanjuans.com
WaterWorks Gallery Showcase (Friday Harbor): Weekly Thu–Sat through Sept 27.
visitsanjuans.com
Doe Bay Artist in Residence sets (Orcas): Select dates in Sept; open to the public.
visitsanjuans.com
SJIMA “Shapeshifters” (Friday Harbor): Open Thu–Mon through Sept 15.
visitsanjuans.com
What’s Open (shoulder season)
- Whale-watching & kayaking still going strong into October (multiple operators run tours daily). San Juan Island Whale Watching Tours
- Moran State Park (Orcas) & most county/state parks remain open year-round.
visitsanjuans.com
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat is open year-round (often calmer in fall).
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat
September Weather Snapshot (Islands overall)
Typical highs in the mid-60s to near 70°F, lows upper-40s to low-50s; rain begins to tick up but stays moderate. (Friday Harbor & Orcas climatology.)
Weather Spark
+1
2025 Seasonal Outlook (Fall)
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center indicates ENSO-neutral for late summer with modest signals for early fall; state outlooks note limited precipitation predictability for Aug–Oct. Expect near-normal to slightly warmer temps, with variable first fall rains.
Climate Prediction Center
climate.uw.edu
Where to Stay
King Real Estate Group (Windermere SJI)—Greg King, Sybil Mager, and Katie Schmidt—also host island vacation rentals. See Vacation Rentals.
See our island-specific guides for [San Juan], [Orcas], and [Lopez] .
August on Lopez Island:
Relaxation, Art, and Coastal Beauty
Lopez Island is a haven for artists, cyclists, and those seeking serene coastal beauty. Known as the "Friendly Isle," it offers a perfect August getaway.
August Highlights
- Lopez Island Artists' Studio Tour (Aug 30–31): Tour the island's finest working studios and meet local artists.
- Lopez Island Farmers Market (Saturdays, 10am–2pm): Fresh, local, and uniquely Lopez.
- Lopez Island Vineyards (Fridays, 2pm–5pm): Sample wines from one of the oldest vineyards in the region.
Favorite Activities
- Explore Shark Reef Sanctuary
- Kayak Fisherman Bay
- Hike Lopez Hill or Iceberg Point
Dreaming of Living the Lopez Life?
August on Orcas Island:
Food, Festivals & Outdoor Fun
Orcas Island offers a perfect mix of community charm and natural splendor in August. If you’re drawn to coastal cuisine, forested hikes, and creative arts, Orcas has it all.
Events & Experiences
- Orcas Fly-In & Road Classics Car Show (Aug 1-3): A showcase of unique cars and aircraft.
- Orcas Island Artists' Studio Tour (Aug 8-10)
- Seaside Supper Series (Every Thursday through Aug 28): Gourmet dinners with unbeatable waterfront views.
- Orcas Island Farmers Market (Saturdays, 10am–2pm): Fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music at Eastsound Village Green.
Things to Do
- Whale watching from Deer Harbor
- Kayaking around the outer islets
- Hiking Mount Constitution or Cascade Falls in Moran State Park
- Relax at Crescent Beach or Obstruction Pass
Island Favorites
- Brunch at Brown Bear Baking
- Wine flights at Orcas Island Winery
- Local brews at Island Hoppin’ Brewery
Find Your Place on Orcas Island
August on San Juan Island, WA:
Events, Eats & Experiences
San Juan Island is alive with color, creativity, and community this August. Whether you love art, music, outdoor recreation, or just soaking up the views, there’s something here for you.
Major August Events
- San Juan County Fair (Aug 14–17): Livestock, live music, local food, and classic fair fun.
- Summer Arts Festival (Aug 9–10): Art vendors, live performances, and hands-on workshops at Brickworks.
- Float Fest (Aug 30–31): Celebrate summer at Roche Harbor with floating fun for the whole family.
- Rotary Car Show (Aug 11): Admire classic vehicles and chat with local auto enthusiasts.
- Lakedale Music Festival (Aug 22–23): Enjoy lakeside tunes and picnic vibes.
- Humor in the Harbor (Aug 15): Stand-up comedy at Madrone Bar & Kitchen.
Live Music & Arts
- Music on the Lawn (Wednesdays through Aug 26): Family-friendly tunes at the Historical Museum.
- Madrone Bar & Kitchen Live Music:
- Aug 8: Glenn Hendricks & John Bellows
- Aug 9: Christopher Maguire
- Aug 23: Sets in the Cellars
- Aug 25: The Petrichords
- Shapeshifters Exhibit (Aug 1–Sep 15, SJI Museum of Art)
- San Juan Vineyards Live Music (Saturdays)
Outdoor Island Life
- Whale watching from Friday Harbor
- Kayaking near Lime Kiln or Roche Harbor
- Know Your Island Walk (Aug 30, Lime Kiln State Park)
- Hiking, biking, and sunset beach walks
Where to Stay
Find the perfect island retreat: View Airbnbs on San Juan Island →
Interested in Making San Juan Island Home?
See current homes and properties for sale on San Juan Island →
August on the San Juan Islands:
An Overview of Summer Magic
August is one of the most vibrant and enchanting months to experience the San Juan Islands. With long, sunny days and a full calendar of events, there's something for everyone—whether you're planning a weekend getaway, exploring the islands as a local, or considering making this magical place your permanent home.
Festivals & Events You Can’t Miss
- San Juan County Fair (Aug 14–17, Friday Harbor - San Juan Island)
- San Juan Island Summer Arts Festival (Aug 9–10, Brickworks - San Juan Island)
- Float Fest (Aug 30–31, Roche Harbor - San Juan Island)
- Orcas Island Fly-In & Road Classics Car Show (Aug 1-3)
- Lopez Island Artists' Studio Tour (Aug 30–31)
- Orcas Island Artists' Studio Tour (Aug 8-10)
Weekly Markets & Art Walks
- San Juan Island Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, Brickworks)
- Orcas Island Farmers Market (Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Eastsound Village Green)
- Lopez Island Farmers Market (Saturdays, 10am-2pm)
- Artist Village at Roche Harbor (Daily, 10am-4pm through Labor Day)
Outdoor Adventures
- Whale watching tours from all major islands
- Kayaking the coastlines
- Hiking Lime Kiln State Park, Moran State Park, and Lopez Hill
- Biking scenic island roads
No matter which island you choose, August is a time to slow down, soak up the natural beauty, and celebrate everything that makes island life unique.
Ready to Explore More?
