5 Seriously Cool Autumn Art Events in Friday Harbor

With three museums, nine galleries and over 20 eateries within walking distance to our Bird Rock Hotel, it’s hard to miss San Juan Island’s rich art, music and food culture. The best events though happen in Autumn, when the leaves turn and the isle exhales after a busy Summer.

1) Friday Harbor Film Festival - October 26-29, 2023

The acclaimed Friday Harbor Film Festival features the latest regional and environmental documentaries. Films are shown all over walkable Friday Harbor with time for dessert and cocktail breaks in the cute local restaurants and bars in between. Treat yourself to the opening grand gala at the community theatre and mingle with the stars. Our Bird Rock Hotel is a sponsor of this fantastic event.

2) Family Art Days, Live Music & Artist Talks at IMA

Catch one of the inspiring artist talks, delight in live music in the gorgeous foyer and enjoy the latest exhibitions of our tiny but mighty San Juan Island Museum of Art. Don't miss the fabulous free Family Art Days every Saturday. Pick up your free, captivating, original art making kits between 11:00am and 1:00pm and get creative as a family.

3) Fall Play at the San Juan Community Theatre

Treat yourself to an evening of live theater just two blocks from the Bird Rock Hotel. Don’t miss juicy and gripping stories performed by our talented islanders, have a glass of local wine and chocolate during intermission and enjoy the ever changing local art in the comfy lobby.

4) Ceramics Class at Alchemy Art Center

Take a one day or one weekend pottery making class at this lovely art center in the woods, complete with geodome event space, dark room and communal ceramic studio. Art and nature at its finest.

5) Play at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park

This 40-acre sculpture park with five trails winding around beautiful Westcott Bay, the forest and a natural lake is open year-round for its fun interactive displays. Carve your name into the Friendship Totem and feel connected to people all over the world. Have the kids create something at the starfish project, a giant sandbox filled with art supplies. Have a picnic next to your favorite sculpture.