At a loss on what to do during your free time? Skagit County has plenty of activities, events and sites to see to keep you busy for a whole year! Whether you are looking for a date night, family activities or some fun with a group of friends you can find something on this list. Check out these 23 things to do in Skagit County in 2023.

a green smoothie on a table at Cosmic Veggies, a vegan restaurant in Anacortes
Cosmic Veggies, a vegan restaurant in Anacortes, serves healthy, organic juices, smoothies, salads and sandwich wraps. Photo credit: MaryRose Denton

1 – Eat Healthier at Cosmic Veggies

We all have at least one New Year’s resolution that has to do with our health. Make eating healthier easier in 2023 by trying Cosmic Veggies. You will be shocked to learn all their recipes are vegan and gluten free!

2 – Attend a Show

The Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon is a historical landmark still in use today. Make 2023 the year you catch a film or a show, or maybe even join a production!

3 – Volunteer

Giving back to the community is good for your heart, body and soul! There are many places to volunteer in Skagit County, including food banks, animal shelters and more. If you’re passionate about inclusivity, check out PFLAG Skagit.

4 – Plan a Trip to the Sister Cities

If you fancy a bit of a trip outside Skagit, make plans in 2023 to visit both sister cities! First, visit La Conner, then head north to visit White Rock, British Columbia! There’s plenty to do in both cities.

5 – Relax at Wiley Slough

If you need a bit of relaxation this year, walks are always a good idea. In 2023, check out the wildlife walk at Wiley Slough on Fir Island.

Skagit Photo Opportunities Tulip Fields
Skagit County is world-renowned for its Tulip Festival each April, offering vibrant flower power for your camera lens. Photo credit: Matt Benoit

6 – Rediscover the Tulip Festival

If you’ve grown up here, you’ve probably attended the Tulip Festival. But maybe it’s been a while. Make 2023 the year you head back and see all the fun that’s waiting for you during the month of April.

7 – Make some Music at the La Conner Guitar Festival

If you love music, be sure to put the La Conner Guitar Festival on your radar for 2023. Happening May 19-21, you’ll experience the Art of Lutherie against the beautiful scenic backdrop of La Conner.

8 – Discover Street Art in Sedro-Woolley

You may have walked right on by some of the great highlights of Sedro-Woolley and not even realized it! In 2023, take time to stop and discover the incredible street art.

9 – Support Local Agriculture

Haven’t heard of Genuine Skagit Valley? Make 2023 the year you learn about this amazing program! Take part in their Farmstand Fresh event that happens during July and August and get your fill of fresh produce while meeting the farmers behind your food!

10 – Have a Sweet Time at Berry Dairy Days

Berry lovers rejoice! And mark your calendars for the 2023 Berry Dairy Days! From strawberry shortcake to blackberry shakes, you will be in heaven on June 16-18 in Burlington.

Skagit-Nature-Trail-System-2022
The Skagit Nature Trail System features over 10 miles of trails perfect for jogging, biking and walking just off Highway 20 between Burlington and Anacortes. Photo credit: Peter Wheeler/Mount Vernon Parks Foundation

11 – Bike the Port of Skagit Nature Trails

If you haven’t discovered the Port of Skagit nature trails, you are missing out! 10 miles of paths that are perfect for biking – or walking and running – are waiting for you in 2023.

12 – Taste the Flavors of Thailand

You can sample some exotic cuisine without ever leaving the county in 2023 by trying the many wonderful Thai restaurants in Skagit County.

13 – Attend the Anacortes Arts Festival

If you have never attended the Anacortes Arts Festival, do it! As one of the oldest and largest festivals in the northwest, you will want to put it on your calendars for August 4-6, 2023.

14 – Explore the Children’s Museum of Skagit County

The Children’s Museum of Skagit County is always a fun play to take the kids. They have all kinds of events happening throughout the year, as well, so you just might want to make time for several visits in 2023.

Skagit County Fair
Photo courtesy: Skagit County Fairgrounds

15 – Have Fun at the Skagit County Fair

Make sure you put the Skagit County Fair on your 2023 to do list! All the fun is happening August 9-12 this year and you won’t want to miss a moment.

16 – Spend a Day on Guemes Island

If you’re looking for somewhere to explore that you may have overlooked, but isn’t too far away, put Guemes Island on your list for 2023. It’s a fun island with great hiking, an off-leash dog area and more.

17 – Enjoy a Whidbey Island Bagel

If you haven’t tried the bagel phenomenon that is the Whidbey Island Bagel Factory yet, make sure you do in 2023! They have been open for just over a year in Mount Vernon and are waiting to satisfy your cravings.

18 – Go Apple Picking

Late summer and early fall is the perfect time to go apple picking! Skagit County has some lovely apple farms that are just waiting for you to harvest their sweet fall produce.

19 – Check out the Fall Leaves

Every year the changing of the seasons from summer to fall gives us a spectacular show! This year, make plans to check out some incredible fall color. You might want to start at these three North Cascade Trails.

20 – Bring the Dog on Vacation

It’s fun to be able to take your furry best friend with you on vacation! In 2023, check out these dog-friendly places to stay in Skagit County.

Zaza Coffee in Anacortes check out area with baked goods on the counter
The rich sweetness of cardamom fills the air, a signature aroma of Turkish coffee at Zaza Coffee in Anacortes. Photo credit: MaryRose Denton

21 – Try Turkish Coffee

Trying new food is always a fun thing to put on your yearly bucket list! This year, make plans to check out Zaza Coffee in Anacortes. Their make authentic Turkish coffee that comes with a friendly smile and warm conversation.

22 – Look for Snow Geese

Each year the lovely snow geese descend on Skagit County during the fall and winter. Make 2023 the year you take a drive to find these lovely migratory birds – it won’t be too hard!

23 – Visit the Heritage Flight Museum

Even if you think you are not into aviation, make plans to visit the Heritage Flight Museum in 2023. Everyone will be fascinated by the history as well as the historical aircrafts – some of which still fly on certain Fly Days throughout the year.

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