The world-famous Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is all about celebrating the local agriculture, history, culture and people of the area. The perfect pairing, the PNW Artist Marketplace coincides with the Tulip Festival, celebrating “creativity, community, and the incredible talent that makes our region special.” This year, head to the Vinery next to Christianson’s Nursery March 28 through April 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to find gifts, food, flowers and more. It’s a perfect stop on your tulip route!
They say necessity is the mother of invention and that was certainly the case for Dominic and Marisa Papetti. “We were two vendors looking for a place to vend that would be willing to jump through all of the COVID regulation hoops,” shares Marisa. “Turns out that was us!” Bravely started in 2020 during COVID, the PNW Artist Marketplace originally took place in the old berry barn on LaConner-Whitney Road. They had 27 vendors for their first show.
Find Fresh Tulips, Snacks, Arts and More During Tulip Festival Market
The PNW Artist Marketplace is the place to go if you are looking for something Pacific Northwest made or grown. Over 80 vendors will proudly be displaying their items. Meet the makers, learn their stories and buy local.
Marisa and Dominic work hard to give the market a homey atmosphere. Friendly vendors will have beautiful display tables and everyone is welcome to attend, even your dog! “We like our market to feel like home,” shares Marisa. “We have a large amount of return customers!”
And, if you have been in the past, don’t miss this year, as there is always something new, with about 40% of the vendors being new.
Look for Jennifer Bowman, former Tulip Festival Poster Arts artist; Funky’s Hot Sauce of “Hot Ones” TV Show fame; and Mary Gold Tales with her award-winning drawings. Need gifts to take home or to get your holiday shopping done (it’s never too early, is it??) they always have a plethora of items that are great for gift-giving. In the past there have been soaps, leather items, bowl cozies, soup mixes, kitchenware and dozens more.
Be sure to indulge in their signature honeycomb candy made using honey from Marie’s Bees honey. “The honeycomb is a puffed honey, made with our raw local honey and coated in our chocolate,” shares Marisa. “The biggest seller is the Lynden raspberry and the orange dark chocolate.” Get it in dark or milk chocolate.
Need a stop for a snack on your Tulip Festival route? The PNW Artist Marketplace is a great choice with their new grab-n-go picnic essentials area ran by Skagit Valley Larder. They will have a refrigerated section with pre-packages meats, cheeses, olives and other goodies that are perfect for snacking on while enjoying the rainbow of flowers.
Speaking of flowers, the market often has gorgeous views of neighboring tulip fields. Pick up fresh cut tulips, snap photos and just take in the sights. Visitors says the views are one of the best parts of the Market, along with the honeycomb chocolate, fresh tulip-shaped cookies and the pet photo ops!
Celebrate the season with Dominic, Marisa, and local artists, bakers, farmers and crafters. “It was a no-brainer,” says Marisa when asked why they chose to do the PNW Artist Marketplace during the Tulip Festival. “I am a local and the Tulip Festival has always been one of my times of year in the Valley. Being able to spend the early Spring in the Valley with the swans, snow geese, tulips, the ever-shifting weather and the wonderful people it brings out is such a pleasure for me. It is truly magical Skagit!”
For more updates as spring draws near, visit the PNW Artist Marketplace website or Facebook page.
PNW Artist Marketplace
March 28 – April 27
10 a.m. 6 p.m.
15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon
Sponsored
