May 16 | A Celebration of Timber, Tide, and Community
On May 16 make your way down the winding curves of 101 to the little town of Hoodsport to celebrate at this free festival inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the unique spirit that defines this coastal community. Rooted in Hoodsport’s rich timber and marine history, the festival aims to blend tradition with artistic expression. and act as a lead-in event to the 82 year old Mason County Forest Festival.
At the heart of the festival, live music will fill the air, including a local favorite, Josh Meeks, performing a mix of covers and originals, with additional performers expected to join the lineup. Artisans and makers will line the Grisdale cabins and nearby sidewalks, creating a bustling marketplace of creativity. With space for arts vendor and participation from local businesses, the goal is to extend the festival atmosphere throughout Hoodsport — echoing the community spirit in this canalside town.
Live art demonstrations will offer an up-close look at the creative process, from jewelry-making to carving and painting . We are actively seeking artists willing to share their craft on-site, turning the festival into a hands-on, immersive experience.
Workshops will invite attendees to roll up their sleeves and create their own pieces, inspired by the festival’s playful theme: “sawdust, stumps, and seashells” —using found items from nature to create something new and meaningful. Think driftwood, shells, local foliage, recycled bottles, and forest remnants transformed into art that reflects both tide and timber. From stump painting to imaginative found-object crafts, these workshops are designed to feel organic, creative, and just a little bit magical.
The festival will also honor Hoodsport’s logging roots and community traditions. With involvement from the Mason County Forest Festival Court and nods to legendary figures like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, the event will highlight the enduring connection between the area’s past and present. Historical displays and educational elements will help tell the story of the region’s timber heritage.
An emphasis on fire safety and forest stewardship will also be present, with hopes of including Smokey Bear and informational resources to promote responsible land use and awareness.
Artists, businesses, and community members are invited to get involved, participate, and help shape what promises to become an inspiring day that will hopefully become an annual event! Whether you come for the music, the art, the history, or simply the sense of community, May 16 in Hoodsport is set to be a day where creativity and heritage meet. For more information call 360-427-5599 or email rachel@nwevent.org.
