7 Best Performing Arts in The Olympic Peninsula and Washington Coast, Washington

This intimate cinema in the heart of downtown screens first-run films, with an emphasis on foreign and indie flicks, in a charming little theater with pressed-tin ceilings and a lobby concession selling craft beer, local wine, and elevated snacks. In the elegant Starlight Room, on the third floor, retro and other interesting film screenings take place, and food and drinks are served.

Since 1983, contestants have been racing human-powered contraptions through sand, mud, and saltwater in the hope of winning the most coveted prize: the Mediocrity Award for finishing in the middle of the pack. The race takes place the first full weekend in October. Festivities include a parade, an art contest, and a fundraiser "Koronation" Ball on Saturday night.

Sequim has been celebrating the introduction of irrigation water to its once-parched prairie since 1896. The fest, held in May, features an antique-car show, Friday art walk, family fun day, parade, and a Logging Show with an arm-over-arm tractor pull competition, a lawn-mower demolition, and fireworks.

From mid-August through mid-September, concertgoers enjoy chamber music at the historic Wheeler Theater in Fort Worden State Park.

This mid-September fest features onstage discussions with Hollywood stars, documentary and narrative films, and the ever-popular outdoor screenings on Taylor Street in front of the 1907 Rose Theatre. More than 100 films are screened over three days at eight venues.

A street fair and free self-guided farm tours celebrate Sequim's many fragrant lavender fields in mid- to late July.

Hundreds of wooden boats sail into Port Townsend Bay each September for a weekend of presentations, tours, and sea shanties.