Activities
There are numerous events scheduled annually to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. Many of Whidbey Island's most popular events center around the magnificent outdoors for which the Pacific Northwest is renowned.
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation can provide information on programs, facilities, and special discounts for military members and their families. The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Department has many clubs and organizations which provide opportunities to become involved and explore the Pacific Northwest. Year round youth and single activities, auto hobby shops, sailing, flying, biking, bowling, fitness centers, and outdoor recreation centers are all representative of the many things to do here at NAS Whidbey Island and the surrounding community.
The Liberty Program provides recreational programs and trips for single military personnel. Special ski weekends, tickets and transportation to athletic and music events, weekends and holidays in nearby cities and destinations are just a sample of the opportunities available.
The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Youth Center Program and School Age Care Program (SAC)have regularly scheduled programs and activities including summer youth activities and camps. The Adventures Unlimited Summer Daycamp provides recreational and educational programs.
MWR in conjunction with Fleet & Family Support Programs sponsors annual events that highlight: Month of the Military Child (Tiger Day), Military Family Appreciation and Military Spouse Appreciation.
There are numerous events scheduled annually to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. Many of Whidbey Island's most popular events center around the magnificent outdoors for which the Pacific Northwest is renowned.
The Penn Cove Mussel Festival, held in Coupeville is celebrated with eating contests, cooking demonstrations, and a special dance. Coupeville also hosts it annual Arts & Crafts Festival in August, a Harvest Festival in the fall and celebrates Greening Day, the first weekend in December, to get the town ready for the advent season. Open air concerts are held every summer on the cove.
The city of Oak Harbor annually hosts the Whidbey Island Race Week in July and attracts sailors to race competitively throughout Saratoga Passage & Penn Cove. In April the annual Holland Happening occurs. A weekend of arts & crafts, food, flowers, entertainment, and a parade celebrates the cultural diversity of the town and its early settlers. An old fashioned Fourth of July with picnics, carnivals, parade and fireworks is a standing occurrence in Oak Harbor. Automobile enthusiasts will enjoy the North Whidbey Lions' Car Show in which various car classes are judged at City Beach. Jazz & Blue Grass Festivals & specialty concerts can be found throughout the island, not only during the summer months, but throughout the year.
The annual Island County Fair is held in Langley each year. Thousands of people attend 4-H exhibits, contests, livestock sales and animal shows.
The island offers visitors a wealth of historical sites, two museums, and a growing number of cultural groups and associations. These include the Island County Historical Museum, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, and Fort Casey and Fort Ebey State Parks. The performing arts are alive and well. In addition to active local playhouses with full season performances, guest performers are continually invited to share their talents with the islanders. Outdoor summer concerts are regularly held in the park in Coupeville by the waterfront, and season tickets are available for purchase to concerts held during the year. Four libraries serve the island community with book request and return access to the entire regional system. The Pacific Northwest is well known for its numerous parks and facilities that encourage people of all ages to participate in outdoor recreational activities. Water sports such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, fishing are available in abundance. Camping, hiking, picnicking, hunting, skiing (cross-country and downhill), mountain climbing, rock climbing, and rappelling might appeal to the more adventurous. Cruises to the islands, whale watching excursions, and a never ending supply of quaint towns and inlets provide lots of opportunities to discover the Pacific Northwest.
Listings for local golf courses, tennis courts and fitness clubs can also be found at the Chamber of Commerce.
Numerous activities and things to do are available both in the community, and through the schools programs. Special interest clubs, debate teams, and musical events provide a wide variety. On Friday evenings the Oak Harbor Middle School Gym is open from 2100-0100. Called "The Neutral Zone" the teens, come to hang out, listen to their favorite music, play sports, or do arts and craft projects. See Related Subject For Teens Only for more information on things to do. Oak Harbor offers much variety in sports and recreation activities. Two soccer seasons each year provide plenty of opportunity to play this sport. Girls have their own league for ages 5-14. Organized football and baseball is played in season.
Homes Near Base
