Penn Cove Water Festival Association

05/11/2026

Thank you to all who came to gather with us on the shores of Penn Cove Saturday, to celebrate the waters, the Native history and presence; culture, art, music and canoe races ❤️🙏❤️.

A big shout out to the Penn Cove Water Festival Board and their team of dedicated and amazing volunteers who make the Festival possible, all our Sponsors and donors who pay for the event and races, for the Incredibly talented musicians and storytellers, Vendors and artists, and the Canoe clubs who traveled to participte in the races this year.

This festival is a coming together of spirit, heart, and community ~ learn more at our website: penncovewaterfestival.org and join us next year on May 15th, 2027!

Penn Cove Water Festival provides a space to enjoy Native American canoe racing, entertainment, crafts and culture and by giving everyone a chance to learn about, appreciate, and protect the environment in which we all live.

05/09/2026

We look forward to seeing you at the Penn Cove Water Festival Saturday May 9th!! This is a unique community festival that links the cultural history of the Salish Sea to the importance of water to our region dotted with islands, and how important it is to preserve both our water ecosystems and our cultural history.

Come learn about the Canoe Culture, Native Art, Music and Food, learn about the environment and the Salish Sea from local and regional environmental organizations and Tribes. There is no better time than now for all people to gather together, learn from each other, and celebrate the beauty of what we have right here on Penn Cove together❤️💦

04/22/2026

Dear Volunteers,

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for the time, energy, and heart you give to the Penn Cove Water Festival.

Events like ours do not happen without volunteers. Your willingness to show up, lend a hand, solve problems, greet guests, and support the many moving pieces behind the scenes is what makes this community celebration possible.

Whether you have volunteered for years or recently signed up to join us, please know that your support matters. You help create an event that brings people together, celebrates culture and community, and welcomes thousands of attendees each year.

We are grateful for your generosity, your spirit, and the role you play in making the festival a success.

Thank you for being part of our volunteer community. We look forward to celebrating with you again this year.

With appreciation,

Penn Cove Water Festival Association

04/21/2026

Don't miss the Canoe Races at the Penn Cove Water Festival Saturday May 9th in Coupeville, WA! Watch from the historic Coupeville Wharf, or take the shuttle to Capt. Coupe Boat Launch where the Racing action is happening, and learn more about it ❤️

04/13/2026

Penn Cove Water Festival needs you!!
To sign up to go to our website at:

04/13/2026

Greetings Volunteers! The Penn Cove Water Festival is just about 3 weeks away! We are seeking volunteers in the following areas!

We have a number of volunteer needs for all ranges of ages and skills. Below is a list of the available slots and a brief description of the task.
Barricades - Monitor barricades at limited access/closed roads
Bread Distribution - Assist Lead in handing out the gifts of bread for honored guests
Canoe Racks - Pick up canoe racks from/to storage to/from boat launch. Heavy lifting required. Transportation/carpooling helpful.
Craft Demonstration Aide - Assist artists in setting up the demonstration area. Assist as needed during the day. Help with take down.
Entertainment/Sound System - Boat Launch Area - Assist in setting up/take down of sound equipment; monitor/keep an eye on the sound equipment; assist announcers if needed
Entertainment/Sound System - Main Stage - Assist Lead in loading/unloading sound equipment; assist with equipment setup/takedown; monitor sound equipment
General Help: Boat Launch Area - Monitor Boat Launch Area. Be sure changing tents and rinse area/hose are set up for Racers to change/wash off. Help with takedown and clean up. Assist as needed.
General Help: Floater - Assist Lead as needed. Maintain safe and clean environment. General all-around helper.
General Help: Pre setup - Pick up equipment from storage unit, deliver to Rec Hall. Some lifting. Transportation helpful.
General Help: Set Up/Take Down - Set up/take down PCWF canopies, tables, chairs, benches and supplies. Assist Lead as needed. Help maintain a clean, safe environment. Some lifting.
General Help: Trash Collection - Maintain festival trash bins, take full trash bags to dumpster. Gloves and wheelbarrow provided.
Grants: Counter - Take a count of festival attendees, for grant requirements.
Grants: Survey - Ask festival attendees if they'd like to be part of a survey and record their answers. Part of our grant requirements.
Hospitality - Assist Lead in set up/take down of hospitality area; monitor and maintain hospitality area
Information Booth - Assist Lead with booth set up/take down; answer general festival questions for participants. Assist with Kids Scavenger Hunt.
Merchandise - T-Shirt/merchandise area; keep stocked and orderly; assist customers; complete transactions by cash and/or Square. Some lifting and bending required.
Parking: Boat Launch Area - Boat Launch: traffic control, canoes being dropped off, puller's parking lot.
Parking: Boat Launch Area - Lead Lead in charge of Boat Launch area: monitor drop off/pick up area, puller's parking and traffic control
Parking: Town Green - Monitor and direct traffic at parking areas for general parking.
Parking: Town Hall lot - Monitor town lot, restricted for town merchants only.
Race Results: Scribe - Update Race Result Board during the canoe races via personal mobile device.
Radio/Communications - Safety Observer - Amateur Radio Operators will be needed as safety observers during the Festival for the festival area. These operators will report to the NET Control Operator.
Signs - Assist in placing/picking up signs throughout town. Some lifting. Transportation helpful.
Vendor Relief - Assist Lead with vendors as needed; monitor booth to allow vendors a break
Vendors and Exhibitors Check in - Assist Lead in directing vendors/exhibitors to assigned location
Volunteer Dispatch - Check In/Out volunteers and dispatch to assigned area.
Youth Activities: Craft area - Assist Lead as directed. Keep area neat and orderly.
Youth Activities: Game area - Assist Lead as directed. Keep area neat and orderly.

THANK YOU! The Penn Cove Water Festival couldn't happen without the help of our volunteers. We are deeply appreciative of your time and willingness to help make the festival a success.

04/06/2026

🌊 Volunteers Needed – Penn Cove Water Festival

The Penn Cove Water Festival returns Saturday, May 9 in Coupeville, and we’re looking for community volunteers to help make this year’s event a success!

There are many ways to help:
• Event setup & take-down
• Festival support roles
• Race committee assistance
• General day-of help

Even a few hours makes a big difference and helps keep this Whidbey tradition strong.

💧 Interested in volunteering?
Learn more or sign up at:
www.penncovewaterfestival.org

Planning meetings are held every 3rd Sunday at 3:00 PM at the Coupeville Library.

Please share this post so we can reach more volunteers!