Shop Home for the Holidays
Open House hosted at The Country Store & Farm
20211 Vashon Hwy SW
Saturday, December 13
10-5

Come join The Country Store & Farm, Little bird Gardens, C'mon Barber and Agnus & Chloe for a Holiday Open House. We will have seasonal goodies, Holiday tunes, vintage finds, garden gifts and more. The fire will be going at Little Bird with s'mores on the menu.

Stop by anytime Saturday, Dec 13 10-5

Avalanche Awareness Class
Ober Park Exercise Room
Saturday, December 13, 1:00 P.M.

The Vashon Park District will host a free Avalanche Awareness Class through the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) on Saturday, December 9th, at 1 p.m. in the Ober Park Exercise Room. NWAC requests that attendees preregister at https://nwac.us/avalanche-awareness-classes/ . This 90-minute introductory session is designed for novice winter backcountry users and provides essential information for staying safe in avalanche terrain.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 13
Time: 1–6 pm
Location: Iola Gardens, Maury Island

Tickets: www.iolagardens.com/events

Contact: Chelsea Unsbee, Event Director
Iola Gardens — Maury Island
chelsea@iolagardens.com

Winter Wine & Makers Market Arrives at Iola Gardens December 13

A cozy afternoon of wine, makers, food, and community — presented with Wine Shop Vashon and Lodges on Vashon

Maury Island, WA — A little winter magic is making its way to the island. On Saturday, December 13 from 1–6 pm, Iola Gardens will host the first annual Vashon Winter Wine & Makers Market, a festive indoor–outdoor celebration of Vashon and PNW wineries, cideries, makers, and small farms.

The event is presented in partnership with Wine Shop Vashon, who is curating a full lineup of island and regional wineries and managing all bottle sales throughout the day. Guests will enjoy a tasting flight with their ticket, alongside opportunities to sip, shop, and explore goods from over two dozen makers and food vendors.

Featured Wineries & Cideries

Curated by Wine Shop Vashon

• Andrew Will 

• Palouse Winery 

• Maury Island Winery 

• Alli Lanphear Vineyard & Winery 

• Robin Pollard Wine / Pollard Per Se

• Shawnee Hill Farm Winery

• Dragon’s Head Cider 

• Nashi Orchards 

• Wine Shop Vashon — bottle sales partner

Food & Specialty Treats

• El Paisano Tamales

• Lanfare & Co. (pastries)

• Gravy (special pop-up from Dre)

• Flora Hill Farm (toffee, granola bark, shrubs, gifts)

Makers, Artists & Handcrafted Goods

• Julia Ann Studios (Portland) — watercolors & felt

• Bike Mom Crafts — handmade goods

• Dola Skincare (Portland)

• Iron Lilly Designs (Portland) — jewelry

• Little Bird Gardens — winter botanicals

• Jonathan Deschamps / Deschampsia — herbal goods

• Additional community-table makers offering small-batch gifts and seasonal goods

• Tarot readings by Mel of Benevolent Mischief

A Cozy Winter Experience

Set in and around the restored barn at Iola Gardens, guests can enjoy warm lights, seasonal tastings, winter greenery, and handcrafted goods — the kind of December afternoon made for wandering with a cup in hand.

The event also includes a vendor-filled raffle with a portion of proceeds supporting the Pride Defense Alliance Fundraiser, benefiting LGBTQ+ community support on the island.

Sip, Shop, Stay

The market is part of a broader island weekend, with Lodges on Vashon offering a Sip & Stay link for guests wanting to turn the experience into a full island escape.

Tickets

Tickets include:

• One tasting flight from featured wineries/cideries

• A complimentary raffle ticket

• Access to all vendors and experiences

Kids under 18 attend free.
Tickets available at: www.iolagardens.com/events

Debra Heesch presents a Holiday Drag Show at Snapdragon on Saturday, December 13th, bringing a glitter-filled evening of festive cheer and glamorous performances to the island. The night kicks off with a social hour at 5:00 PM - sip, mingle, and ease into the holiday spirit before the spotlight turns to the main event. At 6:00 PM, the drag show takes center stage, featuring dazzling queens Sativa, Athena, and Brandi Marxxx, each bringing their own unique sparkle, humor, and holiday magic. This lively celebration promises plenty of laughter, show-stopping looks, and memorable moments to brighten the season. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at HolidayDragShow.BrownPaperTickets.com

The Mostly True Trivia Games
Saturday, December 13th, 2025, 6 PM & 7 PM
The Yard (The Hardware Store restaurant's new eatery on the patio)
17601 Vashon Hwy, Vashon WA 98070

The Yard is covered, so it’s dry. It’s heated, so it’s warm. So come on down with your family and friends for some Vashon fun!

This is not your grandad's trivia game. Besides classic trivia categories, there will be music and videos and music videos! Can you guess the artist and song from just a few notes? Are you up on toys from the 70's or fads from the 2000s? Can you guess the next line in a famous movie scene - the one everyone misquotes! Bring your friends and make a team.(Be sure to have a cool team name!) NERDS REJOICE!!

UMO School Aerial Showcase: Aerial Adventures in Wonderland
Open Space for Arts & Community
Saturday, December 13th
6 pm Doors, 7 pm Show

Come watch the UMO School Aerial 3 Performance students fly through the air and showcase their skills within the fantastical world of Wonderland!

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

The Vashon Island Portage Fill Big Band will be doing a benefit concert for the Food Bank on Sunday, December 14, 7:00 pm at the Vashon Theater. Our local Scout Troop will be helping with food donations. Theatre concessions will be available for purchase. Please join us and support the Food Bank!

🎉 TRIVIA IS BACK — AND IT’S GOT A NEW HOME!

Get ready to flex those brain muscles and laugh till your sides hurt—Trivia with Michael Whitmore is now at Durong, tucked behind the Sugar Shack!

🧠✨ It’s more fun than knock-knock jokes, more thrilling than mumblety-peg, and definitely more outrageous than walking naked through a zoo. (But please, wear clothes.)

📍 New Location: Durong Bar (behind the Sugar Shack) 🕡
Day: Monday Time: 6:30pm sharp 🎤 Host: The one and only Michael Whitmore

Bring your friends, your wit, and your weirdest facts. Prizes, pride, and bragging rights await. See you there!

DANSER LIBRE

Last dance of the year!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

630-830PM

Hanna Barn:

7712 Pt. Robinson Rd

In gratitude for another year of dancing with this beautiful community,

please join us for a FREE Community Dance & Ritual

DANCE OF DARKNESS & LIGHT

As winter’s longest night approaches, we meet the dark as an ally. We dance in reverence to the great mystery. We embody the empowerment & creative impulse to spark light in the darkness.

What to Expect

Circling

Guided Meditative Movement & Somatic Inquiry

Freeform space for creative movement

Optional Partner Work

No registration or dance experience needed.

Come as you are<3

Join your friends, island neighbors, and Father Christmas on Tuesday December 16th at the Vashon Theatre for the 38th Annual "Crowd Karaoke." It's not a competition, just a good time singing your heart out or just listening.

Wine and Dine Thursdays at Wine Shop Vashon
3-9 pm, Vashon Village

Join us every Thursday for a cozy evening pairing local flavor with great wine. Enjoy dinner for $30, or bring a friend and share a bottle with dinner for two at $80. Perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or treating yourself midweek.

Reserve your table or drop in—good food, good wine, and good company await…

#wineshopvashon #vashonisland #dinnerandwine #vashoneats #pnwwine #eatlocal #vashondateideas #wineanddine #vashoncommunity #midweekmagic #supportlocalbusiness

A Take 3 Christmas
Vashon Center for the Arts
Thursday, December 18 | 7:30pm
$55 General | $53 Senior
Youth FREE *ticket reservation required
(adult must accompany youth 12-)

Where rock meets Bach! The genre-bending trio TAKE3 blends dazzling classical technique with pop and rock charisma in a holiday program like no other. With violin, cello, and piano, they reinvent favorites from The Beatles to Coldplay alongside festive classics that sparkle with joy. Virtuosic, fresh, and full of surprises, TAKE3 delivers a Christmas celebration guaranteed to electrify your holiday season.

“A bold, aggressive tone and body language that speaks to audiences raised on rock videos.” Los Angeles Times

90-Minute Ceremony | Journal | Gong Bath | Poetry
Celebrating Corn, Harvest, Hunter & Cold Moons
Sept 21, Oct 21, Nov 20, Dec 19
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
At Vashon Island Tree of Life
17331 Vashon Hwy SW

The spirit of the new moon is to go inward, reflect, and emerge with intent for the next month.

Join us for a 90-minute session each month to set an intention with ceremony, journal, receive an inspired gong bath, and hear a poetry reading.

This astrologically inspired series is all about slowing down as we step into Fall and Winter with a clear, patient, and peaceful mind.

Register at link in bio:
https://www.attune.yoga/event-list
Sliding scale:
$11-33 per session
$44-$77 for the series

#soundhealing #soundbath #gongbath #poetrycommunity #poetry #journal #ceremony #meditation #meditate

Folklife Friday: Trío Guadalevín & Early Music Seattle present La Velada
Open Space for Arts & Community
Friday, December 19th
6 pm Doors, 7 pm Show

La Velada is an inclusive holiday program incorporating the Feast of la Virgen de Guadalupe, Spanish cantigas de Santa Maria, music of Hanukah, and Christmas in Latin America.Trío Guadalevín is dedicated to the investigation of the musical connections between Mexico and the Mediterranean. Employing a wealth of instruments and techniques the trio explores and often reimagines the musical dialogue between Indigenous, European and African cultures, which define Latin American identity. The trio will be joined by the recorder artist Vicki Boeckman. Tickets: $25

Solstice Eve Pop-Up Shopping in Dockton
Historic Town of Dockton
Vashon Island, WA
Saturday, December 20
10am-4pm

Come on out to the historic town of Dockton on Winter Solstice Eve - Saturday, December 20th From 10am-4pm. The Jewel Box Studio and The Old Dockton Press will have open studios for some festive, fun, and local shopping!

JEWEL BOX STUDIO
9925 SW 260th St

* Fun, slow fashion jewelry with Czech glass beads and natural stones that include earrings, stackable bracelets, crystal party necklaces and bracelets.

*Hand-painted wooden mushroom ornaments

*Decoupage seashells

*Votive candle sets

*Rocket lamps

*Neon Crystal lamps by Dockton Artist Radiant Neon

*More!

OLD DOCKTON PRESS
265th and 99th Ave SW

*Handprinted Paperie

*Framed and unframed original prints

*Fine art prints

*Notebooks

*Canvas bags

*Stickers

*Cards and gift tags

*And more!

Mammoth Moments Family Day
Vashon Heritage Museum
10105 Bank RD SW
Saturday, December 20th
10am - 4pm

Celebrate the winter solstice one day early with the Vashon Heritage Museum. Fill your solstice with hygge by visiting for some special winter activities:

- 11am and 2pm story time with the winter elf!

- Winter Mason Jar Lantern

-Warm drinks and cozy cookies

-Ornament weaving with Barbara Gustafson

Croaker
Rock Island Pizza
Saturday, December 20th
7:00pm

Croaker's brew-grass inspired music is infused with misty mountain hops and malty 80's rock. Raise a glass to a hazy blend of harmonies layered over crisp acoustic grooves. No bitter after-taste. Kim Thal on fiddle, Eric Frith on guitar, Danny Powers on bass and Andre Sapp on mandolin and guitar.

Sharing the Stage: Home for the Holidays V
Open Space for Arts & Community
Sunday, December 21st
3 pm Doors, 4 pm Show

Sharing the Stage, a music performance and mentorship project for high school students, began on Vashon Island in 2010. Now mostly based in Seattle, Sharing the Stage's 36th show will feature alumni who performed in early shows on the island, and it will also be a tribute to the late Harris Levinson, beloved teacher and co-founder of Sharing the Stage.

The lineup is still growing, but look for these musicians to be back for this special show: Ten Cent Time Machine (Quinn McTighe, Kai Scheer, Graham Hazzard, Payton Lieske), Skyler Ford, Jasper Hanowell, Kate Atwell, Miajah Sanson-Frey, Dimitrius Brown, Wyatt Bates...and more coming in! $25 Tickets

Winter Solstice Spiral Celebration
Hosted by The Lodges on Vashon
17205 Vashon Hwy SW
Sunday, December 21st
4:00pm (Sunset)

Join us at sunset for a family-friendly Solstice Spiral Walk, a candlelit ritual marking the return of the light led by local storyteller Gabrielle Wildheart. As dusk settles, participants are invited to walk the spiral path in quiet reflection—entering the center in darkness and returning carrying a small light to brighten the space. Children and adults are invited to move through the spiral together, filling the night with warmth, glow, and shared intention.

After the ritual, stay and enjoy hot cider and traditional Gaelic music performed by Keltoi. Suggested donation is $15-$25 per family.

Dress warmly, bring friends and family, and celebrate the turning of the year in light, music, and togetherness.

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

VMCO Winter 2025
Vashon Center for the Arts
Sunday, Dec 21 | 7:30pm
$35 General | $33 Senior
Youth FREE *ticket reservation required
(adult must accompany youth 12-)

Ring in the season with the Vashon-Maury Chamber Orchestra! Led by violinist Danielle McCutcheon and guest conductor Gary D. Cannon, the orchestra presents a festive program of string masterpieces. From Vivaldi’s Winter Concerto to Corelli’s Christmas Concerto and works by Holst, Rachmaninov, and Ginastera, this concert blends timeless elegance with holiday cheer. A perfect evening to share with family and friends.

🎉 TRIVIA IS BACK — AND IT’S GOT A NEW HOME!

Get ready to flex those brain muscles and laugh till your sides hurt—Trivia with Michael Whitmore is now at Durong, tucked behind the Sugar Shack!

🧠✨ It’s more fun than knock-knock jokes, more thrilling than mumblety-peg, and definitely more outrageous than walking naked through a zoo. (But please, wear clothes.)

📍 New Location: Durong Bar (behind the Sugar Shack) 🕡
Day: Monday Time: 6:30pm sharp 🎤 Host: The one and only Michael Whitmore

Bring your friends, your wit, and your weirdest facts. Prizes, pride, and bragging rights await. See you there!

West McLean Presents:
One More Mile
With opening set by Wes & Shawn Peterson
The Station
Saturday, Dec 27th
7:00pm

One More Mile is a blues band from Vashon Island consisting of Jason Lollar, Mike Nichols, Dan Tyack, Wesley Peterson, Chris OBrien and Chuck Keller. One More Mile plays a mix of classic blues standards with some soul, gospel and New Orleans funk covers mixed in. If you’re a fan of artists such as Freddie King, The Meters, Spencer Davis Group, John Lee Hooker or Little Walter, this might be the band for you. One More Mile has been an island favorite at Strawberry Festival, Concerts at the Park, and Blues and Brews fest.

Jason Lollar is an accomplished blues guitarist who has played all over the northwest from the Washington Athletic Club to the Oregon State Penitentiary. He is the founder of world-renowned custom guitar pickup company Lollar Pickups.

Mike Nichols is an award winning blues harpist who has toured extensively with The Great Divide and opened for Elvin Bishop and Commander Cody, among others.

Dan Tyack is a premiere session player and innovator on lap and pedal steel guitars. He’s played Carnegie Hall, The Grand Old Opry, San Quentin Prison and every honky tonk and state fair in between.

Chris O’Brien has been a piano, organ and guitar player for decades with love of blues, jazz and rock music. While living on Vashon, he has played with The Confessions (soul and R&B), Alchemy (rock), One More Mile (blues), the Fabulous Coop House Band (various) and several jazz combos among others.

Wesley Peterson has drummed and sang with Saint Ophelia, Tim Couldn’t Make it, and some killer dudes from Poulsbo.

Chuck Keller has played bass for Saint Ophelia, Star Anna and Once for Kicks, among others.

The Muppet Burlesque Christmas Carol
Heights Hall (Old Grange Hall)
Sunday, December 28
Doors at 1:30pm
Show at 2:00pm

Just Ducky and WhatNot Theatrics have teamed up once again to bring The Muppet Burlesque Christmas Carol back to the island for another season of holiday cheer and cheeky fun!

The show began as the dream project of Just Ducky—an island resident of many years whom you may have even chatted with in the paint department at True Value. Back in 2019, Ducky and a fellow performer put out a casting call, booked a theater, and were ready to take the stage in December of 2020—until the world had other plans. The production was shelved for several years until Cassandra Moselle, the creative force behind WhatNot Theatrics, stepped in to help make the long-awaited debut a reality in 2024.

Not only did the show premiere in Seattle, but it also made the ferry ride over to Vashon, fulfilling Ducky’s longtime dream of bringing more burlesque to the island. Thanks to island local Jennifer Potter, owner of the historic Vashon-Maury Grange Hall (now Heights Hall), the perfect venue was found—and the island community showed up in full force. Both the Seattle and Vashon performances sold out, making it clear that The Muppet Burlesque Christmas Carol had become a new holiday favorite.

This year, the show returns with even more sparkle—featuring returning fan-favorite performers, new faces, and an extended production that’s sure to delight audiences old and new.

If you missed it last year—or even if you didn’t—you won’t want to miss this year’s encore!

Tickets prices range from $15-$50

Tickets can be found here:
https://www.strangertickets.com/events/174967448/the-muppet-burlesque-christmas-carol

Some'tet featuring Michael Whitmore
Sunday nights at Durong (behind Vashon Sugar Shack)
6:30pm
No cover, tip jar
Limited seating
21+

The soundscape of Some’tet is a captivating blend of mellow, west coast cool jazz infused with bursts of bold, inventive energy. Layered into their unique style are vibrant South American rhythms, the subtle elegance of art songs, the unpredictable flair of free jazz, and the heartfelt allure of torch songs, all complemented by soulful vocals that leave an indelible impression. Their music weaves together four essential elements: adventure, beauty, spirituality, and soul, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with listeners.

Join us for a Sunday of relaxation and inspiration at Vashon’s most intimate lounge, a hidden gem nestled behind the Sugar Shack. Let the smooth, soulful sounds of Some’tet set the tone for an evening of pure musical delight. Don’t miss this chance to unwind and experience the heart of Vashon’s jazz scene!

Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

🎉 TRIVIA IS BACK — AND IT’S GOT A NEW HOME!

Get ready to flex those brain muscles and laugh till your sides hurt—Trivia with Michael Whitmore is now at Durong, tucked behind the Sugar Shack!

🧠✨ It’s more fun than knock-knock jokes, more thrilling than mumblety-peg, and definitely more outrageous than walking naked through a zoo. (But please, wear clothes.)

📍 New Location: Durong Bar (behind the Sugar Shack) 🕡
Day: Monday Time: 6:30pm sharp 🎤 Host: The one and only Michael Whitmore

Bring your friends, your wit, and your weirdest facts. Prizes, pride, and bragging rights await. See you there!

Wine and Dine Thursdays at Wine Shop Vashon
3-9 pm, Vashon Village

Join us every Thursday for a cozy evening pairing local flavor with great wine. Enjoy dinner for $30, or bring a friend and share a bottle with dinner for two at $80. Perfect for date night, catching up with friends, or treating yourself midweek.

Reserve your table or drop in—good food, good wine, and good company await…

#wineshopvashon #vashonisland #dinnerandwine #vashoneats #pnwwine #eatlocal #vashondateideas #wineanddine #vashoncommunity #midweekmagic #supportlocalbusiness

On Vashon Island, Washington First Fridays are when the artists, galleries, and local merchants put up new art installations and window displays to celebrate the month. Crowds gather to view the art and visit with friends. The town is alive!

Vashon Events is proud to promote this monthly community-building event by gathering information from galleries, artists, and merchants about their First Friday plans. We send out a monthly newsletter to let community members know just what is happening.

Join our newsletter HERE to get a monthly update on First Friday happenings, or if you are already a subscriber, update your profile now.

Special thanks to our First Friday Art Gallery Cruise Promotion Sponsors:

The Madrona Group/John L. Scott Vashon
O Sol Mio
Island Insurance
4Culture
ArtsWA

The mission of Vashon Events is to create, provide, and expand positive life experiences through music and art for all. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of artists and musicians.

Where to eat:  https://www.vashonevents.org/dining
Where to stay: https://www.vashonevents.org/wheretostay

Open Call for Vashon Stories
Vashon Heritage Museum
10105 SW Bank RD
January 17th 1pm to 4pm

Mukai Farm and Gardens and the Vashon Heritage Museum are teaming up to collect your Vashon stories. This is an open call for 5 minute oral histories, which we'll film onsite. You can tell the story alone or with a friend! This is a great opportunity to make your voice heard, and make sure that your stories are preserved for the future.

Relentless: The Little-Known Stories of Four Olympic Heroes
Vashon Heritage Museum
10105 Bank Rd SW
January 31, 2026
5pm

What defines heroism—not just in sports, but in life? And what traits help define a hero?

Explore the powerful, little-known stories of four Olympic athletes whose journeys reveal profound dimensions of heroism. Learn about perseverance from marathoner Gabriele Andersen-Schiess, courage from skier Brian Stemmle, sportsmanship from biathlete Tracy Barnes, and championing human rights from sprinter Peter Norman.

Through vivid storytelling and audience reflection, author and journalist Doug Levy will discuss how their lessons on perseverance can inspire our own stories