Come and experience a weekend filled with music, culture, fun, and community spirit for all ages!
The Vashon Chamber invites you to explore local Vashon vendors and a select group of off-island
vendors along Vashon Highway. Enjoy an exciting Main Stage lineup and a variety of entertainment
options for kids and youth.

What’s in store for Kids at Festival this year?

Bouncy Houses and Bungee Jumping

Inflatable Soccer & Water Walking Balls

Fun Nature Games with Camp Sealth & Face Painting with Girls to Girls

Fast Pitch & T-Ball (Sponsored by Colvos)

Dunk Tank at VIGA (Thanks, Parks Department!)

Mini Putt-Putt at Recess Lab

Puppet Show at Vashon Theatre with Adam Ende

Interactive fun hosted by IQ and more popping up as Festival Fever spreads!

Teen Jam Stage (VYFS) @ Pandora's Box

Friday, July 18th

3pm: Roads Close

Main Stage:
4:00pm: Rumor Has It
5:30pm: The Reptile Man
7:00pm: Little Creatures
9:00pm: Bowie/Rex & His Boogie Army

Rumor Has It. Feel the groove. Hear those strings. Let the harmony carry you away. This versatile Vashon band will lift your spirits while you kick up your heels or sway the night away. These are great island musicians who cook up a delicious stew they call stringband rock. Rumor Has It plays bluegrass, country, rock, Afro-Celtic, and blues - all with their own unique blend. With Roger Taylor on guitar/vocals, Steve Amsden on guitar/banjo/vocals, Paul Colwell on mandolin/vocals, Sarah Perlman on fiddle/vocals, Peter Bonow on bass/vocals, Gordy Ryan on congas, and Gen Amsden on vocals.

The Reptile Man. Zoologist, educator, and author Scott Petersen presents 12 live reptiles in a 40-minute show that teaches the importance of all animals in nature. Scott has been featured nationally on Disney's Bill Nye the Science Guy and on PBS' Biz Kids. He has appeared on Northwest Afternoon, Evening Magazine, and NPR Radio.

Little Creatures. Central Vashon’s only Talking Heads tribute band—will serve up a heaping plateful of highly danceable Talking Heads songs every time they perform. Are you ready for this?!

Whether you lean toward the CBGB-era Talking Heads of the late 1970s, their “middle years” with Brian Eno and Adrian Belew influencing their sound, or their later work incorporating synthesizers and world beats, there will be something for everyone to enjoy when Little Creatures takes the stage. Radio hits, MTV classics and more-obscure “B-sides” are all on the set list. And, they all have one thing in common: a beat you can dance to!

Little Creatures is the brainchild of island musicians and hardcore Talking Heads fans Stephen Buffington (drums) and Andy James (guitar/vocals). They are joined by Dorsey Davis from the FieldHands (bass/vocals), Rick Vanselow from Fendershine (guitar/vocals), Alex Drissell (keyboard/vocals) and Jon Whalen (percussion).

Born from the ashes of the popular Bowie-Idol project, Vashon based Record Producer & Mixing Engineer, Martin Feveyear, has formed a brand new 9-piece rock & roll group "Bowie/Rex & His Boogie Army".

Performing a mix of music from David Bowie, Marc Bolan & T-Rex, Roxy Music, The Cars, The Kinks, Talking Heads, Joy Division and more, “Bowie/Rex & His Boogie Army” features some of the region’s finest musicians.

With Dave Dederer (Presidents of the USA, Duff McKagan’s Loaded) and Tim Dijulio (Lazy Suzan, Flight to Mars) on guitars, Michael Musburger (The Posies, The Fastbacks) on drums, Billy Stover (Dusty 45’s, Victoria Contreras) on keyboards and Jeremy Lightfoot (Danny Newcomb, Elvez) on bass, the band is rounded out by front-man Martin Feveyear (Producer of Brandi Carlisle, Presidents of the USA, Duff McKagan of Guns n Roses, and Islanders St Ophelia, Kat Eggleston & Gregg Curry) and backing singers “The Suffragette Sisters (Rhiannon Walther, Sarah Howard & Melissa Feveyear).

Martin reflects: “Marc Bolan, David Bowie, and the Glam music of the early 70’s was the music of my childhood. My mother playing and singing along to the 45 of Sorrow, is one of my fondest preschool memories. At the age of 5, I had a poster on my wall of the magical and mysterious Ziggy Stardust. The Music of that time, Bowie’s music especially, has had a huge impact on me, he’s been there during every decade of my life. Losing him in 2016 was very hard to swallow. I suppose being in this band, is a blatant way of reconnecting with that music and his loss?”

Saturday, July 19th

10:00 a.m. Parade
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Vendor Booths
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kids Zone

Main Stage:
11:30am: The Dusty 45s
1:30pm: Kimmi Bitter
3:00pm: Ron Artis II
5:15pm: Jealous Dogs
6:00pm: Portage Fill Street Dance (outside Sporty’s)
7:30pm: The Power Players
9:30pm: Publish the Quest

The Dusty 45s. From the smoky back rooms of Seattle's dive bars to the grand stages of national tours, The Dusty 45s, fronted by its dynamic founding member, singer-songwriter Billy Joe Huels, have been electrifying audiences for nearly three decades. Their raw energy and timeless sound have earned them a dedicated following and a reputation as one of the region's most beloved bands. Driven by Huels's creative vision, the current lineup—affectionately dubbed "Dusty Version 6.0"—features Kohen Burrill on drums and vocals, Robin Cady on upright bass, and Rod Cook on lead guitar and vocals. This dynamic quartet delivers high-octane live shows that have solidified the band's reputation for stellar musicianship. Over the years, The Dusty 45s have become a Seattle institution, gracing the airwaves of KEXP and sharing stages with luminaries like Adele, Brandi Carlile, Wanda Jackson, and John Prine. Their signature blend of gritty rock 'n' roll and heartfelt storytelling has solidified their status as one of the region's most respected and enduring acts. With their electrifying live performances, they've captivated audiences across the country.

Kimmi Bitter. Imagine the sun-soaked charm of Palm Springs circa ‘62 mixed with a dash of California coastal weirdness in a mod-inspired dreamscape. Kimmi Bitter is a paradox that echoes the traditions of classic country, yet feels like it’s breaking all the rules at once. A rising force in the underground Americana scene she's mixing the old school with the new cool by capturing the attention of music fans and critics alike. Kimmi isn’t just winning awards; she’s earning her stripes on the road the old-fashioned way. After over 120 shows nationally in 2024, she and her band, The Westside Twang, are doing what they do best—pouring their souls across the U.S.A. Guitarist Willis Farnsworth’s signature twangy tone, which somehow makes a Gretsch guitar emulate pedal steel, has not only built him a cult following but has also defined the band's live sound. With bassist Ben Neal and drummer Justin De La Vega in tow, the band delivers a live performance that hits right in the pocket.

Ron Artis II. Ron Artis II is a multi-instrumentalist who grew up in Hawaii among an exceptionally musical family. The second oldest of 10 other siblings, Ron was surrounded by artists and musicians daily. In fact, growing up, Ron thought it was weird that everybody else didn’t have ten siblings running around with them every day. They even had an “Artis Family Band” and when they weren’t off painting, at the beach, they were learning their instruments. Each song is laced with intention, deep conviction, story, and a heart that has truly been there. It makes sense why Ron is often heard talking [and singing] about “walking the walk.” “I really try to write music that can be helpful not only for our generation, but for life in general.”

Jealous Dogs. Jealous Dogs is Seattle's Only Pretenders Tribute, snatching their namesake from a deep-cut off Pretenders II. Comprised of Seattle music scene veterans, this four piece was brought together by a common love and appreciation for the Pretenders blend of new-wave and punk rock. Performing Pretenders hits, B-sides, and rarities, the Jealous Dogs bring a fun, dancin', rockin' good time.

The Power Players. Consisting of 11 of the Northwest’s most talented and experienced musicians, The Power Players focus on an eclectic mix of “Classic Hits That Kicks Brass” from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The Power Players feature a full horn section, auxiliary percussion and a whole host of talented vocalists. You’ll be hard pressed to find another group in the area so accurately recreating the very best from artists like Chicago, Toto, Doobie Brothers, Wings, Boz Scaggs, Earth Wind & Fire, Joe Jackson, Steely Dan and much more.

Publish The Quest. Publish the Quest, a band with deep Vashon roots that has made a name for itself worldwide as both a musical and philanthropic force. Jacob Bain & The Publish Quest, incorporates a plethora of Afro-beat elements and folk/rock/alternative leanings. There are rap vocals on “Gotta Keep Movin!” and “I Believe People Can Change.” Femi Kuti lends some vocals on the title track, “Then What!?.” There are great guitar jams here with some jazz, fusion, and rock influences. However, the entire album is relatively light overall. For instance, the rap vocals are not particularly hard or difficult to understand. A mix of instrumentation provides an enjoyable listening experience, even though there are some rap vocals. You will hear congas, trumpet, acoustic guitar, viola, violin, bass, tenor sax, alto sax, baritone sax, keyboards, electric guitar, and classical guitar. The Dave Matthews Band comes to mind at times. “Then What!?,” “Gotta Keep Movin!,” “The Wall,” and “When It Comes” are recommended tracks. There is an urban element to the abovementioned tracks, but there is plenty of room for alternative pop and fusion. Whatever it is called, Then What!? is something that everyone should possess and play. An impressive roster of international stars has collaborated with the band — Femi Kuti, Nneka Lucia Egbuna, Matt Chamberlain, Eyvind Kang, Radioactive, Oliver Mtukudzi and Vieux Farka Touré have joined forces with the group on recordings and in concert.

Don’t miss The Portage Fill Band on Saturday night from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at this year’s Strawberry Festival! The Portage Fill Street Dance is an island tradition not to be missed! As in the past, they will be set up in the center of town on the street in front of Sporty’s.

For over 50 years, the Portage Fill Big Band has been an integral part of the musical life of Vashon Island. A perennial Strawberry Festival favorite, the Portage Fill Big Band continues to entertain with exciting and danceable music from the Big Band era and beyond.

The Portage Fill Big Band is Vashon's oldest "garage band" with their unique brand of dance music. With well over 300 tunes to choose from, the Portage Fill promises an entertaining show for listeners and dancers alike.

Made up of almost two dozen current or former island residents, Portage Fill is a classic "Big Band" with full horn and sax sections, backed up by a complete rhythm section, and features 2 vocalists for the crowd's listening and dancing pleasure. Portage Fill is well known for their selection of Big Band swing tunes from the 30's and 40's, but is versatile enough to work in some blues, Latin, or even rock and roll numbers to put on a show for all ages and musical tastes.

Whether you're there to dance or listen, the Portage Fill is a band you don't want to miss!

Sunday, July 20th

10:00 a.m. Classic Car Parade
11:00 a.m. Classic Car Show
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Vendor Booths
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kids Zone
Vendor Booths

Main Stage:
12:00pm: The Panda Conspiracy
2:00pm: Hells Belles
3:30pm: TBA

The Panda Conspiracy. Originally started back in 2004 by a group of pals fresh out of Bothell High School, The Panda Conspiracy quickly built a serious fan base. Known for kicking out the jams at festivals and clubs from San Francisco to Bellingham, The Everett Herald called them a "high energy party band" around 2007 and they fully embraced that vibe! With a few different lineups all bringing killer grooves over the years, they threw a party everywhere we played. It’s time to bring that party to Vashon!

Hell’s Belles. HELL'S BELLES are first and foremost dedicated AC/DC fanatics. This is what we all have in common. We're all part of a huge community of devotees to one of the greatest rock-n-roll bands in the world. This is who we all are, and this is what HELL'S BELLES strives to deliver with mechanical precision and passionate fury. Endorsed by Angus Young himself (Blender Magazine, 2003), HELL'S BELLES are the closest one can get without actually moving to Australia and joining AC/DC's road crew. It's an all out rock-n-roll assault that leaves you both satisfied and begging for more.

coming soon!

Ice Cream Social
Vashon Heritage Museum Garden
Friday, July 18th; 5:30pm to 8pm

It's time again for the Vashon Heritage Museum's annual Ice Cream Social. Start Strawberry Festival off right with free ice cream and great tunes by The Lazy Dog String Band. There will be lawn games and fun for all.

TeenJam Youth Stage
Pandora’s Box
Strawberry Festival
Friday, July 18th
6pm-9pm

Youth stage returns to Strawberry Festival!

The TeenJam youth stage will be happening at Pandora’s Box on Friday, July 18 from 6-9pm.

TeenJam is FREE, open to middle and high school youth. It is a sober, substance-free event sponsored by VYFS, VARSA, KCLS, Orbit, Vashon Events and Pandora’s Box.

Teens are invited to perform, bring their art, play games, hang out, and enjoy activities hosted by island youth and nonprofits. The lineup includes island youth performers, and a surprise headliner.

Middle and High Schoolers are invited to register to perform by June 20.

Want to contribute? Volunteer? Reach out to outreach@vyfs.org.

Schedule to follow soon.

Iska Dhaaf
Patrons of Husbandry
Whiting Tennis
Friday, July 18th
Vashon Sugar Shack
7:30pm on the Back Lawn
$10 Cash at the Door
21+ Please Enter via the Alley
Food and Full Bar Available

In 2011 Nathan Quiroga (Mad Rad, Buffalo Madonna) and Benjamin Verdoes (Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band) left their respective Seattle-based projects behind and began collaboration on Iska Dhaaf. The band was quickly embraced for their engaging live shows, and for creating the sound of a full band by way of two people. Together as songwriters they have steadily explored production, instrumentation, and an ever-expanding narrative voice.

Whiting Tennis is a Seattle based indie-rock songwriter specializing in dark, mid-tempo originals. Whiting visits Vashon Island with his mellifluous broken-hearted northwest story telling, set atop breezy nocturnal mythological inward shaped soundscapes.

Patrons of Husbandry are an island band whose members include Jeff Roeser, Ethan Cudaback, Scott Boggan, and Rusty Willoughby. The music swirls and recalls a bit of Scott and Rusty's 1980's Seattle bands Room Nine and Pure Joy. Fueled by Colorado Kool-Aid and Washington's finest , POH also enjoy casual time travel and shape changing.

The 42nd Bill Burby Inspirational Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The starting and ending will be at the VES Fields (Harbor School).

This is a longstanding community event, not put on by the Chamber of Commerce.

More info right here: https://billburbyrace.com/

SAVE THE DATE - SUNDAY JULY 20, 2025
More information right HERE

9 AM - 10 AM: Day-Of Registration & Parade Staging at Vashon Center for the Arts - 19600 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070 -
10 AM - 10:30 - Parade through Uptown Vashon
10:30 AM - 2 PM - Car Show at Vashon Town Square - 17159 Vashon Hwy SW Vashon WA 98070 -
1:30 PM Award Show & Drivers Raffle Drawing

Hello from your team at Island Insurance!

We are beyond excited to invite you to the 15th Annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival Car Show & Parade on July 20, 2025!

A True Community Event
The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival Car Show is something we look forward to every year. It's not just a car show and parade; it's a gathering of friends, families, and neighbors celebrating everything that makes Vashon Island unique. For the past 15 years, car lovers from Vashon Island and across the Seattle-Tacoma area have gathered to display their vehicles, whether classic beauties, custom builds, high-performance muscle cars, or the latest models that showcase the future of automotive design.

This event is so special because it's entirely driven by the community. Local car owners sign up to bring their prized vehicles, and you'll see a wide variety of cars on display, each with its own unique story. Whether you're a long-time car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates the craftsmanship that goes into these machines, there's something for everyone at this event.

More Than Just Cars: A Full Festival Experience
Of course, the parade and car show is just one part of the excitement! After parading through town, which is live broadcast on the radio and YouTube by Voice of Vashon, the show part of our event is conveniently located in the heart of the Vashon Island Strawberry Festival, which means you'll be surrounded by delicious food, live music, shopping, and activities for all ages. After you've checked out the incredible cars on display, you can enjoy local food, browse the artisan booths, or kick back and listen to live performances. There's no better way to spend a Sunday in the summer!

Our Heart and Soul in the Show
As trusted local insurance agents on Vashon Island, we at Island Insurance are proud to have been part of the Vashon Island Festival Car Show for the past 10 years. This event is more than just a car show; it is a way to give back to the community that supports us. It's a special opportunity to connect with your friends and neighbors and celebrate the warmth and spirit that make Vashon Island such a wonderful place to call home. We pour our hearts into organizing every detail to make sure the event is enjoyable for everyone, creating a fun, memorable day for all. It's truly a privilege for us to play a role in bringing people together, year after year, and making the Vashon Island Car Show a beloved highlight of the festival.

Get Involved and Spread the Word!
Are you a car owner? This is your chance to showcase your ride! The Vashon Island Strawberry Festival Car Show is open to anyone who wants to display their vehicle, so whether you have a classic car, a custom build, or a sleek new model, we encourage you to join us and share your pride and joy with the community.

Even if you're not showing a car, we invite you to come out and enjoy the day. This is an excellent event for families, car enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience what Vashon Island offers. Share the word with your friends and neighbors, and let's make this year's car show the best yet!

Save the Date! - Mark your calendars for SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2025.
The 15th Annual Vashon Island Strawberry Festival Car Show & Parade will be a day to remember! We can't wait to see you there. Whether you're coming for the cars, the food, the music, or to enjoy the sense of community that makes Vashon Island so unique, this is one event you won't want to miss.

We look forward to celebrating with all of you. Lets make this years car show the best one yet!

See you there!

Island Insurance
Miriam, Chastity, James & Team!

9 AM - 10 AM: Day-Of Registration & Parade Staging at Vashon Center for the Arts - 19600 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070 -
10 AM - 10:30 - Parade through Uptown Vashon
10:30 AM - 2 PM - Car Show at Vashon Town Square - 17159 Vashon Hwy SW Vashon WA 98070 -
1:30 PM Award Show & Drivers Raffle Drawing

A total of 11 Awards will be given for 8 vehicle categories (list below), People's Choice, Best of Vashon (a vehicle that embodies a unique vibe, is full of character, rust ok! with maybe a cool back story or history) & of course, Best in Show
The Drivers Raffle Drawing includes collector items from Snap-On, Island Businesses and Island Insurance

Early Registration: $15
Day of Registration: $20

Info about 2025 T-Shirts Coming Soon!

Classifications
Antique Car: 1890 - 1965 Foreign and domestic.
Classics: 1965-1975 Foreign and domestic.
Muscle Car/ Hot Rods: American cars built between 1965 and 1975, adhering to the
hot-rodders philosophy of taking a small car and putting a large-displacement
engine in it.
Import Classics: Pre 1959 - Foreign manufacturers, such as MG, Porsche, Toyota,
Nissan, Mazda
Imports: 1959 -2026 Foreign manufacturers, such as MG, Porsche, Toyota, Nissan,
Mazda
Custom Car: 1890 - 1999 Any car with three or more significant modifications to the
body, engine and/or interior, including custom paint jobs, blowers, turbos, lowriders,
custom interiors, custom bodies.
Trucks & SUVs: 1890-2008
Modern Truck: 2008-2026
Modern: 1972-2026

More information right HERE

Live Music at The Shop – Vashon Strawberry Festival Weekend!

Join us Sunday, July 20th, 2025 from 2:00–4:20 PM for a FREE 21+ live music event at Vashon Times featuring the incredible Russ Baum, joined by Megan Baum!

This intimate, soulful performance is happening right in the heart of Strawberry Festival weekend—take a breather from the crowds and enjoy a laid-back set with good vibes, great people, and powerful music.

21+ only | No consumption on site
Vashon Times – during Strawberry Festival
Free show | Don’t miss it!

Farmer’s Market Strawberry Festival Stage

Saturday

Sunday

2024 Strawberry Festival Info

Mo Davis is doing a pop up antique pinball arcade during Strawberry Festival this year. It will be at The Station @Vashon Inn 17816 Vashon Hwy. July 19-21st. It will feature a selection of electromechanical games from the 1960’s and 70’s you won’t find anywhere else for public play. Mo hopes this is something people might enjoy, and he looks forward to meeting even more great people and neighbors. If you like, you can check out Denofpin.com and see some of the great games on the link to Instagram.

STREET CLOSURE DURING STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 18, 19, and 20, 2025
Vashon Highway 171st to 178th both lanes
Bank Road 97th Ave to 100th Ave both lanes

Closure dates/times:
Friday: 4.30pm – midnight
Saturday: midnight – midnight
Sunday: midnight - 4.30pm

Saturday parade additional closure: Vashon Highway northbound at 192nd between 10am - 12pm

No parking will be allowed in the closed sections of Vashon Highway or Bank Road beginning at 4pm on Friday, July 18th.

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Traveling to and from Strawberry Festival:

Washington State Ferries:
Expect boats to be exceptionally crowded, particularly with a two-boat schedule. Schedules by date are HERE. Keep an eye on service notices and plan to leave early! Ferries to Vashon leave from docks at West Seattle/Fauntleroy, Pt. Defiance near Tacoma, and Southworth near Port Orchard.

King County Water Taxi:
The Water Taxi runs Saturday-only. More info HERE.

King County Metro:
The 118/119 goes right from both Vashon ferry terminals to the town of Vashon, and will be running an alternate route to accommodate street closures. Please check the route 118 schedule for detailed information HERE.

From our friends at Voice of Vashon Emergency Alert Team:

The main highway through town will be closed from Friday at 4:00pm until Sunday at 5:00pm .

All traffic will be rerouted around the outskirts of town.

King County Metro bus lines, 118/119 will run from both Vashon ferry terminals to the town of Vashon, and will be running an alternate

route to accommodate street closures.

Please check the route 118 schedule for detailed information.

The Main Stage & Beverage Garden will have live music, starting on Friday at 3:00pm until 11:00PM.

Be sure to taste some of the locally brewed beer while you’re there.

Also, there will be music at the Snapdragon stage and the Sugar Shack stage.

There are too many bands to mention, so be sure to grab the Beachcomber to get the times and locations.

Please check out the Heritage Museum on Friday, where they will kick off the Strawberry Festival with an ice cream social, from 6-8pm.

On Saturday, July 19th:

Expect Washington State Ferries boats to be exceptionally crowded.

The King County Water Taxi will be running Saturday only. Sailings will leave from Seattle's Pier 50 every hour between 9:00am and 6:30pm. 

Be aware that parking will be scarce uptown. But know that the King County Metro busses will be running to take you to and from the festival.

Saturday is a huge day at Vashon's Strawberry Festival.

Here are just a few of the highlights and events happening on Saturday:

The 42nd annual Bill Burby Memorial Fun Run and Walk starts at 8:30am on Saturday morning. To register, sign up between 7 and 8:15am at the Harbor School on Vashon Highway.

At 10:45am the Grand Parade will begin on Vashon Highway northbound at 192nd between 10am - 12pm

At 10:00am, all the vendor booths will open.

There will be food as well as fun items of all varieties to be purchased.

Vashon-Maury Island Emergency Alerts:

Alerts are broadcast on 1650AM and the Voice of Vashon streaming app. They are published in text for email subscribers to this Emergency Alert System as well as the VoV Facebook page and the Voice of Vashon website.

We encourage you to develop your 1650AM listening habit because an AM radio signal may be your only source of information in a serious island emergency.

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The Vashon Maury Community Food Bank will be offering sack lunches, similar to the Picnics in the Parks program (simple pb&j/turkey/ham sandwiches, fruit/veggie, hummus, string cheese, granola bar etc.). Lunches will be available for donation at their booth during Festival open hours all weekend for any kids or adults looking for additional food options.

Vashon Presbyterian Church is offering limited parking and front lawn chairs for the Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday, July 20. Parking and chairs are by reservation only. There is no fee, but donations will be accepted and forwarded to the Journeymen Institute on Vashon. Reservations may be made by sending an e-mail to Bob Spangler at rwspang@centurytel.net; please indicate how many parking spots and seats are requested. If a wheelchair place is required, please note that.

Remember - all those people out there working during Strawberry Festival are doing just that...they're working on the busiest weekend of the year. Many of them are your brothers and sisters that live here on the island, some are from off-island. They are working hard, many of them in the hot sun. Take a moment to appreciate them and let them know we see you.