The Arts in Anacortes are Alive and Well!
Anacortes is home to thriving arts organizations who offer year-round programming in theater, music, visual and literary arts. The City boasts a large public art collection in locations ranging from city streets and buildings, to waterfront settings, to parks and forestlands.
Art in the District
Anacortes is known for its strong sense of community and vibrant arts scene. The Anacortes Arts Commission and the Anacortes Arts Festival have played a key roles in curating and promoting public art displays that showcase the creativity and spirit of the region. These art pieces can be found throughout the town, enriching public spaces and making art accessible to all. Explore art publicly available in Anacortes.
Music
Anacortes has a rich lineup of FREE summertime music. Wednesday and Friday nights feature a Summer Concert Series at Seafarer’s Park sponsored by the Port of Anacortes. Saturday concerts and second Sunday Jazz are presented at the City of Anacortes’ Heart of Anacortes, located at 1014 4th street. The Anacortes Music Project offers classes and concerts at the Art Center at Buxton’s, as well as festivals throughout the year.
In addition to live music, the Music of Anacortes Walking Tour blends music, history, and nature, creating a multi-sensory experience. It's a celebration of local culture and a way to experience Anacortes in a fresh, meaningful way. Whether you're a music lover, a history buff, or someone who enjoys exploring new places, this self guided tour offers something special for everyone. This is wonderful way to discover new music while learning about the town's unique spots through the lens of its musicians. The Music of Anacortes Walking Tour.
Fidalgo DanceWorks offers summer camps, ongoing classes for adults and youth, as well as annual productions. Their dance studio is located at 901 3rd street & 909 3rd street (annex).
Dance
Anacortes Community Theatre has served Anacortes and the wider Skagit Valley by presenting high-quality live performances on their mainstage and in smaller productions. They offer year-round programming and classes at their main location 918 M Avenue, as well as the Art Center at Buxton’s.
Theater
The 98221 Artist’s Studio Tour in Anacortes offers a great opportunity to explore local art and creativity. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant arts community, witnessing firsthand the talent behind various forms of art—painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, quilting, jewelry, fiber, and metal art. The self-guided nature of the tour allows attendees to go at their own pace, discovering new artists and perhaps even finding something unique to take home. It must be a fantastic way to experience the fall season while supporting local artisans.
Studio Tour
The Art Center at Buxton’s is a new collaborative art venue for music, dance, and art instruction, as well as a private rental venue. The Center is located at 1904 Commercial Avenue and is managed by the Anacortes Arts Festival.
The Art Center at Buxton’s
Anacortes Art & Culture Links
Anacortes Arts Commission
City arts organization fostering engagement in the arts for all citizens
Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
Complete information about Anacortes
Anacortes Community Theatre
Year-round live dramatic and comedy theater
Anacortes Early Music
The AEM Concert Series (a project of the Anacortes Arts Foundation) has brought performances featuring world-renowned musicians and rising stars to Anacortes for almost two decades
Anacortes Museum
Enjoy an online collection of more than 20,000 photographs including the Anacortes Mural Project
Anacortes Music Project
AMP produces musical events, to enrich the Anacortes community and support our local musicians
Bill Mitchell Mural Project Self-Guided Tour
Explore the wonderful Anacortes history, created by the late Bill Mitchell
Fidalgo DanceWorks
Dance classes and performance for youth and adults
First Friday Gallery Walk
Monthly Friday evening event showcasing local and regional artists in various locations
Historic Building Walking Tour
Walking tour identifies thirty of the many historic buildings in Anacortes’ downtown
Jazz at the Library
Anacortes Public Library’s extensive collection of jazz CDs & literature for streaming or loan, scheduled jazz & blues programming
Library Art Walk
Self-guided walking tour through the Anacortes Public Library Art Collection
Skagit Valley Camera Club
Monthly meetings offering education and exhibition for photographers
The Heart of Anacortes
Outdoor concerts, art exhibits & more
Vela Luka Dance Ensemble
Music and dance celebrating Croatian heritage