July Happenings

Here’s a round-up of happenings on the South Beach for the rest of July. You can always visit the Currents page to see what upcoming events are available in the area.

*Windriders Kite Festival July 11-13 in Grayland*

Westport Windriders Kite Festival July 11-13

The Westport Windriders Kite Festival will be held July 11-13- on the beach at the Grayland Beach Approach. The weekend includes a lighted night kite fly at dusk on Friday, weekend sport and quad kite flying demonstrations, a sales/information booth open each day at 10am, and mass ascension of all kites at 1pm, and a teddy bear drop for kids. The Windriders were recently featured on King 5 Evening News. Watch the video here.

Green Shed Gallery Pop Up, July 12

Tokeland’s Green Shed Gallery is hosting a Pop-Up event on July 12 from 10 to 4. Featuring new art, more stories & snacks, and an exciting live soft pastel demo by Steve at 1:00 PM. Plus, it's your final chance to see July guest artist Radha’s work before it disappears from our walls.

Stop by (4531 Hoquiam St, Tokeland, WA 98590) for inspiration, conversation, and a fresh dose of creativity by the bay.

Run Like the Wind 5K/10K/Half Marathon July 13

Come and enjoy the 'Run Like the Wind' races in Westport, WA, by entering a 5K run/walk, a 10K run or a Half Marathon run on the scenic Westport Light Trail and beyond. All the races will start at the marina, go down and around the Fishermen's Memorial and then head for the paved trail around Half Moon Bay and through Westhaven State Park. A little farther down the trail, the 5K folks will turn around and head back to the starting point. Those running the 10K will appreciate the ocean views as they continue south on the trail and then run around the Westport Lighthouse before returning to the marina. After running around the lighthouse, the Half Marathon participants will follow the signs to the beach where there will be 5.7 miles of running in the sand before returning to the marina. It's an event for everyone and truly a "wind-in-your-hair" experience!

State Park Commissioners Tour July 15

The State Parks Commission will visit the South Beach area to tour Twin Harbors, Grayland Beach, and Westport Light State Parks. The Commission will start at Twin Harbors State Park at 10 a.m. Then, they will visit Grayland Beach State Park at 11:45 a.m. The Commission will meet at 2 p.m. at the Westhaven parking lot in Westport and will conclude their tour at Westport Light State Park at 4 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend but must provide their own transportation. Some members of the Commission will be available after the tour for informal discussions. No public comment will be taken.

Explorations of Traditional Print and Film July 18

Come to the Westport Library on July 18th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. to explore two historic 100-year-old machines from the past and create a unique mini movie with the Westport Aquarium!

First, you can hand crank and project your own film on a 100-year-old 35 millimeter hand crank film projector. We will be using markers to draw directly on 3 feet or more of 35 mm film leader. Using this method, you can watch your film right away. Bring the whole family or a group of friends and splice your sections of film together into one longer film.

The Westport Aquarium will also feature the 100-year-old Willits Canoe Company printing press, on loan from the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum, in honor of America's 250th anniversary. You will have a chance to print an acrostic poem with the theme "Libraries Are A Sea Of Books" directly on your film to get you started with a picture theme, and/or make a commemorative bookmark in the printing press.

Grayland Water Bash July 19

The 4th Annual Grayland Water Bash will be held July 19 from 11AM-5PM. Featuring water slides, carnival games, bubbles, food, and a fun time for the whole family. Kids under 3 are free, and $5 per person for everyone else. The event will be held at Grayland Community Hall, 2071 CRANBERRY RD. This event is brought to the community by the Cranberry Heritage.

Swell One Skimboard Classic July 19

Check out the SwellOne Skimboard Classic on the beach in Grayland at 12pm on July 19th. Entry is free for all ages, and pros will be onsite to show off some cool tricks. Read more about the event here.

Songs From the Heart with Peter Ali, July 23

Come to the Westport library on July 23rd from 12-1:30pm for a live musical performance by flutist, Peter Ali.

Peter will share songs and stories from Native American, MesoAmerican, Middle Eastern and Nordic cultures.Following his performance, Peter will loan* out flutes from his personal collection and offer an introduction to the basics of playing the Native American style flute.

*For ages 13+ to learn how to play the flute.

Peter Ali intertwines stories of his own indigenous ancestry and his connection to these instruments. He hopes to inspire confidence, healing and a better understanding of diversity and how we are all connected. Learn more at soundings.com.

Ride The Harbor, July 26

Cyclist unite for Ride The Harbor. Enjoy the challenge of a 7.5 mi, 18 mi, or 52 mi ride through the natural beauty of Grays Harbor County on a perfect summer day (ages 16+). This sweeping journey through forests, farmlands, over rivers and hills has a spectacular finish right on the Pacific coast! The ride starts in McCleary and finishes in either Westport, Elma or Montesano (depending on your chosen distance).