Lake Chelan is a vibrant destination known for its scenic beauty and lively community spirit. The area hosts many exciting events throughout the year, from wine tastings and music festivals to car shows and holiday celebrations. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, local culture, or simply enjoying time by the water, Lake Chelan has something for everyone.
If you’re planning to attend any of these events, booking one of our Lake Chelan vacation rentals is a great way to experience all the things to do in Lake Chelan. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the annual events you won’t want to miss.
January
Winterfest
Lake Chelan kicks off the year with Winterfest, a two-week celebration featuring ice sculptures, wine and beer tastings, live music, and fireworks. Families can enjoy activities like ice slides, and there are plenty of warm fire pits to gather around. This festive celebration makes the most of the winter season and offers something for visitors of all ages, making it among the most highly-anticipated Lake Chelan events of the year.
February
Red Wine & Chocolate
In February, wine lovers flock to Lake Chelan for the Red Wine & Chocolate event. Local wineries pair their best red wines with various decadent chocolates, creating a perfect match for those who enjoy indulging in sweet and savory flavors. It’s an excellent opportunity to experience the region’s renowned wines.
March
Taste of Chelan
March is all about savoring local flavors during the Taste of Chelan event. Visitors can sample gourmet dishes from local chefs paired with wines from the area’s top vineyards. This culinary showcase highlights the farm-fresh ingredients and creative cuisine Chelan is known for.
Top Dog Parade
Another fun March event is the Top Dog Parade, where dogs and their owners show off creative costumes as they march through downtown Chelan. It’s a lighthearted and family-friendly event, perfect for anyone who loves dogs and a fun community atmosphere.
April
Girlies Getaway
April brings the Girlies Getaway, an event designed for women to relax, unwind, and enjoy a weekend of fun activities. From line dancing classes to private dance parties to wine tastings, this weekend is all about bonding with friends and treating yourself.

Chelan Earth Day Fair
The Chelan Earth Day Fair takes place in April, offering an opportunity to learn about sustainability efforts in the community. The event features educational booths, workshops, and hands-on activities for all ages, focusing on protecting and preserving the environment.
Wapato Lake Fishing Derby
Fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Wapato Lake Fishing Derby. This event welcomes anglers of all ages to compete for prizes based on the biggest catches of the day. It’s a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and experience some of the best fishing in Lake Chelan.
May
Wine and Jazz Festival
The Wine and Jazz Festival is a highlight of May. It brings together top jazz musicians and local wineries for a weekend of great music and excellent wine. Concerts are held in venues across the Lake Chelan Valley, providing a perfect backdrop for this blend of music and fine wine.
Memorial Day Parade
The Memorial Day Parade is a longstanding tradition in Chelan, honoring local veterans and celebrating the holiday with floats, bands, and community pride. It’s a festive and patriotic event that draws both locals and visitors.
Manson Apple Blossom Festival & Parade
In nearby Manson, the Apple Blossom Festival & Parade is a May event celebrating the area’s rich agricultural history. The parade features local floats, marching bands, and plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a fun day for everyone.
June
Cruzin Chelan
June marks the return of Cruzin Chelan, a popular car show that attracts vintage car lovers from across the region. The event includes a parade of classic cars, live music, and a chance to see some truly impressive vehicles.
Cycle Chelan
Cyclists of all levels come to Lake Chelan in June for Cycle Chelan, an annual bike ride through the scenic landscape. With multiple routes, it’s perfect for casual riders and serious cycling enthusiasts.
July
4th Of July Fireworks
Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular 4th of July Fireworks show over Lake Chelan. The night sky comes alive with a stunning fireworks display that reflects beautifully on the water, making for a memorable summer evening.
Chelan’s Rockin Firework Show
Later in July, you can catch Chelan’s Rockin Firework Show, which combines fireworks with live music and plenty of summer fun. It’s another excellent way to enjoy a summer night by the lake.
Bach Fest
Music lovers won’t want to miss Bach Fest, a classical music festival that brings world-class musicians to Lake Chelan. Concerts occur at various locations around the area, offering everything from orchestral performances to intimate chamber music.
Lake Chelan Rodeo
July also brings the Lake Chelan Rodeo, a classic Western event with bull riding, barrel racing, and other rodeo competitions. This family-friendly event celebrates the area’s ranching heritage and provides plenty of entertainment for spectators.
August
Continental Surf Cup
August heats up with the Continental Surf Cup, a water sports event where athletes compete in surfing, paddleboarding, and other activities on the lake. It’s a high-energy event that draws participants and spectators alike to the waterfront.
September
Fall Car Show
Car enthusiasts can look forward to the Fall Car Show in September, which showcases classic and custom cars from around the region. It’s a great way to see beautifully restored vehicles and meet fellow car lovers.
Hydrofest
If you’re looking for some high-speed excitement, Hydrofest is the event for you. This annual boat racing competition features hydroplanes racing across Lake Chelan, providing thrills for participants and spectators.
October
Mahogany and Merlot

Mahogany & Merlot is an annual celebration at Lake Chelan that blends vintage hydroplanes, classic boats, and fine local wines into a one-of-a-kind weekend experience. Enjoy the charm of historic wooden boats alongside the region’s finest wines in a vibrant and picturesque setting. And better yet, many of our Lake Chelan lodging options are waterfront, giving you a front-row seat to the action.
Brews on the Bridge
Beer lovers will enjoy Brews on the Bridge, an October event featuring local craft breweries offering tastings on the Old Bridge in Chelan. It’s a fun afternoon of beer sampling, live music, and incredible lake views.
Haunted Manson
Haunted Manson is a month-long event that encourages the community, families, and visitors to experience the magic of Lake Chelan Valley in October. During Haunted Manson, you can look forward to many free activities and ticketed events like the Escape Room and Zombie 5K.
Downtown Trick Or Treating
Families can also enjoy Downtown Trick Or Treating on Halloween, where kids can go door to door at local businesses and collect candy in a safe, festive environment.
Plan Your Visit
These Lake Chelan events are waiting for you – find your perfect Lake Chelan lodging and be on your way to an unforgettable escape!
November
Fall Barrel Tasting & Wine Harvest
For two back-to-back weekends, Fall Barrel Tasting at Lake Chelan Wine Harvest offers a rare opportunity to sample young wines straight from the barrel, giving you a peek into future releases. This event is a must for wine lovers visiting Lake Chelan.
Plaid Friday
Skip the big-box stores and shop local on Plaid Friday in Chelan. This event encourages visitors to support small businesses, with shops offering special deals and discounts to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Chelan and Manson each host Tree Lighting Ceremonies in November, where the community comes together to light up their holiday trees. These festive events include caroling, hot drinks, and a celebration of the start of the holiday season.
December
Santa Sightings
Throughout December, Santa Sightings pop up around Lake Chelan, giving kids the chance to meet Santa, share their wish lists, and take photos. It’s a magical experience for families during the holiday season.
NYE Fireworks
Close out the year with the NYE Fireworks show over Lake Chelan. This stunning display lights up the sky as the community celebrates the start of a new year in style.
Book Your Lake Chelan Lodging with NW Vacations
With so many exciting events happening in Lake Chelan throughout the year, there’s always a reason to visit. Consider booking one of our comfortable and well-located Lake Chelan WA vacation rentals with NW Vacations to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re here for a summer festival or a winter getaway, we offer the perfect accommodations to help you enjoy all the events and things to do in Lake Chelan.