May on Whidbey Island was packed with energy, connection, and a good dose of elbow grease. From new ventures to cherished traditions, our community brought its A-game. Here’s the rundown of what went down last month in Langley and across the island.

New Ventures, Same Charm

Kicking things off, Mutiny Bay Antiques opened their Langley location above Heritage Bank on May 1st. Tamara, the owner, now has the perfect setup to show off a wide range of treasures while enjoying a killer view of Puget Sound. Don’t worry, their Freeland spot is still open for business too. If you’re into discovering hidden gems, this is your kind of place.

Meanwhile, Whidbey Forest Friends debuted their Forest Friends Families classes. Designed to get kids outside and exploring local parks and nature, it’s a refreshing way to connect with our island’s green spaces. Parents, it’s worth checking out!

Milestones Worth Toasting

May 2nd was a big day for Greenbank Cidery as they celebrated five years in business. Owners Jeff and Kim threw a party complete with live tunes from Ike & the Old Man. Their passion for crafting cider and creating community spaces shines brighter every year.

Madrona Supply Co. marked their 10th anniversary on May 22nd with a block party in Clinton. Jenae’s store mixes PNW artisan goods and laid-back vibes making it a hit for locals and visitors alike with storewide sales on Memorial Day weekend. Langley’s hub for audiophiles and musicians alike, Blue Sound Music store also celebrated 8 years in business! And let’s not forget Misfit Cidery, celebrating one year in their downtown Langley Village taproom at the end of May (May 31st-June 1st).

A Month of Giving Back

On May 3rd, Hearts & Hammers rallied more than 350 volunteers for their annual Work Day. They tackled home repairs and yard maintenance for neighbors in need across South and Central Whidbey. It’s the kind of grassroots effort that shows what this community is made of.

That same week, the island’s non-profits geared up for GiveBIG on May 7-8, an online giving event that’s become a major boost for local charities. From food banks to arts organizations, these big donation days showed just how much we can accomplish when we pool our resources.

Meanwhile, the City of Langley broke ground on an infrastructure project that’ll most likely run through summer. Sure, it’s not glamorous, but these updates are essential to keeping our town functional and safe as the busy season ramps up.

Culture on Full Display

The first weekend of May saw the Whidbey Island Arts & Culture Festival transform Oak Harbor into a vibrant celebration of diverse heritages. From Dutch and Irish traditions to Filipino, Latino, and African influences, the festival was a colorful reminder of the cultures that enrich our land.

On May 10th, the Penn Cove Water Festival highlighted tribal canoe races and Native arts while honoring the island’s Indigenous history. Over in Greenbank, Meerkerk Gardens held their Mother’s Day Concert in the Park on May 11th. Blooming rhododendrons and live music? A perfect combo.

The weekend of May 16-17 brought the Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s annual showcase to WICA. Featuring belly dancing, student choreographers, and alumni performances, it was a dynamic celebration of movement and creativity. And on May 17th, the South Whidbey Historical Museum reopened for summer with a new exhibit focusing on the Coast Salish Snohomish peoples. It’s worth a visit if you’re looking to dive deeper into local history.

Looking Ahead

We saw glorious peaks of summer sun all throughout May, though today (May 31st) it’s an especially June Gloom sort of day… but we’ll see you on the other side for a fantastic Pride month!