March 8–16, 2026 | Seaview & Ilwaco, Washington
Each spring, the creative energy of the Evergreen Coast comes alive during Sou’wester’s Arts Week—a weeklong residency and public arts celebration rooted in collaboration, experimentation, and community. Returning in 2026, Arts Week runs March 8–16 and invites visitors and locals alike to experience art in motion along the Washington coast.
Hosted by Sou’wester Arts at the historic Sou’wester Lodge in Seaview, this immersive gathering brings together more than 30 artists and collectives working across disciplines including visual art, music, performance, writing, and installation. For eight days, the Sou’wester becomes a living studio—shaped by coastal weather, shared meals, late-night conversations, and creative exchange.
The Theme: The Space Between
Arts Week 2026 centers on the theme The Space Between—a reflection on the moments that exist between ideas, between people, and between process and outcome. It’s an exploration of liminal space, collaboration, and the often unseen work that fuels creativity. The setting of the coast—where land meets sea and tides reshape the landscape daily—offers a powerful backdrop for this exploration.
Public Events & Experiences
While much of Arts Week is dedicated to artist residency time, the public is invited to engage during a weekend of performances, exhibitions, and open studios throughout the Peninsula:
Friday, March 13
The public weekend begins with an opening night showcase in Ilwaco, featuring performances and exhibits at Ilwaco Artworks and Ilwaco Cider Co. The evening starts with a ceramic artist showcase at Ilwaco Artworks from 5:00–7:00 PM, followed by live performances at Ilwaco Cider Co. from 7:00–10:00 PM. Together, these events offer the first public glimpse into the ideas and works taking shape during the residency.
Saturday, March 14
Spend the day exploring open studios and installations at the Sou’wester Lodge from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, where visitors can walk the grounds, encounter site-specific work, and connect directly with participating artists through many interactive elements. That evening, live performances move to the historic Chinook School from 7:00–11:00 PM, transforming the space into a stage for music, performance art, and collaborative works.
Sunday, March 15
Arts Week concludes its public programming with a special exhibition at Wave Preschool from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, highlighting collaborations between resident artists and local children—an event that underscores Arts Week’s commitment to creativity, education, and community connection.
All public events are free and open to the public, making Arts Week one of the most accessible and meaningful arts experiences on the Evergreen Coast.
A Creative Reason to Visit in March
Arts Week offers a compelling reason to visit the coast during the quieter shoulder season. Pair gallery hopping and performances with beach walks, storm watching, and local dining for a cultural getaway that feels both intimate and inspiring. During Arts Week, the Sou’wester Lodge is fully booked with participating artists and is not available for public lodging. However, lodging partners will be announced soon, with four to five local hotels typically offering discounted stays for Arts Week attendees, making it easy to plan a weekend around the event.
Whether you’re an artist, an arts enthusiast, or simply curious, Sou’wester’s Arts Week 2026 is a celebration of creativity rooted deeply in place—where the coast, community, and creative process meet. For up-to-date information, please check out Arts Week’s website!
