Welcome to the
Whidbey Island
Music Festival!
Welcome to the Whidbey Island Music Festival!
If you’re reading this page, you might be new to the festival and thinking about joining us soon for a concert. We can’t wait to welcome you!
We are passionate about growing our audience and making sure those of you who are new to the festival and classical music concerts have a great experience.
Do you have a question that’s not answered here? Send us a message on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email.
The WIMF CONCERT EXPERIENCE
Gather - inspire - connect! It’s what we do.
Our musicians will share fun, engaging stories about the music and the composers from the stage. Hear a great show AND learn something new!
We ask you to silence your electronic devices during the concert. We want to connect you with the experience in the room.
Baroque music is designed to move our emotions - clap when the spirit moves you!
You'll get a name tag to make it easy to strike up conversations other concert guests.
“Thank YOU for bringing such gorgeous music to our island. I try to attend every concert I can depending on my work travel schedule. The innovative, creative, enthusiastic energy you and all the artists bring to the music, the delightful themes and selections, the extraordinary talent - I am so grateful to you!” - Marcia Davidson
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Where do you perform?
The Whidbey Island Music Festival is based on Whidbey Island. Our shows often take place at St. Augustine’s in-the-woods in Freeland, and at a variety of venues on Whidbey Island, including Cultus Bay Gardens, Coupeville High School, 1st church in Oak Harbor, the Noorlag Salon in Oak Harbor and more. Our goal is to continue to continue to reach new audiences and to serve all of Whidbey Island with beautiful performances of baroque and classical chamber music. Each event listing will have a description of the venue.
Where are the best seats?
We get asked this a lot! Fortunately, our venues are intimate in size, so there are no bad seats! Our venues are open seating. If you like to right sit up front, please arrive a bit earlier to claim your seat.
What do I wear?!
Be yourself, be comfortable and be as fancy or as casual as you like. Some people love dressing up to going out – and we love seeing your festive spirit! Some people arrive in comfortable casual wear. To keep things fun, we invite our audience to wear Christmas sweaters for our holiday concert, or kilts and green for St. Patrick’s Day. That said, we’ve never seen anyone in black tie (yet!) at one of our shows – Whidbey Island dress-up leans towards casual elegance. No matter what you choose to wear, we are so glad to welcome you to our events.
What time does the concert begin? When should I arrive?
Most of our shows starts at 3pm. Please give yourself plenty of time to park, take in the view and find your seat. If you arrive late, please wait until a break in the music to find a seat.
When do I clap?
In the 18th century audiences expressed their appreciation whenever the performance moved them – particularly successful opera arias were often “encored” on the spot in the middle of an opera! There was lots of moving around, eating, drinking, and seeing and being seen. In the spirit of historically informed performance, you are encouraged to clap when you are inspired to do so.
What’s the format of the show? How do I learn more about the music?
During the show you’ll hear stories about the music and the composers from the musicians. Most of our shows have an intermission with a reception, and we are experimenting with shorter programs with receptions after the show.
What’s the deal with the name tags?
Name tags are a great way for you to connect with other concert guests, and with the musicians and staff. The musicians’ names are in the programs so you know who they are. Our staff and musicians want to get to know YOU as much as you want to get to know THEM! Beyond providing you with a great concert experience, we aim to create community, connection and belonging. Name tags make it easy to strike up a conversation at intermission or after the show.
Can I take video on my phone during the concert?
In the spirit of inviting our concert guests into presence with the concert experience, and to offer you a break from the digital world, we ask you to silence your electronic devices during the concert. Feel free to take photos after the concert!
Where do I park?
St. Augustine’s has a spacious parking lot in the front of the church, with overflow parking available behind the church. We usually have a parking attendant to help direct you a spot.
Will there be something to eat and drink?
There will be a reception with snacks, coffee and water at the intermission. Currently we are unable to serve wine at St. Augustine’s due to insurance restrictions.