Tulip Festival Street Fair @ Downtown Mount Vernon

April is ideal for a little staycation tourism and the chance to support local agriculture. And, as a Washingtonian, when one thinks of April, one thing comes to mind: tulips! Though the undeniable stars are the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, did you know that there’s even more to experience in addition to the fields of showstopping colors and blooms?

Now in its 42nd year, the Mount Vernon Downtown Association is holding its annual Tulip Festival Street Fair in mid-April. Tent-lined streets will fill the downtown area with over 200 vendors offering an array of goods. You’ll find everything from printed clothing by elSage Designs, mixed media pieces by Fat Dragonfly, flavored cooking vinegars from Gustoblende, kitchen accessories crafted by Cascadia Stoneware, pet treats by PupCakes, children’s goods from Eppie’s Little Soft Toys and much more. The fair provides an opportunity to support local talent, discover new makers and connect with nonprofits doing important work in the community.

The event will include a mix of returning and brand new vendors, and will retain its three-block expansion from last year for more to explore. If you find yourself working up an appetite while you shop to support small businesses, you’ll have plenty of bites to choose from: This year’s food offerings highlight delectable potstickers from The Wandering Asian, cool treats at Samijon’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice, mouthwatering brisket by Puget Sound BBQ, plus many more options offering sweet and savory menu items.

But it wouldn’t be a proper street fair without music! As part of the event, Tulip Tunes showcases a variety of musical acts. The lineup will feature 18 groups over the course of three days in the genres of world, funk rock and americana, including Reposado, Silent Disco Club and Brittany Collins. This year also boasts an expanded stage, plus more beer garden options and an extra hour to jam out each day of the fair. Rock on, Mount Vernon!