Arts and Entertainment
February 5, 2025
From: Penn Cove Mussel FestSchedule of Events:
Friday, March 7, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Mussel Mingle: A Penn Cove Musselfest 2025 Kick-Off Party!
Join us at the Blue Zone in the Coupeville Rec Hall parking lot on Friday, March 7th from 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM for a night filled with great food, drinks, music, and the best of what Coupeville has to offer!
This is a 21+ event! Photo ID required for entry.
Ticket Price: $50
Your ticket includes:
2 food tickets
2 beverage tickets
Live music from the one and only Ike and the Old Man
First chance to grab exclusive Penn Cove Musselfest merchandise
What's Cooking?
Mussels from Front Street Grill – Fresh, delicious, and locally sourced!
Hot Dogs with Fixings – Courtesy of the Central Whidbey Lions.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Chili – Warm, hearty, and perfect for a chilly evening!
What's on Tap?
Beer, wine, and hot cider!
Cozy Up & Dance the Night Away!
With fire pits and plenty of heaters, we’ll keep that pesky March chill away. Whether you’re hanging out with your neighbors, meeting new faces, or showing off your dance moves to the hit tunes of Ike and the Old Man, it’s sure to be a blast.
Locals & Visitors Welcome!
Whether you're a longtime Coupeville resident or visiting for the first time, come for the fun and stay for the community vibes. It’s the perfect way to jumpstart your weekend and get in the Musselfest spirit.
Saturday, March 8, 2025
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Chowder Tasting
Penn Cove Musselfest Chowder Tasting: Try our world-famous mussels in a cooking competition like no other!
On Saturday, March 8th or Sunday, March 9th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, sample top-secret mussel chowder recipes from 10 Coupeville restaurants. Make sure to vote for your favorite dish – you can find a ballot box at any chowder-tasting station. Your vote matters! The winning chefs receive a coveted award and bragging rights for a year.
Ticket Price: $50
Your ticket includes:
Ten 2oz tastings of world-famous Penn Cove mussel chowder prepared by Coupeville restaurants
Chowder tasting journal
Souvenir chowder cup
Ballot for best chowder
Who is Competing in 2025?
This year’s Chowder Tasting Competition entrants include:
Callen’s
The Captain Whidbey
Front Street Grill
Goldie’s & The Roost
Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine
Molka Xete
The Oystercatcher
Pizza Factory
Toby’s
The Tyee
Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a fun weekend activity, join us in Coupeville to celebrate the bold, briny & blue flavors of Penn Cove Mussels!
10:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Mussel Farm Boat Tours
Mussel Farm Boat Tours: Tour the world-famous Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm!
All aboard for an exciting adventure at Penn Cove Musselfest! Get ready to explore the fascinating world of mussel farming on this unique 45-minute boat tour.
Our knowledgeable guides from Penn Cove Shellfish will take you on a tour of beautiful Penn Cove, sharing interesting facts about mussel farming and the local marine ecosystem. During the tour, you'll witness the mussel harvesting process up close and learn about the sustainable practices used to ensure the highest quality mussels are harvested.
ALL AGES MUST RESERVE TICKETS
0-5 tour FREE
6-12 tickets $10
13+ tickets $20
On Saturday, March 8th, sailings depart every half hour. Sunday, March 9th sailings depart every hour on the half hour. Tickets may be purchased online or in person. You must join the crew at the Coupeville Wharf 15 minutes before your sailing time with proof of ticket in hand! Latecomers will not be accommodated.
Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply curious about marine life, this event offers a unique and educational experience for all ages. So grab your friends and family, and embark on an unforgettable tour!
3:00 PM
Mussel Eating Contest
Entry fee $10.
Calling the bravest bivalve eaters in all the land for this zany competition in the Coupeville Rec Hall. Come hungry and with a strong stomach! The winner is crowned monarch of mussels and receives hand-embellished mussel regalia.
Competitors must register and pay in advance at the Merchandise Booth in the Rec Hall.
Live Music At the Blue Zone
WES JONES (from Friends for the Ghost)
PNW Acoustic Music
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
THE SHIFTY SAILORS
Sea Shanties
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
J.P. FALCON BAND
Country/Classic Rock
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 9, 2025
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Chowder Tasting
Penn Cove Musselfest Chowder Tasting: Try our world-famous mussels in a cooking competition like no other!
On Saturday, March 8th or Sunday, March 9th from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, sample top-secret mussel chowder recipes from 10 Coupeville restaurants. Make sure to vote for your favorite dish – you can find a ballot box at any chowder-tasting station. Your vote matters! The winning chefs receive a coveted award and bragging rights for a year.
Ticket Price: $50
Your ticket includes:
Ten 2oz tastings of world-famous Penn Cove mussel chowder prepared by Coupeville restaurants
Chowder tasting journal
Souvenir chowder cup
Ballot for best chowder
Who is Competing in 2025?
This year’s Chowder Tasting Competition entrants include:
Callen’s
The Captain Whidbey
Front Street Grill
Goldie’s & The Roost
Gordon’s Fusion Cuisine
Molka Xete
The Oystercatcher
Pizza Factory
Toby’s
The Tyee
Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a fun weekend activity, join us in Coupeville to celebrate the bold, briny & blue flavors of Penn Cove Mussels!
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Mussel Farm Boat Tours
Mussel Farm Boat Tours: Tour the world-famous Penn Cove Shellfish mussel farm!
All aboard for an exciting adventure at Penn Cove Musselfest! Get ready to explore the fascinating world of mussel farming on this unique 45-minute boat tour.
Our knowledgeable guides from Penn Cove Shellfish will take you on a tour of beautiful Penn Cove, sharing interesting facts about mussel farming and the local marine ecosystem. During the tour, you'll witness the mussel harvesting process up close and learn about the sustainable practices used to ensure the highest quality mussels are harvested.
ALL AGES MUST RESERVE TICKETS
0-5 tour FREE
6-12 tickets $10
13+ tickets $20
On Saturday, March 8th, sailings depart every half hour. Sunday, March 9th sailings depart every hour on the half hour. Tickets may be purchased online or in person. You must join the crew at the Coupeville Wharf 15 minutes before your sailing time with proof of ticket in hand! Latecomers will not be accommodated.
Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply curious about marine life, this event offers a unique and educational experience for all ages. So grab your friends and family, and embark on an unforgettable tour!
3:00 PM
Mussel Eating Contest
Entry fee $10.
Calling the bravest bivalve eaters in all the land for this zany competition in the Coupeville Rec Hall. Come hungry and with a strong stomach! The winner is crowned monarch of mussels and receives hand-embellished mussel regalia.
Competitors must register and pay in advance at the Merchandise Booth in the Rec Hall.
Live Music At the Blue Zone
KARINA AND TROY
Pop/Rock/Country
11:00 am – 12:45 pm
SAUL NETHANIEL MCCARTNEY
Acoustic Folk
1:15 pm – 2:45 pm
TENDERPILE’S SMILE AISLE
Yacht Jazz
3:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Date: March 7 - 9, 2025
Location: Various Venues in Coupeville