Water Music Festival on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington
The Water Music Festival is the signature event of the nonprofit Water Music Society (WMS), a cultural mainstay on the Long Beach Peninsula since 1985. Since its founding over 40 years ago, it has offered world‑class classical, semi‑classical, and jazz music woven into an uplifting community celebration. The festival directly supports local music education—it underwrites workshops in area schools and contributes financially to programs in Ocean Park Elementary, Long Beach Elementary, Ilwaco Middle & High Schools, and Naselle through educational outreach. Be sure to book your lodging at Hashs Hideaway early.
📅 Date, Time & Location
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Venue: Chinook Event Center (Chinook School), 810 US‑101, Chinook, WA 98614 {{near Long Beach}}
- Event Hours: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm — social hour at 2:00, concert begins at 3:00 pm
🎭 40th Anniversary Theme: “Broadway Lights!”
Celebrating four decades of music on the peninsula, the 2025 festival carries the theme “BROADWAY LIGHTS”, turning the festival into a gala paying tribute to the great musicals of all time. Expect selections spanning beloved show tunes delivered with flair.
Featured Performers:
- Kari Burgess, soprano
- David Gustafson, tenor
- John Jantzi, piano
- Yvonne Hsueh, violin
- Additional musicians to be announced closer to the date
🍷 Social Hour & Community Atmosphere
From 2:00 to 3:00 pm, the social hour invites early arrivals to mingle and enjoy appetizers, a no‑host wine bar, and non‑alcoholic beverages. Guests can listen to the Ilwaco High School jazz band perform during this informal reception, and participate in a silent auction featuring local artwork and items—making it a lively kickoff and great way to support community artists and students.
🎟️ Tickets & Admission
This year’s event is ticketed, with general admission priced at $30 per person. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door, subject to availability, and are non-refundable. The event is open to all ages. Seating is general admission, and it’s advisable to arrive early to enjoy the social hour.
(Some sources previously noted a free event; however, official Water Music Society details confirm metered ticket pricing for the 2025 gala edition.)
🎶 Program & Musical Experience
Attendees can expect a rich musical journey centered around Broadway classics. The curated program promises stirring vocals, elegant piano, spirited jazz elements, and violin solos spotlighting musical theater repertoire. While a full program hasn’t been released yet, prior festivals featured a mix of classic standards and semi‑classical interpretations—so expect both powerful arias and lyrical favorites from American musicals.
Beyond the main concert, many festivals include educational elements—masterclasses or workshops in community schools delivered by performing artists—deepening the festival’s outreach and impact on local youth.
🏛️ Venue & Cultural Setting
The Chinook Event Center resides within the historic Chinook School, a charming venue set along Highway 101 just north of Long Beach. It captures the intimate and welcoming vibe that characterizes the peninsula’s cultural events.
🎯 Mission & Community Impact
The festival reflects the Water Music Society’s dual mission:
- Providing accessible, high‑quality musical performances in a rural setting.
- Supporting music education in local schools, through financial donations and artist-led outreach workshops.
In recent years, over $79,000 has been contributed to regional school programs, enriching music instruction and student participation.
The festival also nurtures young performers: selected students are regularly invited to perform alongside professionals or attend special mentorship sessions—fostering artistic inspiration and continuity in the local arts community.
💡 Tips for Attendees
- Get tickets early online to avoid lines; $30 general admission.
- Arrive by 2 pm to enjoy social hour, wine bar, and the Ilwaco High jazz ensemble.
- Explore lodging—Long Beach has quaint inns, cottages, and B&Bs. Many attendees combine the festival with local dining or fall drives along the coast.
- Silent auction proceeds support arts and schools—bring some cash or a card if you’d like to bid.
- All ages welcome, though content is sophisticated—families and community members alike are encouraged.
- Some educational outreach happens before or after the event—contact Water Music Society for potential involvement or student programs.
🌍 Context & Complementary Events
The Water Music Festival fits into a vibrant fall lineup on the peninsula. Nearby events include:
- Cranberry Museum Festival (Oct 11–12, Long Beach)
- Great Columbia Crossing walk/run (Oct 12, Astoria-Megler Bridge)
- Black Lake Witches Paddle (Oct 25, Ilwaco)
- Halloween Block Party (Oct 31, Ilwaco)
This seasonal cadence offers a cultural-rich autumn experience in the region surrounding Long Beach and Chinook.
In sum, the Water Music Festival on October 18, 2025, delivers an unforgettable blend of musical artistry, community connection, and educational purpose. From:
- A Broadway‑themed gala celebrating 40 years of regional music outreach,
- To the social hour with live student jazz and silent auction,
- To the concert featuring renowned vocal and instrumental artists, the festival is an elegant and heartfelt way to mark fall on the Washington coast.
Attendees will enjoy top-tier performances in a setting that honors both tradition and local spirit—all while supporting music education and cultural vitality in southwest Washington. Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or music lover, the festival is a highlight not to be missed.