With 24 certified creative districts as of early 2026, Washington State is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in local art and culture. Creative districts are defined areas with a high concentration of cultural attractions and programs. From Washington’s first creative district in Edmonds to new additions like Prosser and Long Beach, each has its own experiences, from art walks and live music to museums and galleries, all generally within a walkable distance for easy exploring.
Here are just some of the Washington creative districts to visit and learn about the artists who inspire innovation and creativity in their communities. Discover even more districts by visiting ArtsWA.
10+ Washington Creative Districts to Explore
Anacortes
This community on Fidalgo Island has a rich maritime history and is home to artists, craftspeople, boatbuilders, and more. Check out the annual Anacortes Arts Festival, which has more than 200 booth vendors and daily entertainment. Theater lovers can enjoy a performance at the intimate Anacortes Community Theatre. Visit local galleries like Scott Milo Gallery and MoonWater Arts, where you can view pieces made with mixed media, metalwork, fused glass, and more. Browse ceramics and make your own pieces during a class at Clayhouse, or take a self-guided tour of public artworks.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Murals
Burien
South of Seattle, Burien’s creative district is known for its performing arts and Farmers Market on Thursdays, where you can enjoy live music and food during the summer. Browse seasonal offerings like honey, fresh flowers, and baked goods, as well as handmade jewelry, textiles, and glasswork. Enjoy a show at the Highline Performing Arts Center, which features Hi-Liners Musical Theatre productions. At the Highline Heritage Museum, check out permanent exhibits, join a tour, participate in a monthly storytelling night, or visit the Burien Arts gallery wall with its rotating selection of local art.
Bainbridge
A 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle, the Bainbridge Creative District in charming Winslow is walkable and perfect for a leisurely day trip. The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is free to the public, and its permanent collection highlights local artists using a range of media, from paintings and sculptures to mixed metals. As you explore the island, keep an eye out for public sculptures, including Pia the Peacekeeper, one of Thomas Dambo’s Pacific Northwest trolls. If you visit Bainbridge Island on a Friday, you’re in for a treat. Check out the art walk during the first Friday of each month, where you can stop into local businesses and galleries for small bites and conversation.
Chewelah
North of Spokane, tiny Chewelah invites visitors to explore its many murals, which often feature streetscapes, local flora and fauna, and Indigenous culture and lifeways preserved by the Spokane Tribe. The Chewelah Arts Guild hosts a number of annual events, including the Annual Community Art Show and the Recycled ArtsFest. Don’t miss the Chewelah Farmers Market with live music and farm-to-table food. You can also find local, regional, and national art at the Trails End Gallery, which hosts a few shows a year.
CoWalla (Walla Walla + College Place)
Nestled in Wine Country, CoWalla is the only creative district in Washington State made up of two cities: Walla Walla and College Place. Enjoy performing arts at the charming Gesa Power House Theatre and other venues. In Heritage Park, you can find Windows on the Past, a colorful mural by local artist Jeanna McMenemy made of historic and contemporary photos. For a hands-on experience, Enable Art offers art programs for kids and kids at heart through monthly and evening art classes.
Also See: Catch a Show at These Washington Theaters
Edmonds
The first Washington creative district, Edmonds, is full of opportunities to connect with local artists and makers. Visit studios, buy local art, and explore the area’s extensive public art, from paintings to wrapped utility boxes. Use this mural map as your guide. Time your visits for the third Thursday of every month to enjoy the Edmonds Art Walk, which features galleries and businesses hosting local artists and performers. The city also offers plenty of events throughout the year, including the Edmonds Arts Festival, Puget Sound Bird Fest, and self-guided studio tours.
Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, the city’s rich farming and ranching roots shine through in its art, museums, and events. Learn more about the history and tradition of the city through the Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, where you can find artifacts donated by local and national competitors such as photographs, prize buckles, saddles, and more. The Clymer Museum offers a perspective from Ellensburg-born artist John Ford Clymer, who often featured wildlife and historical depictions in his paintings. Immerse yourself in performing and visual arts at the First Friday Art Walk or head to the Ellensburg Night Market during summer for handmade goods from local vendors, food trucks, live music, and more.
Long Beach
One of the newest additions to Washington’s creative districts is located on the west side of the Long Beach Peninsula. The district encompasses most of the downtown area and includes local boutiques, eateries, the World Kite Museum, the Peninsula Arts Center, and art installations along the Discovery Trail. The Long Beach Peninsula also hosts many family friendly events throughout the year, including the Long Beach Razor Clam and Shellfish Festival, the Washington State International Kite Festival, and the Cranberry Harvest Weekend.
Also See: Gorge to Coast Road Trip
Port Townsend
Nestled on the Olympic Peninsula, this coastal town is home to more than a dozen galleries, including Aurora Loop Gallery + Studio. Port Townsend is also home to the largest wooden boat festival in North America, where you take to the water on a sailboat, catamaran, or longboat. Find hand-tooled woodworking art at the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, which has classes on carving panels, sculptures, spoons, and more. For movie fans, the Port Townsend Film Festival offers dozens of film screenings as well as workshops and outdoor movie nights. Music lovers can listen to local bands during the Concerts on the Dock during the summer. For history buffs, head to the Jefferson Museum of Art + History.
Also See: Visit Filming Locations in Washington
Prosser
Located in Wine Country and surrounded by more than 20 wineries, Prosser is known for its agricultural heritage, world-class wine, and exciting events. Stroll through Prosser’s historic downtown to discover boutique shops, antique stores, and excellent bars and restaurants. From pottery to fine art, the creative spirit of Prosser is palpable. Throughout the year, Prosser’s event calendar is packed with festivities that showcase its cultural and agricultural pride. Highlights include the Art Walk & Wine Gala in July, the Great Prosser Balloon Rally in September, and Catch the Crush in October.
Rainier Valley Creative District, Seattle
The first state-designated creative district in Seattle spans Rainier Avenue South from South Alaska Street to Chinook Beach Park. Home to a culturally and creatively diverse community, visitors can enjoy performances, local restaurants, and festivals throughout the year. Catch a concert, play, or film screening at Rainer Arts Center or attend one of the district’s many events, such as HONK! Festival West, a three-day music festival that takes place in public spaces.
South Columbia Creative District, Kennewick
Located in Wine Country along the Columbia River in downtown Kennewick, this Washington creative district is home to tons of public art, from sculptures to murals. You can’t go wrong with the Creative Arts Festival, where you can shop small from local artists, listen to live music, and shop the woodworking street sale. The third Friday of the month also brings pop-up markets, live music, and late-night hours at select local businesses in downtown. Visit the East Benton County History Museum, the historic downtown business core with 140+ businesses, and the waterfront Columbia Gardens with its tasting rooms and boutiques.
Also See: Tri-Cities Itinerary
Tenino
This town south of Olympia has a historical connection with the sandstone industry, with the stone often making an appearance in local architecture. Learn about stone quarrying, cutting, and carving at the Tenino Stone Carvers Guild or on a self-guided walking tour. The Tenino Depot Museum, located in an old railroad building, houses the original printing press that can print commemorative wooden money, an homage to the wooden money that was used as local currency during the Great Depression. You can also visit the farmers’ market on Saturdays from May to September, or check out the Tenino Arts Spring Market.
Twisp
Start your visit to Twisp at the Methow Valley Community Center, which is home to the public library, farmers market, Methow Valley Theater, and a number of other creative businesses. TwispWorks is another hub of creativity in the valley. Its 6.4-acre campus is home to artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. During summer, you can enjoy the annual Arts Fest featuring artist booths, live music, mural painting, and more. Learn more about the Indigenous peoples of the Methow Valley and Upper Columbia Region through exhibits and events at the Methow Valley Interpretive Center.
No matter which Washington creative districts you visit, you’re sure to leave inspired by the artists, small-business owners, and performers who call these communities home.
About the Author
Aleenah Ansari is a Seattle-based writer covering travel, entrepreneurship, wellness, and representation in media for Insider, The Seattle Times, Byrdie, and more. You can usually find her searching for murals in Seattle and beyond, reading a book by a BIPOC author, and planning her next trip. Learn more at aleenahansari.com.