Leavenworth, Washington is a small town (pop. ~2,000) about 120 miles east of Seattle. Nestled in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the area is graced by mountains rising to 5,000 and 8,000 feet. The area is known for abundant sunshine, low rainfall (9 inches per year), and nearby fruit orchards. One way or the other, you have to travel over a mountain pass (or two), to reach Leavenwoth. During winter months, be prepared for winter driving and check the weather for your route via US2 (over Stevens Pass) or I-90/US97 (over Snoqualimie Pass and Blewett Pass).
Leavenworth, WA photo by tamara semina (CC3)
A short history of Leavenworth, WA
The area was originally inhabited by the Yakama, Chinook and Wenatchi tribes, who hunted the land for deer and elk, and fished Icicle Creek for salmon.
During the 1860s gold rush, white settlers came to the area. From 1890-1892 the town became known as Icicle Flats and the Great Northern Railway laid tracks across the Wenatchee Valley and over Stevens Pass. In 1893, the town was platted and re-named by a group of financiers led by Captain Charles F. Leavenworth. The booming pioneer town was supported by logging and a sawmill. Around 1910, the railroad re-routed operations, bypassing the community. The sawmill closed in 1920 and the Great Depression further decimated the commercial district. The town struggled for decades.
In the 1960s, the town worked with the Bureau of Community Development at the University of Washington and conceived a plan to draw visitors to the area. In addition to re-making the downtown area as a Bavarian village, the community created a series of festivals in spring, fall, and winter to encourage regular visitors. Over several decades, more festivals and events were added.
Today, Leavenworth is a top tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest with over a million tourists each year. They come to enjoy a Bavarian experience in a breathtaking alpine wilderness setting. Activities include river rafting, snow sports, alpine and river walks, birding, art, cultural events, and seasonal festivals. Listed below are the festivals that occur throughout the year, making it a special time to visit the area.
Leavenworth Signature Festivals
The Bavarian village of Leavenworth is an unforgettable experience in any season. The following annual festivals are especially festive times to visit.
Leavenworth Winter Karneal & Live Ice Carving
The Leavenworth Lights stay lit through February. Enjoy special entertainment all month long. During Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, artisan ice carvers will be creating works of art, culminating in a fireworks show Sunday night. The last weekend of the month, join the Fasching Pub Crawl—described as German Mardi Gras!
- When: Christmas lights and entertainment every weekend in January. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend live Ice Carving, January 18-19, 2025. Fireworks show January 19, 2025 at 6PM.
- Admission: Free
- Website: Winter Karneval – Leavenworth Washington
Love from Leavenworth Valentine Specials
Enjoy a special Valentine Marketplace, daily prize giveaways, and special packages and promotions around town. Christmas lights are still on every night (with a special Valentine’s twist).
- When: February
- Admission: Free
- Website: Village of Lights: Love from Leavenworth – Leavenworth Washington
Leavenworth Maifest
Every weekend in May features new and different entertainment such as Traditional Music of the Alps, a Maifest Celebration, a Bird Festival, Live Chainsaw Carving, and International Alphorn Festival (think “Ricola!”).
- When: Weekends in May
- Admission: many activities are free
- Website: Maifest – Leavenworth Washington
Leavenworth Oktoberfest weekends in October
Oktoberfest is a longstanding tradition filled with music, dancing, and the ceremonial tapping of the kegs! Find outdoor/tented dining, entertainment, and kids’ activities throughout the Bavarian-themed town.
- When: Friday-Saturday, October 4-19, 2024. Fridays 6pm-Midnight, Saturdays Noon-Midnight.
- Admission: Friday $15, Saturday $30, Weekend Pass $40. Kids 12 and under free.
- Website: Oktoberfest – Leavenworth Washington
Leavenworth Village of Lights “Christmastown”
An eye-popping display of over half-million lights along with music and entertainment, photo ops, carolers, kids’ activities, Santa photos and more. The beautiful Christmas lights will shine throughout the village while you can enjoy unique shops, eclectic dining, the World-Famous Nutcracker Museum, wine tasting rooms, and local Breweries, Cideries and Distilleries.
- When: Daily, Friday after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
- Admission: Free.
- Website: Christmastown – Leavenworth Washington
Christmas market cookies photo by azgek1978 – Depositphotos.com
Event calendar of free and affordable things to do
Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.
Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
You might also like: Calendar of free and cheap things to do every day (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
