The 2026 Fall Shadows Festival may be over, but we’re still basking in the magic of this incredible community celebration!
On Saturday, October 17, Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park transformed into an autumn wonderland filled with pumpkins, art, and a little bit of spooky season magic. Nestled among the park’s permanent sculptures, visitors discovered hands-on art stations, nature and science activities, a giant interactive shadow box, opportunities to create and explore shadow puppetry, and a spookily decorated gallery.
Made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Uptown Arts District and the enthusiasm of more than 950 attendees, the festival brought together locals from across the Olympic Peninsula and visitors from beyond the region for a day of creativity, connection, and seasonal fun.
Art, Imagination, and Community at Every Turn
From the moment visitors arrived, there was something new to discover around every corner.
Inside the Esther Webster Gallery, the North Olympic Library System hosted Spooky Storytime, while artist Heather Dawn Sparks invited visitors to explore a magical Interactive Shadow Box. Olympic National Park brought imaginative fun to the trails with its Rainworks project and collaborated with the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center on a shadow puppet station. Visitors also got creative at a mask-making station hosted by the Fine Arts Center and Port Angeles Community Players, while the Uptown Arts District shared more about its mission to support and celebrate our local arts community. The Port Angeles Community Players also presented a one-night-only puppet show in their theater.
Of course, no Fall Shadows Festival would be complete without pumpkins! Community judges selected their favorites in the pumpkin carving contest, and attendees cast their votes for the People’s Choice Pumpkin. Thanks to the support of the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts, winners were announced on the meadow stage, with prizes from local businesses awarded to 16 lucky participants.
There was plenty to enjoy between activities, too. Visitors could grab a bite from Pacific Pantry, sip delicious drinks from Dragon’s Brew Coffee Company, and relax in the festival’s Beer Garden. Best of all, the entire festival was free to attend, creating an inviting space for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the wonder, creativity, and joy of the autumn season.
Save the Date! Fall Shadows Returns October 16, 2027!
We loved celebrating the season with you, and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again. The Fall Shadows Festival will return to Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park on October 16, 2027! Mark your calendars, start dreaming up your pumpkin designs, and get ready for another day of art, imagination, and autumn magic.
Next Up, The Wintertide Festival of Lights
Can’t wait until next fall for another festival at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center? Good news! Our biggest and brightest celebration of the year is just around the corner.
Join us at Webster’s Woods on December 12 for the Wintertide Festival of Lights, an unforgettable evening where art, performance, and community come together under the winter sky.
This one-of-a-kind celebration features live fire performances, acrobatics, live music, local food and drink vendors, and art and activity stations, including experiences that glow in the dark. Inside the gallery, the Makers Market will showcase the work of more than 30 local artists, offering a wonderful opportunity to discover unique creations and support our creative community. With its blend of spectacular performances, interactive art, and local talent, Wintertide is a celebration unlike any other. It’s a chance to experience the magic of Webster’s Woods in a whole new light.
Get your tickets today! Early-bird pricing is available through November, so don’t wait to plan your visit.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Fall Shadows Festival. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and support make events like these possible, and we’re grateful to share these special moments with our community.
We can’t wait to see you again at the Wintertide Festival of Lights!