Where: Coupeville, a two-hour drive from Seattle, is a Whidbey Island gem that’s bursting with bayside charm and—as the second-oldest town in Washington—a rich history. WHY: The 25th annual Penn Cove Water Festival (5/14; penncovewaterfestival.com), which celebrates Native American culture through canoe races, cultural performances—including a Native American flautist and a traditional storyteller—as well as…

Washington’s own battle of the bands—well, actually, festivals—kicks off Memorial Day weekend (May 27–30). Choose between Sasquatch! (sasquatchfestival.com) at The Gorge in eastern Washington—with artists ranging from local surf rockers La Luz to Florence and the Machine to M83—and Northwest Folklife (nwfolklife.org) at Seattle Center, where this year’s theme explores the power of the human voice….

Planning to hit the road for your summer vacay? How about a trip back in time? Seattle-based Volkswagen van restoration company Peace Vans has ventured into rental territory to offer a retro road trip experience. Instead of hitting the highways with traditional summer vacation tagalongs, such as camping gear or suitcases to schlep from hotel…