By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News
Genuine Skagit Valley and the Port of Skagit are bringing back the sound of cracking crab legs, clinking beer cups and new friendships to the La Conner Marina this week.
The celebration of local flavors and culinary wizards kicks off Thursday with the fourth annual Skagit Tidewater Boil, which runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. After a full day of post-food coma recovery, the festivities will resume Saturday with the Skagit Farm to Pint Fest, which runs from 2 to 5:30 p.m. for general admission ticket holders; VIP tickets are sold out.
Genuine Skagit Valley is a program dedicated to raising awareness of the valley’s agricultural products and services. Director Blake Van Roekel said the events will respectively accommodate up to 200 and 600 guests.
The Skagit Tidewater Boil will feature 250 pounds of local Dungeness crab, or over a pound per person, provided in collaboration with Pacific Seafood and Shawn O’Donnell’s, as well as spot prawns, corn, potatoes, cornbread and andouille sausage marry in a savory broth.
“It just brings land and sea together at the table,” said Van Roekel, who particularly looks forward to seeing the long rows of people wearing bibs and enjoying a meal together.
To buy tickets, visit genuineskagitvalley.com/skagit-tidewater-boil/.
The Skagit Farm to Pint Fest will pair breweries, cideries and kombucha makers with local chefs, bakers, producers and restaurants to match and enhance the flavors of every sip and bite. Even the entertainment is local, with PNW-based Band of Eden playing rock, blues and pop tunes.
“It is one of the most local beer and food festivals in the nation. We’re showcasing Skagit,” Van Roekel said. “And that makes it unique compared to a lot of other festivals.”
Among the list of power duos are Oyster & Thistle and La Conner Brewing, which will bring Blood Orange IPA, Oktoberfest plus Skagit lamb ragout with kuri squash puree and crispy leeks, according to the 2026 pairings menu, which can be viewed at genuineskagitvalley.com/skagit-farm-to-pint-fest/.
Local kombucha and apple cider will also be available as nonalcoholic options.
To buy tickets, visit genuineskagitvalley.ticketspice.com/skagit-farm-to-pint-fest.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter at La Conner Community News.
