WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – One of the “biggest little music and art festivals” will return to Whidbey Island this weekend, bringing together artists and creatives from all over. 

Keegan Harshman, musician and owner of Blue Sound Music in Langley, founded Little Big Fest in 2018 after moving back to the island. Harshman saw potential in the music community on Whidbey Island, but knew it needed a little push to continue growing. Little Big Fest became an outlet for Harshman to get back into the festival world he enjoyed, as well as give opportunities to local artists and musicians to support one another and expand their network. 

“I felt like I had the chance to create something in a really tight knit community of art enthusiasts, artists and musicians,” says Harshman. “It’s a way for local artists and musicians to experience [a festival] and get paid at least once a year, something that I feel is important when you live on an island.”

The first festival’s main focus was specifically on live music and took place on a property owned by a friend of Harshman. It was then that Harshman realized he was trying to do a big thing in a small place—hence the name, Little Big Fest. Now, the festival takes place at the Whidbey Island Fairground and features a family zone, healing zone and backyard obstacle course. There are over 30 artists and vendors signed up to attend, and more than 8 eateries including Middle Eastern, Greek food, ice cream, coffee and other bites.

Courtesy of Russell Sparkman

This year, Little Big Fest’s lineup features 36 different artists over a span of three days. There are three different stages where music will happen: Resonant Botanical Stage, The Big Gig Stage and Bailey’s Corner Stage. Performers range from bands, acoustic and solo acts to jugglers, comedians and entertainers.

Little Big Fest self identifies as a grass roots festival, but the music presented ranges from rock, funk and folk to americana, jazz and reggae. Every evening at 11:00 p.m. there will be DJ sets in the form of a silent disco. The festival will also have workshops for creating, songwriting and learning as live music is happening.

Harshman brings together artists and musicians from all over. Preacher & The Freight Train from Bellingham is traveling south to perform at the festival, and this year’s headliner is a group called Polyrhythmics—a funk, afrobeat and psychedelic rock band from Seattle.

“I’ve never played out on Whidbey Island before,” said Walker VanWingerden, guitarist and lead singer of Preacher & The Freight Train. “It’s pretty nice to be able to get out somewhere new for a gig.”

Courtesy of Russell Sparkman

“I’m really trying to curate an experience both for the artists and attendees. I have a philosophy that a thriving music scene means there needs to be give and take,” Harshman said. “A thriving scene to me is when you have all sorts of new inspiration coming in and leaving. Giving bands opportunities to meet other bands who might play a similar genre pulls everyone together and brings the best out of everybody.”

Though a main focus of Little Big Fest is to support local live music, music education and local artisans are equally as important. The money made from ticket sales at the event go towards local musicians, bands and music education scholarships for high school students.

Courtesy of Russell Sparkman

It’s practically guaranteed that there is something for individuals of all ages and walks of life at Little Big Fest, and attendees don’t have to worry about missing their favorite artist or band. The festival’s schedule allows each band to play between 45 minutes to two hours of music on one stage while the next act sets up on another stage.

On Aug. 16, gates open at 3:00 p.m. and tickets are less expensive because it’s a short day. On Saturday and Sunday, the festivities commence at 10:00 a.m. and the festival has a noise extension from the city to play music until midnight. Camping at the fairgrounds is encouraged and individuals are welcome to join in on the fun at any time and day of the weekend.

For more information about Little Big Fest, head to the festival website at www.littlebigfest.org.