Doe Bay Fest 10 is on the horizon and already generating a lot of buzz as a special 10-year reunion event, slated for Aug. 10-14. Coordinator Jami Mitchell affectionately calls it “the little festival that could”, since it immediately gathered steam to go from a small happening in 2008 to become one of the most popular music festivals in the Pacific Northwest. Doe Bay Fest is now celebrating a solid decade of sold out shows.

Despite its remarkable reputation among bands and fans, it hasn’t grown in size. Capping attendance at about 1,000 guests, Doe Bay Resort is happy to keep the event an intimate affair compared to other big name festivals. The relatively small number of tickets does mean that it sells out every year, but the resort has learned a few tricks for making sure islanders get to see the show.

A great way for locals to get in the door is by volunteering for the popular event. By work-trading some time setting up the festival or cleaning up afterward, locals can get a free ticket to the whole event. To sign-up to volunteer in exchange for a free ticket, email Heather Watts at doebayfestvolunteers@gmail.com.

For locals interested in purchasing their tickets, Doe Bay has set aside some tickets only for locals, available to people that have some place else to sleep on Orcas besides at Doe Bay Resort itself. “We are sold out as always and we really appreciate the support of our Orcas friends and neighbors,” says resort owner Joe Brotherton. “We actively encourage attendees to support our local economy, and we hope locals can also come out and enjoy Doe Bay Fest,” says Brotherton. Orcas residents that want to buy tickets for Doe Bay Fest 10 should call the front desk of the resort at 360-376-2291.

Tickets at full price are $195 each but are discounted to just $125 for Orcas Locals for the 4 days of music, and children 12 and under are free of charge. “It’s very family friendly with special activities for kids, numerous local food vendors, and even a few kid-centered acts,” says Mitchell. The resort encourages carpooling, as parking is a limiting factor and we cannot allow any on-street parking for the event. “Our sheriff’s deputies do a great job supporting a safe festival and we ask you help them and our neighbors by parking appropriately in designated parking areas, and please car pool,” says Mitchell.

To attend, Mitchell insists locals please plan ahead as the resort does not expect to have any tickets available for purchase during the event. Wristbands are required to be on the property, including eating at the Doe Bay Café, during the festival dates of August 10-14. For more information, contact Jami Mitchell at jami@doebay.com or call the Doe Bay front desk at 360-376-2291.