The Creative Countdown is On: An Artful Start to Summer in Port Washington

Make Port Washington your spring destination for art inspiration as we count down to summer!

There is a specific kind of magic that settles over our lakeside harbor as April’s crisp air turns to the warmer breezes of May. While the rest of the world might be rushing toward summer, here in Port Washington, we prefer to savor the lead-up—the "Creative Countdown," if you will. This month, our charming streets aren't just a backdrop; they are a canvas. From the rhythmic sound of charter boats heading out at dawn to the sudden splashes of color appearing in downtown storefronts and gardens, May is our vibrant bridge to the season of sun. Whether you’re here for the beautiful felted flowers or the creative inspiration of a local workshop, every day this month is a deliberate step toward our biggest summer kickoff Festival of the Arts. 

Add these to your May calendar:

[ Art Events ]

• Petals in Port: A Spring Flower Walk on May 9th -- Bring mom for a relaxing stroll through downtown shops, as you build a felt flower bouquet with each stop, shop, sip tea and savor bite-sized treats. Tickets make the perfect Mother's Day gift! GET TICKETS
• The Floral Edit at Bon Bon Belle Bridal on May 15th -- Add a little spring color to your big day and get a little pampered with mimosas, macarons, and a lineup of floral gown options BOOK YOUR SPOT
• Garden Club Plant Sale on May 23rd -- This annual plant sale is full of your favorite perennials and annuals. Right down Grand Ave from downtown. LEARN MORE
• Hygge at the Lake: An Immersive Art Experience on May 30th -- Stroll over to Pier Street during Port Festival of the Arts for an immersive art experience engaging your senses in cozy lake vibes. Port Washington Yoga and Brian Slawson Photography are bringing us this unique art pop-up.
• Frank Braun Art Legacy Auction on May 30th -- Celebrate the life and inspiring legacy of Frank Braun with a silent art auction of his personal collection at the American Legion Post 82 from 10 am to 4 pm LEARN MORE
• Port Festival of the Arts on May 30th -- Experience our summer kickoff, art-filled street festival with live music stage and two global performing arts stages, interactive family art zone, art and artisan vendors, community loom, street food and drinks on Washington Street. This family-fun event is free, and there is free parking all throughout downtown Port Washington! Welcome in summer at the harbor in Port Washington. LEARN MORE

[ Take an Art Class ]

• Beginner Watercolor Class Series -- Learn the basics of watercolor in a three-part series at Art Perspective Gallery throughout May (5/4, 5/11, 5/18) LEARN MORE & SIGN UP
• Clay Night: Handbuilt Pottery Plates on May 7th -- Create your own clay plate at The Purple Turtle Artisan Collective SIGN UP
• Intermediate Watercolor Class Series -- Level up your watercolor skills in a three-part series at Art Perspective Gallery in May (5/7, 5/14, 5/21) LEARN MORE & SIGN UP
• Mother's Day Succulent Bar on May 8th -- Get creative with a succulent planting bar at our new downtown bookstore Verbosity Bookhouse
• Peep Into Spring: Felt A Little Chicken on May 17th -- Learn to felt at The Purple Turtle Artisan Collective
• Celebrate Yourself! A Poetry Masterclass on May 23rd -- Learn to embrace poetry as a healing practice in this professor-led class perfect for all writing levels at Verbosity Bookhouse REGISTER

[ Public Art ]

• New vintage postcard sign to be installed at Heart of the Harbor the last week of May by Port Washington Main Street
• New mural work on Jackson Street coming in June -- prep work is underway in May!
• Take the Mural Walk to see the 13 murals installed from 2023-2025 with the Paint on Port initiative -- Interactive Mural Walk

[ Shopping ]

Downtown Port Washington is full of unique, locally-owned galleries, boutiques and gift shops. Many of the shops feature local and regional artists and artisans, making Port Washington a perfect destination for finding that one-of-a-kind statement piece you've been looking for -- or that handmade accessory to finish your look. 

Shop places like Art Perspective Gallery, The Purple Turtle Artisan Collective, Locally Inspired, Gallery 224, Eclectic Avenue, or Newport Vintage for those artful finds.

Enjoy and shop local artists exhibited at cafes and restaurants throughout town. Stop at Java Dock Cafe, Tulip Cafe, and Inventors Brewpub.

Throughout May, all roads (and waves) lead to the harbor. We can’t wait to see you on May 30th as we officially kick off the summer season with the Port Festival of the Arts—the ultimate masterpiece to finish our month-long countdown.