Time to put these fall and winter events on your travel calendar
information released; photos courtesy of Winthrop Chamber of Commerce and Mitchell Image Photography
As summer winds down, Winthrop is gearing up for a packed end of summer, fall and winter event season filled with the sights, sounds and traditions that make Washington’s Methow Valley a memorable destination.
From rodeo action and vintage automobiles to quilting, hydroplane racing, treasure hunting and an old-fashioned cowboy Christmas, Winthrop’s upcoming events offer visitors plenty of reasons to plan a getaway.
With events spanning September through November, visitors can pair these signature celebrations with scenic drives, outdoor recreation, local dining, shopping and a stay in the Methow Valley. Whether you come to cheer from the rodeo stands, admire a vintage automobile, hunt for a quilting treasure, watch hydroplanes fly across the lake, browse for a one-of-a-kind find or gather beneath the fireworks for Christmas at the End of the Road, there’s always a reason to head up the road to Winthrop.
Methow Valley Rodeo Grounds & Winthrop Barn Auditorium Celebrate the end of summer with a dose of authentic Western action at the Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo. Produced by the Methow Valley Horsemen, the community rodeo celebrates a long-standing tradition of horsemanship, competition and Western culture. Rodeo performances begin at 1pm both Saturday and Sunday, with classic events and family-friendly entertainment that capture the spirit of a small-town rodeo.
The Labor Day weekend celebration continues after the rodeo with Post-Rodeo Dance Parties both Saturday and Sunday evening, giving visitors another opportunity to kick up their boots and enjoy the community atmosphere. Proceeds from the dances support Winthrop’s annual Winter Fireworks Show during Christmas at the End of the Road. For visitors looking for a quintessential Methow Valley weekend, Labor Day is a chance to combine rodeo excitement with Winthrop’s Western-themed downtown, mountain scenery, local shops and restaurants.
Riverside Avenue Start your engines! The 51st Annual Winthrop Vintage Wheels Show returns to downtown Winthrop on September 12th, bringing an impressive collection of vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers and plenty of colorful characters to town.
The celebrations kick off on Friday, September 11th at the in-person registration party at Mack Lloyd Park with free hot dogs for anyone participating with a vehicle, beer available for purchase, and music playing in the park. Attendees should bring their families and a picnic blanket to enjoy the evening with other car enthusiasts.
The Vintage Wheels Show begins on Saturday September 12th with a 10am parade along Riverside Avenue, followed by the Show & Shine from approximately 11:30am. to 3pm. A Poker Run around the valley rounds out the day’s activities. Spectators attend free of charge. Vintage Wheels is a quintessential Winthrop event: laid-back, family-friendly and full of automotive nostalgia, all set against the backdrop of the town’s Old West streets and North Cascades scenery.
Downtown Winthrop Quilters and lovers of handmade craftsmanship will have plenty to discover during the Winthrop Quilt Round Up on September 19th.
Local quilters will display their work throughout town while visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt through local shops and enter a raffle featuring gift baskets filled with local goodies. Scavenger hunt passports are available from 10am to 5pm outside the downtown Visitor Information Center, with proceeds benefiting the Shafer Museum. The raffle drawing takes place at 6pm at Lost River Winery. This event offers a unique way to experience Winthrop’s creative community while exploring downtown businesses, shopping and dining.
Pearrygin Lake State Park The Methow Valley shifts gears in October when the Pearrygin Lake Hydroplane Races roar onto one of the region’s most scenic lakes. Visitors can watch powerful hydroplanes skim across the water at thrilling speeds while surrounded by mountain views. The weekend features high-speed racing, shoreline viewing and family-friendly lake-day fun at Pearrygin Lake State Park.
The 2026 races run October 3rd & 4th, beginning Saturday at 11am and continuing through Sunday afternoon. For visitors who enjoy motorsports, outdoor recreation and spectacular scenery, the hydroplane regatta offers an experience that is distinctly Methow Valley.
Winthrop Barn Auditorium Treasure hunters, vintage enthusiasts and bargain seekers won’t want to miss the Winthrop Thrift Market on October 11th. Held at the historic Winthrop Barn Auditorium from 10am to 2pm, the market features a curated collection of vendors offering antiques, collectibles, second-hand treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. Visitors can browse the market while enjoying music and mimosas from the barn balcony.
Admission is free, with mimosas available for purchase to guests 21 and over. It’s a perfect fall weekend activity for visitors looking to discover something unexpected and bring a little piece of Winthrop home with them.
As winter arrives in the Methow Valley, Winthrop kick starts the holiday season with one of its most beloved traditions: Christmas at the End of the Road. This old-fashioned cowboy Christmas transforms downtown Winthrop into a holiday celebration filled with local shopping, dining, outdoor ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, chainsaw carving, caroling, a town lighting and a spectacular fireworks show.
The main celebration takes place Saturday, November 28th, with Kiwanis Winter Fest and photos with Santa at the Winthrop Barn from 1pm to 4pm, horse-drawn carriage rides, campfires on Riverside Avenue, the town lighting at 5pm, caroling and the iconic winter fireworks show lighting up the town at 6pm. The celebration is part of a full holiday weekend in the Methow Valley, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy holiday shopping and activities throughout the region before gathering in Winthrop for the grand finale.
For more information about things to do, great food to enjoy, and places to stay in the Methow Valley, visit winthropwashington.com
