There’s something about live music in the summer air that makes Vashon’s Strawberry Festival 2025 more than just a weekend event, it becomes a rhythm you live inside. This year, the Main Stage lineup is set to deliver exactly that kind of immersive energy, with three days of incredible performances that capture the island’s spirit and beyond.
Friday night kicks things off with the genre-blending stringband energy of Rumor Has It, a longtime Vashon favorite whose mix of bluegrass, rock, and Afro-Celtic tones sets the tone for what’s to come. The family-friendly Reptile Man brings curious kids (and fascinated adults) face to face with snakes, lizards, and facts that spark wonder. But when the sun begins to fade, it’s all about the beat Little Creatures, Central Vashon’s own Talking Heads tribute band, will have you dancing on the pavement, followed by a full-throttle glam rock explosion with Bowie Rex & His Boogie Army. Imagine Bowie, Blondie, Prince, and Roxy Music all rolled into one electric, late-night set.
Saturday’s lineup grows even bigger and more eclectic. From the moment The Dusty 45s take the stage in the late morning, you’ll be swept into their high-octane Americana sound—gritty, melodic, and full of soul. Kimmi Bitter, dubbed “the future of classic country,” brings golden-era twang with a West Coast edge. Her voice feels like a time capsule, with a twist of something brand new. And as the day leans into evening, Ron Artis II brings his heart-led songwriting and powerful vocals all the way from Hawaii, stirring something deep and honest in the crowd.
By nightfall, the music turns up. Jealous Dogs channel The Pretenders with uncanny precision, then Portage Fill a Festival tradition since 1973 takes over in front of Sporty’s, offering big band swing that fills the street with dancers. But the true crescendo comes with The Power Players, an 11-piece band loaded with horns, harmonies, and all the hits from Steely Dan to Earth, Wind & Fire. And when Publish the Quest closes out the night, it’s a genre-defying mashup of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and funk that pulses with global energy and local heart.
Sunday brings no slowdown. The Panda Conspiracy opens the afternoon with a reggae-funk fusion that turns the park into a joyful, dance-ready space. Then Hell’s Belles delivers thunderous AC/DC hits with the kind of precision and passion that earned the all-female band a nod from Angus Young himself. And finally, Loose Change, formed right here on Vashon more than 25 years ago, wraps it all up with a brass-filled, soul-powered set that celebrates community and the joy of live music. If you’ve never danced to “Mustang Sally” or shouted along to “Pink Cadillac” with dozens of strangers on stage—you will now.
And while you’re soaking in all that sound, don’t forget to swing by the Vashon-Maury.com booth. We’ll be there all weekend with swag, stickers, and smiles. Grab a pen, pick up a VSH sticker for your car or water bottle, and meet the team: Anna Schomsky, author of the Weekly Rundown that turns Facebook drama into gold; Heather Love, who’s helping local businesses get seen and supported; and founder Jennifer Mathews, a fourth-generation islander, equestrian, and SEO insights manager at Adobe.
Whether you’re here for the music, the memories, or just the magic of island summer, this year’s Strawberry Festival will hit all the right notes.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
