During a sweltering August weekend in 2024, the scene at LittleBIGFest, a Whidbey Island music and arts festival, was nothing short of otherworldly. Repurposed metallic dishware gleamed inside a spaceship-themed beer garden, a spinning globe—bejeweled in mirror tiles—shimmered in orbit above. Astronautical prints lined walls and costumes were encouraged. Visitors certainly showed up and showed off. It was intergalactic, eccentric, and, above all else, a cosmic oddity brought to life. 

For the festival’s 2025 program, organizers held fast to the same spirit of creativity and play that has made LittleBIGFest what it is today, growing into a gathering place for all who breathe life into creativity and passion—a space for expression within a collective celebration of the senses. 

“It’s an offering for all sorts of musical vibes and artistic expressions, especially for the younger generations,” explained co-producer Priscilla Lowry. “We want them to leave with the thought, ‘Wow, I’ve never been to anything like this.’ It’s a mesh of generations and all walks of life. Baby boomers who remember the classic festival scene and students just out of school looking for a summer send-off.” 

The “Little” in LittleBIGFest comes from its grassroots beginnings. The first festival was produced on a site off Crawford Road. Founder and Executive Producer Keegan Harshman recalled the moment that inspired the name. 

At the inaugural event in 2018, a musician reflected that, “there’s so much energy here—it’s like this little BIG thing.” The words stuck with Harshman. “We’re grassroots and trying not to bite off more than we can chew,” he remarked. “If we can build upon it each year as we grow, then I think we’re doing something right.” 

“It’s a mesh of generations and all walks of life. Baby boomers who remember the classic festival scene and students just out of school looking for a summer send-off.”

Harshman’s vision had been simmering since childhood, when he attended the Oregon Country Fair with his parents. Later, while pursuing his music career in Central Coast, California, he was deeply influenced by the High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy. “Hands down the best festival in the world; small enough to stay personal, but so well-run and family friendly,” he said. “That energy made me want to bring something similar back home.” 

In 2023, LittleBIGFest outgrew its original venue and relocated to the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds and Events Center. What began as a single-stage gathering blossomed into a multi-stage experience, featuring local and regional performers. By 2025, the festival had grown to four stages, drawing in nearly 1,000 attendees each day. 

Preparing the fairgrounds each year is no small feat, with community volunteers bringing the producers’ vision to life. Themes guide the design and the 2025 “fantasy” motif transformed the grounds into a whimsical landscape. This year’s volunteer coordinator, Dana Melick, was responsible for recruiting folks for the three-day event. “We had about three times as many volunteers from last year,” he said. Volunteer support extends beyond the festival itself.

LittleBIGFest fundraiser events throughout the year help generate volunteer interest and raise funds, all while offering early bird tickets and live music. 

The success of LittleBIGFest is due to the strengths of its co-producers. Harshman, by his own admission a “whimsical Sagittarian,” approaches music as both a social bond and a universal language. Lowry, meanwhile, draws on her experience as a small business owner and gallery curator. Her knack for logistics, vendor coordination, and detail-oriented planning transforms Harshman’s expansive vision into a seamless event. 

In late 2023, LittleBIGFest officially became a nonprofit, with a mission to uplift regional musicians and artists while creating scholarship opportunities for local students. That nonprofit status allows the festival to access tourism grants— necessary funding that supports its ability to bring in bands from neighboring states. 

“Part of my vision has always been to support local artists,” said Harshman. “But real growth comes from broadening the circle. By inviting established bands with dedicated followings, we not only strengthen the network for our artists, but also spark tourism on Whidbey Island. The nonprofit model makes this expansion possible while keeping us rooted in our community.” 

To deepen its cultural and community impact, Harshman also prioritizes regional acts that bring diverse perspectives and sounds. Hosting female artists, BIPOC performers, and multifaceted genres is central to the festival’s programming. 

While its mission is significant, LittleBIGFest has never lost sight of fun. Programming is designed to offer “a little something for everyone.” Participants can enjoy a dedicated family zone, while music lovers move between stages, beer gardens, and even midday workshops. Mornings bring yoga and sound baths; nights end with the ever-popular Silent Disco and campsite hangouts. From taking in the music to enjoying local artisan products and food vendors, there is a diverse array of offerings all festival long. “You can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at LittleBIGFest,” laughed Lowry. 

As it enters the next chapter, LittleBIGFest continues to grow while staying true to its original spark—a community-driven celebration of art and music for future generations to come. LittleBIGFest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with the mission of creating an uplifting annual 3-day music and arts festival and supporting events which showcase the finest local and regional musicians, all the while creating scholarships for Whidbey Island students to further their education in music and the arts. They rely on community sponsorship and donations. 

To support their work, visit littlebigfest.org/pages/donate.