The Moondoggies at Doe Bay 2009 ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

We’ve been counting down the days to this year’s Doe Bay Fest since the moment we drove off the Doe Bay Resort property early one sunny morning last August. Now that the fest is finally here, we’re having a seriously difficult time focusing on anything not Doe Bay related.

Since we’re veterans of the festival, we wanted to share some tips with those of you lucky enough to be joining us for some Island time.

Getting There:

Be sure to plan ahead in regards to the ferries. Ferries will fill up during summer months, especially on weekends and most especially when there are music festivals happening. Arrive in Anacortes at least an hour before your ferry is scheduled to leave, lest the boat fills up. If you are going to walk on the ferry, realize that Doe Bay is on the opposite side of the island from Olga/the ferry dock and you’ll have to figure out a ride across the island to the festival.

Our recommended Doe Bay Schedule:

Friday August 13th

If you arrive before 4 — explore the grounds, set up your tent and check out Mike McCarthy & Tito Ramsey on the Patio Stage.

4:00-4:45 - Shelby Earl (Patio Stage)
5:00-5:45 - Jake Hemming (Patio Stage) - catch 15 or 20 minutes, before running to …
5:15-6:00 - Black Whales (Main Stage)
6:15-7:00 - Fences (Main Stage)
7:20-8:30 - Portland Cello Project with Special Guests (Main Stage)
8:45-9:45 - Hey Marseilles (Main Stage)
10:15-11:00 - Ravenna Woods (Yoga Studio)
or also at 10:15 Tomo Nakyama and Drew Victor (Cafe Stage)
11:15-12:00 - The Head and The Heart (Yoga Studio)

Saturday August 14th

We know you partied last night around the bonfire, but wake up early and have breakfast at the Cafe. You’ll be serenaded by the songs of Kimo Muraki (10:00) and Ivan & Alyosha (11:00).

Even with a raging hangover there is no acceptable excuse to miss:

12:00-12:45 - Kaylee Cole (Patio Stage)
1:05-1:45 - Zoe Muth and Her Lost High Rollers (Main Stage)
2:00-2:45 - Shenandoah Davis (Patio Stage) — catch 25 minutes of Shenandoah then run up to
2:10-2:55 - Curtains for You (Main Stage)
3:15-4:00 - Drew Grow and the Pastors’ Wives (Main Stage)
4:20-4:55 - Grand Hallway (Main Stage)
5:15-6:15 - The Maldives (Main Stage)
6:40-8:00 - Grand Archives (Main Stage)
8:30 -10:00 - Fruit Bats (Main Stage)
10:15-11:00 - Kelli Schaefer (Yoga Studio)
11:15-12:00 - THEESastisfaction (Yoga Studio)

And some non-schedule recommendations from Doe Bay veterans:

Remember to bring flashlights to get around the grounds when the sun goes down, sunscreen for when the sun is up (the forecast is for sunny and 70s all weekend), water bottles, cash for the Cafe, Doe Bay Store and visiting food trucks, a sweatshirt or layers when it cools down in the evening, a garbage bag to pack out your trash, and a blanket to sit on for the main stage shows. Also don’t forget your quiet voice, Doe Bay Fest can only happen if the neighbors surrounding the festival grounds are happy … so there are quiet hours after 10pm.