The Concrete Mountain Film Festival has been named the best event in Washington state in the small market category by the Washington Festivals & Events Association (WFEA). The award was presented during the association’s annual conference at the Bellevue Marriott, recognizing the festival’s unique contribution to the community and its growing appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
Valerie Stafford, president of the Concrete Chamber of Commerce and co owner of the historic Concrete Theatre, accepted the award on behalf of the Chamber and the theatre. She is pictured with Meredith McIlmoyle, executive director of the Anacortes Arts Festival, holding the festival’s new award.
For a community of just 815 people, the recognition is a meaningful reminder that small towns can make a big impact.
More Than Just a Film Festival
The Concrete Mountain Film Festival began in March 2020 with a simple idea: bring together people who are curious about the outdoors, care about the planet, and are willing to try something new.
The festival grew out of the owners’ love for the historic Concrete Theatre, a gathering place that has brought people together for more than a century. Surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the North Cascades, Concrete is a natural home for an event celebrating outdoor adventure, environmental awareness, and community connection.
While films remain at the heart of the festival, the experience has expanded well beyond the screen. Past activities have included hikes, 5K runs, outdoor poetry writing workshops, forest bathing, fungi scavenger hunts, and fundraisers supporting other organizations.
The goal is to inspire people not just to watch, but to participate, explore, and take action.
As Valerie shared in her acceptance speech, “we want the festival to be a place where the audience doesn’t just sit and watch. Because more than anything, events like these are about creating connections. And in today’s world, isn’t that what we all need?”
Save the Date: March 19, 20 and 21, 2027
The award winning Concrete Mountain Film Festival returns for its fifth annual celebration on March 19, 20 and 21, 2027.
Mark your calendar for a weekend of inspiring films, outdoor activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow adventurers and the community. Whether you are a longtime outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, the festival offers a wonderful reason to visit Concrete.
Congratulations to everyone who helps make this special event possible. This statewide recognition is a win for the festival, the Concrete Theatre, and the entire Concrete community.
Learn more about the Concrete Mountain Film Festival and plan your visit to Concrete!
