In Washington, many events and activities are seasonal, meaning they start at a certain time of year and end at a certain time of year, and for the rest of the year, one can only sit back and wait until the cycle starts again. In the coming weeks, several of Washington’s seasonal activities and events will come to an end until next year.

For one, Friday marks one of the last chances for residents of the community and surrounding areas to attend Artwalk this year. The quarterly event is an opportunity to view the latest artworks by both local and out-of-town artists that are featured by each of the participating galleries and businesses in the downtown community. Many businesses also offer adult beverages and hors d’oeuvres for visiting patrons and attendees. All in all, it’s a great opportunity for art lovers to get out and socialize, view some local pieces of art and it’s free. Artwalk will also be held in November, but it will not return to Washington’s Main Street until March 2016.

Another soon-to-be-over event is Washington’s Music in the Streets, a tradition that started well over a decade ago. The monthly MITS is not offered from November through March, and with Oct. 16 being the last chance to hear live, local music on Main Street, that opportunity will not present itself again for another six months. Oct. 16 will also kick-off the annual Smoke on the Water barbecue festival with a tongue-in-cheek Pig Parade. The event is free and open to the public.

Washington Harbor District Alliance’s Saturday Market will end Oct. 10, a week before Smoke on the Water. This will be the last day to view and purchase the assortment of locally grown and handmade goods the Beaufort County area has to offer.

Washington is a great place to live, work and play. There is always some kind of entertainment going on. However, a chance to do something enjoyable free of charge is a rare thing. Take advantage of the opportunities available in the area before switching gears for the holiday season. One may find a piece of art they love, hear a new musical act that gets feet tapping or grab a bag of the last of summer’s gardening harvest before these opportunities vanish until next year.