To The 2026 Dads and Grads

You know when you’re standing in a store trying to figure out what to buy someone, and you suddenly realize you have no idea what they want? That’s where most of us are right now with dads and grads. One group wants to be left alone with their grill and a cold drink. The other is about to leave town for the next chapter of their life. How do you celebrate two completely different milestones with one trip downtown?

Well, Downtown Edmonds makes it easier than you think.

This year, Father’s Day and graduation season are calling for celebrations that feel personal, intentional, and rooted in our community. So whether you’re shopping for your favorite grillmaster or your newly-minted grad, we’ve put together a guide that honors both of these important people in your life. Bookmark this page, grab your wallet, and let’s celebrate the dads and grads big this year.

The Gift of Enduring Art

Sunlight Gallery + Studio

The Edmonds Arts Festival returns for its annual Father’s Day weekend (June 19–21, 10am–7 pm Friday and Saturday, 10am–5pm Sunday) with over 240 artists showcasing their work at Frances Anderson Center. This is the perfect jumping off point for your Downtown Edmonds celebration. 

For dad, consider some lawn art from the fest, or a framed topography map. For your grad heading off to college or moving across the country, a piece of local art becomes a tangible piece of home they can take with them. A painting or photograph from Sunlight Gallery + Studio will remind them of the Edmonds they’re leaving behind. And for the big stage-walking day, don’t forget to pre-order a beautiful bouquet from FIELD. 

For smaller giftables and gift cards, pop into The Papery, Crow, The Paper Feather, or newly-opened Beach House (a recent Richmond Beach transplant!). Each shop is staffed by people study what makes a good gift. If you’re stuck, they’ll help you unstick.

Want something unexpected? Head to Edmonds Frame Design & Atelier and frame one of their favorite prints, pieces, or photos. For the grad, framing their diploma is both a gift to them and a keepsake for you—after all, you were part of the journey.

For home goods that feel special, check out HouseWares and Camp Vintage. Both have curated selections—with completely different vibes—that make great gifts for someone who’s either setting up a new space or refreshing their current one.

Celebrate In Style

Comstock Jewelers

Your grad needs something to wear to celebrations. Podium has the perfect PNW flannel or vintage tee. Your dad might appreciate new threads too. Cline and Comstock have beautiful jewelry if you’re looking for something more elevated—cufflinks for dad, something delicate for your grad.

And if they need to look sharp for post-celebration photos? Beauty & The Barber will give them the perfect pre-celebration shave and grooming experience.

Cheers For The Years

Salish Sea Brewing Co.

For the 21+ crowd, take them out for a proper toast. ChurchKey Pub, Daphnes, Kelnero, and Vinbero all make cheers’ing easy and delicious. 

Dad more of a beer guy? Maize & Barley has rotating taps and monthly food specials, or Salish Sea Brewing Co. has hand-crafted ales and lagers. For the underage crowd, Salish even has craft root beer on tap.

Fox + Bottle

And don’t forget to grab—or wrap up—a bottle from The Fox + Bottle for a gift they can take home and enjoy later.

Yeah, Dinner Out Is The Move

Salt & Iron

A celebratory dinner is sure to be a memory maker. Reserve a table at Calypso, Charcoal, Girardi’s Osteria, Las Brisas Restaurante, Salt & Iron, or one of the many other wonderful restaurants dotting Downtown Edmonds. You could even make reservations at a few spots and host a self-guided food tour around town with your crew. After all, the night is young and so are you!

Plan an Adventure

Rick Steves’ Europe

Your grad taking a gap year? Your dad finally ready to tackle that Europe bucket list? Rick Steves’ Europe is headquartered right here in Edmonds. Let them browse, dream, and plan. They can gear up for their adventure while getting expert advice on any budget. You could even surprise them with a pre-scheduled consultation or pre-purchased guided tour. There’s nothing like sending someone you love off with the knowledge that a local hero has their back.

If Europe isn’t calling, the Edmonds Bookshop has everything they need to dream about their next adventure, wherever that might be.

How Are You Celebrating Your Dads and Grads This Year?

Is your mind now full of ideas? Perfect. Tag us in your social media posts or add #loveedmonds to your captions. We’ll share your dad-ly and grad-ly celebrations to our stories!

Here’s to the dads who grill, the grads who dream, and the community that celebrates them both.

By Whitney Popa, photos by Matt Hulbert