With less than 40 days until The Real Twin Peaks 2024 event returns to Snoqualmie Valley, Washington, I’m sharing nine reasons you should join me among the fantastic trees in Washington State from February 23-25, 2024.
SEE THE EVENT GUIDE FOR REAL TWIN PEAKS 2024
BE THERE AT 11:30 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 24
It may be one of the most famous entrances for a television show – Special Agent Dale Cooper’s arrival into the town of Twin Peaks. Being a fan of Mark Frost and David Lynch’s masterpiece for decades, I had long dreamed of being in the real Twin Peaks of Snoqualmie, Washington on February 24 at 11:30 a.m. to recite those famous words spoken by Cooper as he drove past the Welcome to Twin Peaks sign.
On February 24, 2023, that dream came true!
I joined fellow Twin Peaks fans from around the world as Kelly Coughlin, Executive Director of the Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce, joined then City Council member Mary Miller (who is now Mayor of North Bend) as one of three official Twin Peaks Day proclamations were read at the iconic sign spot along Reinig Road. Can’t wait to do it again!
TWIN PEAKS BREAKFAST AT THE SALISH LODGE
One of the surprise highlights from my visit in 2023 was the Twin Peaks Day breakfast at The Salish Lodge. The exterior of this beautiful hotel served as The Great Northern Hotel in Twin Peaks.
Chef Sergio at The Dining Room created several delicious options, from A Policeman’s Dream (house doughnuts with lemon curd) to Jerry Horne’s baguette with brie and butter to griddle cakes with ham (as nothing beats the taste sensation when maple syrup collides with ham). Oh, coffee at The Salish Lodge – exceptional! I can’t wait to see what they cook up this year!
INFORMATIVE PANEL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT TWIN PEAKS
Aside from the delicious meals, I loved the informative and entertaining panels about Twin Peaks. Held in several venues in downtown Snoqualmie, it was awesome hearing fellow fans discuss a show we all adore. And I learned so many new things!
This year’s panels promise to continue that tradition. I’m honored to join long-time fans as we discuss Twin Peaks film locations, local Snoqualmie Valley history, props, and archiving this wonderful and strange show. Here’s a tentative schedule of what you can expect from these free panels:
**UPDATED FEBRUARY 10, 2024**
Note dates, times and locations have been updated.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2024
1:00 p.m.: “Did You Know? Fun Facts About Twin Peaks Film Locations” with Steven Miller @ Hartwood Cafe (202 W. North Bend Way, North Bend)
3:00 p.m.: “In Conversation with Jeff Moore, Prop Master for Season 2” with Jeff Moore, Vinnie Guidera, Jason Mattson, and Steven Miller @ Friends & Co. (111 W. North Bend Way, North Bend)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024
9:00 a.m.: “This Dream Place: Twin Peaks Film Locations in Los Angeles” with Josh Eisenstadt and Steven Miller @ The Black Dog (8062 Railroad Ave., Snoqualmie)
12:00 p.m.: “Did You Know? Fun Facts About Twin Peaks Film Locations” with Steven Miller @ Hartwood Cafe (202 W. North Bend Way, North Bend)
2:00 p.m.: “In Conversation with Jeff Moore, Prop Master for Season 2” with Jeff Moore, Vinnie Guidera and Jason Mattson @ Friends & Co. (111 W. North Bend Way, North Bend)
6:00 p.m.: “Rancho Rosa: Fans Remember Watching The Filming of Twin Peaks: The Return in Washington” @ No Boat Brewing (35214 SE Center Street #2nd, Snoqualmie)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2024
10:00 a.m.: Courtenay Stallings’ Book Signing @ North Bend Trading Co. (111 E. North Bend Way, North Bend)
11:00 a.m.: “Archiving & Documenting” with Steven Miller, John Thorne and Karl Reinsch @ Arete (112 W. 2nd Street, Ste. C, North Bend)
11:45 a.m.: “Twin Peaks: Part 8” with Josh Eisenstadt and John Thorne @ Pearl & Stone Wine Co. (201 Main Avenue North, North Bend)
12:00 p.m.: “Secret Diary of Laura Palmer” with Courtney Stallings and Mary Hütter @ Kaffeeklatsch @ Snoqualmie Trading Co. (8112 Railroad Avenue, Snoqualmie)
SEE MOVIES AT THE NORTH BEND THEATRE
The historic North Bend Theatre played an important part in Twin Peaks history. In August 1992, the location hosted the United States premiere of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. Decades later, you can return to the theatre for several film screenings including David Lynch’s Wild at Heart at February 23 at 7:00 p.m.; The Missing Pieces of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me (with an interactive panel discussion) on Saturday, February 24 at 1:00 p.m.; and the short films of David Lynch that evening starting at 7:00 p.m.
VISIT TWIN PEAKS FILM LOCATIONS
If you love Twin Peaks film locations like I do, this is your chance to walk in so many spots in Washington State. The Roadhouse Restaurant and Inn in Fall City served as the exterior of the Roadhouse from the series and feature film. They will be hosting a special dinner too during the weekend’s festivities.
There will be a Film Location bus tour on February 23 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. for VIP Ticket holders. If you are looking to explore on your own, check out the film locations page. Don’t forget to get a Discover Pass if you are headed to Olallie State Park outside North Bend.
A NEON DREAM AT TWEDE’S CAFE
Coffee and cherry pie are a must at Twede’s Cafe in North Bend during Real Twin Peaks 2024. But the real joy is seeing the neon “RR” sign back on this iconic location that served as the Double R Diner in the series. It’s a neon dream come true! Twede’s Cafe will also be hosting a special dinner for VIP Ticket holders.
SHOP LIKE JOSIE PACKARD
You may recall that Josie Packard loved to go shopping in Seattle. You can channel her shopping prowess with many unique and small shops throughout Snoqualmie Valley. The North Bend Trading Co. and Snoqualmie Trading Co. are two great spots. Shopping atThe Salish Lodge is also a must do (pick up some specially made honey made at the resort!). But there are even more places where you can find plenty of Real Twin Peaks goodies.
After shopping, stop by Volition Brewing Co. in North Bend for some of the best beer I’ve ever tasted. Or if you’re in Snoqualmie, check out Snoqualmie Falls Brewery and Tap Room.
PARTYLAND!
When the day’s activities are done, there will be a few nighttime parties at Snoqualmie Valley Eagles (8200 Railroad Avenue, Snoqualmie) including the Pink Room Dance party on February 23 at 10:00 p.m.; and the MX Twin Peaks and Leland’s Karaoke on February 24 at 10:00 p.m.
A WHOLE DAMN TOWN OF TWIN PEAKS FANS
The best part about Real Twin Peaks 2024 will be the “Whole Damn Town” of Twin Peaks fans that will descend on North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City and the surrounding area in western Washington State. I love this fan community as they are some of the most kind, funny, caring and creative individuals I’ve ever met.
Thank you to the residents of Snoqualmie Valley for being so welcome to our wonderful and strange tribe. And a huge thank you to the North Bend Downtown Foundation and Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce for organizing this event that celebrates everything I love about the region.
Tickets are currently available at TheRealTwinPeaks.com. Hope to see you in the trees!
Nice write-up, Steven.
I live in the UK but desperately hope to make it over one year!
I hope you can make the trek one day. There is something extra special about being in the real Twin Peaks. The trees really are just as fantastic as Agent Cooper describes.