Orcas Today: May 29th-31st

OrcasFest
May 28th-30th
The second annual OrcasFest kicks off with a community square dance at Odd Fellows Hall on May 28th from 7:00-9:00pm. Daytime, evening & late night concerts, dances, jams & workshops will be happening at Odd Fellows, Orcas Center and around town at various smaller venues Friday and Saturday including: Cafe Aurora, the Wee Chapel at Outlook Inn, The Barnacle, The Lower Tavern, Printshop, Orcas Bakery, and Squeezers. Tickets are still available! Don’t miss out on this chance to ramble around town! Day and weekend passes can be purchased at orcasfest.com. OrcasFest is a celebration of music and community started by Reeb Willms and Orcas Island born Caleb Klauder and Tashi Litch. These three touring musicians hatched a plan to bring the world class music that they encounter out on the road back home to Orcas Island to be experienced by locals and visitors. They wanted to create a setting where music could be experienced in small intimate venues around Eastsound, bringing joyous energy to town, and giving everyone a rare and unique way to see and hear these great musicians up close!

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
May 29th from 11:00am-11:30pm
Join Jenny for storytime in our kids section!

Art with Carla at the Orcas Senior Center
Fridays from 1:00-3:00pm
Led by experienced artist Carla Stanley, this lighthearted class focuses on the creative process with a strong belief in your artistic potential, regardless of skill level. The class is $10 (or $8 for OSC members). Contact Carla at 360.317.5652 or onlyonorcas@gmail.com to secure your spot. Uncover your artistic potential and join creative Fridays at Orcas Senior Center!

Needlework Circle at The Orcas Senior Center

Fridays from 2:00-6:00pm
Join this weekly gathering for knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and all needleworkers at Orcas Senior Center, every Friday at 2pm. Come hang out—no project required! Whether you haven’t knitted in years, want to learn to crochet, or just want to relax and chat, you’ll find a wonderful selection of donated yarn, needles, books, and plenty of friendly advice. For more information, contact Edy Hansen at edy@orcasseniors.org or 206.413.6167
 
Art Opening Reception
May 29th from 5:00-7:00pm at Orcas Center
Orcas Center for the Arts presents “Sculpted Light and Painted Memories”, a new exhibition by Victoria Smith.  Guests are invited to join an evening of art and community featuring complimentary refreshments and a wine bar, as they explore Smith’s work throughout the gallery. The exhibition highlights her signature approach to capturing light, form, and memory through expressive visual storytelling.

On Screen at Seaview Theater:  The Devil Wears Prada 2
May 29th & 30th at 7:00pm, May 30th at 4:00pm
Rated PG.
 

Adult Ballet: Level 1 Barre & Stretch
Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am at the Orcas Center
Adults Ballet classes are a great way to learn basic ballet steps at the barre to help stretch and strengthen your body. Some ballet classes will learn short choreography in the middle of the floor and work on turns, leaps and jumps. Dancers of all levels are welcome to come give these classes a try. Ages 16+. Register here

Orcas Island Farmers Market
Saturdays from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Village Green
Head down to the Village Green every Saturday from 10am-2pm and support your favorite vendors, farmers and food growers, and catch some amazing musical talent from the stage.  Featuring live music by The Irthlingz.
Murmuration Art Opening
May 30th from 11:00am-4:00pm at the Orcas Art Barn
Orcas Art Barn is honored to present Murmuration, a month-long exhibition by Orcas Island artist Kandis Susol. Join us for the opening Artists Reception on May 30th at 4:00pm, with a special cider tasting from Orcas Island Cider. The exhibition features Susol’s poetic mixed-media works inspired by nature, memory, and transformation. The show runs through June 27th.

American Legion Pancake Breakfast
May 31st from 8:00am-12:00pm at the American Legion Hall
Enjoy a classic breakfast featuring pancakes, bacon or sausage, and two eggs, along with coffee, tea, and orange juice. Join us for a hearty meal and a great community tradition!

Contemporary Dance
Sundays from 10:00-11:15am at the Orcas Center Dance Studio
Contemporary Dance meets Sundays & Tuesdays from 10:00-11:15am, at the Orcas Center Dance Studio and Thursdays from 5:15-6:45pm at Odd Fellows Hall. Drop-in classes are $20, or save with a 5- or 10-class pass for $15 per class. Passes can be purchased through the Parks & Rec website or in person at the office(30 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound, WA).

Tumbling & Acro
Sundays from 4:00-5:00pm at the Old Gym
Drop-in classes are $20, or save with a 5- or 10-class pass for $15 per class. Passes can be purchased through the Parks & Rec website or in person at the office (30 Pea Patch Lane, Eastsound, WA).
35+ Basketball
Sundays from 4:00-6:00pm at the Old Gym
Join other adult basketball players in pick-up basketball games on the full court in the gym. New and experienced players are invited to join a team. The gym opens at 4pm each Sunday, and play continues through 6pm. Indoor shoes are required. Balls and a first aid kit are provided. Pay $5 for a one-time drop-in, or pay $30 for a 6 month all-access pass that allows you to drop-in to any adult sport, including soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. Buy your Drop-in Pass Here.
 
15+ Futsal
Sundays from 4:00-6:00pm at the Orcas High School Gym
Drop-in 15+ Futsal, $5 drop-in per class or $30 for an all-pass for any drop-in sport. Coordinated by Orcas Island Park and Recreation.
 
16+ Volleyball
Wednesday/Sunday from 7:30-9:30pm at the Old Gym
Join adult volleyball players in the gym to learn volleyball and put your skills to the test in rounds of short games. New and experienced players are invited to join and play along. Several players are needed to help set-up and remove the net each time. Indoor shoes are required. Pay $5 for a one-time drop-in, or pay $30 for a 6 month all-access pass that allows you to drop-in to any adult sport, including soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee. Purchase your Drop-in Pass Here

Little Summit Trail – Difficult

2.2 miles. 430 feet elevation gain/loss Little Summit rests above Mountain Lake on the eastern side of Mount Constitution. The Little Summit Trail starts at one of the best picnic vistas in Moran State Park, with several tables for visitors to relax on as they enjoy views of Mount Pickett and the south sound. The trail continues along the sloping ridge of the mountain towards the summit through variable terrain populated by switchbacks, ant hills, and ancient Lodgepole Pine growth. Several vantage points along the trail offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities of eastern Orcas Island, including Mountain Lake and Twin Lakes, and the waters of the Salish Sea. Take the mid-way cutoff towards the Cold Springs Trail for further hiking or continue the ascent towards the summit and see the best view in the San Juan Islands.

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Matthew’s Smokehouse and Deli – By Simon

A Brief Overview Southern cooking, at its essence, is comfort. Comfort for both body and soul, and a place for people to come together in an environment, created as much by the food as anything else, and share experiences. Fueled by salt and fat, southern cooking is not a tame cuisine and takes a skilled and sure hand to wield it well. A chef must walk the path of authentic southern cooking lest they move towards unflattering imitation, slathered in store-bought barbecue sauce, reliant on little more than sugar to mask the clear lack of flavor. It is unexpected then, at least to me, to find something so outlandish as a Southern-style smokehouse located here on Orcas Island, especially in the building that once housed what was perhaps “just another American-Italian semi-fine-dining restaurant”. While I came away from my meal somewhat conflicted, certain things were never in doubt. Clarity, however, eludes me when examining the intricacies of the ownership of the establishment. Despite this fact…

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