Orcas Today: November 6th-8th

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
November 6th from 11:00am-11:30pm
Join Jenny for storytime in our kids section!

Brewery Round-Up at The Lower Tavern
November 6th
When you have a lot of taps you can host an epic tap takeover! Are you a fan of El Suenito, Yonder Cider, Bellingham Cider, Fremont Brewing, San Juan Brewing, Beach Cat Brewing, Mirage Beer, and Orcas Wine Co.? The Lower will be serving it all up on Friday night to wet your whistle and get you good and ready for Hops on the Rock Saturday.

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 206.413.6167s

A Night of Worship
November 6th at 7:00pm at the Orcas Community Church
We have 11 talented student musicians visiting from Walla Walla Valley Academy.  Come and worship with us!

Hops-Eve Partay at Island Hoppin’ Brewery
November 6th from 4:00-9:00pm
Our very own Island Hoppin’ Brewery will be throwing down to help kick of Hops weekend with an epic Hops-Eve Party Friday night! There will be food from The Kitchen and music galore! Run for the Roses, Charlie Eon, The Cheeseburger Alleycats.

Hops on the Rock Events at Orcas Hotel Bar
November 6th-8th
November 6th from 4:00pm-late: Enjoy New Orleans-style jazz from The Dust Bunnies, plus Terramar beers and cocktail specials all night.
November 7th from 4:00pm-late: Lilo Sanchez & Pedro bring piano bar pop covers from the 1960s through the 2000s, with Stemma beer specials all night.
November 8th from 11:00am-4:00pm: Stop by for brunch featuring breakfast, burgers, burritos, Bloody Marys, and beers from your favorite brewers.

Single Hill Pre-Funk Party at Doe Bay Wine Co.
November 6th from 5:00-7:00pm
Make it funky with a visit to Doe Bay Wine Co. for the Single Hill pop-up!

Highland Park Brewery at Lone Pine Larder
November 6th from 5:00-8:00pm
After a fabulous summer of beer garden fun, Highland Park Brewery is back for Hops on the Rock weekend and will be pouring at the friendly confines of Lone Pine Larder! You won’t want to miss the special drop of cans plus beer on tap.

Meet the Maker: Chuckanut Brewery at The Barnacle
November 6th at 5:00pm
The Barnacle welcomes Mari Kemper, co-founder of Chuckanut Brewery, to The Barnacle for a special Hops on the Rock evening. Doors open at 5:00pm, with a Meet the Maker introduction and Q&A at 6:00pm—a chance to hear directly from Mari about Chuckanut, their beers, and the craft behind one of the Northwest’s most celebrated breweries. Throughout the evening, the Barnacle will be pouring Chuckanut flights, beer cocktails, and special food pairings, with a few limited Chuckanut-branded giveaways along the way.

Stories of Change
November 6th from 6:30-8:30pm at Held Space
Join storyteller Leah Lamb for An Evening of Stories of Change on Friday, November 6, from 6:30–8:30pm at Held Space Studio. Enjoy community storytelling, a dash of magic, and a few surprises while reflecting on what has changed, what is changing, and what’s ready to change. Come listen, laugh, and share if you feel inspired—no prepared story is needed. Bring an item for a collective Altar for Change. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets here.

Orcas Island Farmers Indoor Market
November 7th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Orcas School Cafeteria
Enjoy live music, local produce, handcrafted goods, and plenty of community connection—all in a warm, inviting space with ample seating.  Featuring live music by Gene Nery.

Hops on the Rock Beer Festival
November 7th from 11:00am-4:00pm
Raise a glass to the 9th Annual Hops on the Rock Beer Festival, returning to beautiful Orcas Island for another unforgettable celebration of craft beer, great food, live music, and good company! Join us for an island-style celebration featuring an incredible lineup of craft breweries and cideries, delicious local eats, live music, and plenty of opportunities to discover your next favorite pint. Whether you’re a serious beer enthusiast or just looking for a great excuse to spend a fall weekend on Orcas, Hops on the Rock delivers big flavor and island charm. Make a weekend of it! The festival begins Friday night with tap take overs all over the island and ends with brewers brunches on Sunday.

Roller Skate Night
November 7th from 5:00-9:00pm at the Old Gym
Orcas Island Park & Recreation District invites the community to enjoy Roller Skate Nights in the Orcas School Old Gym on select Saturdays: October 17, November 7, November 21, and December 5. All ages are welcome from 5-7pm, followed by a session for ages 13 and older from 7-9pm. Roller skates will be provided for $5 per person, with a maximum rental fee of $15 per family. Attendees younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Learn more at oiprd.org.

On Stage at Orcas Center: Ha Ha Da Vinci
November 7th at 7:00pm
A tuba lights the way, paintings come to life, and a time machine sends a grad student back to the Renaissance! This award-winning solo show blends illusion, music, puppetry, and theater as its heroine solves a 15th-century mystery to find her way home. Bring your curiosity for a magical adventure fit for all ages! Tickets are available at orcascenter.org.

Assignment North Korea
November 7th at 7:00pm at Odd Fellows Hall
Join nuclear nonproliferation expert Mark Schanfein for “Assignment North Korea: The Failed Attempts to Halt Their Nuclear Weapons Program.” Drawing on nearly five decades of experience, including work in North Korea during the Six-Party Talks, Schanfein offers a firsthand look at the technical and diplomatic challenges of halting the country’s nuclear weapons program. His career includes roles at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Donations are gratefully accepted to support programs at Odd Fellows Hall.

Second Sunday Supper
November 8th at 6:00pm at Cafe Aurora
Gather around for good food and great company on Sunday, with seating starting at 6pm. Reservations are required, so save your seat! Find the full menu and tickets here.

On Stage at Orcas Center: Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso
November 8th at 7:00pm
Join acclaimed jazz guitarists Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso at Orcas Center. Vignola has performed with artists ranging from Ringo Starr to the Boston Pops, while Grasso captivates audiences with his dazzling blend of bebop and classical technique. Together, they promise an evening of extraordinary musicianship—six strings each, endless possibilities!Tickets are available at orcascenter.org.

 

 

Cascade Lake Loop – Easy

2.7 miles. Slight elevation gain and loss With panoramic views of Cascade Lake and the surrounding hills, this trail is the perfect introduction to the beauty and grandeur of Moran State Park. Parking is available at the Day Use Area, by the South End Campground, or at the western boundary off Rosario Road. The loop is a family-friendly hike with wide, easily marked trails and numerous lookouts for photo shoots or for just taking a break. The trail runs by each Lake Campground and campers can enjoy daily walks to different sections of the lake. A classic style wood bridge crosses a quiet lagoon on the western side of the lake; a popular spot for swimming and fishing. Trails to Sunrise Rock and Cascade Creek join this trail at the South End Campground; pack a backpack lunch and explore the verdant interior of the San Juans’ largest park. The Cascade Lake Loop is open year-round to hikers only.

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Matthew’s Smokehouse & Deli – By Howie

‘Tis a tale as old as time (or at least two hundred and fifty years, give or take): Man put meat, butter, and oil together, cooked it, and the best food in the world was made! Okay, maybe a bit of an exaggeration; what you need to know is this: I love southern cuisine. Yes, I do realize most of it is likely not the healthiest option out there (heck, even the greens are usually slathered in butter and salt), but southern food is still one of the most beloved edible styles out there. Which is quite a bit of preamble to get to my point: Matthew’s Smokehouse & Deli nailed it down easily and left me excited for the opportunity to grace its halls with my gluttonous presence another time. Also, I must be forthcoming with you, dear readers, that though our first foray into the culinary world of Orcas Island was quite the side of the finer things in life, Matthew’s Smokehouse elects for a more stripped-down feel. Seating is open, food is ordered at a counter (as are drinks), and the only service you receive from the staff besides ordering and payment is being given your meal. Patrons collect their own silverware, fill their own water glasses, and retrieve…

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