Rhythm & Blooms at Crescent Beach
August 8th-10th
Scientists from the University of Washington and Georgia Tech conducted research on Orcas Island in the summers of 2021 and 2022, studying East Sound’s algal bloom phenomena. They investigated how microbial communities and water chemistry changed before bloom formation to improve early detection of these harmful events. Now, three years later, the team is returning to share exciting findings with Orcas Island’s local and visiting communities. Join them at Crescent Beach (August 8th, 9:30am-12:30pm), Eastsound Waterfront Park (August 9th, 10:00am-2:00pm), and Orcas Island Public Library (August 10th 4:00pm) to learn what they did AND what they found! Explore marine life under microscopes, learn about San Juan food webs, play exciting games that tie into the stories of our marine environments, and even write algae-inspired poetry!
Orcas Artist Studio Tour
August 8th-10th from 11:00am-5:00pm
Explore beautiful Orcas Island on a 3-day studio tour with 35+ island artists! Follow the signs for a unique glimpse into the vibrant artist community on our beautiful island. This free, self-guided tour is a long-standing island tradition and grants visitors access to the intimate, creative, and inspiring spaces of talented local artists. We’re bringing the Studio Tour Passport back! Traverse the whole island and be entered to win a bounty of handcrafted fine art from island artists. Brochures will be available at the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, as well as at artists’ studios. Further information can be found at www.OrcasArtistStudioTour.com.
Fun in the Park: Outdoor Games
August 8th from 12:00-2:00pm at Buck Park
Come have fun in Buck Park throughout the Summer on Fridays from 12-2pm. Free for all ages!
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!
Teen Anime & Manga Fridays
Fridays from 2:00-3:00pm at the Orcas Library
This program runs June 20-August 22. This summer, we’re diving into Delicious in Dungeon—where fantasy meets food in the most unexpected (and hilarious) ways. Join us each week for episodes, manga chats, snacks, and hangouts. All teens welcome. Come nerd out with us!
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
Live Music & Art Opening at Orcas Island Winery
August 8th at 3:30pm
Featuring Pedro Lopez DeVictoria at 3:30pm in the garden, and MUST + HALO present new works by Christian Carlson and Ayame Bullock at 6:00pm.
OICMF: Rose of the San Juans
$40 Adult $10 Ages 6-18 (OICMF concerts are not appropriate for children under 6) There is an additional $2 per-ticket fee
Friday August 8, 7:30pm
6:30 Pre-Concert Talk: What inspires your compositions? with John Wineglass
Saturday August 9, 5:30pm
4:30 Pre-Concert Talk: What inspires your compositions? with John Wineglass
Teen Film Fest
August 8th & 9th at 9:00pm at The Funhouse
The Funhouse Commons will host the second annual Teen Film Fest on August 8th and 9th, free to attend. Outdoor screenings will begin at dusk (around 9 pm) on the sports court. In collaboration with Orcas Microcinema and the Northwest Film Forum, the festival will feature two curated, teen-made films from around the world. On Friday night, attendees can enjoy a screening of Summer’s Camera, followed by The Quiet Migration on Saturday night. The event will also include a showcase of animation clips created during the August 9th workshop. This is an outdoor screening, so attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and get cozy under the stars. All ages are welcome, though the films are recommended for a PG-13 audience. The venue is wheelchair-accessible, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.
Full Moon Kayak Tours
August 8th & 9th at Deer Harbor Marina
Join Shearwater Adventures for a magical way to end your day on the island! Paddle from Deer Harbor Marina to the serene Wasp Islands, where you’ll watch the sun melt into the horizon, then glide back under the glow of the moon. Their Full Moon Kayak Tours launch from a dock, keeping feet dry while getting in and out of the kayaks. Morning, afternoon, and sunset tours are also scheduled all week. 360.376.4699
Orcas Island Farmers Market
Saturdays from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Village Green
The 2025 Summer Farmers Market promises to be better than ever! All Summer long you can 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 Baker & West.
Annual Orcas Island Library Fair & Book Sale
August 9th from 10:00-3:00pm
This fun-filled community event offers something for everyone! Browse thousands of books and media at bargain prices, enjoy live music by talented local performers, and don’t miss the ever-popular Rubber Ducky Race, with proceeds supporting the Ken Gibbs Memorial Endowment, which funds science-related resources for the library.
Explorations in Wool Workshop
August 9th & 10th from 10:00am-4:00pm at Warm Valley Orchard
Come get your hands on soft locally grown island wools and learn the process of turning fleece into yarn and woven goods. This two-day workshop includes an exploration of processing fleece from start to finish. We’ll start with an overview of processing fleece, then use a drop spindle to turn that fleece into yarn. Next, you’ll create a range of colorful yarn using acid set and natural dyes. And finally, you’ll be able to incorporate your hand-spun and dyed yarn into a handwoven tapestry. The workshop is hosted by Maria Nutt and Mackenzie Sims at Maria’s homestead: Warm Valley Orchard. For more info visit: https://www.rootedarchipelago.com/upcoming-offerings
Mixed Media Film Workshop
August 9th from 10:00am-2:00pm at The Funhouse
Participants will have the opportunity to build their own 16mm film loop and watch it come to life moments later. A buffet of creative materials and tools—Sharpies, stamps, pins, steel wool, ink, decorative washi tape, hole punches, and more will be provided. Attendees can experiment with a range of techniques and see how their designs are transformed when enlarged and animated by a projector. Multimedia artists Paul Siple and Neely Goniodsky of the Northwest Film Forum will lead the workshop, beginning with a brief overview of experimental animation, video examples of accessible techniques, and several hours of hands-on creation. Completed film loops will be screened the following evening at the Teen Film Fest. No prior experience is necessary. Creators of all mediums, ages 13 and up, are encouraged to participate. Registration is FREE! Register Here
OICMF Children’s Concert
August 9th at 1:00pm on the Orcas Center Front Lawn
Admission is free! Featuring Symba and the Lobster, an interactive storytelling experience created and performed by violinist Nanki Chugh with oboist Anne Pinkerton and narrator Sophie Parker. Our youngest audience is invited to enjoy and be inspired by music performed by Festival artists! (In case of inclement weather, we’ll move to the North Deck outside the Madrona Room)
Live Music at Orcas Island Winery
August 9th at 6:00pm
Featuring Wolfchild!
Outdoor Summer Concert Series
August 10th at 5:00pm at the Village Green
The Orcas Center’s Free Summer Concert Series continues with another incredible line-up featuring Sol & The Black Tones.
