Orcas Today: September 12th-14th
Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
September 5th from 11:00am-12:00pm
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
Gretchen Yanover Cellist Concert
September 12th from 5:00-6:00pm at the Orcas Library
Locally grown cellist Gretchen Yanover began playing cello in Seattle Public Schools. Gretchen performs solo with her electric cello, in addition to her acoustic work. Her music has been featured in contexts ranging from film to dance to podcast soundtracks. Her music is also enjoyed in meditative and healing settings.
Free Film Screening at Orcas Center
September 12th at 6:30pm
As part of their weekend celebration of welcoming salmon back to Orcas Island, Long Live the Kings is hosting a free screening of the documentary “Mother: Sisterhood in the Wild.” The film follows five remarkable BIPOC women who learn to survive and thrive together on an Arctic Circle expedition. A Q&A with filmmaker Chad Brown will follow the screening.
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 Carolyn Cruso.
Island Hoppin’ Brewery 13th Anniversary Party
September 13th
Island Hoppin’ Brewery is celebrating 13 years! Join the festivities on Saturday, September 13 for an all-day party featuring live music from Run for the Roses (6-8pm) and delicious eats from Poutine Your Mouth. Don’t miss this milestone celebration!
Jr. Ranger: Cascade Lake Creature Exploration
September 13th at 12:00pm & 2:00pm at the Cascade Lake Day Use Area
Dip nets in the lake with Ranger Kathy & take a closer look at the aquatic invertebrates that live there. Don’t forget an adult & water shoes! Ages 6 and up.
Return of the Kings
September 13th from 1:00-4:00pm at the Glenwood Springs Hatchery
Join us for a free community celebration welcoming Chinook salmon home to Glenwood Springs. This annual event honors the return of the salmon that are central to the health of the Salish Sea, local cultures, and ecosystems. Hosted at Long Live the King’s Glenwood Springs Field Station (1649 Olga Road, Eastsound), this free, family-friendly event invites attendees to get up close with returning Chinook, tour the hatchery, and meet the scientists and stewards working to protect local salmon populations. Guided tours of the hatchery and fish ladder will be offered at 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, and 3:00 pm. Lunch and drinks will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to all ages, but RSVPs are requested by September 5 by visiting https://secure.qgiv.com/for/longlivethekings/event/returnofthekings/ or by emailing jmarquette@lltk.org.
Battle of the Bands
September 13th at 6:00pm at Orcas Center
The famed showdown of musical might has returned! The 2025 Battle of Bands makes a jump to the Orcas Center for an event that is bigger than ever. Featuring all local and regional music, on this fateful day, bands will compete for trophies and glory, all while raising money for the Orcas Community Resource Center. With our intrepid hosts, we will learn what it means to be a band, the highs and lows of musicianship, and perhaps even the meaning of love! With guest judges, skits, laughs, and hijinx, the Battle of the Bands always delivers a night jam-packed with music, heart, and thunder! Please bring money to donate to the charity and to support your favorite band for the People’s Choice Award!
UFO Northwest: How Washington State Spawned the Men in Black
September 13th at 6:00pm at the Orcas Library
On August 1, 1947, the tragic crash of a B-25 bomber in Washington State triggered an FBI investigation of “The Maury Island Incident”—an infamous Northwest UFO sighting, and history’s first alleged encounter with the so-called “Men in Black.” Relying on the FBI records, this talk exposes a Washington story that shapes our current UFO narratives, from 1950’s pulp magazines to the ubiquitous X-Files and Men in Black film franchises. Also examined: how the Northwest’s unique position in UFO history is challenged by others that assert contradictory narratives.
Talk & Walk: Forest Bathing
September 14th from 12:00-2:00pm at the Mt. Constitution Summit Visitors Center
Breathe in the phytoncides on this slow sensory stroll in the forest. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for this (slightly uphill) mile walk. Ages 12 and up.
