Orcas Today: July 24th-26th

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
July 24th 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!

WOW Farm Pop-Up
July 24th from 2:00-5:00pm at Olga Community Club Park
Browse a selection of farm-fresh produce and healing herbs while supporting a local island farm.Teen Blockbuster Fridays

July 24th from 2:00-5:00pm at the Orcas Library
Revisit the movies that earned Midnight Releases and had crowds lining up around the block.

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 at the Orcas Island Winery: Seagrass
July 24th from 4:00-7:00pm
Returning for the third year (they are that good!), the sweet sounds of Seagrass from Friday Harbor. The Kitchen has been nourishing the island for twenty years with fresh, locally sourced, organic ingredients, thoughtfully combined with Pan-Asian inspiration and authentic island vibes.

Casey Skinner’s You Can’t Hide
July 24th & 25th at 7:00pm at Orcas Center
The show follows Skinner’s true story of accidentally staying at the infamous Cecil Hotel—known as “the most dangerous hotel in America”—and the wild events that brought him back for one final night with a murderer on the loose. Equal parts stand-up and storytelling, You Can’t Hide explores shame, vulnerability, and the chaos that unfolds when life gets too big to hide. Tickets range from $10–$70, with a special $10 student rate. Visit OrcasCenter.org for tickets and more information.

On Screen at Seaview Theater:  The Invite
July 24th & 25th at 7:00pm, July 25th at 4:00pm
Rated R.

Tea Ceremony
July 25th at 8:00am at Held Space
Join Held Space for monthly tea ceremonies this spring and summer. Tea Ceremony is a moving meditation that connects us to ourselves, nature, and each other—an intimate opportunity to slow down and connect in a more meaningful way. Register at: https://www.rootedarchipelago.com/teaceremony

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 Studs.

Emmanuel Annual Market Day Sale
July 25th from 10:00am-2:00pm
Discover jewelry, homemade pies, unique treasures, tools, and more at Emmanuel Church’s annual Market Day!  Come browse a variety of one-of-a-kind finds, enjoy delicious baked goods, and experience one of the community’s favorite summer traditions.

Beach Cleanup
July 25th from 11:00am-1:00pm at Eastsound Waterfront Park
Hosted by The Exchange, this community event invites volunteers of all ages to lend a hand in caring for our shoreline. Come make a difference while enjoying time outdoors with fellow community members.

20 Years of Turtleback Mountain Summer Social
July 25th from 1:00-3:30pm at Coffelt Farm
Join the San Juan Preservation Trust for a special celebration marking 20 years of protecting one of Orcas Island’s most treasured landscapes. The free community event will feature live music by Gene Nery and the Olga Symphony Lite, light refreshments from The Goat & Co., opportunities to meet SJPT staff and board members, and learn more about conservation efforts throughout the San Juan Islands. The event is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Free shuttle service from the ferry landing will be available for registered attendees, with details provided closer to the event.  Register here.

Comedy Workshop: Finding the Funny in Your Life
July 25th from 2:00–4:00pm at the Orcas Center
Comedian Casey Skinner will lead a storytelling workshop at Orcas Center’s Madrona Room. Participants will learn how to turn personal experiences, embarrassing moments, and unexpected stories into comedic material. Tuition is offered on a sliding scale from $75–$175.

American Legion Pancake Breakfast
July 26th from 8:00am-12:00pm
Start your Sunday with a delicious breakfast at the American Legion! Join us for a hearty meal featuring pancakes, two eggs, your choice of bacon or sausage, plus coffee, tea, and orange juice.

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).

Speed Puzzling
July 26th at 3:00pm at the Orcas Library

Teams of four will race against the clock—and each other—to see who can complete their puzzle first. The event is free, and all puzzles will be provided. Participants only need to bring their team, sharp eyes, and best puzzling strategy. Teams can sign up at the Library Front Desk. For questions, contact wciskowski@orcaslibrary.org.

Funhouse Gala: Fiesta De Paella
July 26th at 4:00pm at Family Tides Farm

Join the Funhouse Commons for Fiesta de Paella, this year’s theme for the annual Funhouse Commons Gala — the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Funhouse Commons, Orcas Island’s youth organization serving local youth from birth through age 18. Set during golden hour in the beautiful orchard of Family Tides Farm, this unforgettable evening brings together incredible food, music, and community in support of Orcas youth. One of Orcas Island’s most anticipated summer events, the Funhouse Gala is known for selling out quickly each year. With attendance limited to just 150 guests, reserve your spot early for this magical evening under the island sky. Get Tickets HERE


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.

Live Music & Oysters at The Orcas Hotel
Sundays from 4:00-8:00pm
Join us every Sunday as we host Ira Echo & Friends. A mix of bluegrass, country, folk, old time string music alongside traditional music from Around the world. Guests of all ages welcome. In addition to our full cafe menu and unique wines, craft beers and cocktails, we are offering Judd Cove Oysters.

Free Summer Concert Series
July 26th at 5:00pm at the Village Green
Orcas Center is proud to present its annual Summer Concert Series on the Village Green, bringing free, live music to the heart of Eastsound. The series runs June 28 through August 30. The eclectic lineup will have something for everyone with phenomenal performers for all ages. Featuring The Charlie Porter Quintet headlining, with Rumbo Tumba opening.

WOW Farm to Table Classes
July 26th from 5:00-7:00pm at Houlme
Learn the healing science of Ayurveda while preparing simple, nourishing meals inspired by the abundance of the island. These hands-on classes celebrate farm-fresh ingredients, mindful cooking, and the connection between food and wellness.
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

Mount Constitution Loop – Difficult

6.7 miles. 1,490 feet elevation gain and loss For a great exploratory trek across Mount Constitution’s steep eastern face try the Mount Constitution Loop trail. Park at Mountain Lake to commence a steep climb towards the crest of the mountain where the trail will join with the Little Summit to Mount Constitution Trail. Follow the route through wooded hills, with marvelous views of Lummi Island and the Salish Sea, towards the summit and stone tower lookout. Once at the summit, the trail crosses the parking lot and continues down to Twin Lakes, then running south for a shaded woodland hike through the park’s largely undisturbed wooded interior back to Mountain Lake. Ambitious hikers can continue on the Mountain Lake Loop Trail, or cut straight back to the camping area. Make sure to come well prepared for this long, invigorating hike through some of Moran State Park’s most variable and primal terrain.

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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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