Orcas Today: May 22nd-24th

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
May 22nd from 9:00-3:00pm at The Funhouse
The Coalition for Orcas Youth is hosting a Youth Mental Health First Aid training, link here.  This is a training for adults who work with or are connected to youth in some way.  It’s great for parents, teachers, and coaches. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

Crow Valley School Museum Opening Day
May 22nd from 11:00am-3:00pm
The Crow Valley School Museum welcomes visitors for another season on May 22nd from 11am-3pm at 1701 Crow Valley Rd. Knowledgeable docents will be on-site to offer a fun and informative look at island education. The museum is located next to the North Trailhead of Turtleback Mountain Preserve, making it an ideal destination for a day of picnicking and learning.

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
May 22nd from 11:00am-11:30pm
Join Jenny for storytime in our kids section!

Holiday Yard Party
May 22nd & 23rd from 12:30-5:30pm at the Happy Cat
Enjoy lemonade, coffee tastings, cornhole, sidewalk chalk, and LEGO bundles — plus plenty of good vibes with the event’s “B.Y.O.H.” theme: Bring Your Own Happy! For more information, call 360.842.6458.

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

Home Composting Classes
May 22nd at 5:00pm & May 23rd at 2:00pm at the Orcas Grange
ORS/The Exchange will be offering Home Composting Classes again! Tickets are $75 each and include: (1) 82 gallon FreeGarden® EARTH compost bin with a locking lid, harvesting door, rodent-proof bottom screen, and anchoring pins (a $150.00+ value) and (1) instructional class on either Friday, May 22nd from 5pm – 6:30pm; or Saturday, May 23rd from 2pm – 3:30pm.  Buy tickets here: https://exchangeorcas.org/home-composting-classes-2/

On Screen at Seaview Theater:  The Devil Wears Prada 2
May 22nd & 23rd at 7:00pm, May 22nd at 4:00pm
Rated PG-13.

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 Minnow Creek.

Pet Parade
May 23rd at 10:00am in Eastsound
The annual Orcas Pet Parade will take place on May 23rd at 10:00am. Sign-up and line-up begin at 9:30am at Orcas Public School. Community members are invited to bring their pets, whether costumed, cuddly, or chaotic, for a fun-filled parade celebrating animals of all kinds.

Table of Contents Book Club
May 23rd at 11:00am at the Orcas Library
4th-7th graders can grab a free book and join us for an informatl book discussion thanks to FOIL. Questions? Email jdegroot@orcaslibrary.org

Crown Making Kids Craft Event
May 23th from 12:00-2:00pm at the Orcas Library
Go ahead. Crown yourself at this free and fun kids craft event. No experience necessary. All supplies provided thanks to FOIL.

Annual American Legion Pig Roast & Membership Drive
May 23rd at 3:00pm
Guests are invited to enjoy a festive and family-friendly Memorial Day weekend event featuring a hearty pig roast and an opportunity to learn more about the work of the American Legion in the community. All are welcome to attend and come hungry.

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).

Film Screening & Panel with Local Farmers
May 24th from 1:00-3:00pm at Seaview Theater
In celebration of 2026 being declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations, the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild invites the community to a special screening of Women’s Work: The Untold Story of America’s Female Farmers. The documentary highlights the often-overlooked contributions of female farmers throughout American history while sharing stories from contemporary women in agriculture across the country. Following the screening, local farmers Amy Lum of Lum Farm and Laura Torma of Tekla Farms will lead a community conversation about their experiences farming on Orcas Island. The event aims to celebrate storytelling, connection, and the important role women continue to play in agriculture and food systems. Community members are encouraged to attend for an afternoon of film, conversation, and local perspective. Tickets are available through Event Registration.

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.

 

Hello Summer Party at The Lower Tavern
May 24th at 6:30pm
The evening will feature live music from Wild Child, followed by a DJ dance party with Chaz Topaz, plus hot dogs and cold beers served out in the parking lot. A longtime local tradition and a fun way to welcome summer on Orcas, this community celebration is open to all ready for a night of music, dancing, and good company.

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

Get out and Hike

Cascade Creek Trail – Easy to Challenging

One of the best paths through the wooded southern section of Moran State Park runs along Cascade Creek, the stream that helps feed Cascade Falls. Traditionally starting at the South Campground of Cascade Lake, the Creek Trail winds through some of the oldest growth on Orcas and brings hikers past many man-made and natural landmarks including the south entrance bridge and the Lower Falls. Hikers can opt to enjoy themselves by the Falls, or continue the trail into the woods and meadows that hem the Creek up to the spillway at Mountain Lake. This trail features some switchbacks, but otherwise is quite easy to handle and a wonderful chance to see undisturbed natural growth and wildlife in the heart of Moran State Park.

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A Bite Of Orcas

Kingfish at West Sound – By Howie

I am not, in any way, shape, or form, a guru in the ways of fine dining. Asking someone like me for advice on whether one fancy restaurant is better than another is more akin to asking a robin which tree is better for them to build a nest in. I will, however, argue vehemently that I love food (not that there’s anyone arguing with me, just a self-debate to pass the time), more so than others; be it American, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, the list would continue to the end of the page if I had my way (though my editor would have quite the hissy fit). So while I may be spouting off my own nonsense about what I think of a restaurant, I hope that my personal preferences invigorate you to explore new places, and sample new dishes, as I will be doing throughout these reviews. Alright, enough BS; let’s get started with Kingfish at West Sound! Kingfish boasts a wonderful view from the deck, and a decent view from the seat facing the front door (I’m told by my esteemed colleague…

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