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Orcas Today: November 7th-9th

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
November 7th from 11:00am-12:00pm
Join Jenny for storytime in our kids section!

First Friday Book Club
November 7th from 12:00-1:00pm at the Orcas Library
Contact Andrea Reback for more information: areback@orcaslibrary.org

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

Hops on the Rock: Lower Tap Takeover
November 7th at The Lower Tavern
Hops weekend kicks off at the Lower with Tap takeovers, wine specials and KARAOKE! Get your burger fix and celebrate the start to HOTR with San Juan Brewing, Beach Cat, El Suenito, Bellingham Cider Co., Great Notion, Kulshan, and Orcas Wine Co.  Then hit the stage for the best karaoke party in town!

Hops on the Rock: Pop-Up at Island Hoppin’ Brewery
November 7th at Island Hoppin’ Brewery
You’ll find friendly faces, plenty of laughs, a Siren’s Call Pop-Up, tunes by the Petrichords, and Tap Takeover with Tieton CiderWorks, Lost Lake Cider, Terramar Brewstillery, Yonder, Stones Throw, Orcas Project, Larrabee Lager and more! Food kicks off the festivities at 3pm and music starts at 6pm.

Hops on the Rock: Tap Takeover at White Horse Pub
November 7th at White Horse Pub
Just this week at the Washington Beer Awards, Stoup Brewing won the Large Brewery of the Year! And what better way to celebrate than by joining them for their tap takeover at White Horse Pub. Trivia beings upstairs at 6pm followed by ANOTHER round of trivia downstairs at the Black Donkey. Stoup will be on taps up and down so you can enjoy their award-winning brew wherever you find yourself!

Hops on the Rock: Pour & Pair
November 7th from 4:30-8:00pm at New Leaf Cafe
Join New Leaf Cafe for a dining experience where Orcas Island meets craft beer culture. Raise a glass to the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. New Leaf Café partners with Yakima’s Single Hill Brewing for Hops on the Rocks weekend, a celebration of beer and bites. Enjoy our dinner menu alongside chef-curated specials and tasting flights crafted to showcase the brewery’s best pours, with Andrew Pytel from Single Hill Brewing sharing insights on their beers. Come for the brews and food, stay for the giveaways and more! Reservations recommended. Walk-ins welcome.

Boilermaker Bash at The Barnacle
November 7th at 5:00pm at The Barnacle
The Barnacle is keeping it local buy  pairing regional beers with spirits — tequila, whiskey, and beyond — crafted  into elevated, island-inspired combinations. Expect warm lighting, good music,  and the kind of conversation you can only have over a perfectly balanced drink.  No cover — just hops, spirits, and the unmistakable Barnacle magic.

Hops on the Rock: Tap Takeover at Houlme
November 7th from 5:00-9:00pm at Houlme
Structures Brewing is teaming up with Houlme for a delicious tap takeover Friday from 5-9pm before the big festival day! Enjoy some of the finest beer in the state with some of the finest food and some of the finest people!

Pre-Hops Hangout at Doe Bay Wine Co.
November 7th from 5:00-7:00pm
Join the crew at Doe Bay Wine Co. and enjoy a pre-hops hang featuring all your favorite pours from Orcas Project Wine!  You’ll get reduced-price glass pours and plenty of artisan cheese, charcuterie, and other yummy nibbles.

Hops on the Rock: Madrona Tap Takeover
November 7th from 5:00-8:00pm at the Madrona Bar & Grill
Head to Madrona Bar & Grill for the Stemma tap takeover ALL WEEKEND LONG. But you can only meet the owners Friday, November 7, from 5-8pm. On tap will be Stemma Pils, Hazy Contractor IPA, and the every popular Super Squeeze Hard Juice. Don’t miss this chance to hang with the awesome forces behind Stemma Brewing!

Hops on the Rock: Brewer’s Night at Matia Lounge
November 7th at 5:00pm at Matia Lounge
Meet the magicians of Fair Isle Brewing featuring special pours and flights beginning at 5pm on Friday night in the Matia Lounge! Pair their delicious craft brews with some of the best food on island. Seating is EXTREMELY LIMITED and reservations are strongly recommended. Of course, walk in space is always available at the bar. You won’t go wrong starting your festival weekend with this very special night!

Hops on the Rock: Kingfish Tap Takeover
November 7th at 6:00pm at Kingfish
Terramar Brewstillery takes over the tap at Kingfish in a pre-celebration of Hops on the Rock! Enjoy a collaborative beer dinner featuring local brews and delicious pairings. Indulge in a specially curated 5-course prix fixe dinner, perfectly paired with beers from our friends at Terramar Brewstillery in Bow, WA. Meet Greg Spore, co-owner and Operations Manager, who will be on-site to share insights into the brewing process and answer all your beer-related questions. $100 per person includes Dinner & Beer Flight (applicable taxes included)Get your tickets today at kingfishinn.com.

On Stage at Orcas Center: Magical Mystery Tour – A Beatles Music Extravaganza
November 7th & 8th at 7:00pm, 9th at 2:00pm
Rock on the Rock Choir and Orcas Center are presenting a Beatles Music Extravaganza on the main stage for three weekends in November. Magical Mystery Tour is a one-act show featuring an all-island cast of singers, actors, dancers, and musicians who will take you on a nostalgic, heartfelt odyssey. Directed and created by Grace McCune, the production is a re-imagined approach to the songs we all know and love from not only the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” album but also selected songs from the vast anthology of the Beatles repertoire.

On Screen at Seaview Theater: One Battle After Another
November 7th & 8th at 7:00pm
Rated R.

Orcas Island Fall Farmers Market
November 8th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the OISD Cafeteria
The 2025 Fall Farmers Market promises to be better than ever! Now through November, you can head over to the Orcas Island School Cafeteria every Saturday and support your favorite vendors, farmers, and food growers, and catch some amazing musical talent from the stage. Featuring live music by Kady Fox.

Hops on the Rock
November 8th from 11:00am-4:00pm in Eastsound Village
Welcome to Orcas Island’s Annual Beerfest! 2025 is our 8th year hosting some of the Pacific Northwest’s best breweries, cideries, and wineries on Orcas Island. The fest is shutting down Market Street in Eastsound and setting up a big tent. This event is outdoors, yet plenty of covered space and heaters. Entry to the door is $55, which includes your taster glass and 5 tasting tokens. You will have access to over 25 producers that have multiple offerings. Stay tuned to learn who will be serving up some delicious fest fare! Food package tickets available. Live local music throughout the day! Ages 21+, no dogs. Please drink responsibly, discounted designated driver tickets available.

Mushroom Identification Hike
November 8th at 2:30pm at the South Arch Parking Area
Please join local naturalist River Augenstein for this series of free mushroom identification hikes “Giant Tree Mycelium Meander” – South Arch to Sunrise Rock – 2.5 miles roundtrip through some of the biggest and most beautiful stands of old growth forest on the island. Meet at South Arch parking area. All hikes begin at 2:30pm sharp Meet at Trailhead. Call 360.376.5080 for more information. Bring water, warm clothing and appropriate footwear

Second Saturday Teen Gaming Tournament
November 8th from 3:30-5:30pm at the Orcas Library
Battle it out on the big screen! Compete for bragging rights (and prizes) in our monthly teen gaming tournament.

Christmas Photo Shoot at The Funhouse
November 8th from 4:00-6:30pm
Come in your Christmas best to snap photos with your devices or ours to get holiday photos of your family! Donation suggested, but not required.

Orcas Island Education Foundation Fundraiser: A Night at the Lodge
November 8th at 5:00pm at Camp Four Winds
Celebrating nearly a century of island heritage, the Four Winds Camp Lodge provides a stunning backdrop for this year’s event. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by acclaimed chef and food stylist Bridget Meyer. The evening’s program will feature a live auction, and the warmth of community gathered in front of the lodge’s grand fireplace. Of course, there will also be a “Dessert Dash” – with treats created by the best bakers on the island! OIEF encourages the community to attend: “By attending this one fundraiser, you allow us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and educators on Orcas Island. Our work is only possible thanks to your support.” Tickets are $125 and available at: https://givebutter.com/c/FA7cQR

Second Sunday Supper at Cafe Aurora
November 9th from 5:00-8:00pm
Join Café Aurora for a delicious 4-course menu, great drinks, and even better company! Every Second Sunday from 5:00-8:00pm Reservations are encouraged — call 360.370.1004 to save your spot. Menu details available at cafe-aurora.com.

Get out and Hike

Little Summit Trail – Difficult

2.2 miles. 430 feet elevation gain/loss Little Summit rests above Mountain Lake on the eastern side of Mount Constitution. The Little Summit Trail starts at one of the best picnic vistas in Moran State Park, with several tables for visitors to relax on as they enjoy views of Mount Pickett and the south sound. The trail continues along the sloping ridge of the mountain towards the summit through variable terrain populated by switchbacks, ant hills, and ancient Lodgepole Pine growth. Several vantage points along the trail offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities of eastern Orcas Island, including Mountain Lake and Twin Lakes, and the waters of the Salish Sea. Take the mid-way cutoff towards the Cold Springs Trail for further hiking or continue the ascent towards the summit and see the best view in the San Juan Islands.

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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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