Orcas Today: August 7th-9th

Orcas Island Fly-In
August 7th-9th at the Eastsound Airport
Hosted by the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 937, the event features a wide variety of aircraft—from homebuilt planes to historic warbirds—on display throughout the weekend. Activities run Friday and Saturday from 8:00am-4:30pm, and Sunday from 8:00–11:00am. Guests can also enjoy a classic pancake breakfast served by Orcas Island Fire and Rescue on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8–11am at Station 21. This annual fundraiser supports the local EAA chapter and its programs, including the Young Eagles initiative, which offers free flights to youth ages 8–17. Aircraft camping and tie-downs are free for the weekend, and visitors arriving by air are welcome to camp on-site or explore nearby lodging and dining options within walking distance.

Kids Storytime at the Orcas Island Library
August 7th from 11:00am-11:30pm
Join Jenny for storytime in our kids section!

Orcas Artist Studio Tour
August 7th-9th from 11:00am-5:00pm
Visitors are invited to follow the studio tour signs across the island for a unique opportunity to step inside the working studios of 35 local artists. Meet the artists, watch live demonstrations, learn about their creative processes, and purchase artwork directly from the makers—many of whom create new pieces specifically for the tour. This year’s tour features a diverse range of artistic mediums, including blacksmithing, ceramics, encaustics, painting, sculpture, mixed media, fine art photography, and more. The popular Studio Tour Passport returns this year, giving participants the chance to explore studios across the island and be entered to win handcrafted artwork by participating artists. Tour brochures and passports are available at the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce and at participating artist studios. For more information, visit OrcasArtistStudioTour.com.

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
August 7th 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
August 7th 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

On Screen at Seaview Theater: The Odyssey
August 7th at 7:00pm, August 1st at 3:00 & 7:00pm
Rated R.

OICMF Concert: Dueling Strings
August 7th at 7:00pm & August 8th at 5:00pm at Orcas Center
The Orcas Chamber Music Festival opens with two special performances featuring the Miró Quartet. Before each performance, guests are invited to attend a special pre-concert talk featuring luthier Athulya Monica Gehrig for a rare discussion on instrument making. The talks will take place at 6:00pm on Friday and 4:00pm on Saturday.

Live Music at Odd Fellows Hall: Alice Dimicele
August 7th at 7:00pm
Tickets are available on a sliding scale of $20–$50, with advance tickets recommended. For more information and tickets, visit AliceDiMicele.com or Humanitix.com.

Pancake Breakfast
August 8th & 9th from 8:00-11:ooam at the Orcas Fire Hall
This annual fundraiser supports the local EAA chapter and its programs, including the Young Eagles initiative, which offers free flights to youth ages 8–17. Aircraft camping and tie-downs are free for the weekend, and visitors arriving by air are welcome to camp on-site or explore nearby lodging and dining options within walking distance.

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

70th Annual Orcas Island Library Book Fair & Sale
August 8th from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Orcas Library Parking Lot
Browse thousands of gently used books across more than 30 categories, shop library merchandise, and discover great deals on paperbacks, hardcovers, and specialty collector books. FOIL members receive early access to the sale beginning 30 minutes before the general public.

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 Jukebox Boys.


Orcas Road Classics Car Show
August 8th from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Orcas Airport
The 27th Annual Orcas Road Classics returns on Saturday at Airport Park in Eastsound. This popular annual event features classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles from across the region. Vehicle check-in takes place from 8–10am. $10 donation benefiting the Orcas Island Food Bank. Whether you’re showing a vehicle or simply admiring the lineup, it’s a fun day for automotive enthusiasts of all ages.

Walking Tour of OPAL Neighborhoods
August 8th from 1:00-6:00pm at the Village Green
Join Rusty Diggs for a walking tour of OPAL neighborhoods surrounding Eastsound this summer. Each walk meets in the Village Green at 1pm and takes 2-3 hours.  Learn more and register: https://www.opalclt.org/walk-the-opal-neighborhoods-with-rusty-diggs/

Teen Video Game Tournament
August 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.  Grades 6-12.

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).

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
August 9th 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. Saltydog headlines, with Honey of the Heart and Pamwe Marimba.

WOW Farm to Table Classes
August 9th 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.

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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Mijitas – By Simon

On a cold and rainy night, there are few places better to be on Orcas Island than in the dining room at Mijitas. You would be among good company as it is the go-to for many (if not most) locals. This is likely due to its prime positioning at the intersection of price, quality, service, and atmosphere. The experience of Mijits begins before you even open the door. Pass through their courtyard, and into the dining room. It is one of the most thematic restaurants on Orcas, thematic restaurants being a particular peeve of mine, due to their general reliance on cultural tropes and culinary cliches. Mijitas, however, embraces its south of the border heritage tastefully and embellishes its outdoor seating area and indoor dining room with flares of Mexicana that subtly remind one where they are. Mijitas offers a well-developed…

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