Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Montessori launches holiday bazaar and wreath sale
The Orcas Montessori Annual Wreath Sale is officially open! We’re excited to help you fulfill all your holiday greenery needs with beautiful, handcrafted wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces, perfect for bringing festive cheer to your home. Orders are open now, and wreaths will be available for pickup just after Thanksgiving. You can place your order by calling 360-376-5350, emailing info@orcasmontessori.org, or visiting www.orcasmontessori.
Library features photos by Andrea Cohen
For the month of November, The Orcas Island Library’s ‘Art in the Library’ series will feature photographs by Andrea Cohen. Andrea’s background is as an artist, art therapist and art teacher, but this exhibit, entitled The Lives of Mannequins is a group of color photographs taken during recent travels. “Artists see with artist’s eyes, even when they’re not making art,” she comments. “In the markets and bazaars of Morocco, Bulgaria and […]
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Take a magical trip to the Renaissance in Orcas Center’s next show
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Orcas Garden Club presents ‘why plant names change’
Botanical nomenclature, biology, the beauty of plants Wednesday, November 11th, 10 am (at the Orcas Center or by Zoom) COME AT 9:30 AM (just before the program) for social time, and remember to bring something for the Sharing Table! Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as we welcome Linda Ann Vorobik. In this presentation, Linda Ann includes beautiful landscapes, wildflower closeups, and botanical watercolors of the plant
Grannie’s Holiday Sale coming to Orcas Senior Center
Mark your calendars—Grannie’s Holiday Sale is back at Orcas Senior Center on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Browse a wide array of festive décor, holiday treasures, and unique creations from local artisans. It’s the perfect place to find special gifts and seasonal inspiration. Get Involved Sign up to volunteer by contacting Edy Hansen at 206-413-6157 or edy@orcasseniors.org.
Guitar virtuosos Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso at Orcas Center
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
October 30: Halloween Hip-Hop
Letter to Editor | Who is being represented?
I would like to know whom the selection committee for the artisans holiday fare would have been for this year. Why? Could you please advise. Yes, your letter said and I paraphrase: “received 45 entrants, and please try again and maybe you will qualify, and thank you,” etc. How is this responsible to a community member in the least? One that has built up the Makers Guild significantly, and produced significantly exceptional events […]
2026 Halloween Scarecrow Contest in Friday Harbor
The Flying Monkey at Brickworks is not part of the Scarecrow Contest Thirteen scarecrows decorate storefronts in Friday Harbor in the 2026 Halloween Scarecrow Contest. Click on image to view as slideshow. A map and a ballot can be downloaded here. Be sure to vote for your favorite scarecrow by October 28.
Guitar virtuosos Frank Vignola and Pasquale Grasso at Orcas Center
Two of today’s most acclaimed jazz guitarists will share the stage at Orcas Center on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. Frank Vignola has been the go-to guitarist for an extraordinary range of artists, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Tommy Emmanuel, Lionel Hampton, and both the Boston Pops and New York Pops. Guitar legend Les Paul named him one of his five most admired guitarists for the Wall Street Journal. Vignola […]
Annual Halloween Dance coming to Odd Fellows Hall
Get your costumes ready and join us for a Halloween night at Odd Fellows Hall! Our Annual Halloween Dance returns on October 31 from 8:30 PM to midnight, with live music from The Studs, dancing, costumes, and plenty of Halloween spirit. Come dressed to impress, amuse, frighten, bewilder, or delight! Costume prizes will be awarded at intermission, so creativity is highly encouraged. More than just a great night out, the Halloween Dance is […]
BELONGING: Five writers, five perspectives, one universal question at Library
What does it mean to belong? To a place, a community, a family—or simply to ourselves? Join the Orcas Island Public Library on Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. for Belonging, an evening of readings and conversation exploring one of the most universal—and deeply personal—aspects of the human experience. Through five distinct voices and perspectives, writers A. Molotkov, Chrys Buckley, Gail Folkins, John Fadely, and Veronica Kornberg explore the m
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Seven Orcas Island artists featured in Santa Monica exhibition
Seven Orcas Island artists are showing their work in Southern California this fall in “Orcas Island A|B Collective,” an exhibition at The Shala, the gallery and showroom of Tim Clarke Design in Santa Monica. The show opened Oct. 9 and runs through Nov. 9.
November highlights from Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times is available at www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events. This Month at the Senior Center: Fitness & Wellness: Chair yoga, Feldenkrais Arts & Creativity: Art with Carla, quilting, ne
Summer intern Mona Evans digs into Orcas Island’s past
Submitted by the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
Dec. 5 and 6: Winter Flea & Craft Market at county fairground
Each year the San Juan County Fairgrounds hosts the Winter Flea & Craft Market in the Main Exhibit Hall. Local vendors showcase a variety of handmade gifts and unique second-hand items for sale making this the perfect event to find gifts for all the special people on your list. Whether you’re seeking a venue to […]
YouTube creator and New York Times bestselling author Peter Santenello visits Orcas Island
When Peter Santenello asked to film on Orcas Island, Edee Culper was hesitant to expose her home to his four million YouTube subscribers. His promise to capture real island life ultimately convinced her to introduce him to the island’s incredible people.
Art show opening on Friday, Oct. 23: ‘The Art of Expression’
The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces the opening of a new show on Oct. 23, 5:30-7 p.m., featuring works from “Art with Carla,” a weekly event at the Orcas Island Senior Center. Wonderful art is the result when community members come together to express themselves. “The Art of Expression” will be on display to Nov. 18. Meet Stanley and the artists, enjoy live entertainment, complimentary refreshments and a wine bar at the opening.
A night of improv with island friends
“Orcas Improv: Last Thursday Night” is the place for improvised comedy on the island, held on the last Thursday of every month. The next event is Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box. Improv groups and players borne from the classes and Monday evening Improv Jams (Whalewreck) at Orcas Center perform fully improvised bits, made up, on the spot, based on audience suggestions and stories and transformed right before your eyes and ears. From food items to scientific subjects, we’ll take you
Annual Halloween Dance at Odd Fellows Hall
Submitted by Odd Fellows Hall.
OIHM starts reading club: ‘Cabin on the Island’
Submitted by the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
Antidote dance party gets wicked this Halloween
On Friday, Oct. 30, Orcas Center transforms for a night of dark beats, wild costumes and serious dancing. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., come lose yourself in the music and celebrate Halloween the Antidote way.