Orcas Island offers an abundance of natural beauty, as well as a sophisticated mix of arts, culture and great food. The variety of possibilities will make your visit a special one, whether you are visiting for the first time, or you come to the island each year.
Orcas is home to 5000-acre Moran State Park, which features lakes, hiking trails, and public campgrounds. In Moran you will also find Mt. Constitution – the highest peak in the islands, reaching 2,400 feet in elevation. A hike, drive, or bike ride to the top reveals a 360-degree marine view of the San Juan’s and beyond.
Artistic and cultural offerings include our historical museum, performing arts center, public library, and old-fashioned movie theatre. There are many artisans’ shops and studios, featuring local pottery, fine arts, jewelry, textiles, and hand-made furniture and crafts. You can also explore our Saturday Farmer’s Market in Eastsound’s Village Square.
LOCAL EVENTS AND RESTAURANTS Whether you are visiting the island for a few days or staying for a few weeks, there are many fun events happening on Orcas Island, as well as a delicious variety of restaurants and eateries. For a full list of events and dining options, please visit the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce site.
April
TBD. Funhouse Science Fair, Sponsor: The Funhouse Science Fair
Saturday, April 11, Easter Egg Hunt. 10 am @ Moran State Park
Friday – Sunday, April 17-19. Orcas Island Literary Festival. Website
TBD. SAFE San Juans 5K at Orcas Athletics in Eastsound. Website
Saturday, April 18: Great Islands Clean Up. Website
TBD. Earth Day Festival. The Exchange
TBD. East Sound Spring Regatta, Orcas Island Yacht Club Regatta
Saturday, April 25. Bill Yarlott Fishing Derby at Cascade Lake. Sponsor: Orcas Adventures. Recurs on 4th Saturday in April.
May
Saturdays, May 2–Sept 26. Farmers Market in Eastsound on the Village Green; Saturdays, (10 am – 3 pm). Orcas Island Farmers Market
Saturday, May 9, 5:30-8:30 pm: Orcas Montessori School Carnival Auction, Emmanuel Parish Hall.
Saturday, May 16. Orcas Veg Fest orcasvegfest.com
Saturday, May 23. Orcas Pet Parade in Eastsound. Sponsor: Kaleidoscope Daycare Center. Recurs on the 4th Saturday in May.
June
Wednesday, June 17, Blood Drive, 10:30-4:30 @ Eastsound Firestation
Saturday, June 20. Solstice Parade, TBD
Saturday-Sunday, June 27-28, Orcas Island Garden Tour
June 17-25, The Miró Quartet performs the entire Beethoven string quartet cycle,Orcas Center. Details TBD.