After a rolicking summer of free outdoor shows to close out the year, Orcas Center is launching its 2026-27 season, which is also the organization’s 40th anniversary season. Anyone interested in their community arts center is invited to a “Role Out” on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m for this festive free event. It’s a chance to learn about your Center’s inner workings and see a sneak peek at what is ahead for the coming year. Oh, and food will be served! Executive Artistic Director Jake Perrine is eager to share how Orcas Center has been thriving this past year, and talk about the path ahead. Those in attendance will hear results from the Center’s annual membership vote, an overview of the finances and facility improvements, meet staff and board members, learn about arts-related classes launching this fall, local productions in the works, touring acts to be presented, and an award ceremony for stars of the past season. Following the presentation on the main stage, head over to the Madrona Room for snacks, sign up for volunteering and auditioning opportunities, and learn about becoming a member of your local arts organization. “Orcas Center stands here today because a group of people came together 50 years ago with a vision and a dream,” Perrine said. “A dream, not just of erecting a building, but of building a place where future generations of dreamers could come together and enact their visions and dedication to their craft. And that dream is alive and well today due to the support of countless people like you who believe that coming together and realizing visions is at the core of what it means to be alive. Orcas Center membership is a pledge of support to these intangible ideals and the vision of this place. It is a commitment, a leaning in towards our shared belief that art is not an elective or a hobby, but is as essential to our community as the air we breathe.” There are two ways you can be an Orcas Center member: you can make a donation, or donate your time as a volunteer. Visit OrcasCenter.org for more information, and come to the Role Out!

Every Sunday at 10:00am in person or online at www.orcaschurch.org

Contemporary Dance meets Sundays 10-11:15am and Tuesdays 10-11:15am at the Orcas Center Dance Studio. 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). Register here: https://orcasparkandrec.org/

With Tabitha Rose.

Come join your neighbors and friends for the fifth-annual Family Tides Farm & Northwest Indian College Fall Festival! Featuring live music by The Hot Tomatoes and the Dustbunnies, a Lummi cultural exchange, local & interactive demonstrations and activities, hay rides, crafts and activities, and a pumpkin patch! Everyone eats free!! The entire event is free and open to the public!

Once known as the Fruit Basket of Washington, the San Juan Islands and Lopez have a long history of cultivating orchard fruit. Join Kwiaht and the Lopez Island Family Resource Center's gleaning program for an early apple pressing outside the Lopez History Museum from 1-3pm on Sunday September 20th. Bring your own jars to take home juice, bring apples it you have them. Apples not ripe yet? Save them for our 4th annual Heritage Apple Day on October 11th.

Orcas Center Presents: Role Out: ’26-’27 Season Sunday, September 20th 4:00pm – 6:00pm FREE After a rolicking summer of free outdoor shows to close out the year, Orcas Center is launching its 2026-27 season, which is also the organization’s 40th anniversary season. Anyone interested in their community arts center is invited to a “Role Out” on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m for this festive free event. It’s a chance to learn about your Center’s inner workings and see a sneak peek at what is ahead for the coming year. Oh, and food will be served! Executive Artistic Director Jake Perrine is eager to share how Orcas Center has been thriving this past year, and talk about the path ahead. Those in attendance will hear results from the Center’s annual membership vote, an overview of the finances and facility improvements, meet staff and board members, learn about arts-related classes launching this fall, local productions in the works, touring acts to be presented, and an award ceremony for stars of the past season. Following the presentation on the main stage, head over to the Madrona Room for snacks, sign up for volunteering and auditioning opportunities, and learn about becoming a member of your local arts organization. “Orcas Center stands here today because a group of people came together 50 years ago with a vision and a dream,” Perrine said. “A dream, not just of erecting a building, but of building a place where future generations of dreamers could come together and enact their visions and dedication to their craft. And that dream is alive and well today due to the support of countless people like you who believe that coming together and realizing visions is at the core of what it means to be alive. Orcas Center membership is a pledge of support to these intangible ideals and the vision of this place. It is a commitment, a leaning in towards our shared belief that art is not an elective or a hobby, but is as essential to our community as the air we breathe.” There are two ways you can be an Orcas Center member: you can make a donation, or donate your time as a volunteer. Visit orcascenter.org (http://orcascenter.org/) for more information, and come to the Role Out!

Slab Mugs with Creative Surfaces with Glenn Hendrick Sunday, September 20, 12–4pm Create one-of-a-kind slab-built mugs while experimenting with underglaze transfers, stencils, direct painting, mishima, and sgraffito. Cut and assemble your own mug (or two!) from decorated slabs. Sign up here!

With Lily Ostle.

The theme this year is historical homes. Come listen to stories from people who have been part of the land and community for generations. Others came here as children and now continue the journey to revitalize old forgotten homesteads as adults. Hear the love story of a little cabin that shines so brightly with its new "caretakers". There is even a house that was originally build in three days! Ken Kortge has spent months this spring and summer crafting the tours. He and our dedicated interview crew went to each of the properties to speak with the owners, tour the homes, and record the videos. Ken then went home to work his editing magic, combining the stories and video footage into wonderful and fascinating virtual 'tours' of each property. Ken and many of the home owners will be present at the event for questions. There will be light hors d'oeuvres provided by Vita's and wine for sale. A huge thank you to Ken, who is volunteering his time, and our generous sponsors! The Home Tour is one of Lopez Center's largest fundraisers. Lopez Center's 2026 Home Tour Sponsors are: Patty Ward Wardell Architects Alvord-Richardson Construction Don Stone Barbara Carver Barb and Gerry Nepom Spud and Karen Grimes Lopez Island Pharmacy Karen and Rick Carlson Jim and Pam Phillips Jim and Birte Falconer Christine Kerlin Michele Heller Vitas The Islands Weekly Margo and Rodger Fagerholm Sage Building Solutions Inc Greene Partners Architecture & Design Karen and Mark Eames Tom and Molly Preston Esary Roofing and Siding Co. Dianne Pressenda Ellie Roser Jim and Nancy Caleshu Lopez Islander Resort & Marina Timothy Maxson Brigitte Fortin & Doug Johnson JAS Design-Build Inc. Bruce and Mindy Richardson George LeBoutillier Sue Washburn & Kristin Rehder Creative Cabinets Lopez Sand and Gravel Lorena and Jeff Daggett Pamela McCabe Merv and June Soundesign Rip and Julie VanCamp Bev and Jim Smith Westlund Family Mary Bywater Cross Anonymous Inez Noble Black John and Nancy Butte Beth Shirk and Anne Hietbrink Ron and Sara Seubert Sunset Builder Supply Lauren and Jamie Stephens Cliff and Mary Ann Cameron Anne & John Trench Kiki & Wayne Martin Sebo's Henery Hardware Bruce Ellestad George and Colleen Willoughby Steve and Judy Hill

The Orcas Hotel Bar keeps the good times going with The Hot Tomatoes, fresh oysters, and live music on Sunday, September 20, from 4–8pm.

This first-come, first-served event invites guests to enjoy an evening of live music in a relaxed, welcoming setting at one of Orcas Island’s iconic venues.