One of the most beloved traits of the San Juan Islands is its celebration of all four unique seasons. While the summers are magical, the island's swift transition into the colder months of Fall carries its own special magic. As the leaves begin to change, so do the festivities! Celebrate the coming of fall just as an islander would.

Orcas Island Film Festival (OIFF)

Orcas Island is notorious for its elaborate 5 day Film Festival, jam packed with over 35 curated new films. Along with celebrating its 9th birthday, the festival has also been named by USA Today as one of the “10 Best Film Festivals in the Country”, and for good reason! Over the 5 day period, viewers can expect complete cinematic immersion through both domestic and international films, three unique venues, panels and special events. Who wouldn’t want to embrace the coziness of Fall through a week of movies, friends, and food? The Film Festival will take place October 11-15; for more information, and to purchase an ‘Early Bird’ pass click here. 

Savor the San Juans

After 16 years running, Savor the San Juans has become the ultimate fall celebration for locals and visitors alike. The diversity of activities allows a taste to suit everyone's Fall pallets. Here are our personal favorites: San Juan Oktoberfest on September 30th brings a Germanic flair to San Juan Brewing Company with a German menu, live music, face painting, and a Stein holding contest! Orcas Island’s Annual Beerfest, Hops on the Rock, contains a weekend's worth of events starting on November 11th, featuring more than 25 different Breweries, Cideries, and Wineries.  Local bars and restaurants unite to bring you the ultimate celebration of drinks, food, and live music. Each island also features their very own local guided farm tour, allowing patrons to understand and experience the agricultural bones of each beloved farm and island. Dates and times: San Juan Island Sept. 22 - 24th, Orcas Island Sept. 29 - Oct. 1st, Lopez Island Oct. 6 - 8th. Savor the San Juans is an unbeatable experience, allowing patrons the opportunity to welcome the season of Fall through friends, food, and fun. 

Camp Orkila Fall Festival

YMCA Camp Orkila’s Fall Festival is an absolute must for children and families come Halloween on Orcas Island. For older children and adults, October 28th is their notorious Haunted Hay-ride, put on by the organization's camp counselors, featuring: elaborate decorations and costumes, storytelling, and just the right amount of frightful fun. The following day, October 29th, is their family-friendly Fall Festival. The autumn celebrations are endless including: pumpkin carving, ziplining, hay-rides, and apple cider making from their own camp grown apples. Food is also provided, and parking is endless! Whether you are touring the grounds on the hay-ride, or carving pumpkins with your little ones, Camp Orkila does a spectacular job at getting its patrons into the fall spirit. For more information call Camp Orkila’s Office (360) 376-2678

As the days become short and colder, Islanders cozy up through fall traditions. Grab a cozy sweater, a few friends, and come join us in celebrating the upcoming season! For more information on the San Juan Islands, call us at (360) 376-8000, or visit our website.

Sources:

“Savor.” Visitsanjuans.Com, www.visitsanjuans.com/savor. Accessed 17 Sept. 2023. 

“Lopez Island Farm Tours - October 6-8.” Lopez Island Farm Tours October 6 8, www.visitsanjuans.com/eventdetail/64044/lopez-island-farm-tours-october-6-8. Accessed 17 Sept. 2023. 

“Orcas Island Farm Tours - September 29 - October 1.” Orcas Island Farm Tours September 29 October 1, www.visitsanjuans.com/eventdetail/65471/orcas-island-farm-tours-september-29-october-1. Accessed 17 Sept. 2023. 

“San Juan Island Farm Tours - September 22 - 24.” San Juan Island Farm Tours September 22 24, www.visitsanjuans.com/eventdetail/64154/san-juan-island-farm-tours-september-22-24. Accessed 17 Sept. 2023. 

“Orcas Island: Hops on the Rock Beer Festival: Washington.” Hops on the Rock, www.hopsontherock.com/. Accessed 17 Sept. 2023. 

5th Annual Oktoberfest Festival, www.visitsanjuans.com/eventdetail/72169/5th-annual-oktoberfest-festival. Accessed 17 Sept. 2023. 

“Orcas Island Film Festival.” October 11-15, 2023, oifilmfest2023.eventive.org/passes/buy. Accessed 17 Sept. 2023.