Orcas Lit Fest turns a page, takes the show on the road

||| FROM THE ORCAS ISLAND LIT FEST TEAM |||

Since our founding in 2018, the Orcas Island Lit Fest has been driven by our mission to encourage, support, and promote San Juan County writers. We’re proud to share their voices with a wide and diverse audience. That’s why we’re excited to announce important news about our next chapter.

What’s next for the Lit Fest?
We’re taking our show on the road! August 14 to 16, 2026, we’ll gather in Seattle at Theatre Off Jackson, a venue known for championing innovative performances and community arts. This partnership brings the spirit of OILF to a new audience while continuing to showcase San Juan County talent alongside regional and national artists. We see bringing the Lit Fest to Seattle as a powerful opportunity to strengthen our presence across the Pacific Northwest.

What does this mean for OILF’s connection to Orcas?
Please know this expansion is not a departure, but a way to share the creative spirit of the islands more broadly. Our 2026 lineup will highlight San Juan County artists, and we will actively invite island writers to apply. This is our chance to bring the intimate and welcoming style of OILF to a new audience while keeping our roots firmly connected to the San Juans.

Why are we making this change?
To put it mildly, it’s a tough time for the arts. Reduced funding opportunities, rising artist fees, and the realities of ferry travel have made hosting a large-scale in-person literary event on Orcas much harder. Expanding to Seattle helps us address these challenges and build a sustainable future for OILF. Most important, it lets us expand our impact across the region while continuing to share the artistic vitality of the islands with the world.

In the coming months, we’ll let writers know how to apply for our 2026 festival and announce details about next year’s lineup.

Thank you for your dedicated support of the Orcas Island Lit Fest! We can’t wait to turn this bold new page with you.