Experience Island Life at Its Best: 2026 Farm Tours of the San Juans

Three weekends of farms, food, fiber and community on Lopez, San Juan and Orcas Islands

Fall in the San Juans brings crisp mornings, abundant farm stands, fresh-pressed cider and the chance to experience island agriculture up close. This September and October, Farm Tours of the San Juans returns for three weekends celebrating the farmers, ranchers, growers, food producers and makers who help keep agriculture thriving across the islands.

The 2026 Farm Tours take place September 18–20 on Lopez Island, September 25–27 on San Juan Island, and October 2–4 on Orcas Island. This year, all three Farm Tour weekends have moved one week earlier than in previous years.

Farm Tours has grown into a beloved fall tradition, welcoming more than 2,000 residents and visitors each year. The event offers a rare opportunity to step onto working farms, meet the people behind island-grown food and fiber, and learn firsthand about the practices shaping the future of agriculture in the San Juans.

Something different on every island

Each 2026 Farm Tour weekend offers its own mix of experiences, and most events are free and require no registration.

On Lopez Island, visitors can tour vegetable and livestock operations, learn about silvopasture and agroecology, watch sheep shearing and fiber demonstrations, explore the Lopez Island School gardens, sample bread made with locally grown heritage grains, and sit down for special harvest dinners featuring island-grown ingredients.

On San Juan Island, the weekend includes regenerative farm tours, cider pressing and tastings, alpacas and farm-grown fiber, community farming projects, workshops, live music, farm stands and special farm-to-table meals. Visitors can explore everything from lavender and orchards, to livestock, to natural wine and cider production.

On Orcas Island, visitors can discover regenerative market gardens, tea and dye-plant production, sheep and wool processing, farm stands, flower gardens and local food. Highlights include dairy tours, goat's milk cheese and ice cream tastings, sheep shearing and wool demonstrations, you-pick flowers, apple cider pressing and opportunities to learn about community-based farming and sustainable agriculture.

New for 2026: Make a weekend of it

This year, Farm Tours is making it easier to turn a day of farm visits into a full island getaway. New Plan Your Visit and Farm-to-Table resources on our website connect visitors with transportation and lodging information, local restaurants, cafés and bakeries, and other ways to experience the San Juans between farm stops.

Several local food businesses are also offering Farm Tours specials featuring island-grown ingredients, giving visitors another way to support the farmers and producers they meet throughout the weekend.

Plan ahead for a great Farm Tours weekend

Farm Tours take place on active working farms, so a little preparation goes a long way. Visitors are encouraged to carpool or bike when possible, as parking can be limited; bring a cooler for farm-fresh purchases; carry cash, since payment options vary by farm; and wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather and fields.

Please also leave pets at home. For the safety of livestock, farm animals and visitors, dogs are not permitted at most participating farms, including dogs left in parked vehicles.

Schedules, participating farms, maps, Farm Tour brochures, trip-planning information and updates are available at www.farmtourssanjuans.com.

2026 Farm Tour Dates

Lopez Island: September 18–20

San Juan Island: September 25–27

Orcas Island: October 2–4

Farm Tours of the San Juans is led by the San Juan Islands Conservation District, with support from the Agricultural Guild, San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and island coordinators. Funding is provided in part through San Juan County Lodging Tax funds.

For questions or additional information, contact Julie Curtis, Communications Manager San Juan Islands Conservation District, at Julie@sjicd.org.