Where is the event held?

Inside the Orcas Island Winery farmhouse and underneath an attached heated tent. Partially outside. Think wintery romantic European Christmas market and bundle in your warm, cozy wintery best. There will be fireside romance.

Where can I park?

Parking is available at Orcas Island Winery- 2371 Crow Valley Road ~ In fact, there is an additional lot at the winery this year which will make your Solstice Mercantile experience that much more enjoyable. Expect parking attendants to greet and assist you upon arrival to the winery. Expect our volunteer attendants to help keep traffic from piling up on Crow Valley Road. Carpooling is still highly encouraged. It's good for our planet and it's fun. The earlier you arrive the better. Please kindly respect our neighbors - no parking on side roads or neighboring property.

Are families welcome?

Yes, we are a family friendly winery and a very kid friendly event! The more the merrier!

Are pets welcome?

Pets are welcome outside and on a leash.

Who will be there?

We will have a wide variety of small businesses, artisans and farmers at the market. Anything your heart desires will likely be available. Think: ceramics, candles, vintage clothing, florals, knits, bags, multiple food vendors, warming foods, wine, jewelry, stationery, art and so much more. Check out our vendor line up.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, this year we are introducing a modest entry fee to support the Solstice Mercantile. You can choose to donate $5 (or more) now, HERE, to have your name listed at the door, or pay $10 upon arrival. (Free for those 18 and under). In our initial years, we encountered financial shortfalls—$3000 in our first year and $1500 last year. Thus, this small entry fee is a step towards achieving a sustainable model while we explore grant opportunities for future events.

We hold a firm belief in the spirit and talent of Orcas Island’s artists and invest in this event as a platform to spotlight their creativity. Your attendance and any additional support through purchases of their art and wares and direct engagement are immeasurably valuable. Supporting the Solstice Mercantile is not just an investment in an event; it's a direct contribution to nurturing our local artists who are tirelessly working and creating right here on our island. Thank you for supporting and believing in the artistic heartbeat of our community! Solstice Mercantile is produced on a shoestring budget with community members and organizers chipping in to help make it possible. We aren't funded by grants yet. We don't have an infrastructure. We are islanders serving islanders... and we're just getting started. Grant funding is being pursued in an effort to meet San Juan County demand and to continue Solstice Mercantile.

Who is running this event?

Solstice Mercantile was founded in 2021 by Whitney Chamberlin, Tera Andaya and Kelly Francis out of a desire to create, champion and celebrate light and beauty during the depth of the pandemic. All are locals to Orcas Island, parents, Orcas Island business owners, and have a combined 75 years of experience in event production, curation, styling and collaborating with creatives in community formats. They all volunteer their time and energy to Solstice Mercantile.