The Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first annual spring Shakespeare Festival complete with roaming street performers, music, performances by the Seattle Shakespeare Company and a lot of colorful, whimsical decorations.

On March 30, Seattle Shakespeare will perform “Romeo and Juliet” for students, followed by a workshop. The company is providing a scholarship so all Orcas students can attend the performance free of charge. On March 31, the company will present “Hamlet” at Orcas Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 students. The chamber is hosting an appetizer and wine reception prior to the play at 6 p.m. Orcas a Cappella will be performing as well.

The performances are considered a jewel in a much larger event that is primarily happening on Saturday, March 31. There will be musicians visiting businesses throughout Eastsound, actors performing Shakespeare vignettes, sword-fights, town criers and decorations. A mini farmers market will be set up in the Village Green and an empty storefront (formerly Eastsound Instruments) in the post office building is being turned into the “Bard Gallery” with local art both Shakespearean-themed and not. It will be open until the end of April; hours are 1 to 4 p.m.