The Orcas Island Shakespeare Festival is back for another year of merriment from March 29 to April 2. The event is sponsored by the Orcas Chamber of Commerce.

The festivities begin with Black and White Night, an evening of dinner and formal readings on Tuesday, March 29 at Random Howse from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The celebration continues on the following night with a Festive Feast. Gather at Odd Fellows Hall on Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. for a potluck, musical performances by such groups as the Crow Valley String band and a costume contest. The winner will receive $100.

On Thursday, March 31, watch islanders present their favorite Shakespeare pieces during Community Night at 6:30 p.m. at Random Howse.

Unexpected Productions, an improv troupe from Seattle, will entertain audiences at Random Howse starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1. A play written by Cali Bagby will be performed by local actors to start off the night.

Saturday, April 2 will be the culmination of a week’s worth of festivities. It all begins at 11 a.m. with a medieval street fair and entertainment on the Village Green until 3 p.m. A parade will go through town starting at noon.

The festival concludes with a modern interpretation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream ‘Abduction'” presented by the high school drama class on April 1 and 2.

The performance will be held at Orcas Center at 7:30 p.m. and features five adult actors, and 16 local high school student actors.

For tickets and event information, visit http://orcasislandchamber.com/shakespeare-festival.