The WhatcomTalk Events Calendar shares things to do around Whatcom County including Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Blaine and beyond. Find fun activities and adventures throughout the region on our comprehensive events calendar. Have an event that isn’t listed? Click the green “Post your Event” button and our editors will review and approve within two business days.
Support local artisans and non-profits at our Earth Day Market on Saturday, April 20th!
Join us in the beer garden from 11 am – 3 pm to shop from and learn about 15+ local, sustainably-minded vendors and organizations! From upcycled clothes, accessories, and decor to organizations dedicated to getting people outdoors and reducing food waste, there’ll be lots to see! Open to all ages and free to attend!?
Join us for an information session on the upcoming course Web Development Bootcamp (https://pce.wwu.edu/web-development-bootcamp-program). Get details on the curriculum, format, time commitment and more. The course instructors will be on hand to answer your questions.
Amidst shifting state legislation and pressing housing challenges, the Bellingham City Club presents “Balancing Policy, Population, and Preservation.” This vital program tackles the delicate balance between housing demands, community preservation, and regulatory compliance. With unprecedented mandates altering the city’s landscape, crucial questions arise about housing location, comprehensive planning, and neighborhood character preservation. Featuring distinguished speakers Blake Lyons, Garrett O’Brien, and Chris Behee, experts in urban planning, community development, and GIS, the event promises invaluable insights and actionable strategies. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, the program underscores the City Club’s commitment to civic engagement. Join us on April 24, 2024, at the Bellingham Yacht Club, for lunch and an unmissable discussion on shaping Bellingham’s future. For event details and registration, visit www.bellinghamcityclub.org or contact info@bellinghamcityclub.org.
The CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is thrilled to announce its seventh annual event, celebrating exceptional films directed by women from around the world. The festival will take place in Bellingham, WA, from April 25-28, 2024, with an online festival following from May 2-11, 2024.
Since its inception in 2017, CASCADIA has presented the films of over 220 women directors, one of the few festivals in the U.S. dedicated to the goal of championing female filmmakers through community building and a shared love of the art. The festival spans all film genres, including narrative, live action, animation, documentary, and experimental films of all lengths.
The 2024 festival will feature films, including the U.S. premiere of “WaaPake” directed by Jules Koostachin, the Shirley Jo Finney Featured Filmmaker of the year, with the director in attendance. Other premiere screenings include “Last Dance,” directed by Delphine Lehericey, and “Preconceived,” directed by Sabrine Keane and Kate Dumke.
In addition to films from Iran, Brazil, Palestine, and many other countries, the lineup includes local representation. “Call of the Orcas” is the latest film from Olympic Peninsula-based director Jessica Plumb (“The Return of the River”). The short documentary explores the urgent effort to recover endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales of the Pacific Northwest, through the eyes of one of their human champions, researcher Ken Balcomb.
The festival will also host a Script Studio on Sunday, April 28, where four short film scripts by women writers will be read by actors and critiqued by a panel of film professionals. This workshop is free of charge and open to the public.
CASCADIA is committed to changing the landscape of the film industry by offering a venue and a support system for women to tell their stories through the medium of film. By showcasing quality work by women directors, CASCADIA provides an important forum for the work of women directors to be seen and their voices heard.
Summer Session staff is hosting a series of drop-in Q&A sessions via Zoom to answer your questions about course offerings, the registration process and other applicable updates.
Please RSVP for this free session at: https://wwu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zTOz3xC-RVi6DfLhfSVd5A#/registration
Not currently a Western student? Not a problem. Summer Session is Western’s only open quarter, meaning admission to Western isn’t required. It’s the perfect time to explore some of the great programs that Western has to offer. Earn credit without applying for a degree or major. summer.wwu.edu
The CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is thrilled to announce its seventh annual event, celebrating exceptional films directed by women from around the world. The festival will take place in Bellingham, WA, from April 25-28, 2024, with an online festival following from May 2-11, 2024.
Since its inception in 2017, CASCADIA has presented the films of over 220 women directors, one of the few festivals in the U.S. dedicated to the goal of championing female filmmakers through community building and a shared love of the art. The festival spans all film genres, including narrative, live action, animation, documentary, and experimental films of all lengths.
The 2024 festival will feature films, including the U.S. premiere of “WaaPake” directed by Jules Koostachin, the Shirley Jo Finney Featured Filmmaker of the year, with the director in attendance. Other premiere screenings include “Last Dance,” directed by Delphine Lehericey, and “Preconceived,” directed by Sabrine Keane and Kate Dumke.
In addition to films from Iran, Brazil, Palestine, and many other countries, the lineup includes local representation. “Call of the Orcas” is the latest film from Olympic Peninsula-based director Jessica Plumb (“The Return of the River”). The short documentary explores the urgent effort to recover endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales of the Pacific Northwest, through the eyes of one of their human champions, researcher Ken Balcomb.
The festival will also host a Script Studio on Sunday, April 28, where four short film scripts by women writers will be read by actors and critiqued by a panel of film professionals. This workshop is free of charge and open to the public.
CASCADIA is committed to changing the landscape of the film industry by offering a venue and a support system for women to tell their stories through the medium of film. By showcasing quality work by women directors, CASCADIA provides an important forum for the work of women directors to be seen and their voices heard.
The CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is thrilled to announce its seventh annual event, celebrating exceptional films directed by women from around the world. The festival will take place in Bellingham, WA, from April 25-28, 2024, with an online festival following from May 2-11, 2024.
Since its inception in 2017, CASCADIA has presented the films of over 220 women directors, one of the few festivals in the U.S. dedicated to the goal of championing female filmmakers through community building and a shared love of the art. The festival spans all film genres, including narrative, live action, animation, documentary, and experimental films of all lengths.
The 2024 festival will feature films, including the U.S. premiere of “WaaPake” directed by Jules Koostachin, the Shirley Jo Finney Featured Filmmaker of the year, with the director in attendance. Other premiere screenings include “Last Dance,” directed by Delphine Lehericey, and “Preconceived,” directed by Sabrine Keane and Kate Dumke.
In addition to films from Iran, Brazil, Palestine, and many other countries, the lineup includes local representation. “Call of the Orcas” is the latest film from Olympic Peninsula-based director Jessica Plumb (“The Return of the River”). The short documentary explores the urgent effort to recover endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales of the Pacific Northwest, through the eyes of one of their human champions, researcher Ken Balcomb.
The festival will also host a Script Studio on Sunday, April 28, where four short film scripts by women writers will be read by actors and critiqued by a panel of film professionals. This workshop is free of charge and open to the public.
CASCADIA is committed to changing the landscape of the film industry by offering a venue and a support system for women to tell their stories through the medium of film. By showcasing quality work by women directors, CASCADIA provides an important forum for the work of women directors to be seen and their voices heard.
Join us for April Brews Day on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Bellingham, WA Downtown Waterfront featuring craft breweries from the Pacific Northwest. The event will showcase local food vendors and live musical performances. April Brews Day is the culminating event of Bellingham Beer Week, a collaboration that highlights Bellingham’s booming beer scene.
Tickets go on sale January 15. All tickets include a collectable tasting cup and tasting tickets for beer and food. VIP ticket holders receive exclusive access to the event one and a half hours prior to general admission and receive additional tasting tickets. Tickets may be purchased online at aprilbrewsday.org.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity and support from sponsors like WECU and City of Bellingham Tourism. “We at WECU are thrilled to support April Brews Day, a beloved local event that brings together the community for a fantastic cause,” said Keith Mader, Director of PR at WECU. “We deeply value the impactful efforts of the Max Higbee Center and feel privileged to contribute to this exceptional event.”
So grab a beer for a cause! All proceeds benefit Max Higbee Center’s community-based recreation programs that help empower youth and adults with developmental disabilities. Learn more at maxhigbeecenter.org.
The CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is thrilled to announce its seventh annual event, celebrating exceptional films directed by women from around the world. The festival will take place in Bellingham, WA, from April 25-28, 2024, with an online festival following from May 2-11, 2024.
Since its inception in 2017, CASCADIA has presented the films of over 220 women directors, one of the few festivals in the U.S. dedicated to the goal of championing female filmmakers through community building and a shared love of the art. The festival spans all film genres, including narrative, live action, animation, documentary, and experimental films of all lengths.
The 2024 festival will feature films, including the U.S. premiere of “WaaPake” directed by Jules Koostachin, the Shirley Jo Finney Featured Filmmaker of the year, with the director in attendance. Other premiere screenings include “Last Dance,” directed by Delphine Lehericey, and “Preconceived,” directed by Sabrine Keane and Kate Dumke.
In addition to films from Iran, Brazil, Palestine, and many other countries, the lineup includes local representation. “Call of the Orcas” is the latest film from Olympic Peninsula-based director Jessica Plumb (“The Return of the River”). The short documentary explores the urgent effort to recover endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales of the Pacific Northwest, through the eyes of one of their human champions, researcher Ken Balcomb.
The festival will also host a Script Studio on Sunday, April 28, where four short film scripts by women writers will be read by actors and critiqued by a panel of film professionals. This workshop is free of charge and open to the public.
CASCADIA is committed to changing the landscape of the film industry by offering a venue and a support system for women to tell their stories through the medium of film. By showcasing quality work by women directors, CASCADIA provides an important forum for the work of women directors to be seen and their voices heard.
Summer Session staff is hosting a series of drop-in Q&A sessions via Zoom to answer your questions about course offerings, the registration process and other applicable updates.
Please RSVP for this free session at: https://wwu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aey8Qo9iRHWuk_-6ugKgNw#/registration
Not currently a Western student? Not a problem. Summer Session is Western’s only open quarter, meaning admission to Western isn’t required. It’s the perfect time to explore some of the great programs that Western has to offer. Earn credit without applying for a degree or major. summer.wwu.edu
The Bellingham Yacht Club launches the 2024 boating season May 4th with an afternoon “Here Comes the Sun” boat parade for all and special events for members and dignitaries throughout the day. Membership is not needed to join in the parade. Details here.
“BYC is a year-round social as well as boating club,” explained Mike Unger, Fleet Captain. “We are mostly volunteer operated, so it’s easy to get involved and make new friends, just like in 1925 when the Club started with fifty members and ten boats.”
Anniversaries are on tap this year as the Bellingham Yacht Club celebrates the 50th renown Pitch Regatta, and next year, the Club’s 100th will be honored with numerous festivities.
The Club is also welcoming new members, waiving the usual initiation fee through May 17th.
Those wishing to join the Bellingham Yacht Club can find Club benefits and the application at https://byc.org/membership.. Neither sponsors nor boat ownership is required.
The Bellingham Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in Bellingham. Located on the Squalicum waterfront, the facility has a full bar and Event Center which can be rented by the public. For more information, visit https://byc.org/. Opening Day schedule.
Join us for the MMS Spring Festival featuring a festival market filled with handmade crafts and products by local artisans! There will be family craft activities, food truck, hay rides, face painting, bake sale and a busking stage for live music. It will be a great opportunity for the Whatcom County community to gather and celebrate spring!
Summer Session staff is hosting a series of drop-in Q&A sessions via Zoom to answer your questions about course offerings, the registration process and other applicable updates.
Please RSVP for this free session at: https://wwu-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ol-hGH4hS8u6WsoUlc6EBg#/registration
Not currently a Western student? Not a problem. Summer Session is Western’s only open quarter, meaning admission to Western isn’t required. It’s the perfect time to explore some of the great programs that Western has to offer. Earn credit without applying for a degree or major. summer.wwu.edu
Meander around 19 shops as they host pop-up tasting rooms showcasing an array of regional wines. As an attendee, you’ll receive tasting tickets to redeem for samples of the wines of your choice, and if you find a favorite, you can take a bottle (or two!) home by making a purchase right at the tasting location.
Treat yourself to a VIP ticket to enjoy a breezy early check-in and reception at Aslan Depot from 4:30-6:30pm where you will sip on a complimentary glass of exclusive VIP natural wine selections, snack, and mingle with your friends and other attendees. Tickets are on sale now for a night of sipping and shopping local! ????
All proceeds from this event support the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Join Naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a day of foraging out in the woods. This course will take place on private and public property approximately 2 miles from of Maple Falls. Location is subject to change based on seasonal anomalies such as delayed sprouting.
This is a great event to be out in nature on Mothers Day!
We will be foraging nettles and other edible or medicinal plants, in addition to any edible mushrooms we may find. For each species, expect short discourse on it’s edibility or medicinal properties, how to prepare it for medicine or food, and information on its ecology.
Expect moderate walking/hiking with frequent stops, self-led exploration, and a lesson in ethical foraging on public lands.
The last half of the class, we will build a fire and cook together using nettles. I will show you 2 recipes and make suggestions for several others.
This will be a fun outing!
Please register via the website.
Join Jazmen Yoder (Northwest Natura) & Madelaine Katz for an ecology crash course complete with captivating storytelling and bounteous wisdom-sharing on Southern Resident and Transient Killer Whales, and the Salish Sea Bioregion.
In this course you will learn:
Salish Sea natural history, including human history and the interconnectedness of species on land and sea.
Orca symbolism and lore within the Coast Salish region
Morphological traits, behaviors, and social structures of Orcas
Salmon species basic life history and phenology
Ecological roles, impacts, and new facts about Southern Resident and Transient Killer Whales
To hear and discern different Orca vocalizations
How to ID individual orcas by their unique features
How to support Orca conservation efforts
Tips for whale watching (where to go, what to look for, how to ID individuals, and more).
This course will be co-led by Madelaine Katz, a nature educator and student of the Salish Sea, and Jazmen Yoder, outdoor educator, naturalist, and founder of Northwest Natura.
The entire class will take place indoors at the Chuckanut Center near Fairhaven in Whatcom County, WA. The Chuckanut Center is heated and has access to facilities including a bathroom, full kitchen, and drinking water.
***** Please register via the website.
This series is designed for individuals at any skill level who are interested in learning more about trees and wildcrafting skills.
Each class will incorporate guided note-taking and hands-on experience that will familiarize you with various trees of the Pacific Northwest.
Overall, we will be moving at a slow pace during each outing as we focus on our surroundings and have mini lectures, and the second half of class will generally be stationary to engage in crafts and activities.
Expect some gentle to moderate hiking, and some kneeling or squatting.
Each class will build on the previous one. For more details, keep reading!
Day 1: An Evening at the Lake: Birch Bark Candles
Saturday June 1st, 2024
(Details on location will be sent to registered participants only).
This is an introductory class to common tree species and a wildcrafting course using several species of trees including Douglas-Fir, Paper Birch and Western Redcedar.
What to expect:
First Half: We will begin the series with an introduction to common trees and general concepts about tree adaptations to better appreciate the materials we’ll be working with in the second half of class.
Second Half: Each person will craft their own primitive candle using bark, resin, roots, and wood.
Please register via the website.
This course will take place on Northwest Natura’s private forest land in Whatcom County off Highway 542 near Maple Falls, WA. Driving directions and details on what to bring with you will be provided in an email as the event date approaches.
Bushcraft is a term used to describe the practice of skills which aid in living outdoors. Here are the skills we will cover in this crash course:
Survival Basics focused on Shelter
Shelter – survival shelter construction
Fire making without a lighter
Knot-tying and lashing basics.
Tools of the trade and practice using them.
Knife and ax skills
We will practice all of these skills together in this full-day course. Knives and ferro rods provided for the day.
You are encouraged to bring your own outdoor tools such as a knife, ax, fire starter, tarp, containers (pots, water bottles), paracord, first aid kit, etc. so you can practice with your kit. I can answer any questions about your gear and help you troubleshoot issues you may have with them.
Space is limited to 10.
Please register via the website.
This is day 2 of the series.
This series is designed for individuals at any skill level who are interested in learning more about trees and wildcrafting skills.
Each class will incorporate guided note-taking and hands-on experience that will familiarize you with various trees of the Pacific Northwest.
Overall, we will be moving at a slow pace during each outing as we focus on our surroundings and have mini lectures, and the second half of class will generally be stationary to engage in crafts and activities.
Expect some gentle to moderate hiking, and some kneeling or squatting.
Each class will build on the previous one. For more details, keep reading!
This is a deep dive into more mixed forest species and a wildcrafting course using Pacific Willow or Vine Maple, and Western Redcedar.
What to expect:
First Half: We will wander along a forest road and onto random footpaths along the Nooksack River, observing tree species and searching for the perfect materials to use in the second half of class. This class will be accessible while incorporating wandering and choosing paths at random based on resources and curiosity.
Second Half: Using Western Redcedar from the forest, learn how to make traditional cordage. Using willow stems from the riverbank, enjoy the view while you craft a decorative ring to be hung up in your garden, your front door, or elsewhere to be admired. Extra decorating materials will be provided. An email with ideas of what you may want to bring for decorations will be sent to you a few days prior to the event.
***Please register via the website.
Join botanist and naturalist, Jazmen Yoder on a walk at one of the most beautiful coastal parks in the Pacific Northwest. There will be an emphasis on learning about creatures in the tidepools, lichens and ferns, but you will learn a lot about other plants, fungi, edible seaweeds, and coast ecology through exploration of tidepools at low tide. Bring your camera, come for the knowledge, and stay for the views! This is a unique field trip offering you’ll remember forever.
Space is limited. Please register via the website.
This is day THREE of this series.
The series is designed for individuals at any skill level who are interested in having fun outdoors learning about PNW plants, wildlife, tidepools, bogs, natural history, foraging, and a bit of photography.
Each class will incorporate hands-on experience and photo prompts to deepen your awareness of the natural world and augment your curiosity.
Overall, we will be moving at a slow pace during each outing as we focus on our surroundings, have mini lectures, or engage in activities.
Expect some gentle to moderate hiking, and some kneeling or squatting.
Each class will build on the previous one. For more details, go to the website.
This series is designed for individuals at any skill level who are interested in learning more about trees and wildcrafting skills.
Each class will incorporate guided note-taking and hands-on experience that will familiarize you with various trees of the Pacific Northwest.
Overall, we will be moving at a slow pace during each outing as we focus on our surroundings and have mini lectures, and the second half of class will generally be stationary to engage in crafts and activities.
Expect some gentle to moderate hiking, and some kneeling or squatting.
Each class will build on the previous one. For more details, keep reading!
DAY 3-
First Half: Test your identification skills gained over the series.
Second Half: Harvest and process Red Alder and start a carving project with guidance. Bring a saw and a hatchet if you have one, and spoon-carving knives if you want to make a spoon. Bushcraft knives will be provided to everyone. Saws, axes, and spoon knives are limited but available to borrow.
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Registered individuals will receive details in an event-reminder emails a few days prior to each event with driving directions.
Please register via website.
