Community Calendar and Information Hub

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.

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Agenda
April 2017 – March 2024 Apr 2017 – Mar 2024
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Apr
12
Wed
An Evening of Poets and Poetry @ WCLS Blaine Library
Tickets
Apr 12 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
An Evening of Poets and Poetry @ WCLS Blaine Library | Blaine | Washington | United States

Celebrate National Poetry Month with local poetry lovers and poets including authors Carole MacRury and George McKinney. Share your own work, or recite a few new or old favorites. Listeners welcome too!

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Tags: poetry Poets
Sep
29
Fri
Frida and Friends: Women’s Voices Poetry Reading @ WCLS Deming Library
Tickets
Sep 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Frida and Friends: Women's Voices Poetry Reading @ WCLS Deming Library | Everson | Washington | United States

Celebrate strong women. Susan J. Erickson will share from her book of poems, Lauren Bacall Shares a Limousine, including poems in the voice of Frida Kahlo, the dynamic Mexican painter, who is recognized today for her artistic talent and for her courage in dealing with adversity. Other female poets will also read, and Frida herself will make a guest appearance!

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Tags: poetry
Nov
11
Sat
7th Annual Poetry Café at the Van Zandt Hall @ Van Zandt Hall
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Nov 11 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
7th Annual Poetry Café at the Van Zandt Hall @ Van Zandt Hall | Deming | Washington | United States

Join your neighbors for a delightful autumn evening of conversation and entertainment with the poets, musicians and storytellers in our midst. Doors open with a dessert potluck at 6:30 p.m. Performances begin at 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by the South Fork Valley Community Association and the Deming Library.

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Categories: Family Events Tags: Music poetry storytelling
Dec
6
Wed
Youth Peace Poetry Reading @ Village Books in Fairhaven
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Dec 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Youth Peace Poetry Reading @ Village Books in Fairhaven | Bellingham | Washington | United States

Join the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center for a poetry reading at Village Books, recognizing and celebrating the 10 youth poets who were finalists and winners in the 2017 Youth Peaceful Poetry Contest. The event is free and open to the public.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Family Events Tags: Art for kids Peace poetry
Jan
10
Wed
Open Mic and Poetry Night @ Greene's Corner
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Jan 10 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Open Mic and Poetry Night hosted by JP Falcon. Come to sign up or just enjoy the ambiance. Full menu of pizza, sandwiches, salad and much more! 16 delicious taps, wine by the glass, and good old community vibes.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Food & Beverage Music Concerts Tags: beer and wine free live music open mic pizza poetry restaurant
Apr
4
Wed
Book Launch + Poetry Readings @ Bruna Press + Archice
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Apr 4 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Book Launch + Poetry Readings @ Bruna Press + Archice | Bellingham | Washington | United States

The Bruna Press + Archive, a new, independent artist-run publishing organization is proud to present the first event in the MUTTER COURAGE program, an occasional reading series and conversation space. For this inaugural event, three local poets will read from recent work to celebrate Ely Shipley’s latest book, Some Animal published by Nightboat Books, “a new cross-genre collection that engages historical and personal explorations of gender and self.” In support of the launch, Yanara Friedland and Jane Wong will also read from their recent work.

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Categories: Author Talk Tags: #gender book poetry
Apr
6
Fri
Poetry Evening with Matthew Nienow @ WCLS Deming Library
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Apr 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Poetry Evening with Matthew Nienow @ WCLS Deming Library | Everson | Washington | United States

Port Townsend poet, Matthew Nienow, reads at the Deming Library to celebrate poetry month. Matthew is a boat builder/shipwright, father, award-winning poet and musician. His poetry speaks of saltwater and cedar, parenthood and the truth found in every life. All are welcome. Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Friends of the Deming Library.

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Categories: Theater Performances Tags: library poetry
Apr
21
Sat
Read Your Greats Poetry Circle @ WCLS Deming Library
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Apr 21 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Read Your Greats Poetry Circle @ WCLS Deming Library | Everson | Washington | United States

Read the poems that have mattered the most in your life at the Deming Library Poetry Circle for National Poetry Month. Share a poem that stabs the heart, reveals truth, sings the sadness, expresses astonishment or has somehow helped you realize what is important. Read your own poem or one by a favorite author. Reading time is limited; reserve your spot at the Deming Library. Refreshments served.

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Categories: Theater Performances Tags: library literature poetry Poets
Sep
19
Wed
Creekside Open Mic @ WCLS South Whatcom Library
Tickets
Sep 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Creekside Open Mic @ WCLS South Whatcom Library | Bellingham | Washington | United States

Poetry, prose, and music on the third Wednesday of the month in Sudden Valley. Sign up to read at 6 p.m. or become a member of the audience. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. For: Adults and Teens.

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Family Events Tags: adults literature Music Performance poetry teens
Jan
25
Fri
Salt in Our Blood: A FisherPoets Showcase @ The Mountain Room at Boundary Bay Brewery
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Jan 25 @ 8:00 pm
Salt in Our Blood: A FisherPoets Showcase @ The Mountain Room at Boundary Bay Brewery

Commercial fishers and writers with “salt in their blood,” Joel Brady-Power, Maggie Bursch, Maria Liliana Dosal and Sierra Golden share poems and songs about the ocean’s inextricable call. Bellingham’s Boundary Bay Brewery will pour their award-winning brews. Free raffle and munchies.

Suggested donation: $10. Proceeds benefit Strength of the Tides and Bellingham SeaFeast. Performers’ works and Strength of the Tides apparel will also be available for purchase.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Tags: beer commercial fishing Music poetry
Mar
16
Sat
Mother Earth With Becky Billock On Piano @ First Congregational Church of Bellingham
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Mar 16 @ 7:00 pm
Mother Earth With Becky Billock On Piano @ First Congregational Church of Bellingham

A walk in the forest, a mountain stream, a dog chasing squirrels, a polar bear sauntering across the ice – all these and more are explored in the solo piano performance “Mother Earth.” Sure to ignite the imagination, the program will feature a premiere of “Sounds of a Fjord” by Norwegian composer Kaja Bjørntvedt. Don’t miss this musical and poetic journey through earth’s spectacular landscapes.

Becky Billock, a Pittsburgh-based piano soloist, recording artist, and chamber musician is touted as “an unforgettable listening experience.” (Fanfare Magazine)

Program includes works by Amy Beach, Marion Bauer, Henry Cowell, Edvard Grieg, Karen Tanaka, Bonnie McLarty, Elisenda Fabregas, Patrick Burke, Germaine Tailleferre, Robert Schultz, Katherine Hoover, Gwyneth Walker, and Kaja Bjørntvedt.

Full bio, pictures, program notes and more can be found at www.beckybillock.org.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Family Events Music Concerts Tags: classical music concert live music Music Piano poetry recital
Nov
21
Sat
Poetry (Virtually) Cafe
Tickets
Nov 21 @ 7:00 pm
Poetry (Virtually) Cafe

A community fundraiser for Friends of the Deming Library and the South Fork Valley Community Association
Saturday, November 21, 2020, 7:00PM via Zoom – copy and click this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82589170863
Admission is free, but donations are welcome: https://www.southforkvalley.org/
Bringing the community together to share and appreciate local talent and creativity.
Sponsored by: South Fork Valley Community Association (SFVCA) and Deming Library.
Poetry Café 2020, featuring
• Loads of beloved local poets, storytellers, minstrels
• Musical interludes provided by Breanna Anderson, Meinhardt Merry, Lori Erbs
• Wonders of the spoken word from Lois Holub, Jerry McDonnell, C.J. Prince, David Imburgia, Camille Hill, Carla Shafer, Sam Flot
• Special presentation by acclaimed musicians/authors Dean & Dudley Evenson
Further Information: Erin Suda, Deming Library, esuda22@yahoo.com, 206-953-6550
Matthew Thuney, SFVCA, southforkvalley@aol.com, 360-305-6939 (voice/text)

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Non-Profit Fundraising Events Tags: #localmusic author event Community storytelling poetry
Sep
25
Sat
Soaring Notes @ Mount Baker Theatre
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Sep 25 @ 7:30 pm
Soaring Notes @ Mount Baker Theatre

Chevalier de Saint-Georges | Symphony No. 2
Ralph Vaughan Williams |The Lark Ascending
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Symphony No. 29

We celebrate the opening of our 46th season welcoming our new Concertmaster, Dawn Posey!

Selected after a national search, Ms. Posey solos on “The Lark Ascending,” introduced by Shu-Ling Zhao, co-founder of the Sylvia Center for the Arts, and a community organizer and social justice advocate. This work is accompanied by a delightful, evocative visual presentation by our graphic designer, Audrey Negro, as well as members of our orchestra.

The afternoon also includes a work by a true polymath: a man who mastered everything he set his hands to, from fencing to opera, violinist to composer. Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Symphony No. 2 is a testament to his prodigious skills and a delight to hear.

We close with Mozart’s Symphony No. 29, written by the 18-year-old Mozart after a trip to Vienna with his father, where he was exposed to the latest music of his friend and idol, Joseph Haydn, which many believe influenced the finale of this harmonically rich work.

These are reduced-capacity concerts with seating sold only in pairs.

For BSO events, all patrons must provide proof of vaccination for entry. A negative COVID test result will not be accepted as a substitute. Due to vaccination requirement, children under 12 cannot attend.

All programs are subject to change; please see the Bellingham Symphony website for detailed information.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Music Concerts Tags: bologne boulogne bso classical dawnposey desaint-georges mozart Orchestra poetry shu-lingzhao symphony symphonyno2 symphonyno29 thelarkascending violin
Sep
26
Sun
Soaring Notes @ Mount Baker Theatre
Tickets
Sep 26 @ 3:00 pm
Soaring Notes @ Mount Baker Theatre

Chevalier de Saint-Georges | Symphony No. 2
Ralph Vaughan Williams |The Lark Ascending
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Symphony No. 29

We celebrate the opening of our 46th season welcoming our new Concertmaster, Dawn Posey!

Selected after a national search, Ms. Posey solos on “The Lark Ascending,” introduced by Shu-Ling Zhao, co-founder of the Sylvia Center for the Arts, and a community organizer and social justice advocate. This work is accompanied by a delightful, evocative visual presentation by our graphic designer, Audrey Negro, as well as members of our orchestra.

The afternoon also includes a work by a true polymath: a man who mastered everything he set his hands to, from fencing to opera, violinist to composer. Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Symphony No. 2 is a testament to his prodigious skills and a delight to hear.

We close with Mozart’s Symphony No. 29, written by the 18-year-old Mozart after a trip to Vienna with his father, where he was exposed to the latest music of his friend and idol, Joseph Haydn, which many believe influenced the finale of this harmonically rich work.

These are reduced-capacity concerts with seating sold only in pairs.

For BSO events, all patrons must provide proof of vaccination for entry. A negative COVID test result will not be accepted as a substitute. Due to vaccination requirement, children under 12 cannot attend.

All programs are subject to change; please see the Bellingham Symphony website for detailed information.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Music Concerts Tags: bologne boulogne bso classical dawnposey desaint-georges mozart Orchestra poetry shu-lingzhao symphony symphonyno2 symphonyno29 thelarkascending violin
Nov
5
Fri
Whatcom Literacy Council’s Literacy Breakfast w/ Nancy Pearl @ Virtual
Tickets
Nov 5 all-day
Whatcom Literacy Council's Literacy Breakfast w/ Nancy Pearl @ Virtual

The Whatcom Literacy Council will host the annual Literacy Breakfast with Nancy Pearl on Friday, November 5, 2021 from 8:00am – 9:00am. This will be an online event, free to register with an expected donation of $75. Registration details at: https://whatcomliteracy.org/events.

This year, the witty and wonderful Nancy Pearl, author/librarian/NPR commentator, will review her favorite titles for the year. Nancy’s recommendations will be linked to our favorite local bookstore, Village Books. The event will kick off with a poetry reading by Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest.

All proceeds support the free adult literacy programs of the Whatcom Literacy Council.

Since 1983, the Whatcom Literacy Council has helped hundreds of adults in Whatcom County transform their lives by strengthening their literacy skills with free tutoring and small group classes. Proceeds from the event go directly to programs that help our neighbors here in Whatcom County build skills that help them get jobs and take care of their families.

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Categories: Non-Profit Fundraising Events Tags: books literacy poetry
Nov
6
Sat
Poetry Cafe @ Online
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Nov 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Poetry (Virtually) Café is back!
Join your friends and neighbors for a delightful autumn evening of entertainment with an inspiring lineup of local poets, musicians, and storytellers. The 11th annual Poetry Café, hosted in partnership by the Deming Library and the South Fork Valley Community Association, is once again taking place online this year. Please register at wcls.org to receive your Zoom link.
Date: Saturday, Nov 6 2021
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Warm your heart by supporting your local poets and the South Fork Valley Community Association!
https://wcls.libcal.com/event/8432546

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Categories: Adult Focused Events Arts and Entertainment Tags: Music poetry storytelling
Aug
9
Wed
Youth Peace Poetry Workshop @ Virtual
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Aug 9 @ 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Youth Peace Poetry Workshop @ Virtual

Prepare for WDRC’s annual Peace Poetry Contest by joining us in a workshop with writing prompts, readings, and activities to practice poetry!

We welcome all formats including raps, poems, and short stories!

REGISTER: send an email to youth@whatcomdrc.org with your child’s age and a bit about where they are at in the writing process.

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Categories: Arts and Entertainment Education Kids Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: poetry workshops
Mar
16
Sat
Beauty, Beasts, and the Banal: Poetry Workshop @ Faith Lutheran Church
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Mar 16 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Beauty, Beasts, and the Banal: Poetry Workshop @ Faith Lutheran Church

This workshop invites attendees to engage in dismantling perceptions of the unattractive, the uncelebrated, and the unremarkable to discover profound beauty. We will read poems that examine the cockroach, the vampire, the buttoning of a shirt, and the contents of a refrigerator, focusing on the ways in which their poets find reasons to celebrate each creature, action, and simple human behavior and through various writing prompts venture into creating our poems of exaltation.

Kami Westhoff is an award-winning writer, poet, and instructor of creative writing at Western Washington University. She received an MFA in Fiction from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an MA in Creative Writing from WWU. She is the author of the short story collection, The Criteria (Unsolicited Press), and three poetry chapbooks including Cloudbound, Sleepwalker, winner of Minerva Rising’s Dare to Be Contest, and Your Body a Bullet, co-written with Elizabeth Vignali. In her writing, she amplifies silenced voices and challenges systems that protect abusers.

Note: The $30 fee is considered a donation toward the Sue C. Boynton Poetry program, under the Whatcom Poetry Series, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and may be used as a tax deduction.

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Categories: Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #communityfundraiser fundraising poetry Poets writers writing writing workshop
Mar
25
Mon
Writing Spring: A Poetry Workshop @ Virtual over Zoom
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Mar 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Writing Spring: A Poetry Workshop @ Virtual over Zoom

In the “Writing Spring” workshop we will align our lyrical voices with the changing season, with the time in the Northern Hemisphere when the natural world revives, and when we likewise are revitalized after the dark winter months. Our teachers in this session will be seedlings sprouting from the ground, animals re-emerging from hibernation, and the new life quickening within us. Everyone welcome!

D.J. Lee is an acclaimed writer, teacher, and regents professor in the English Department at Washington State University. She holds an MFA and a Ph.D., and her prolific writing includes more than 50 published lyric essays and prose poems, the memoir Remote: Finding Home in the Bitterroots (Oregon State University Press), and eight scholarly books. A photographer and papermaker, Lee often combines image and text.

Note: The $30 entry fee is considered a donation toward the Sue C. Boynton Poetry program, under the Whatcom Poetry Series, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and may be used as a tax deduction.

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Categories: Workshops, Classes and Lectures Tags: #arts&culture creativity poetry Poets writers writing Writing Craft; master writing classes writing workshop
April 2017 – March 2024 Apr 2017 – Mar 2024