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.
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.
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.
In a testament to the enduring legacy of Andrew Carnegie’s vision of ‘Palaces for the People’, our area proudly boasts not one, but two exceptional public library systems: the Bellingham Public Library and the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS). On Wednesday, May 22, Library Directors Rebecca Judd and Christine Perkins are set to unveil the remarkable services, programs, and collections that define today’s modern libraries, showcasing how these invaluable institutions continue to enrich the lives of residents.
At the heart of the discussion will be an exploration of the diverse ways in which libraries add value to our community. From groundbreaking building projects poised to shape our local landscape to innovative strategies aimed at meeting the evolving needs of residents, Judd and Perkins will shed light on the dynamic role of libraries in our ever-changing society.
In addition to celebrating the triumphs of modern libraries, the event will also address the challenges facing these democratic institutions. By examining the pressures confronting libraries today, attendees will gain valuable insights into how they can advocate for and support these vital community resources.
Join us for an inspiring discussion guaranteed to reignite your appreciation for libraries and equip you with the tools to become a savvy library user.
• Program host: Bellingham City Club
• Location: Bellingham Yacht Club, 2625 S Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham, WA
• Time: 11:45 AM lunch served, 12 PM program starts
• Cost: $25 Members, $30 Non-members, $10 age 25 and under
• Reserve Tickets: https://bhamcityclub.wildapricot.org/event-5708646/Registration
• More information: www.bellinghamcityclub.org .
There’s no better way to kick off race weekend than at the Ski to Sea Block Party in the Boundary Bay Beer Garden!
Join us in the beer garden on Friday, May 24th for our Ski to Sea Block Party & Fish Fry! With live music from The Legendary Chucklenuts, a delicious fish fry menu, plenty of craft beer, and games for all, it’ll be an evening of fun for the whole family! Representatives from Ski to Sea will also be in the garden selling race merchandise!
What makes the Block Party even more special is that it’s also a fundraising event for Hunger vs Hunger; a fundraiser supporting the Bellingham Food Bank. Last year Hunger vs Hunger raised over $65,000 with the help of our Bellingham community! The Legendary Chucklenuts will be donating their pay, and Boundary Bay will be donating $1 per pint sold during the event to Hunger vs Hunger.
Doors & food service open at 4 pm. Music starts at 6 pm. All ages are welcome.
Stop by the beer garden on Saturday, June 8th, and help support the 10th Annual Brother Ray Benefit! Enjoy live music from The Atlantics, Squalicum High School Jazz Band, Bellingham Youth Jazz Band & #5 Collective Jazz Band!
The Backyard BBQ & bar will open at 1 pm, serving food and refreshments to help you dance all afternoon while raising money to support local 6th-grade students during their first year of playing a band instrument.
The Brother Ray Benefit Concert is open to all ages and with a suggested $5 donation at the door! Made possible by the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation.
Join us in the taproom on Tuesdays in June for Piano & Pints!
We’ve partnered with our good friend and local musician Paul Klein to host Piano and Pints: A Community Support Night to raise funds for local non-profits! We’re bringing Piano & Pints back this month as June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
Paul’s booking fee, tips, and $1 from every pint sold will be donated to Dementia Support NW. Tuesdays in the taproom from 6-8 pm.
Dementia Support NW’s mission is to educate people about dementia-related diseases and support caregiving partnerships. They have been operating in NW Washington since 1983.
It’s our fifth annual Free Community Clothing Swap! We will have all sizes, genders, ages, seasons, and styles, including shoes, accessories, and outerwear.
Will be taking place Sat. June 15th, 10am-2pm at 2000 W North St in Bellingham.
Clothes can be brought to exchange, but it’s never required. This is a free clothing event, open to all. Last year we served over 300 Whatcom residents in person, and all leftover items went to local assistance groups to helps others free of charge. We had enough clothing for 3000-4000 individuals and hope to clothe even more of our neighbors this year!
This year we’ll have an expanded activity area for kids, refreshments for attendees, and lots of clothing to share. Hope to see you there!
Join us in the taproom on Tuesdays in June for Piano & Pints!
We’ve partnered with our good friend and local musician Paul Klein to host Piano and Pints: A Community Support Night to raise funds for local non-profits! We’re bringing Piano & Pints back this month as June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
Paul’s booking fee, tips, and $1 from every pint sold will be donated to Dementia Support NW. Tuesdays in the taproom from 6-8 pm.
Dementia Support NW’s mission is to educate people about dementia-related diseases and support caregiving partnerships. They have been operating in NW Washington since 1983.
The 2024 All Hands Whatcom Opioid Summit is almost here! We hope you will join us to build on the momentum of the 2023 Opioid Summit with two full days of learning, community building, and action. The more we understand about the experiences of our youth people today, and the protective factors that reduce substance use disorders, the more impact we can have in building systems that result in health and well-being from an early age.
This year’s Summit programming is focused on how the opioid/Fentanyl crisis is impacting our youth and young adults- from grounding in data and evidence-based practices, to building empathy through personal stories, to action planning for community investment, and so much more! Join us to learn from our community’s youth and the organizations and individuals who support them. The Summit will highlight community voices, promote shared learning around systems of substance use prevention and support, and amplify innovative strategies that support our youth into healthy and thriving adulthood.
Join us in the taproom on Tuesdays in June for Piano & Pints!
We’ve partnered with our good friend and local musician Paul Klein to host Piano and Pints: A Community Support Night to raise funds for local non-profits! We’re bringing Piano & Pints back this month as June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month.
Paul’s booking fee, tips, and $1 from every pint sold will be donated to Dementia Support NW. Tuesdays in the taproom from 6-8 pm.
Dementia Support NW’s mission is to educate people about dementia-related diseases and support caregiving partnerships. They have been operating in NW Washington since 1983.
The 2024 All Hands Whatcom Opioid Summit is almost here! We hope you will join us to build on the momentum of the 2023 Opioid Summit with two full days of learning, community building, and action. The more we understand about the experiences of our youth people today, and the protective factors that reduce substance use disorders, the more impact we can have in building systems that result in health and well-being from an early age.
This year’s Summit programming is focused on how the opioid/Fentanyl crisis is impacting our youth and young adults- from grounding in data and evidence-based practices, to building empathy through personal stories, to action planning for community investment, and so much more! Join us to learn from our community’s youth and the organizations and individuals who support them. The Summit will highlight community voices, promote shared learning around systems of substance use prevention and support, and amplify innovative strategies that support our youth into healthy and thriving adulthood.
Join Paws With Cause in the beer garden on Saturday, June 29th for a Paint Party benefiting local shelter animals!
Each $20 ticket gets you a canvas with a local shelter animal already sketched onto it! You paint the canvas however you’d like, and either take home your finished work or donate it to Paws With A Cause! All donated pieces will be put on display in Boundary Bay’s bistro, where the will be sold to raise more money for local shelters & animal rescues.
Paws With Cause is a volunteer-based nonprofit with a mission to improve the lives of abandoned animals. They do this by generating public awareness, educating communities, and providing financial support to animal rescues and shelters. Paws With Cause focuses on those animals that are most in need to help push their stories to reach more people.
July 5th is a perfect moment to clean up messy beaches after a weekend of July 4th celebrations — Join RE Sources and Surfrider for our monthly beach cleanup!
We will be meeting at Locust Beach in Bellingham from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Trash grabbers, gloves, and bags provided, and bagels provided by Bagelry. Note that this location includes some stairs down to the beach.
** Please RSVP at p2a.co/SWiXPW6 **
To combat plastic pollution in the Salish Sea, we host beach cleanups — as well as cleanups along rivers and lakes — throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties, providing cleanup equipment and a place to connect with like-minded community members.
Plastic pollution is a concern for water quality and wildlife everywhere, and has even been discovered in drinking water and table salt worldwide. Recent research found that Pacific Ocean juvenile fish have been consuming microplastic particles in their first days of life, with not-yet understood health consequences. See our full list of 2022 monthly cleanups and mark your calendar!
Celebrate Bellingham PRIDE Weekend at our Pride Family Picnic!
Join us in the beer garden on Saturday, July 6th for a family picnic featuring games, crafts, a BBQ, refreshments, music, and drag performances! This year we’ve expanded the picnic in the Beer Garden to include Cedar Dust Alley so there’s even more space for fun! This family-friendly event is open to all ages and free to attend!
This is an all-ages event hosted by PFLAG Bellingham/Whatcom County & Boundary Bay Brewery.
The South Fork Nooksack River is a popular river access spot that often sees its fair share of trash, so we are starting the summer season with a River Litter Cleanup in Acme, WA! Teams will pick up trash from the riverbanks and adjacent roadways before it has a chance to wash into the waterway. All supplies and a turkey sandwich lunch are provided! Registration required at www.nsea.volunteerhub.org
Enjoy a FREE performance from the Bellingham Festival of Music Brass Quintet at the brewery on Wednesday, July 10th!
Stop by the beer garden for live music from 4 – 6 pm! Enjoy some lovely summer weather, craft beers, and live music from some very talented musicians!
Northwest Tune-Up isn’t your average music festival. It’s a thrilling fusion of world-class mountain biking adrenaline-pumping bike races award-winning breweries and live performances by top-tier musicians—all in one of North America’s best mountain bike destinations.
Experience 3 days of bike demos from top cycling brands shuttles to nearby trailheads hands-on skills clinics spectator-friendly bike races endless cycling entertainment 20+ taps from local craft brewers and over a dozen performers across 3 stages.
Mainstage Music:
* Friday: Yonder Mountain String Band (bluegrass) Indigo De Souza (bubblegrunge) Petty or Not (pop) and The Lil Smokies (Montana roots bluegrass)
* Saturday: Lupe Fiasco (hip-hop) Emancipator (livetronica) Magic Sword (synthwave) and Protoje meets Tippy I (modern reggae)
* Sunday: RJD2 (electronica) Dengue Fever (Cambodian rock) Saxsquatch (filthstep with Bigfoot) and The Moondoggies (American rock)
Free afternoon music on the Tunetown stages in Expo Village. Besides the public zone, paid ticket are accessible for all fans: music-only tickets, 3-day tickets, VIP tickets, single-day tickets, and youth. Children 12 and under free with adult.
Located at the Bellingham Waterfront, July 12–14, 2024. For tickets or more information, visit nwtuneup.com.
Northwest Tune-Up isn’t your average music festival. It’s a thrilling fusion of world-class mountain biking adrenaline-pumping bike races award-winning breweries and live performances by top-tier musicians—all in one of North America’s best mountain bike destinations.
Experience 3 days of bike demos from top cycling brands shuttles to nearby trailheads hands-on skills clinics spectator-friendly bike races endless cycling entertainment 20+ taps from local craft brewers and over a dozen performers across 3 stages.
Mainstage Music:
* Friday: Yonder Mountain String Band (bluegrass) Indigo De Souza (bubblegrunge) Petty or Not (pop) and The Lil Smokies (Montana roots bluegrass)
* Saturday: Lupe Fiasco (hip-hop) Emancipator (livetronica) Magic Sword (synthwave) and Protoje meets Tippy I (modern reggae)
* Sunday: RJD2 (electronica) Dengue Fever (Cambodian rock) Saxsquatch (filthstep with Bigfoot) and The Moondoggies (American rock)
Free afternoon music on the Tunetown stages in Expo Village. Besides the public zone, paid ticket are accessible for all fans: music-only tickets, 3-day tickets, VIP tickets, single-day tickets, and youth. Children 12 and under free with adult.
Located at the Bellingham Waterfront, July 12–14, 2024. For tickets or more information, visit nwtuneup.com.
Northwest Tune-Up isn’t your average music festival. It’s a thrilling fusion of world-class mountain biking adrenaline-pumping bike races award-winning breweries and live performances by top-tier musicians—all in one of North America’s best mountain bike destinations.
Experience 3 days of bike demos from top cycling brands shuttles to nearby trailheads hands-on skills clinics spectator-friendly bike races endless cycling entertainment 20+ taps from local craft brewers and over a dozen performers across 3 stages.
Mainstage Music:
* Friday: Yonder Mountain String Band (bluegrass) Indigo De Souza (bubblegrunge) Petty or Not (pop) and The Lil Smokies (Montana roots bluegrass)
* Saturday: Lupe Fiasco (hip-hop) Emancipator (livetronica) Magic Sword (synthwave) and Protoje meets Tippy I (modern reggae)
* Sunday: RJD2 (electronica) Dengue Fever (Cambodian rock) Saxsquatch (filthstep with Bigfoot) and The Moondoggies (American rock)
Free afternoon music on the Tunetown stages in Expo Village. Besides the public zone, paid ticket are accessible for all fans: music-only tickets, 3-day tickets, VIP tickets, single-day tickets, and youth. Children 12 and under free with adult.
Located at the Bellingham Waterfront, July 12–14, 2024. For tickets or more information, visit nwtuneup.com.
Join us in the beer garden on Saturday, July 27th for a Summer Book Exchange!
Love books and brews? Relax in our beautiful beer garden, enjoy some refreshing drinks, and exchange your favorite reads with fellow book lovers!
The book exchange is open to all ages and lasts from 11 am – 4 pm. $1 from every pint sold during the event will be donated to the Whatcom Literacy Council.
How It Works:
Bring one or more books you’re ready to part with.
Swap these books with ones others have brought.
Enjoy your new reads with a drink in hand!
This event is in partnership with the Whatcom Literacy Council.
The South Fork Nooksack River is a popular river access spot that often sees its fair share of trash, so we are starting the summer season with a River Litter Cleanup in Acme, WA! Teams will pick up trash from the riverbanks and adjacent roadways before it has a chance to wash into the waterway. Find out more and register at https://nsea.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/28574821-a766-4c6b-a8c9-08548e473c20
Join your community in celebrating healthy water, healthy habitat, and healthy people during the 12th annual Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run! This free event welcomes people of all ages and speeds. The 5K course has beautiful views of Whatcom County shoreline and beaches. Children 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course. This year Run with the Chums will be held on September 14th, as a kick off event for Whatcom Water Week at the BP Highlands. The 5K will start at 10AM, and the Smolt Sprint at 9:45 AM. Learn more and register today at www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums. Register before September 1st to receive a free Run with the Chums T-Shirt while supplies last.
M.A.D. H.O.P.E. (Making A Difference, Helping Other People Everywhere) is looking for volunteers for our Youth Suicide Prevention and Mental Well-Being Program, 2024-2025!
If you care about Whatcom youth, have availability during the school day, and are looking for a way to help our community, please join us for this impactful and in-person training series.
Each volunteer is required to attend the following training dates:
Tuesday, September 17, 11 am to 3 pm
Wednesday, September 18, 11 am to 3 pm
Thursday, September 19, 11 am to 3 pm
Wednesday, September 25, 11 am to 3 pm
