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.
Welcome back long-time friend and poet-in-residence at the Chuckanut Radio Hour Kevin Murphy to the Readings Gallery for his new poetry collection, The Last Normal Year!
Just in time for the end of history, The Last Normal Year features new, selected, and previously undetected compositions by celebrated Bellingham poet Kevin Murphy. With nods to the Beats, the bards, the surrealists, and the blues, Murphy’s approach is exuberant, comic, and slightly mad.
Kevin Murphy has been writing poetry for over 45 years, often accompanying himself on guitar or percussion. He is poet-in-residence at the Chuckanut Radio Hour, and is a winner of the Bellingham Mayor Arts Award. He has recorded two CDs of his work, Between Onions and Oxygen, and the Bird of Pure Midnight. His new poetry collection is The Last Normal Year (2025).
Shoestring Circus returns to Bellingham! Their big top tent will be back at the Waterfront Pump Track from June 6th – 22nd with a brand new show for all ages! Come enjoy a circus spectacle featuring high-flying aerial arts, Guinness World Record holders, and jaw dropping stunts all under the classic big top! These shows sell out every year so snag your seats early to the circus of the summer!
Tickets and Information at shoestringcircus.com
Shoestring Circus is an all-human production.
Showtimes:
Friday, June 6th – 7pm
Saturday, June 7th – 1pm, 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 8th – 3pm, 6pm
–
Thursday, June 12th – 7pm
Friday, June 13th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 14th – 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 15th – 3pm, 6pm
–
Thursday, June 19th – 7pm
Friday, June 20th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 21st – 1pm, 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 22nd – 1pm
Admission:
$16 – Child General seating (ages 3-13)
$33 – Adult General seating (ages 13+)
$48 – Front Row seating
*children 2 and under do not require a ticket but must share a seat with a ticket holder.
*strollers cannot be placed in the seating area due to fire codes but are welcome in the stroller parking area in the foyer
Summer Plans, Technology, and Research Help – a
presentation by…YOU!
Join us for our last meeting before the summer break to talk
about plans and goals for the summer. We’ll answer your
questions about technology and suggestions for research
tools, websites and strategies. Don’t have a question?
Maybe you have the answer! Come and share your
knowledge and experience.
Step into a vibrant celebration where Whatcom County’s most captivating poems come alive alongside stunning artwork they’ve inspired! For two decades, the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest has connected our community through the power of words—and this landmark anniversary exhibition showcases this creative partnership like never before.
Each year, distinguished judges carefully select exceptional poems from writers of all ages, transforming these literary gems into visual art for the entire community to enjoy on WTA buses. Now, Allied Arts brings this cherished tradition indoors with a special gallery exhibition featuring this year’s winning entries alongside colorful artwork paired with memorable selections from past contests—creating a retrospective that honors both fresh voices and the rich poetic history of our community.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the complete experience through a commemorative anthology spanning ten years of winning compositions, alongside collections from celebrated local poets. Throughout June, the Whatcom Poetry Series will enhance your experience with engaging poetry readings and interactive workshops hosted in the gallery space.
Don’t miss this extraordinary intersection of literary and visual arts that represents the heart and voice of our community. Come celebrate the creative spirit that continues to inspire Whatcom County!
You can find out more about the poetry contest at https://thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com/contest/. For any questions about the contest, email BoyntonPoetryContest@hotmail.com. Donations are always necessary to keep the contest running year after year.
Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.
For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-676-8548 x102 or gallery@alliedarts.org.
Join us for an evening of free classical and contemporary music performed by the North Sound Youth Symphony (MSYS). NSYS offers a fun and inspirational musical experiecne for all aspiring young musicians. Come and enjoy our spring concert from these talented young performers.
Performances by both the NSYS Symphony orchestra with advanced young musicians and the Philharmonia, featuring our newer members.
North Sound Youth Symphony is dedicated to fostering musical excellence in young musicians from our community. Seeing their peers on stage can be the spark that lights a lifelong passion. If your child plays an orchestral instrument, they may be inspired to join the North Sound Youth Symphony themselves. Audition information for Fall 2025 is available at northsoundyouthsymphony.org.
Online trivia through Zoom, every Tuesday night, featuring a mix of gallery and breakout rooms allowing you to socialize while you play several rounds of trivia including a weekly suggested category.
Zoom link available each week at http://Facebook.com/WorldsBestTrivia.
Teams or individuals can play. To participate in scoring, teams designate a scribe who submits answers using google forms. Players of all ages welcome!
One of the core goals of Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) is to honor and respect Polynesian cultural traditions through the promotion of both competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, families, and the community. Keiki (kids) ages 8-14 will enjoy games on and off the water and learn to paddle as a team in a 6-person outrigger canoe! Sign up for one or more of the 4 sessions throughout the summer, which includes opportunities to race with your BBOP team! We provide paddles and PFDs for free. Please see our website for more details, https://www.bbop.us/youth-program.
All youth must register before getting into a canoe.
Visit our membership page for more info.
Practice Times: 4:15- 5:30pm
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 6 – Aug 21, 2025
(Each session includes 8 practices, for a total of 10 hours of instruction)
Session 1: May 6 – May 29 Focus on Paddle Technique and Sprint Racing
Session 2: June 3 – June 26 Focus on Marine Ecology
Session 3: July 1 – July 24 Focus on History and Culture
Session 4: July 29 – August 21 Focus on Strength and Conditioning and long-distance competition
Location: Launching from the Community Boating Center.
?All kids get a BBOP t-shirt upon sign up
?No drop-ins allowed. No “make-up” for missed practices.
?A fee waiver is available (click here for info)
?All youth are welcome to participate in our BBOP race on August 16, 2025 to show off their new skills!
Ready to sign up? Register HERE.
Help is available for TeamSnap registration!
???
What to Wear
All youth are required to wear a PFD. We will have PFDs and paddles available, but bring a PFD and/or paddle if you have one.
-
Dress in layers, avoid cotton. Rain gear help to keep the body warm and insulated. Tights worn for other sport work well.
-
Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet- neoprene booties with wool socks will help keep the feet warm.
-
Bring a change of clothes and a towel.
Step into a vibrant celebration where Whatcom County’s most captivating poems come alive alongside stunning artwork they’ve inspired! For two decades, the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest has connected our community through the power of words—and this landmark anniversary exhibition showcases this creative partnership like never before.
Each year, distinguished judges carefully select exceptional poems from writers of all ages, transforming these literary gems into visual art for the entire community to enjoy on WTA buses. Now, Allied Arts brings this cherished tradition indoors with a special gallery exhibition featuring this year’s winning entries alongside colorful artwork paired with memorable selections from past contests—creating a retrospective that honors both fresh voices and the rich poetic history of our community.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the complete experience through a commemorative anthology spanning ten years of winning compositions, alongside collections from celebrated local poets. Throughout June, the Whatcom Poetry Series will enhance your experience with engaging poetry readings and interactive workshops hosted in the gallery space.
Don’t miss this extraordinary intersection of literary and visual arts that represents the heart and voice of our community. Come celebrate the creative spirit that continues to inspire Whatcom County!
You can find out more about the poetry contest at https://thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com/contest/. For any questions about the contest, email BoyntonPoetryContest@hotmail.com. Donations are always necessary to keep the contest running year after year.
Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.
For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-676-8548 x102 or gallery@alliedarts.org.
Life drawing from the live model – All levels welcome!
– $20 at the door, Cash/Card/Venmo
– Doors at 6p / Poses begin at 6:45p
– Materials & Snacks provided
– Short to long poses
– More details at www.lifedrawingbellingham.com
These are uninstructed events for anyone who enjoys or is curious about drawing from a live model. First-timers always welcome!
We provide a welcoming and supportive environment so that everyone can get into their creative flow.
The poses are timed, starting with shorter poses to warm up, gradually building up to longer poses, with breaks throughout.
** Stay up to date & Follow us on instagram @lifedrawingbellingham + Join our mailing list at www.lifedrawingbellingham.com **
The Bellingham Bells take on the Bend Elks at 6:35 PM in the first game of the series at Joe Martin Field. Join us for College Night and Tuesday’s are for the people — 50% off tickets, $3 select draft beers, and $2 off entree meals!
Did you sing in school or in the church choir when you were younger and would love to sing again? Do you sing in the shower or with the radio or just love to sing and want to meet new people? Then join the All-Voices Pop-Up Chorus put on by the Mount Baker Toppers. Learn to sing 4-part acapella harmony from award-winning teachers for six weeks on Tuesdays and then perform A Night of Acapella on June 21st at the Fairhaven Green. It’s free and it’s fun. Ages 12-99 welcome!
Celebrate Adam Roberts debut fiction novel, Food Person, with us and Samantha Ferraro in the Readings Gallery! Drawing from his experience as a cookbook writer dive into this delectable comedy with him.
For fans of Alison Espach’s The Wedding People and Dolly Alderton’s Good Material, Food Person is a delectable comedy of manners about cooking, ambition, and friendship set in the food world as a young and socially awkward writer takes a job ghostwriting the cookbook for a famous (and famously chaotic) Hollywood starlet.
Adam Roberts is the author of The Amateur Gourmet, Secrets of the Best Chefs, and Give My Swiss Chards to Broadway. He started his food blog The Amateur Gourmet in 2004, and also hosts the podcast Lunch Therapy. Roberts has also written for The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times, and for film and television.
Social links:
Website: https://www.adamrobertsfood.com
IG/TikTok: @amateurgourmet
What once started as a hobby connecting Samantha Ferraro to her multi-cultural roots has since led to a delicious business venture.
She has lived in different parts of the country, originally from NYC, then growing up in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, living Southern California and now making the PNW her home. All of these places and cultures inspire her in the kitchen.
In 2018, her debut cookbook ‘The Weeknight Mediterranean Kitchen’ was published, then recognized as one of the top 10 cookbooks in sales from Page Street Publishing. She is also a regular on-air talent on King5 Seattle, and teaches cooking classes virtually and in person. She does all of the recipe creation and food photography for LFK and social media. Her second cookbook, ‘One-Pot Mediterranean’ became available nationwide June, 2023.
Little Ferraro Kitchen (LFK) is a recipe website featuring international recipes, including Mediterranean, Jewish and Hawaiian. LFK has has been featured nationally in the Los Angeles Times, Washington post, PBS Food and Everyday Health, among others.
LFK has a strong social media presence with emphasis on videos and majority of readership being based in New York, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Step into a vibrant celebration where Whatcom County’s most captivating poems come alive alongside stunning artwork they’ve inspired! For two decades, the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest has connected our community through the power of words—and this landmark anniversary exhibition showcases this creative partnership like never before.
Each year, distinguished judges carefully select exceptional poems from writers of all ages, transforming these literary gems into visual art for the entire community to enjoy on WTA buses. Now, Allied Arts brings this cherished tradition indoors with a special gallery exhibition featuring this year’s winning entries alongside colorful artwork paired with memorable selections from past contests—creating a retrospective that honors both fresh voices and the rich poetic history of our community.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the complete experience through a commemorative anthology spanning ten years of winning compositions, alongside collections from celebrated local poets. Throughout June, the Whatcom Poetry Series will enhance your experience with engaging poetry readings and interactive workshops hosted in the gallery space.
Don’t miss this extraordinary intersection of literary and visual arts that represents the heart and voice of our community. Come celebrate the creative spirit that continues to inspire Whatcom County!
You can find out more about the poetry contest at https://thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com/contest/. For any questions about the contest, email BoyntonPoetryContest@hotmail.com. Donations are always necessary to keep the contest running year after year.
Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.
For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-676-8548 x102 or gallery@alliedarts.org.
The Bellingham Bells take on the Bend Elks at 6:35 PM in the second game of the series at Joe Martin Field where we will celebrate the Junior Bells League and Native American Heritage Night!
Those Brazen Wenches Theatre Company proudly presents the world premiere of “Your Grace”, a bawdy, brainy, and bold new tragicomedy by local playwright Natalie Fedak. Directed by Dawn Hunter, the production runs June 11–21, 2025 at the Idiom Theatre in downtown Bellingham.
What do a straight-laced virgin queen of England and an unruly Irish lady pirate have in common? Come find out in Your Grace by Natalie Fedak, a boisterous clash of swords, words, wit, and worlds, as two mortal enemies find kinship in their fight for power and pleasure in a man’s world.
“Your Grace” plays Weds 6/11-Sun 6/15, and Weds 6/18-Sat 6/21 at 7:30, at the Idiom Theatre, 1417 Cornwall Avenue.
Chuckanut Hosts Thomas Kemper Root Beer Kick Off
Years ago, Thomas Kemper Brewery (Mari & Will Kemper’s original WA State craft brewery) introduced a Root Beer made with honey. It went on to become popular all over the western states then stopped being brewed in 2020. Recently Orca Beverage in Edmonds, WA, picked up the trademark and began working on resurrecting the recipe. Orca Beverage specializes in bringing back historic sodas and they are now releasing their rendition of the Thomas Kemper soda at a kick-off party at Chuckanut Brewery in Skagit Valley. Mari and Will, owners of Chuckanut Brewery, are happy to see the Root Beer return and will be on hand to talk about the old days of Thomas Kemper. Thomas Kemper was one of the original micro-breweries in WA state. This fun remembrance celebration event will be held Thursday June 12 from 4-6pm in the South Nut Tap Room at Chuckanut Brewery in the Port of Skagit across from the airport.
Representatives of Orca Beverages will be on hand as well as Mari Kemper to chat about the soda and the old days of Thomas Kemper. Everyone is invited to take part in the Thomas Kemper Story Hour, reminiscing the stories of old (Kemper started in 1984, the soda was introduced in 1990) and to enjoy the resurrected Root Beer and Chuckanut’s award winning beers. All ages welcome along with your stories!
Chuckanut Brewery brews award winning Lagers and Ales and has won Large Brewery of the Year at WA Beer Awards 2017, 2019 and 2021 and Small Brewery at the GABF 2011 and 2009. The production facility and Tap Room is in Skagit Valley at 11937 Higgins Airport Way, Burlington, WA and welcomes guests of all ages with indoor and outdoor seating! Check out additional information about Chuckanut at chuckanutbrewery.com.
One of the core goals of Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) is to honor and respect Polynesian cultural traditions through the promotion of both competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, families, and the community. Keiki (kids) ages 8-14 will enjoy games on and off the water and learn to paddle as a team in a 6-person outrigger canoe! Sign up for one or more of the 4 sessions throughout the summer, which includes opportunities to race with your BBOP team! We provide paddles and PFDs for free. Please see our website for more details, https://www.bbop.us/youth-program.
All youth must register before getting into a canoe.
Visit our membership page for more info.
Practice Times: 4:15- 5:30pm
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 6 – Aug 21, 2025
(Each session includes 8 practices, for a total of 10 hours of instruction)
Session 1: May 6 – May 29 Focus on Paddle Technique and Sprint Racing
Session 2: June 3 – June 26 Focus on Marine Ecology
Session 3: July 1 – July 24 Focus on History and Culture
Session 4: July 29 – August 21 Focus on Strength and Conditioning and long-distance competition
Location: Launching from the Community Boating Center.
?All kids get a BBOP t-shirt upon sign up
?No drop-ins allowed. No “make-up” for missed practices.
?A fee waiver is available (click here for info)
?All youth are welcome to participate in our BBOP race on August 16, 2025 to show off their new skills!
Ready to sign up? Register HERE.
Help is available for TeamSnap registration!
???
What to Wear
All youth are required to wear a PFD. We will have PFDs and paddles available, but bring a PFD and/or paddle if you have one.
-
Dress in layers, avoid cotton. Rain gear help to keep the body warm and insulated. Tights worn for other sport work well.
-
Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet- neoprene booties with wool socks will help keep the feet warm.
-
Bring a change of clothes and a towel.
Join Village Books in welcoming Coll Thrush to the Readings Gallery for an evening filled with tales of shipwrecks and the meanings that were made from these events!
A provocative retelling of shipwreck tales from the Northwest Coast, Wrecked includes stories of vessels that met their fate in the “Graveyard of the Pacific” and the meanings made of these events by both Indigenous and settler survivors and observers. This lively history highlights the ways in which the three central myths of settler colonialism—the disappearance of Indigenous people, the control of an endlessly abundant nature, and the idea that the past would stay past—proved to be untrue.
Coll Thrush is the author previously of Native Seattle: Histories from the Crossing-Over Place and Indigenous London: Native Travelers at the Heart of Empire. He is professor of history at the University of British Columbia and founding co-editor of the Indigenous Confluences book series at the University of Washington Press.
Step into a vibrant celebration where Whatcom County’s most captivating poems come alive alongside stunning artwork they’ve inspired! For two decades, the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest has connected our community through the power of words—and this landmark anniversary exhibition showcases this creative partnership like never before.
Each year, distinguished judges carefully select exceptional poems from writers of all ages, transforming these literary gems into visual art for the entire community to enjoy on WTA buses. Now, Allied Arts brings this cherished tradition indoors with a special gallery exhibition featuring this year’s winning entries alongside colorful artwork paired with memorable selections from past contests—creating a retrospective that honors both fresh voices and the rich poetic history of our community.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the complete experience through a commemorative anthology spanning ten years of winning compositions, alongside collections from celebrated local poets. Throughout June, the Whatcom Poetry Series will enhance your experience with engaging poetry readings and interactive workshops hosted in the gallery space.
Don’t miss this extraordinary intersection of literary and visual arts that represents the heart and voice of our community. Come celebrate the creative spirit that continues to inspire Whatcom County!
You can find out more about the poetry contest at https://thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com/contest/. For any questions about the contest, email BoyntonPoetryContest@hotmail.com. Donations are always necessary to keep the contest running year after year.
Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.
For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-676-8548 x102 or gallery@alliedarts.org.
The Bellingham Bells take on the Bend Elks at 6:35 PM in the final game of the series at Joe Martin Field. Join us for Cheer and Dance Night and School’s Out for Summer Night!
Shoestring Circus returns for their third season under the big top tent in downtown Bellingham!
Back with an ALL NEW show featuring incredible new acts and circus artists from around the country. This season’s show promises a dazzling fusion of inspiring art and world class circus skill all under the classic big top! Shoestring Circus shows have completely sold out every year in Bellingham so snag your seats early to the circus of the summer! They will also be headed to Olympia, Orting, and other locations in Washington.
Showtimes:
Friday, June 6th – 7pm
Saturday, June 7th – 1pm, 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 8th – 3pm, 6pm
–
Thursday, June 12th – 7pm
Friday, June 13th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 14th – 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 15th – 3pm, 6pm
–
Thursday, June 19th – 7pm
Friday, June 20th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 21st – 1pm, 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 22nd – 1pm
Admission:
$16 – Child General seating (ages 3-13)
$33 – Adult General seating (ages 13+)
$48 – Front Row seating
*children 2 and under do not require a ticket but must share a seat with a ticket holder.
*strollers cannot be placed in the seating area due to fire codes but are welcome in the stroller parking area in the foyer
Those Brazen Wenches Theatre Company proudly presents the world premiere of “Your Grace”, a bawdy, brainy, and bold new tragicomedy by local playwright Natalie Fedak. Directed by Dawn Hunter, the production runs June 11–21, 2025 at the Idiom Theatre in downtown Bellingham.
What do a straight-laced virgin queen of England and an unruly Irish lady pirate have in common? Come find out in Your Grace by Natalie Fedak, a boisterous clash of swords, words, wit, and worlds, as two mortal enemies find kinship in their fight for power and pleasure in a man’s world.
“Your Grace” plays Weds 6/11-Sun 6/15, and Weds 6/18-Sat 6/21 at 7:30, at the Idiom Theatre, 1417 Cornwall Avenue.
It’s Whose Line Is It Anyway meets Magic Mike!
Visit theupfront.com for full show description.
Shoestring Circus returns for their third season under the big top tent in downtown Bellingham!
Back with an ALL NEW show featuring incredible new acts and circus artists from around the country. This season’s show promises a dazzling fusion of inspiring art and world class circus skill all under the classic big top! Shoestring Circus shows have completely sold out every year in Bellingham so snag your seats early to the circus of the summer! They will also be headed to Olympia, Orting, and other locations in Washington.
Showtimes:
Friday, June 6th – 7pm
Saturday, June 7th – 1pm, 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 8th – 3pm, 6pm
–
Thursday, June 12th – 7pm
Friday, June 13th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 14th – 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 15th – 3pm, 6pm
–
Thursday, June 19th – 7pm
Friday, June 20th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 21st – 1pm, 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 22nd – 1pm
Admission:
$16 – Child General seating (ages 3-13)
$33 – Adult General seating (ages 13+)
$48 – Front Row seating
*children 2 and under do not require a ticket but must share a seat with a ticket holder.
*strollers cannot be placed in the seating area due to fire codes but are welcome in the stroller parking area in the foyer
Step into a vibrant celebration where Whatcom County’s most captivating poems come alive alongside stunning artwork they’ve inspired! For two decades, the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest has connected our community through the power of words—and this landmark anniversary exhibition showcases this creative partnership like never before.
Each year, distinguished judges carefully select exceptional poems from writers of all ages, transforming these literary gems into visual art for the entire community to enjoy on WTA buses. Now, Allied Arts brings this cherished tradition indoors with a special gallery exhibition featuring this year’s winning entries alongside colorful artwork paired with memorable selections from past contests—creating a retrospective that honors both fresh voices and the rich poetic history of our community.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the complete experience through a commemorative anthology spanning ten years of winning compositions, alongside collections from celebrated local poets. Throughout June, the Whatcom Poetry Series will enhance your experience with engaging poetry readings and interactive workshops hosted in the gallery space.
Don’t miss this extraordinary intersection of literary and visual arts that represents the heart and voice of our community. Come celebrate the creative spirit that continues to inspire Whatcom County!
You can find out more about the poetry contest at https://thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com/contest/. For any questions about the contest, email BoyntonPoetryContest@hotmail.com. Donations are always necessary to keep the contest running year after year.
Allied Arts is a non-profit gallery, all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the arts in our community.
For more information visit www.alliedarts.org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-676-8548 x102 or gallery@alliedarts.org.
