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.
Bellingham TheatreWorks and Fairhaven Summer Repertory Theatre present:
In Search of a Common Language
THE FOREIGNER
THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE
TRANSLATIONS
This Summer, Bellingham Theatreworks will produce three award winning and thought-provoking plays written by authors who explore how language can both set us apart and bring us together.
Audience members will experience the intimacy of being in the round at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, sitting with the actors while they explore a hilarious satire, a lyric look at the past, and a heartfelt comic hug. All three plays have multiple scenes where the characters desperately want to communicate with each other but are faced with a language barrier. This summer’s offerings promise to explore how language is deeply aligned with culture and identity, and how it can lead to unexpected interpersonal challenges.
Our company combines many members of the community: students and educators, parents and children, as well as guest artists from far beyond Bellingham Bay, all working together to bring these three plays to life.
June 24 – July 20, 2025
Six nights a week: Tuesday – Saturday @ 7:30, Sunday @ 5:00
www.BellinghamTheatreWorks.org
General $25/Students $20
Season Tickets $60
Call 360-389-2835 for information, ticketing and disability accommodation
Toad the Wet Sprocket Stops in Bellingham on their Good Intentions Tour
Toad The Wet Sprocket continue to uplift audiences with their melodic alt
rock guitars, introspective lyrics, and signature vocal harmonies that catapulted them to
mainstream success 30+ years ago! The 2025 Good Intentions tour will be traveling around the
U.S. with a stop at the Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham on Thursday, July 24 featuring
Semisonic and Sixpence None the Richer.
Throughout their career, Toad The Wet Sprocket have been staunchly independent in their artistic
integrity. “We were young and it was us against the record company,” recalls guitarist Todd
Nichols of their early days. “We had a bit of punk-rock ethos.”
This commitment to stay true to themselves and DIY mentality also spilled over into the
enduring relationship with their fans. Amassing a mailing list of 70,000 at the start of their
career, the band forged deep connections with a devout and loyal core of fans, who they’ve
continued to grow with.
Spend some of your Summer Break getting creative at the J! Young artists sign up for a 4-day program and can choose between a Morning Sampler Camp to try something different each day, or the Afternoon Intensive, focusing on one art form all week, or sign up for both!
Join Bellingham City Club in welcoming our June speaker, Garrett Epps, Professor of Practice at the University of Oregon School of Law, and a nationally renowned Constitutional scholar, law professor, podcaster and journalist, formerly with The Atlantic and now the Washington Monthly, who will provide perspective on current events with the Supreme Court and Executive Branch. In the first 100 days in office, President Trump issued 137 executive orders, resulting in 227 lawsuits challenging his executive orders. Professor Garrett Epps will explore the constitutional context of this historic time and help us understand what it means to all of us.
Join Village Books to welcome award-winning, ardent conservationist, Northwest trails and hiking expert Craig Romano to the Readings Gallery for his latest book, Urban Trails: Vancouver, BC!
In this region rich with natural beauty, Urban Trails: Vancouver, BC spotlights 55 trails, parks, preserves and greenbelts within Vancouver and across the 21 municipalities of the greater Vancouver area. Some destinations take readers to old-growth forests, lakeshores, coastal beaches, riverfronts, and wildlife-rich wetlands while others uncover accessible trails and peaceful corners right within urban centers.
Craig Romano is an award-winning author, an ardent conservationist, and a Northwest trails and hiking expert. He has written for more than two dozen publications including Northwest Travel and Life, Washington Trails, and numerous websites. He provides weekly content for Hikeoftheweek.com and is co-host of the Washington State Hiking podcast. He lives in Skagit County and is frequently out hiking or trail running, often accompanied by his wife, Heather, and son, Giovanni.
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 a Paint Party!
When: Wednesday, June 25th, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Where: Bellingham Moose Lodge, Bellingham, WA
Drinks Available: Yes, beverages will be available for purchase.
Get ready to unleash your inner artist! We’re painting the adorable Sunflower Highlander – a masterpiece you’ll be proud to take home. No experience needed; we’ll guide you step by step to create your own unique work of art. Painting on 11×14 stretched canvas with acrylic paints. Door prize and contests throughout the event.
Cost: $35 per person (includes all supplies and goodies!)
Bring your friends, enjoy a fun and relaxing evening, and create memories that last!
Spots are limited! Secure your spot today by and register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1370626172779?aff=oddtdtcreator
We can’t wait to paint with you!
Hosted by Tailored Treasures LLC
Www.tailored-treasures4u.com
The Bellingham Bells take on the Wenatchee AppleSox at 6:35 PM in the second game of the series at Joe Martin Field. Join us for Reading Club Night & Community Wednesday!
Bellingham TheatreWorks and Fairhaven Summer Repertory Theatre present:
In Search of a Common Language
THE FOREIGNER
THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE
TRANSLATIONS
This Summer, Bellingham Theatreworks will produce three award winning and thought-provoking plays written by authors who explore how language can both set us apart and bring us together.
Audience members will experience the intimacy of being in the round at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, sitting with the actors while they explore a hilarious satire, a lyric look at the past, and a heartfelt comic hug. All three plays have multiple scenes where the characters desperately want to communicate with each other but are faced with a language barrier. This summer’s offerings promise to explore how language is deeply aligned with culture and identity, and how it can lead to unexpected interpersonal challenges.
Our company combines many members of the community: students and educators, parents and children, as well as guest artists from far beyond Bellingham Bay, all working together to bring these three plays to life.
June 24 – July 20, 2025
Six nights a week: Tuesday – Saturday @ 7:30, Sunday @ 5:00
www.BellinghamTheatreWorks.org
General $25/Students $20
Season Tickets $60
Call 360-389-2835 for information, ticketing and disability accommodation
Spend some of your Summer Break getting creative at the J! Young artists sign up for a 4-day program and can choose between a Morning Sampler Camp to try something different each day, or the Afternoon Intensive, focusing on one art form all week, or sign up for both!
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!
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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.
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Dress in layers, avoid cotton. Rain gear help to keep the body warm and insulated. Tights worn for other sport work well.
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Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet- neoprene booties with wool socks will help keep the feet warm.
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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.
Join Village Books for an extra special evening of music, stories, and fun to kick off 2025’s Chuckanut Writers Conference with the amazing Rena Priest, Robert Lashley, and Kevin Murphy at the Hotel Leo!
Doors open and music begins at 6:30pm. Recording starts at 7:00pm.
Special Guest Poet: Kevin Murphy
Musical Guest: 3-oh
Spaces are limited and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to secure your spot so don’t delay.
The Chuckanut Writers Conference is more than just a weekend of workshops. It’s an opportunity to engage your passion for writing, connect with fellow storytellers, and nurture your craft in the inspiring Pacific Northwest environment.
Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or you’re an experienced author, the Chuckanut Writers Conference offers a welcoming space for every voice.
We’re excited to come together in person once again to study the craft and business of writing and publishing, but most importantly… let’s network and encourage one another on the journey. Join us for a weekend of learning, laughter, and creativity that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to bring your words to life.
Rena Priest is a poet, essayist, and enrolled member of the Lummi Nation. She served as the sixth Washington State Poet Laureate (2021-2023) and was the first Indigenous person to hold this post. She has received a Washington State Book Award and an Allied Arts Foundation Professional Poets Award. She is also the recipient of residencies and fellowships from Hedgebrook, Storyknife, Hawthornden Castle International Retreat for Writers, the Academy of American Poets, Indigenous Nations Poets, and the University of Washington Libraries. Her first collection, Patriarchy Blues, received an American Book Award. She has edited two anthologies, and her forthcoming collection of essays, Positively Uncivilized, will be published by Raven Chronicles Press as the winner of their 2024 Keepers of the Fire Award. Her poems appear in Yellow Medicine Review, Poetry Magazine, Poem-a-day at Poets.org, Verse Daily, and elsewhere. Priest holds an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College and works as a freelance writer and speaker. She lives in Bellingham, Washington.
Robert Lashley was a 2016 Jack Straw Fellow, Artist Trust Fellow, and a nominee for a Stranger Genius Award. His books include Green River Valley (Blue Cactus Press, 2021), Up South (Small Doggies Press, 2017), and The Homeboy Songs (Small Doggies Press, 2014). His poetry has appeared in The Seattle Review of Books, NAILED, Poetry Northwest, McSweeney’s, and The Cascadia Review, and recently, The Cascadia Field Guide, which has been on the bestseller list for 40 weeks. In 2019, Entropy Magazine named The Homeboy Songs one of the 25 essential books to come out of Seattle. In 2024, his Novel, I Never Dreamed You’d Leave In Summer, was selected as a finalist for a Washington State Book Award.
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).
3-oh has performed all over Whatcom county as well as live on the radio. Their acoustic music features two guitars, the occasional banjo and ringing three-part harmonies. Their sets include a number of original songs and old favorites as well as obscure cover songs originating in the 1930s to today from all sorts of genres. They especially enjoy twisting and tweaking old chestnuts until they sound like something new, and an altogether different kind of nut.
The Chuckanut Radio Hour, a recipient of Bellingham’s prestigious Mayor’s Arts Award, is a radio variety show that began in January 2007. Each Chuckanut Radio Hour includes guest authors, musicians, performance poet Kevin Murphy, and episodes of “As the Ham Turns” serial radio comedy performed by the Chuckanut Radio Players Les Campbell, Tonja Meyers, Sarah Hawley, and Robert Muzzy (plus the occasional guest!). Not to mention groaner jokes by hosts Paul Hanson, Kelly Evert, and announcer Rich Donnelly. The Chuckanut Radio Hour’s first guest was Erik Larson and has since included, Tom Robbins, Maria Semple, Christopher McDougall, Erica Bauermeister, and Garrison Keillor, among many others. Tickets for the Chuckanut Radio Hour are $5 and are available on Eventbrite.The Radio Hour airs Sundays at 7pm on Community Powered KMRE at 88.3FM and kmre.org.
Sponsored by 12th Street Shoes and the Salish Current.
The Bellingham Bells take on the Wenatchee AppleSox at 6:35 PM in the final game of the series at Joe Martin Field. Join us for Library Card Night!
Bellingham TheatreWorks and Fairhaven Summer Repertory Theatre present:
In Search of a Common Language
THE FOREIGNER
THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE
TRANSLATIONS
This Summer, Bellingham Theatreworks will produce three award winning and thought-provoking plays written by authors who explore how language can both set us apart and bring us together.
Audience members will experience the intimacy of being in the round at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, sitting with the actors while they explore a hilarious satire, a lyric look at the past, and a heartfelt comic hug. All three plays have multiple scenes where the characters desperately want to communicate with each other but are faced with a language barrier. This summer’s offerings promise to explore how language is deeply aligned with culture and identity, and how it can lead to unexpected interpersonal challenges.
Our company combines many members of the community: students and educators, parents and children, as well as guest artists from far beyond Bellingham Bay, all working together to bring these three plays to life.
June 24 – July 20, 2025
Six nights a week: Tuesday – Saturday @ 7:30, Sunday @ 5:00
www.BellinghamTheatreWorks.org
General $25/Students $20
Season Tickets $60
Call 360-389-2835 for information, ticketing and disability accommodation
Spend some of your Summer Break getting creative at the J! Young artists sign up for a 4-day program and can choose between a Morning Sampler Camp to try something different each day, or the Afternoon Intensive, focusing on one art form all week, or sign up for both!
Join Jazmen Yoder, Salish Sea Naturalist on the beautiful coastline for an immersive tidepool adventure.
Learn about the creatures we’ll find in the intertidal zone with a special focus on their biological adaptations to changing conditions and abiotic pressures.
The intertidal zone is a special ecosystem that has supported life on land and sea for time immemorial. Come learn something new about the Salish Sea! This is a class you won’t want to miss!
What to Bring:
-Dress for the weather
-Snacks and water
-Sun protection
-Close-toed waterproof shoes with good traction
-Notepad and pen (optional)
-Binoculars (optional)
*Registered individuals will receive details on location in an event-reminder email a few days prior to the event.
*Please register via the event website.
Chuckanut Drive officially reopens and Taylor Shellfish Farms is celebrating with a Summer Solstice Party at their Samish Bay location.
From 3–8 PM, they’ll be serving fresh and wood-grilled oysters, paella, and cold drinks by the water, with live music starting at 4 PM. It’s a thank-you to our community for sticking with us through the rockslide closure—and a proper kickoff to the summer season.
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.
Indulge in the grand schemes we will cook up in the most dramatic comedy show you will ever see! Based on audience suggestions and soap opera tropes, we will improvise a world where no personality is too big and no problem too outlandish. We will weave together the hilarious, melodramatic lives of familiar soaps surely to tickle, entertain, and leave you gasping for more!
Bellingham TheatreWorks and Fairhaven Summer Repertory Theatre present:
In Search of a Common Language
THE FOREIGNER
THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE
TRANSLATIONS
This Summer, Bellingham Theatreworks will produce three award winning and thought-provoking plays written by authors who explore how language can both set us apart and bring us together.
Audience members will experience the intimacy of being in the round at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, sitting with the actors while they explore a hilarious satire, a lyric look at the past, and a heartfelt comic hug. All three plays have multiple scenes where the characters desperately want to communicate with each other but are faced with a language barrier. This summer’s offerings promise to explore how language is deeply aligned with culture and identity, and how it can lead to unexpected interpersonal challenges.
Our company combines many members of the community: students and educators, parents and children, as well as guest artists from far beyond Bellingham Bay, all working together to bring these three plays to life.
June 24 – July 20, 2025
Six nights a week: Tuesday – Saturday @ 7:30, Sunday @ 5:00
www.BellinghamTheatreWorks.org
General $25/Students $20
Season Tickets $60
Call 360-389-2835 for information, ticketing and disability accommodation
Have you ever felt trapped in a room or situation you just can’t get out of?! Well we have a show for you! Once our improvisers enter the stage, THEY CAN’T EXIT until the show is over. How will they endure? Who will crack under the pressure? The only thing that is for certain is the hilarity that will ensue when they realize they are… Trapped!
Join us to walk through Nugents Corner on the Nooksack River and clean up any litter we find! Any recreation hotspot can be a magnet for litter especially if also nestled next the busy Mount Baker Highway. This Whatcom County Park is right on the water and allows for easy river access. Space is limited, register today!
Whatcom Horticultural Society 35th Annual Private Garden Tour
Saturday June 28, 2025 • 10am-5pm
5 Amazing Bellingham Gardens
• A cozy cottage-style garden connecting three homes
• A tapestry of mature trees and shrubs on a south hill slope
• A colorful, textured garden anchored by evergreens, ground covers, and maples.
• A garden with an exceptional plant collection and amazing garden structures.
• A big view of the islands, big rocks, collectable plants, and a crazy swing.
TICKET PRICES
Presale $20 Members • $25 General
Day of Event $25 Members • $30 General
Please, no dogs except service animals.
Tickets available June 5th on the website: whatcomhortsociety.org
After June 5th at these locations:
A Lot of Flowers
The Garden Room
The Garden Spot
The Gardens at Padden Creek
Kent’s Nursery
My Garden Nursery
Vander Giessen Nursery
Visit DowntownDistilled.com for more info! In the menu, check out the Tasting Guide, it has it all!
Sip, stroll, and savor at Downtown Distilled!
Join us for a fun-filled day of exploring Downtown Ferndale while tasting an incredible selection of craft beverages from local wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Along the way, discover charming local shops, delicious eateries, and live music that will make the experience even more enjoyable.
This is the perfect opportunity to sip on something new, meet the makers, and immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of Ferndale—all in one delicious and unforgettable day!
