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.
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!
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
Saturday Nights April, May, and June at The Upfront Theatre!
Get ready for spontaneous comedy at its best! Punch Line is a short-form show with a variety of improvised word games which will keep you on your toes. Audience members provide the wackiest words, and our quick-thinking performers use them to create scenes full of unexpected laughs and outrageous moments. Enjoy witty banter and surprising punch lines! It’s a hilarious, unpredictable ride and no two shows are ever the same. Get ready to laugh till your sides hurt — the fun starts when YOU fill in the blanks!
Looking for a fun date night idea? Punch Line is the perfect way to break the ice or deepen your connection. The Upfront Theatre, Voted Best Date Night in Bellingham Alive!
We are an all ages venue. Shows with “mature content” or “recommended for” will be advertised accordingly.
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
Join Village Books and founder of the Bellingham Queer Collective, Michelle Harmeier, in welcoming Patricia Grayhall to the Readings Gallery to celebrate her newest book, A Place for Us!
In 1981 London, Jo and Lauren’s passionate connection is derailed by distance and immigration. Two decades later, both trapped in unhappy relationships, a chance San Francisco reunion sets their passion ablaze. Against breathtaking landscapes, they must finally confront old truths and fight to claim the future they’ve always yearned for in a world slow to accept their love.
Patricia Grayhall is a retired medical doctor and author of the memoir Making the Rounds: Defying Norms in Love and Medicine, which garnered a starred Kirkus Review and was named one of Kirkus Reviews Best 100 Indie Books of 2022. Among the awards were the 2024 National Indie Excellence Award for LGBTQIA Non-fiction and Memoir and the 2023 Best Indie Book Award Winner for LGBTQ Memoir.
Patricia published a romance novel, Golden Years and Silver Linings, with her wife in 2023. A Place for Us: A Novel is her third book, inspired by her Canadian immigration experience. Her fourth book, Presumed Guilty, a thriller in which a physician and an environmental attorney confront Big Oil, will be published in January 2026.
Michelle Harmeier is the founder of the Bellingham Queer Collective (BQC), a whose mission is to connect, celebrate, unite, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The BQC Community Center at 310 W. Champion St. hosts monthly book discussion groups and highlights local queer authors.
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.
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
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.
A live monthly show where folks read their letters on stage; real letters they’ve written or received, correspondence back and forth, old family letters and those letters we only wish we could write. June’s letter readers include: Troy Taroy, Carly Haapala, Jean Waight, Holly Witte, Martha Dyck and Jayne Entwistle. Musical guest Carly Haapala.
What is bull kelp and why does it matter?! Tune in to learn about the importance of bull kelp and the efforts to monitor and protect this marine species in Washington State.
Presented by: Jeff Whitty, Kelp Program Manager at the Northwest Straits Commission and Eleanor Hines, Whatcom County MRC Volunteer
Please register for this free event at whatcomwin.org/speaker-series
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.
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!
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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.
Discover the ancient skill of archery with a focus on the plants of the Pacific Northwest!
In this 3-hour field session collaboration, join Jazmen Yoder of Northwest Natura and Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest to study native and naturalized plants of the region that can be used for archery.
What to Expect:
-Learn how to identify the plants that can be used to wildcraft bows and arrows.
-Handcraft a deer or elk leg bone arrowhead to take home.
-Field archery practice session that will teach beginners how to handle, hold, and shoot longbows and recurve bows safely.
What to bring:
-Dress for the weather
-Snacks and water
-Notebook and pen (optional)
-Your own bow and arrows (optional; materials provided by instructors)
Directions and Location:
-Registered individuals will receive location details, driving directions, weather forecast details and other info in an event-reminder email a few days prior to the event.
Discover the ancient skill of archery with a focus on the plants of the Pacific Northwest!
In this 3-hour field session collaboration, join Jazmen Yoder of Northwest Natura and Ryan Johnson of Firecraft Northwest to study native and naturalized plants of the region that can be used for archery.
What to Expect:
-Learn how to identify the plants that can be used to wildcraft bows and arrows.
-Handcraft a deer or elk leg bone arrowhead to take home.
-Field archery practice session that will teach beginners how to handle, hold, and shoot longbows and recurve bows safely.
Registration and more info on the event website.
Join Village Books in celebrating New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre newest book, I Think I’m in Love with an Alien!
Galaxy Quest meets Roswell in this quirky sci-fi rom-com from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre.
He’s stranded. He’s desperate. He’s not looking for love.
Alien Tamzir Jaarn, a.k.a. Seeker, is paying the price for risking an illicit holiday on an interdicted planet. His ride off-world never showed, and he’s been stranded on Earth for nearly a year. His gear is breaking down, food is becoming a problem, and if his camouflage unit fritzes, he’ll wind up in a government lab.
But he’s met some cool humans online, and they’ve invited him to the biggest space-themed convention around. Why not make memories with them while he figures out how to get home?
Space Con or bust!
She’s nerdy. She’s flirty. She’s ready for romance.
Jennette Hammond is an endearing weirdo, voted most likely to bang an alien in high school. Her house is full of gray man collectibles, adorable tentacle monsters, and yes, in college, she volunteered for a SETI-type program. Not that she’s ever had any close encounters of the sexy, alien kind. Heck, she’s never even been able to convince anyone to attend Space Con.
But that’s about to change. Finally, she has online friends who have agreed to go, and it will be a romp to remember—and she’ll finally put a face to the name of her longtime crush, Seeker.
When alien meets adorkable, they’re destined for an out-of-this-world affair…
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She loves video games, Korean dramas, music, dogs and cats, and staring at the sea. Though she writes all kinds of genre fiction, she has a major soft spot for a happily ever after.
Sarah Hawley is the USA Today bestselling author of Servant of Earth and the Glimmer Falls series. She has an MA in archaeology and has excavated at an Inca site in Chile, a Bronze Age palace in Turkey, and a medieval abbey in England. When not dreaming up whimsical love stories, she can be found reading, dancing, or cuddling her two cats.
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.
4-hours via Zoom (2-hrs each evening of June 17th & 18th)
Gain tools and new insights from research related to:
Neurobiology
Resilience Theory
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Positive Childhood Experiences
Hope Science
This training is resilience informed. It provides information on healing the impacts of toxic stress and childhood trauma for self and others.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study is one of the largest public health discoveries of our time. ACEs reliably predict population mental, physical and behavioral health and many social and environmental challenges. However, the ACEs study has limitations, which will be explored in this training, as well as the impact of positive childhood experiences and the ability of the brain to adapt and heal, informed by current brain science and resilience research findings.
This training will benefit practitioners and professionals across human and social services, law enforcement, corrections, education, and health care. Family members and interested community members are also highly encouraged to attend!
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*If you would like to join us, but are not currently able to afford the $40 fee, please contact us so we can discuss other options and possible scholarship opportunities.
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 **
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!
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites that need love. Meet at NSEA’s campus by 8 am and your group leader will shuttle everyone to the site. You can expect to be back to NSEA at 12 pm. All materials and tools needed will be provided, all you need to bring is weather-appropriate clothes, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle! Restrooms at NSEA will be available before the shuttle leaves and once you return.
Since space is limited, registration is required. With the carpool, we ask that you only sign up if you can stay for the whole time. Any volunteers under 18 years of age need to bring a completed Youth Liability Form, and anyone under 14 must also be accompanied by an adult.
See restoration history and help us maintain older sites that need love. Meet at NSEA’s campus by 8 am and your group leader will shuttle everyone to the site. You can expect to be back to NSEA at 12 pm. All materials and tools needed will be provided, all you need to bring is weather-appropriate clothes, sturdy shoes, and a water bottle! Restrooms at NSEA will be available before the shuttle leaves and once you return.
Since space is limited, registration is required. With the carpool, we ask that you only sign up if you can stay for the whole time. Any volunteers under 18 years of age need to bring a completed NSEA Youth Liability Form, and anyone under 14 must also be accompanied by an adult.
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.
4-hours via Zoom (2-hrs each evening of June 17th & 18th)
Gain tools and new insights from research related to:
Neurobiology
Resilience Theory
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Positive Childhood Experiences
Hope Science
This training is resilience informed. It provides information on healing the impacts of toxic stress and childhood trauma for self and others.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study is one of the largest public health discoveries of our time. ACEs reliably predict population mental, physical and behavioral health and many social and environmental challenges. However, the ACEs study has limitations, which will be explored in this training, as well as the impact of positive childhood experiences and the ability of the brain to adapt and heal, informed by current brain science and resilience research findings.
This training will benefit practitioners and professionals across human and social services, law enforcement, corrections, education, and health care. Family members and interested community members are also highly encouraged to attend!
???????????
*If you would like to join us, but are not currently able to afford the $40 fee, please contact us so we can discuss other options and possible scholarship opportunities.
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.
