Anacortes Earth Day
4–9 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 4th–9th Streets/Commercial Ave., Anacortes
Of all the cities in the North Sound, Anacortes wins the prize for most elaborate Earth Day festivities. The celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20 and lasts all evening long, featuring live music, dance and art galore. Kids will enjoy a range of educational activities during the Anacortes Street Fair, while parents can grab a brew from the beer garden. There’s even a Procession of the Species parade beginning at 5 p.m.
All that said, I’m most excited for the 8 p.m. event, the Luminary Light Parade. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill lanterns; rather, they’re intricate reed-and-paper sculptures handcrafted by Loalynda Bird of PaperBird Studios and her students. Some luminaries represent plants and endangered species to (quite literally) “shine a light” on our duty to protect and steward the natural world. Info: anacortesearthday.com.
‘Mid-40s & Cloudy’
7:30–9 p.m. April 19–20, FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
Longtime Bellinghamsters might remember Mike Mathieu as one-half of iconic comedy duo The Cody Rivers Show. Mathieu was a fixture in the early-aughts theater scene, racking up more than a few accolades: He’s the recipient of the Bellingham Mayor’s Arts Award as well as The Stranger’s Genius Award. He toured the country with the Cody Rivers Show and even filmed a TV pilot — but he hasn’t returned to the Bellingham stage in nearly a decade.
Now Mathieu is making up for that absence with his one-man show, “Mid-40s & Cloudy,” a hilarious (and brutally honest) monologue about “getting used to growing up.” This standup/personal essay hybrid hinges on a simple yet pressing question: “Life is good, so why am I so cranky?”
Mathieu said The Cody Rivers Show taught him to find humor in “odd and outlandish things” — but with his new show, he’s looking for humor in more personal places. “Mid-40s and Cloudy” is in Bellingham for just one weekend, and tickets are available online. Info: firehouse-aec.com.
Mountain Film Festival
April 18–21, Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main St., Concrete
Whether you’re a serious mountain athlete, a frequent hiker or just like to watch documentaries about people doing cool things, there’s something for everyone at the Mountain Film Festival. This four-day event is held at the historic Concrete Theatre and features photography workshops and special guest speakers in addition to the films.
Though every film is worth a watch, there are several screenings I’m looking forward to most. At 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, the film “Dreama Team” follows the journey of ultramarathoner and “seemingly ordinary mom” Dreama Walton. Telluride’s traveling Mountainfilm Festival will be screening at 6 p.m. April 20. And at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, the documentary “A Crack in the Mountain” explores what happens when environmentalism meets tourism in a small Vietnamese community. Info: concrete-wa.com.
‘All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Michelle Azar stars as the notorious RBG herself in this heartfelt one-woman play, penned by Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes. The setup is simple: Ruth Bader Ginsberg recounts her life’s trials, tribulations and successes to family friends (aka the audience).
In recent years, the late justice’s reputation has evolved into something of a brand, complete with bobbleheads and branded coffee mugs. But “All Things Equal” shies away from this kind of deification — or girlbossification, if you will — and instead opts to humanize Ginsberg. The result is an uplifting, albeit brief, breath of fresh air amid an increasingly tense political landscape. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Tulip Festival Street Fair
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 19–20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21, downtown Mount Vernon
Tulip festivities abound throughout April, but the Tulip Festival Street Fair is among the month’s most notable occasions. More than 140 artisans, food trucks and entertainers flood the streets of downtown Mount Vernon, with vendors offering everything from art and photography to home goods, clothing, jewelry, specialty foods and more. Many activities are aimed at kids, so feel free to bring the whole family.
This year’s event will include live music as part of Tulip Tunes, a new single-stage music festival that “aims to celebrate the vibrant music scene of the Pacific Northwest while also showcasing nationally recognized acts.” Eighteen diverse performers will take the stage in Pine Square, including Friends for the Ghost, Leon Majcen, The Enthusiasts and (many) more. Info: tulipfestivalstreetfair.com.
ALL EVENTS
Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.
Saturday, April 13
Flores De Colores
1–7 p.m., Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon
This one-day workshop lets participants test mediums like pastels and paint to create their own unique flower paintings. Painters can follow guided tutorials to create roses, dahlias and tulips, or look to Skagit County’s ample bulb gardens as inspiration for an original masterpiece. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.
Lost Giants Spring Maker’s Market 2024
4–8 p.m., Lost Giants Cider Co., 1200 Meador Ave.
Lost Giants’ Maker’s Market is featuring more than 20 local artists this year, along with food from Tam Tam Pizza and Lumpia Luv. Proceeds from the market go to Common Threads Farm, a nonprofit that connects kids to healthy foods, so be sure to grab some local art for a good cause. Info: lostgiantscider.com.
Monday, April 15
Watermark Book Company’s Anniversary of New Ownership
Watermark Book Company, 612 Commercial Ave., Anacortes
Brandy Bowen took over Watermark Book Company back in 2018 and is getting ready to celebrate yet another year of success. The book shop kicks off its week of celebrating on Monday, April 15 with a raffle basket special, followed by a Wednesday book signing with Margaret Willson at Anacortes Public Library. Info: watermarkbookcompany.com.
Vaudevillingham
7 p.m. and 9 p.m., Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 6th St., Suite 102
It’s time once again for the Bellingham Circus Guild’s monthly open-stage show. Be prepared to witness anything from ax juggling to mad-lib sing-alongs from both professional and new performers. Bring the whole family to the 7 p.m. show, or attend the 9 p.m. show for adult-friendly “anything goes” acts. Info: bellinghamcircusguild.com.
Wednesday, April 17
‘Bees and Pollinators Through the Macro Lens’
7 p.m., The RE Store, 2309 Meridian St.
Washington-based photographer/bee enthusiast Aidan Hersh is presenting his macro photos of bees and other pollinators to shed light on these insects’ importance. Hersh’s macro photographs give unique insight into the stunning detail and beauty behind these everyday creatures. Info: wnpskoma.org.
Thursday, April 18
Bloom Ball
5–9 p.m., Tulip Valley Farms, 15245 Bradshaw Road
Skagit Valley’s Bloom Ball allows locals to immerse themselves in the region’s beauty and blooms while enjoying music, food and drinks from local vendors. The Ball supports United Way of Skagit, an organization set to “build a positive and sustainable quality of life for all.” Info: tulipvalley.com.
Whatcom Literacy Council’s 28th Annual Trivia Bee
6:30–8 p.m., online or at Aslan Depot, 1322 N. State St.
Ryan Budds is hosting this year’s Trivia Bee where teams of three will compete against each other in a Jeopardy-like, fast-paced game. You can join in virtually on Zoom or in person at Aslan Depot, where the game will be displayed for all to see on their big screen. Info: whatcomliteracy.org.
‘To Whom It May Concern’
7-8:30 p.m., New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
This monthly show features individuals reading letters on stage. What type of letters, you ask? The evening features personal letters to historical letters, a communal letter written by the audience and even letters from the Whatcom Museum Archives. Musician Andy Bunn will also be in tow to share a bit of Bellingham history and stories to accompany the readings. Info: readyourletter.com.
Bellingham Beer Week Kickoff Party
5-9 p.m., Wander Brewing, 1807 Dean Ave.
Bellingham Beer Week celebration continues until Sunday, April 28, but make sure you start it off on the right foot by joining the Kickoff Party at Wander Brewing. Grab your favorite brew at Wander’s Brew Hall (plus a bite from one of their food trucks), and get ready for the festivities ahead. Info: wanderbrewing.com.
Travelogue: ‘Icelandic Dreams’ by John D’Onofrio
7-9 p.m., Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St.
Iceland’s stunning waterfalls, expansive basalt canyons and dominating sea cliffs take center stage in this extraordinary presentation. Prepare for guest speaker John D’Onofrio to guide you through some of this country’s most impressive landmarks, from misty fjords to active volcanoes and more. Info: whatcommuseum.org.
Friday, April 19
Give A Shuck
5-8 p.m., Aslan Depot, 1322 N. State St.
Celebrate Bellingham Beer Week and Earth Month all at once with Aslan Depot’s beer and oyster pairing. Sustainable beer brewed in collaboration with Patagonia Provisions will be served alongside oysters from Bellingham’s own Taylor Shellfish, resulting in a surprising (yet delicious) coupling. Info: aslanbrewing.com.
Saturday, April 20
Earth Day Fair
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.
Boundary Bay’s beer garden will be transformed into a marketplace for local vendors this Earth Day. More than 10 artists, farms and organizations will be there to sell eco-friendly handmade goods and highlight sustainable practices. Info: bbaybrewery.com.
Film Screening of ‘The North Cascades: An Elevated Journey’
5:30 p.m., Burlington Public Library, 820 E. Washington Ave., Burlington
This brand new film on the beauty of the North Cascades will debut at the Burlington Public Library, followed by presentations and an interactive discussion with individuals working at North Cascade National Park, as well as “special guests” involved with the making of this film. Info: wnpf.org.
‘What’s Left of a Tiger’
1-2:30 p.m., New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
“What’s Left of a Tiger” is an award-winning play written by Joey Macchi and inspired by the “Calvin and Hobbes” comic strips. The show follows two best friends, Caelum and Leo, as they navigate life’s complexities while still remaining youthful and having fun with each other. Info: newprospecttheatre.org
Carbon Flows: A Collaborative Talk with Artist Suze Woolf & Scientist Dave Peterson
1-2 p.m., MoNA Museum, 121 1st St, La Conner
Despite working in very different disciplines, artist Suze Woolf and researcher David L. “Dave” Peterson deal with similar themes. Woolf’s portraits of burned trees are presented alongside Peterson’s research on climate change, creating a new, varied approach to these important topics. Info: monamuseum.org
Grown-Up Gaming
2–3:30 p.m., Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes
Folks 18 and older are invited to let loose and have fun at this adults-only video game event. Enjoy both cherished classics and the latest modern games, as well as a Super Smash Bros. or Mario Kart tournament depending on turnout. Info: cityofanacortes.org.
Sunday, April 21
Books by the Bay Book Fair
1–4 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St.
Get ready to add to your to-read list, because Village Books is hosting a range of writers from across the country at this annual book fair. Think the Scholastic Book Fairs from the ‘90s, except you’ll have the chance to meet and greet the authors in attendance. Info: chantireviews.com.
Fountain Block Party
10 a.m., Bellis Fairways Disc Golf Course, 415 W. Bakerview Road
Join Far From Par as they host a disc golf doubles tournament where the first-place team in each division receives a trophy and, of course, bragging rights. Afterward, head over to Goods Local Brews for a block party complete with local food, live music, and beer and cider from nearby breweries. Info: discgolfscene.com.
Earth Care Fair
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church, 5904 Vista Drive, Ferndale
Bring the whole family to learn about sustainable practices and eat local food at the First Annual Earth Care Fair. There will also be a kid-art installation showcasing the talented youths in the community, as well as presentations and displays from Lummi Nation, Western Solar, Lenny’s Bike Shop and more. Info: clcferndale.org.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
