COCOA’S PICKS
Waterfront Arts Festival
2–8 p.m. Aug. 17 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 18, Waypoint Park, 1100 Granary Ave.
From the Northwest Tune-Up Festival market to the Spring Maker’s Market, the Bellingham Maker’s Market hosts a variety of unique pop-ups throughout the year. Each showcases the breadth of Whatcom County’s creative community, with everything from jewelry to handmade soap, candles, textiles, food and sustainable goods available for purchase.
Their next event is part of the Noisy Waters Mural Festival, a “friendly art battle” between eight world-class muralists. Last year’s Noisy Waters brought more than 4,000 attendees to the Bellingham Waterfront — and this year’s event is projected to make even more of a splash. Best of all, a portion of the market’s proceeds will go to the Lhaq’temish Foundation, a nonprofit working to build a community “rich with culture, togetherness, success, prosperity, health, hope and stewardship.” Info: bellinghammakersmarket.com.
Rockin’ The Railroad Block Party
12–7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, Railroad Avenue
The day after the Waterfront Arts Festival begins, Allied Arts will commandeer the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Railroad Avenue on Sunday, Aug. 18 in celebration of “community, sustainable transportation, local arts and culture.” Expect a wide variety of local businesses, organizations and, of course, local artisans to take to the streets and show off what they have to offer.
This summer celebration is presented in partnership with Downtown Bellingham Partnership, District 4 businesses, the City of Bellingham transportation department and Whatcom Transit Authority. In addition to displays from local artists and vendors, expect activities, entertainment and even live music at the main stage in front of Ritual Records. Info: alliedarts.org.
Good Luck Club: An Unapologetic Dance Party
8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, The Shakedown, 1212 N State St.
Four months ago, the national treasure that is Chappell Roan took the stage at Coachella, declared herself as “your favorite artist’s favorite artist” and the internet was never the same. The summer of 2024 has proven to be a pop music Renaissance — namely for queer pop stars — and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The world is a complicated place these days, and I’m grateful to artists like Roan and Charli XCX for reminding me to stay scrappy, fabulous and perpetually covered in glitter.
Now, the “Femininomenon” is coming to Bellingham Friday, Aug. 16 in the form of a queer dance party. The Shakedown will be spinning hits by pop heroines like Reneé Rapp, Lorde, Kayce Musgraves, Phoebe Briders, MUNA and, of course, Roan herself. It’s your next best chance to do the “Hot to Go” dance in public — and if you ask me, nothing says Brat Summer quite like unapologetically sobbing to “Pink Pony Club” on the dance floor. Info: shakedownbellingham.com.
Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon
On the subject of pop music: If you’re more of a Swiftie than a Brat, then this Aug. 16 performance at the Lincoln Theatre might be of interest. The historic venue’s upcoming Candlelight Concert is a tribute to Taylor herself, with the Listeso String Quartet performing a variety of the pop star’s most famous hits.
The setlist includes favorites like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” as well as newer releases such as “Fortnight” and, my personal favorite, “Anti-Hero.” And, as the event’s name implies, each song will be performed by candlelight. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
ALL EVENTS
Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.
Friday, Aug. 9
Food Truck Friday
5:30–7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry St., Ferndale
Attention foodies: Friday, Aug. 9 is your last chance to attend the City of Ferndale’s Food Truck Fridays this summer. The family-friendly series brings the picnic to you, as a variety of local food vendors will set up shop in Pioneer Park from 5:30 p.m. Why pack a picnic basket when you could enjoy hot food from spots like the Mobile Mouth Hole, Mix Masala or Cicchitti’s Pizza? Info: cityofferndale.org.
Hanna C. Howard, ‘Our Divine Mischief’
5–6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, Village Books and Paper Dreams, 1200 11th St.
If you’re into young adult fantasy, Scottish folklore or talking dogs, then this book event with author Hanna C. Howard is one to keep on your radar. Howard’s new book, “Our Divine Mischief,” is an “adventure told in three voices: a determined heroine, an outcast young man and a poetic canine.” It explores themes like identity, belonging and, adorably, the bond between pups and their humans. Info: villagebooks.com.
Alumni All Stars
8 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.
The 20th anniversary of The Upfront Theatre is coming up and, boy, do they have something special planned. An all-alumni cast is coming together to put on an improvisation show you won’t want to miss. Watch — and join in — as these much-loved stars return to the stage for a night of pure comedy. Info: theupfront.com
Saturday, Aug. 10
Stein Olympics
1–7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, Schweinhaus Biergarten, 1330 N. State St.
Schweinhaus Biergarten is holding its own version of the Olympic games — except this one involves slightly less athleticism and significantly more craft beer. Event highlights include Steinhoisting, a Bavarian competition in which folks compete to see who can hold a full, liter-sized stein in front of their body for the longest. Not feeling like testing your strength? Other events include a relay race, a giant beer pong table and cornhole. Winners will receive prizes, and all attendees are encouraged to come in costume. Info: schweinhaus.com.
Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema: ‘Twilight’
7:20–11 p.m., Fairhaven Village Green, 1207 10th St.
End your Saturday night by jamming out to live music from local musicians Guitars and Gratitudes. Then watch Bella Swan fall in love with Edward Cullen as she traverses the world of vampires and werewolves in the cult classic supernatural drama, “Twilight.” Info: members.enjoyfairhaven.com.
‘Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire’ Documentary Film Screening
1–3 p.m., Sumas Library, 461 2nd St., Sumas
Tune into this screening of “Elemental,” a documentary seeking to understand fire through real-life stories about the town of Paradise. Afterward, individuals from two Whatcom-based organizations will host a discussion about staying safe during wildfires. Info: wcls.libcal.com.
Sitka Baskets
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St.
Learn how to weave and stitch a small basket of willow bark and copper wire designed to look like the “towering trunks [and outstretched] mossy arms” of trees. Whether you’re a new basket weaver or already an expert, this workshop will teach you how to create a new, unique type of basket. Info: jansenartcenter.org.
Hip Hop Music Mixing Workshop
1–3 p.m., Make.Shift Art Space, 306 Flora St.
Ever wanted to learn how to mix your own music? At this workshop, part of Make.Shift’s Black August Series, you can learn by mixing your own music and matching up songs to see what elements work in harmony with each other. Info: makeshiftartspace.com.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Subdued Stringband Jamboree
Aug. 8–11, Deming Logging Show Fairgrounds, 3295 Cedarville Road
Contrary to its name, this music festival isn’t reserved for bluegrass alone. Performers span all manner of acoustic and folk-adjacent genres, ranging from hometown favorites to well-known acts from across the PNW This year’s local highlights include The Dream Goats, Hot Damn Scandal and Magenta Wave. Info: stringbandjamboree.com.
‘She Kills Monsters’
Various times, Aug. 1–11
Agnes Evans becomes closer with her late sister posthumously as she enters her much-loved world of Dungeons and Dragons. Originally written by Qui Nguyen, this version of the play features local actors navigating these complicated relationships, and all the adventures that come with it. Info: newprospecttheatre.org.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Chunky Chic Blanket Workshop
5-8 p.m., Kara’s Beauty Barn, 1711 Pence Ave.
No knitting experience is needed for this blanket-making workshop. Just choose a color of yarn and a drink to sip on as you knit and follow the step-by-step instructions to create your own chunky blanket to cozy up with as the air gets cooler this fall. Info: karasbeautybarn.com.
Friday, Aug. 16
Salish Sea Butoh Festival
Aug. 16 and 17, FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
Butoh is a Japanese style of dance theater “characterized by physical movements that move towards the earth and the subconscious.” The Butoh Festival at the Firehouse celebrates this style by immersing you in several performances from individuals who practice this style while located as near as Seattle and as far as Japan and Germany. Info: firehouse-aec.com.
Ice Cream Social
1:30–4:30 p.m., South Whatcom Library, 10 Barn View Drive
Take the whole family to the South Whatcom Library to build your own sundaes, blow giant bubbles and have fun with sidewalk chalk. When you’re not appreciating the summertime activities, head over to the book sale and pick up some new books to add to your home library. Info: wcls.libcal.com.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Northwest Washington Fair
Aug. 8–17, Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front St., Lynden
The Northwest Fair is officially back until Saturday, Aug. 17 with a dizzying array of entertainers, events, exhibitions and more. This family-friendly event has taken place in Whatcom County for more than a century now, bringing in more than 200,000 attendees on average. New entertainment this year includes the All Creatures Barnyard Races, Cyber Cirque, and the Ninja Experience, though many well-loved acts will also be returning to the Banner Bank Stage — check online for details. Info: nwwafair.com.
Cactus Flowers and Sonoran Desert Landscapes
Noon to 1:30 p.m., Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St.
This workshop will teach you how to incorporate elements such as mission-style structures, saguaro cacti and desert color palettes into your art. You will work with the seasoned instructor Kathy Hovde to paint your own Sonoran desert landscapes, complete with a plethora of native flora. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Dirty Dan Harris History Hike
2:30 p.m., Fairhaven
Bellinghistory’s Good Time Girls are ready to take you on their newest historical adventure available for just one day: the anniversary of Dirty Dan’s death. On Aug. 18, take a hike around Fairhaven to get all the dirt about this local household name and how his reign has influenced the place we call home. Info: bellinghistory.com.
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.
