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Cocoa’s picks: Mountain bikes, punk fests and Sedro-Woolley Pride

A curated selection of happenings in Whatcom and Skagit counties

By Cocoa Laney Lifestyle Editor

COCOA’S PICKS

Fourth Corner Punk Fest
3–10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, Time and Materials Taphouse, 954 N. State St.

Whether or not you’re a punk fan, you have to admit the genre is among the most influential styles to emerge from the Pacific Northwest. Washington also is the birthplace of subgenres ranging from Riot Grrl to grunge, and its punk scene is extensive enough to merit its own Wikipedia page.

This scene looks different than it did in the ‘90s, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t thriving — as evidenced by Fourth Corner Punk Fest. Bands from Bellingham, Seattle and even Portland will take over the courtyard of Time and Materials Taphouse until late. Warp Detour are headlining, and vendors offering everything from skateboards to flash tattoos will also be in attendance. Info: fourthcornerpunkfest.com

Josh Loeffler, left, jams alongside Jesse Goodwin during Warp Detour’s band practice in March in Bellingham. (Jack Warren/Cascadia Daily News)
Drinking for Dogs
Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, Lost Giants Cider Co., 1200 Meador Ave.

I don’t need to be convinced to have a drink at Lost Giants. In addition to making delicious beverages, the cidery hosts some of my very favorite recurring events: seasonal maker’s markets, Shifting Gears’ Sippin’ on Cider fundraiser and classes with Bellingham Treehouse Yoga in the colder months. They’ve even been known to host puppy yoga — yes, puppy yoga — in collaboration with local rescues.

On the subject of puppies: If you need another incentive to visit Lost Giants, their Drinking for Dogs event might do the trick. Happy Tails Happy Homes’ annual fundraiser is at the cidery Saturday, Aug. 24, and all proceeds go directly to the health and wellbeing of pups in their care. Expect auctions, live music from Original Jim and, of course, delicious drinks. Info: happytailshappyhomes.org.

‘Anytime’
7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.

If you’re not in the mountain bike scene, it’s easy to forget that Bellingham is one of the country’s top destinations for the sport. With locations like Galbraith Mountain quite literally in some folks’ backyards, the city was even described as a mountain bike mecca by the Seattle Times. With this in mind, it’s only fitting that Mount Baker Theatre will host a screening of “Anytime,” a Red Bull Media House/Anthill Films co-production about — you guessed it — mountain biking.

This feature-length, non-narrative film follows 15 of the world’s top mountain bikers — including Bellingham resident Hannah Bergemann — as they “attempt to define the frontiers of their sport.” Spanning locations from the Swiss Alps to the Chilean Andes, “Anytime” promises to dole out fear and fun in equal measure. You don’t have to be a mountain biker to get invested in this adventure— but given Bellingham’s love affair with the sport, the film is sure to strike a chord with a large subset of our population. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.

A rider takes mid-air from the steep jump.
A rider takes off a jump in the Galbraith Mountain Enduro in June 2023. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
‘Triptych’
Aug. 15–24, multiple times, Idiom Theater, 1417 Cornwall Ave.

The Idiom’s next production, “Triptych,” consists of three one-act plays inspired by Bible stories. These reworked — and, ahem, “liberally adapted” — tales were written by local playwrights, and each bills itself as being of Biblical proportions.

Two of the three play titles are misspelled (for, um, copyright reasons?): “Sons of Gods,” “Judith Beheading Hologernes,” and “Riasing Goliath.” What’s more, “Triptych” has one of my new favorite content advisories: Audiences should expect the standard suggestive language, violence and adult situations — but also puppets, pottery and “nepo baby middle management.” Color me intrigued. Info: idiomtheater.org.

Sedro-Woolley Pride Walk and Picnic
Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, downtown Sedro-Woolley

If you thought Pride Month was over … well, it technically is. But celebrations continue in Skagit County, because Sedro-Woolley is hosting its first-ever Pride event on Aug. 25. According to organizers, the festivities stand for “American freedom for all, not just some, and an end to discrimination and violence targeted at our communities.”


Festivities begin with a Pride march through downtown at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. all-ages picnic at Riverfront Park. In addition to food vendors, local artists and community resources, the picnic features speeches, comedy and drag performances from local favorites like Darling Divine and House of Touché. Attendees are advised to bring not just sunscreen but glitter, bubbles and “your beautiful selves.” Info: instagram.com/skagitqueer.


ALL EVENTS

Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.

Friday, Aug. 16

Good Luck Club: An Unapologetic Dance Party
8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, The Shakedown, 1212 N State St.

The Shakedown will be spinning hits by pop heroines like Reneé Rapp, Lorde, Kayce Musgraves, Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA and Chappell Roan at their upcoming queer dance party. 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.

Noisy Waters Mural Festival
9 a.m., Aug. 16–18, Bellingham Waterfront, 298 W. Laurel St.

Muralists from around the world are coming together in Bellingham to show off their talent and the creative processes they experience to create these fantastic murals. Not only can you enjoy the various performances during the weekend-long celebration, but you can also embrace your creative side and join with a spray paint workshop. Info: noisywatersmuralfest.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.

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 by individuals from as near as Seattle and as far as Japan and Germany who practice this style. Info: firehouse-aec.com.

Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon

The Lincoln Theatre’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 classic favorites like “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me” as well as newer releases such as “Fortnight” and “Anti-Hero.” As the event’s name implies, all these will be performed amid the warm glow of candles, resulting in what organizers describe as a magical, multi-sensory musical experience. Info: lincolntheatre.org.

Saturday, Aug. 17

Wines of Whatcom Wine Tasting: Sip, Savor, Support
6–8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, Bellewood Farms & Distillery, 6140 Guide Meridian Road, Lynden

Bellingham might be best known for beer, but Whatcom and Skagit counties have some impressive wineries — and this upcoming Wines of Whatcom event is an excuse to sample them for a good cause. This wine tasting supports Blue Skies for Children, a local nonprofit that serves more than 1,000 local youth each year. With the purchase of a $40 ticket, attendees can enjoy 10 tastings from local wineries, a silent auction, live music and other activities. Info: blueskiesforchildren.org.

Northwest Washington Fair
Aug. 8–17, Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front St., Lynden

The Northwest Washington Fair runs through 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 palette 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.

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; 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. Info: bellinghammakersmarket.com.

Read to a Dog Story Time
11 a.m., Village Books, 430 Front St., Lynden

Bring your kid to this interactive storytime where, instead of being read to, they’ll be reading books to dogs. As a way to hone their reading skills in a fun, new way, these therapy dogs are more than willing to be read to — as long as they get some cuddles as well. Info: villagebooks.com.

Paper Makers Club
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden

Ever wanted to know how paper is made? In this workshop, you can go one step further and make your own. No experience is needed —  just show up, learn about different paper-making methods and materials, and try it out yourself. Info: jansenartcenter.org.

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.

Rockin’ The Railroad Block Party
12–7 p.m., Railroad Avenue

Allied Arts will commandeer the 1300 and 1400 blocks of Railroad Avenue on 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. 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.

Monday, Aug. 19

Auntie M’s Bouquet Bar + Story Time
3:30–6:30 p.m., Kara’s Beauty Barn, 1711 Pence Ave.

So many seasonal stems are available to choose from while you create your very own bouquet to bring home for yourself or a loved one. As you make your floral creations, your kids can enjoy storytime with local author Diane McNaught as she reads from her latest book series “Penny the Pittie.” Info: karasbeautybarn.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 20

Farmstand Fresh Skagit Valley Bike Tour
2–6 p.m., 15115 Bow Hill Road, Bow

Explore Skagit County’s bounty by bike on this interactive farm tour, led by Bike Northwest. This one-way, 17-mile trip takes you from Bow-Edison to La Conner, with stops at four farm stands along the way. Note that this event is BYOB (bring your own bike). Info: wetravel.com.

Thursday, Aug. 22

Communities in Schools Pint Night
6–8 p.m., Aslan Depot, 1322 N. State St.

Aslan Depot is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Communities in Schools, but this isn’t your ordinary pint night. One dollar from every drink will benefit the local education nonprofit — but the main event is trivia, not beer. The theme is “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader?” and organizers advise you brush up on your basic math skills in advance of the game. Info: aslanbrewing.com/depotinfo.

Blues, Brews and BBQs: SpaceBand
5–9 p.m., Hotel Bellwether: Lighthouse Pub and Grill, 1 Bellwether Way

Every Thursday, Hotel Bellwether throws a party featuring music, fresh barbecue and scenic views of Bellingham Bay. This week’s performance is extra special, as one of Bellingham’s best-known cover groups, SpaceBand, will be headlining. Info: hotelbellwether.com.

Friday, Aug. 23

‘Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical’
Multiple times, Aug. 23–25, New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.

Inspired by the book by Ivan Menchell, “Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical” follows the famed couple as they fall in love, commit unforgivable crimes and captivate the nation. Watch their story unfold right before your eyes in this sexy, gripping musical organized by and starring local talents. Info: newprospecttheatre.com.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Jono Zalay
8 p.m, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St.

Featured on “The Late Late Show” and “Netflix is a Joke,” renowned stand-up comedian Jono Zalay is coming to Mount Vernon’s Lincoln Theatre to bring a night of endless humor. Zalay is the headliner for this Seattle International Comedy Competition show, which is one of several that take place throughout Washington state during the month of August. Info: lincolntheatre.org.

Jan Flint, ‘Mr. Whoo and a Good Friend’
2-3 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St.

Jan Flint’s “Mr. Whoo and a Good Friend” follows the story of a little girl, Marie, and her imaginary friend who helps her cultivate healthy friendships and confidence while living with a disability. This reading is a great way to instill the importance of acceptance and making the best of the difficulties experienced in life. Info: villagebooks.com.

Districtwide Family Block Party
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2020 Cornwall Avenue

Bellingham Public Schools is hosting the annual Back-to-School Block Party. It’s a resource fair for all district families providing important resources for the school year. Planned are signups for Operation School Bell, an Assistance League of Bellingham program which provides new school clothes for eligible families; plus child immunizations, haircuts and sports physicals, as well as entertainment.


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.

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