COCOA’S PICKS
North Cascades Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 31–Sept. 1, Deming Logging Show Grounds, 3295 Cedarville Road
Nothing says Labor Day in Whatcom County like the North Cascades Bluegrass Festival. The annual event unites the region’s top bluegrass talent at the Deming Logging Show Grounds — and in addition to performances, attendees can take part in music workshops and open mics throughout the weekend.
This year’s festival is presented by the Kruger Brothers, who will also host a one-day “mini academy” for banjo, guitar and bass. Other notable acts include Portland five-piece Never Come Down, the amusingly named Arkansauce and, of course, the North Cascades Bluegrass Band (aka a group of local musicians collaborating just for the occasion). Whether you come for an afternoon or camp through the weekend, make sure to pack your best dancing boots. Info: ncbf.fun.
Soulful Art Market
6–9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, Commercial Street 1300 Block
September is around the corner, but Bellingham still has weeks of nice weather to look forward to — which means summer market season isn’t over just yet. The upcoming Soulful Art Market is a collaboration between Northwest Youth Services (NWYS), a nonprofit serving youth experiencing homelessness, and event company 2BB Productions.
You can expect the usual art market fare: food, live music and artisan vendors, many of whom are BIPOC. What makes this event unique, however, is a showcase of work from students at NWYS’ Omni Center, a digital media studio for Black, Indigenous and Brown (BIB) youth. How better to end August than a night market that supports Whatcom County’s up-and-coming talent? Info: nwys.org.
Lummi Island Artist Studio Tour
Aug. 31–Sept. 1, Lummi Island
Every time I make the trek to Lummi Island, I wonder why I don’t return more often. After all, getting there requires a mere 15-minute drive (coming from downtown Bellingham) plus a five-minute ferry ride. What’s more, the island boasts a stunning nature preserve, several public beaches and a sense of tranquility not easily found on the mainland.
Lummi Island is also home to an eclectic group of artists, most of whom open their studios to the public just three times a year. The Lummi Island Artist Studio Tour allows visitors an intimate glimpse at the island’s art scene, with mediums ranging from paint to fabric, stone, metal, jewelry and more on show. Note that, at press time, artist schedules have not yet been announced — check online for more details. Info: lummi-island.com.
Birch Bay Derby Day
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, Birch Bay
The event formerly known as Discover Birch Bay Days is back — and while its name might be different, the activities are largely the same. The difference is this once multi-day occasion is now rolled into a one-day, action-packed format.
Happenings include everything from a fun run/walk around the Birch Bay berm to a variety of unusual races. During the Poker Run (1–3 p.m.), participants dart across town by bike or golf cart to collect playing cards from local businesses, and whoever ends up with the best poker hand wins. There’s also a Duck Derby at Terrell Creek at 4:30 p.m., plus a Crab Derby hosted by Birch Bay local/crab enthusiast Billy Brown from 3–6 p.m.
Note that the Derby Day parade will not occur due to permitting issues — but judging by the aforementioned schedule, there’s still no shortage of entertainment. Info: birchbaywa.org.
Lindy at the Leo: Outdoor Edition
7–9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, Commercial Street Plaza, 1314 Commercial St.
For a relatively small city, Bellingham boasts a thriving dance scene — as long as you know where to look. With a little research, would-be dancers can find events tailored to just about any style, from salsa to contra dancing, square dancing and more. The organization B’Ham Hop even hosts weekly all-levels swing sessions at the Hotel Leo, and this week’s session is extra special.
In honor of summer’s end, Lindy at the Leo will move from their usual spot at the Hotel Leo to the Commercial Street Plaza. Unlike other sessions, this dance is free of charge, and the whole of downtown is encouraged to get in on the action. Organizer Emily Martens said her favorite part of the event isn’t the planned dances, but rather when passersby “start watching from the outskirts and then join in.” Beginner lessons start at 7 p.m., whereas the dance itself runs 7:30–9 p.m. Best of all, there’s no partner required, and participation is free of charge. Info: bhamhop.com.
ALL EVENTS
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Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
