COCOA’S PICKS
Sunnyland Stomp
Noon race, 3–8 p.m. Stomp, Saturday, July 20, Sunnyland neighborhood
The Sunnyland Stomp is a great excuse to get to know one of Bellingham’s cutest neighborhoods. The event works like this: A variety of Sunnyland businesses and homes participate as “Stomp stops,” hosting everything from activities and games to art and performances. (As the website puts it, “If you can dream it, you can turn it into a Stomp Stop.”)
Inspired by a similar neighborhood gathering in Scandinavia, the Stomp was founded in 2009 and grows more popular each year. This year’s stops weren’t yet announced at the time of writing, but you can expect a healthy mix of established businesses, craftspeople, musicians and DIY pop-ups at residential homes. Oh, and did I mention there’s a chicken race at Memorial Park at noon? Info: sunnylandstomp.com.
Northwest Raspberry Festival
July 19–20, downtown Lynden
Lynden’s biggest (and most delicious) free festival is back for a 26th year to raise awareness about our area’s most iconic crop: the humble raspberry. After all, according to the Lynden Chamber of Commerce, more than 65% of the country’s red raspberries are produced right here in Whatcom County — aka the world’s largest per-capita crop of red raspberries. What’s not to celebrate?!
More than 30,000 people are expected to participate in the weekend’s activities, ranging from a basketball tournament to a car show, kids’ activities and games, a scavenger hunt, a street fair and more. I’m most excited about the food: In addition to the food trucks, visitors can sample raspberry wine, a Friday barbecue salmon dinner and $2 vanilla ice cream and raspberry bowls. Info: lynden.org.
Rooftop Cinema: ‘Shaun of the Dead’
7 p.m. Friday, July 19, 1300 Commercial St.
First the bad news: Bellingham still lacks a rooftop bar (and this blatant oversight is a weekly topic at the newsroom water cooler). But on the bright side, you can get your rooftop fix by catching a movie atop the Commercial Street Parkade, courtesy of the Pickford Film Center.
The Rooftop Cinema series begins July 19 with a screening of “Shaun of the Dead” and continues with “Hot Fuzz” on Aug. 2 and “World’s End” on Aug. 16. And while rooftop margaritas might not be in the cards just yet, you can enjoy beers with a view courtesy of Boundary Bay Brewery. Doors open at 7 p.m., and a DJ and World’s Best Trivia will provide pre-show entertainment before the screening starts at dusk. Info: pickfordfilmcenter.org.
Paula Poundstone
7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon
You might know comedian Paula Poundstone from her appearances on NPR’s “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me,” or her podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone” — which I assume people do listen to, considering it’s on episode 312 at the time of writing. But if you’re not familiar with the comedian’s prolific body of work, you can remedy that by catching her at the Lincoln Theatre this July.
Other accolades include multiple HBO specials and two TV shows, both of which were entitled “The Paula Poundstone Show.” Even more impressively, Poundstone was the first female comedian to host the White House Correspondents dinner. She’s been in the comedy game since the ‘90s and is still going strong — so whether you’re a longtime or brand-new fan, seeing Poundstone perform close to home is a rare occasion (and you won’t want to miss it). Info: lincolntheatre.org.
‘Midsummer Madness’
7:30 p.m., July 18–20 and 25–27, Explorations Academy, 1701 Ellis St.
The name “Unsubdued Theatre Collective” should tell you all you need to know about this performing arts company’s ethos. It was formed in 2022 to create original theater with explicit emphasis on inclusivity — and two years later, it continues to accomplish that goal. Like all of their shows, the next performance, “Midsummer Madness,” is an Unsubdued original — meaning audiences will be seeing it come to life for the very first time.
“Midsummer Madness” is technically a reimagining of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — although, as co-director Danielle Phillips said in a press release, this production is best described as “Shakespeare on crack.” (Is that my new favorite press release quote? Maybe so.) Phillips also co-wrote the show, which somehow manages to combine “fairies, Nietzsche tangents and struggling artists.” If you’re also intrigued by how all this works together, make sure to catch performances at Explorations Academy. Info: unsubduedtheatre.org.
ALL EVENTS
Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.
Friday, July 12
Northwest Tune-Up Festival
July 12–14, Bellingham waterfront
For the third year running, Northwest Tune-Up Festival is back with a few of Bellinghamsters’ favorite things: mountain bikes, beer and live music. Headliners this year include bluegrass group Yonder Mountain String Band, iconic rapper Lupe Fiasco and indie songstress Indigo De Souza. You’ll also find bike demos and races, a maker’s market and a beer garden benefitting the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition. Info: nwtuneup.com.
Missoula Children’s Theatre: ‘Hercules’
9:30 a.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Children of all ages around the community have been invited to a week-long practice leading to this final performance of “Hercules.” Catch this show’s last performance and see how talented these kids are as they learn and hone their roles in such a short time. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Saturday, July 13
Whatcom Artist Studio Tour Showcase Exhibit
July 11–Sept. 28, Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden
The Whatcom Artist Studio Tour is celebrating its 29th year with a self-guided tour of local artists’ studios, giving you a glimpse into the lives and processes of various local creatives. In advance of open studios in October, the Jansen is showcasing work from select participating artists. Info: studiotour.net.
The Gender Affirming Fair
1–10 p.m., Make.Shift Art Space, 306 Flora St.
The Gender Affirming Fair at Make.Shift has a little something for everyone. Not only does it have live music, karaoke, a drag show and other performances, but it’ll also have a resource fair, a Trans Fashion Treasury and so much more. Info: makeshiftartspace.org.
BIPOC Walks
10 a.m. to noon, Whatcom Falls Park, 1401 Electric Ave.
A group made by people of color, for people of color, BIPOC Walks lets you connect with other like-minded people and nature at the same time. In addition to making new friends, attendees will learn about the different plants they stumble across, as well as which are native and/or edible. Info: wildwhatcom.org.
Medicinal Plants and Wildcrafting Course with Northwest Natura
2–6:30 p.m., Whatcom County
Fireweed and stinging nettle may sound like daunting, dangerous plants, but in reality, they have so many useful qualities. Naturalist Jazmen Yoder will show you how to locate these plants and when to harvest them, as well as the endless possibilities of what you can do with them. Info: northwestnatura.com.
Finding Forest Treasures
2–3 p.m., Lynden Library Meeting Room, 216 4th St.
Jane Billinghurst authored “Finding Forest Treasures” to share the beauty of nature we often overlook. She captures images of these tiny treasures and describes where to locate them so readers can find them while walking through the forest. Info: wcls.libcal.com.
Sunday, July 14
Come Weave a Towel!
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 14–Sept. 30, Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden
Have a bit of weaving experience, but still looking to hone some of your skills? As usual, the Jansen should be your first port of call for learning new artistic mediums. Learn to weave a towel — either an eight-shaft turned taqueté or a Bauhaus Summer and Winter weave, depending on what you feel like — and refine the skills you already have. Info: jansenartcenter.org
Blaine Harbor Music Festival
July 7–14, locations vary, Blaine
July is a hot month (pun intended) for music festivals in Whatcom County. If Northwest Tune-Up and the Bellingham Festival of Music weren’t enough, the Blaine Harbor Music Festival happens in the same time frame, drawing performers from the Pacific Northwest, New York City, Europe and Canada. This year’s events range from jazz on Sunday to music in G Street Plaza on Wednesday, ending with student showcases on Saturday and Sunday. Info: blaineharbormusicfestival.org.
Pride in the Park
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marine Park, 200 Marine Dr.
With activities for everyone, bring family and friends to this Pride celebration! Enjoy some games and crafting, art vendors, scavenger hunts, karaoke and more in between relaxing with your loved ones at the park, all as you celebrate Pride. Info: wcls.libcal.com
Monday, July 15
DIY Hand-Pressed Clay Tile Art
6–8 p.m., Kara’s Beauty Barn, 1711 Pence Ave.
Press your own designs into handmade clay tiles that you can take home for the perfect floral decoration. In the first week of this workshop, you’ll choose from a variety of natural materials to press into your own slabs of clay. By the second week, these pieces will have been fired in a kiln and ready for you to glaze however you’d like! Info: karasbeautybarn.com
Tuesday, July 16
Bellingham TheaterWorks Summer Repertory Theatre
Through July 21, FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
Bellingham TheatreWorks’ summer repertory theater is an annual tradition, and each 2024 show features women as central to the story. All three plays have two shows per week, so even if you’re not able to make it out on a weeknight, you can grab tickets for a weekend performance instead. Performances run through July 21, with exact dates and times available online. Info: firehouse-aec.com.
Thursday, July 18
Walking Meditation and Sound Bath
5:30–7 p.m., Fairhaven Park Labyrinth, 107 Chuckanut Drive N.
This serene walking meditation session, followed by an even more soothing sound bath, will immerse you in the beauty of nature. All ages are welcome to join this community event — just make sure to bring a yoga mat or blanket and some comfortable clothes. Info: cob.org.
‘Trees and Other Entanglements’ Documentary Film Screening
6–8 p.m., Lynden Library Meeting Room, 216 4th St.
The HBO documentary “Trees and Other Entanglements” captures connections between humans from all communities and their connection to nature. From filmmaker Irene Taylor, this film is presented by the Whatcom County Library System in partnership with Whatcom Million Trees Project. Info: wcls.libcal.com.
Friday, July 19
Summer Cage Match
8 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.
Head to the Upfront to kick off your weekend with an intense back-and-forth, as two teams battle to be named the funniest improv team in the game. They’ll do absolutely anything to be crowned the winners, and it’s all up to you to decide who comes out on top. Info: theupfront.com.
Midsummer Night by the Bay
6–9 p.m., Beach Park, 7942 Birch Bay Drive
Start the night with family-friendly games, crafts and free food, then wind down by sharing stories around a campfire at the Birch Bay Library and Beach Park. The Blaine Parks and Rec’s Youth Drama Camp also has a special play prepared, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” thus lending the night its theme. Info: blainewa.myrec.com.
Saturday, July 20
Explore Outdoors: Survival Showcase
10 a.m. to noon, Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon
If you were lost and alone in the middle of a forest, would you be able to survive? There’s only one way to find out! (Well … two ways, I guess.) Put your survival skills to the test at Hillcrest Park by building fires and a shelter, and picking out edible plants native to the PNW at this free event. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.
Author Marijke McCandless
2–3 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St.
“Naked in the Now” author Marijke McCandless will share her insights into the mindfulness and meditation tips she has unraveled in her novel at Village Books. With her practical exercises that anyone can get that hang of, she shows you how to be more present and aware of both yourself and those around you. Info: villagebooks.com.
Out and About: Pride at Low Tide
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Marine Park, 100 Harris Ave.
Low tide is the perfect time to get to know the different critters lurking just under the sand. A laid-back way to celebrate Pride and spend time with the queer community, Wild Whatcom’s Pride at Low Tide invites all queer individuals and allies to traverse the beach together. Info: wildwhatcom.org.
Silent Disco
8–9:30 p.m., Boulevard Park Stage, 470 Bayview Ave.
Bring your headphones or borrow a pair and tune in for this 90-minute set list created just for you and your friends! With all kinds of genres and eras featured in the playlist, anyone and everyone looking to move to the music is welcome to come and dance as the sun sets over Bellingham Bay. Info: cob.org
Sunday, July 21
Vietnam Veterans of America 13th Annual Car Show
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Barkley Village Green, 2215 Rimland Drive
Gearheads from all around are set to attend this upcoming car show in support of Vietnam veterans and their families for the 13th year running. If you have a vintage or specialty car to show off, register it for the chance to win one of many awards. Or, simply stop by to admire these exceptional automobiles. Info: vva165.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.
