COCOA’S PICKS

Fruit Tasting on the Farm

5:30–7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, Cloud Mountain Farm Center, 6906 Goodwin Road, Everson

You’ve heard of wine and cheese tastings — but what about fruit tastings? This delicious (and arguably much healthier) foodie event is a summer tradition at Cloud Mountain Farm Center. The nursery/nonprofit education center specializes in growing interesting, organic fruit varieties west of the Cascades.

This tasting celebrates fruits of the summer: plums, gooseberries, blueberries, raspberries and more (plus visitors can vote for their favorite at the end of the event). In addition to sampling local fruit — and maybe gleaning ideas for your own cooking or home garden — attendees can learn more about Cloud Mountain’s mission, values and community impact. Info: cloudmountainfarmcenter.org.

First Friday

6–10 p.m. (downtown Bellingham) and noon to 9 p.m. (Whatcom Museum) Friday, Aug. 2, downtown Bellingham

First Fridays in downtown Bellingham are worth attending in any season, but there’s something extra special about the summer installments. August’s First Friday is no exception: Highlights include new work from Ballard artist Carol Adelman at the Meloy Gallery, an opening for the “Visage & Vessel” exhibition at the Allied Arts Gallery and live music at spots like Ritual Records.

The Whatcom Museum in particular has planned a variety of events in celebration of the last month of its National Geographic exhibition. Highlights include animal improv with the Upfront Theatre (4–6 p.m.), an aerial performance by the Bellingham Circus Guild (7 p.m.) and even a talk from the Whatcom Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Info: whatcommuseum.org.

Up Up Up Circus

6–7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, Stones Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Ave.

Usually circus shows require a big top tent or, at the very least, a professional venue like the Bellingham Circus Guild in Fairhaven. Not so with the Up Up Up Circus: These performers are bringing their show to Fairhaven’s favorite (and only) neighborhood brewery. 

The Up Up Up Circus is a “traveling ensemble dedicated to spreading happiness across communities,” with members originating from both Bellingham and Seattle. Performers pull off a bit of everything, from acrobatics to illusions, aerial stunts and good, old-fashioned clowning. The hour-long event is family-friendly; just don’t forget to bring camp chairs and/or blankets. Info: stonesthrowbrewery.com. 

CatVideoFest 2024

4 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3–4, Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St.; and 7 p.m. Aug. 3–4, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon

I am a proud cat owner, which means I pay hard-earned money for a tiny, fluffy gremlin to live in my house. This devotion is repaid in occasional cuddles and near-constant chaos. My cat unabashedly terrorizes the dog, screams incessantly and wakes me up at 5:30 a.m. quicker than an alarm clock ever could. Still, she is the light of my life.

In other words, cats have a unique way of inspiring both devotion and amusement — as evidenced by the popularity of internet cat videos. From early-aughts YouTube channels to today’s TikToks, cats are an internet mainstay — and some genius decided to turn this phenomenon into an actual, real-life film festival. From music videos to animations and the requisite internet memes, CatVideoFest brings a wide variety of cat content to the big screen.

You can catch Cat Video Fest at both the Pickford in Bellingham and Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon the weekend of Aug. 2. Best of all, a portion of ticket proceeds are donated to local cats in need. Info: pickfordfilmcenter.org.

Ferndale Block Party

Aug. 2–3, Fringe Brewing, 3rd and Alder streets, Ferndale

Brought to you by the folks at City of Ferndale Arts Commission and Fringe Brewing, the third annual Ferndale block party should be one for the books. It spans not one but two days in downtown Ferndale and features live entertainment, beer and cider, musicians, food and craft vendors, and more. 

Highlights include a performance by the Penny Stinkers from 5–9 p.m. Friday Aug. 2, plus live music from a variety of artists from noon until 8:30 p.m. the next day. I’m also intrigued by the food options: Vendors like Tam Tam Pizza, aka one of the newest (and best) pizza options in town, will be on-site Friday. Saturday’s lineup includes vendors like ice cream truck Hank and Bubby’s as well as Moxie Provisions, a brand-new food truck based in Ferndale. Info: fringebrewing.com/block-party. 

Kids Fest

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, Civic Stadium, 1355 Civic Field Way

August means back-to-school season is around the corner — but there are still a few weeks left of summer to enjoy. If you’re running out of ideas for how to entertain little ones while they’re still at home, know that the Bellingham Parks and Recreation annual Kids Fest is slated for Saturday, Aug. 3. It features a wide range of activities and entertainment, all crafted with kids and families in mind. 

The event is free to attend and offers everything from mini golf to bouncy houses, Legos, bubbles, martial arts and more. There’s even a sensory-friendly station with headphones and tinker toys, so all kids can feel included in the fun. Info: cob.org.

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ALL EVENTS

Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.

Friday, July 26

Children’s Craft Fair

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave.

Show your support for the next generation of entrepreneurs by attending the Children’s Craft Fair, where kids of all ages will be selling handmade gifts and goodies. Snack on some delicious cookies from one booth while you look at the beaded bracelets and crocheted bookmarks for sale at the next booth. Info: bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

Wave En Blanc Arts Festival

July 26–28, downtown Blaine

Celebrations for Blaine’s art festival kick off with a fundraiser, the En Blanc Evening, on Friday, July 26 from 6–9 p.m. It takes place at the Blaine Boating Center, and the evening’s dress code is head-to-toe white. Expect the usual fundraiser fare: food and drink, a juried art show, live music, a wine pull and more. For the rest of the weekend, artisans, entertainers and food vendors will take over Blaine’s Marine Park for a community art market. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.

Saturday, July 27

Front Street Arts Festival

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 27, downtown Lynden

Lynden’s Front Street Arts Festival is back on Saturday, July 27, brought to you by the good folks at the Jansen Arts Center. In addition to benefiting the Jansen’s work, the event “raises awareness of the arts and promises a day when creativity flourishes and community connections thrive.” Organizers promise a “kaleidoscope of artistic expression” between 4th and Front streets, with mediums ranging from textiles to fine art, ceramics, painting, jewelry, music and more. Info: jansenartcenter.org. 

Northwest Natura: Botany 101

1–5:30 p.m., Whatcom County

If you’re already planning on taking a nice stroll through the woods, why not learn a little about the plants you pass while doing so? Joining Jazmen Yoder’s workshop will help you gain insight into the area’s flora. You’ll get a close-up look at native plants, and can even press them into your own nature notebook. Info: northwestnatura.com.

38th Annual Youth Arts Festival

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon

This year’s Youth Arts Festival features all kinds of vendors and artist booths for your children to enjoy. Activities include everything from hands-on arts and crafts to a free raffle, plus live performances from local children. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.

Summer Book Exchange

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery and Beer Garden, 1107 Railroad Ave.

Beer-lovers and book-lovers, gather ‘round for the event you never knew you needed. Bring books you’re ready to let somebody else enjoy to Boundary Bay, where you can swap them for books brand new to you — all while sipping on your beverage of choice. One dollar for each pint sold goes to Whatcom Literacy Council, so they can continue providing free programs to those in need. Info: bbaybrewery.com.

Summer Swap Series: Outdoor Recreation

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ferndale Library Meeting Room, 2125 Main St., Ferndale

Do you have any outdoor gear that you don’t have a use for anymore? Bring it down to the Ferndale Library for their Summer Swap to pass along to the next person to enjoy for years to come! Any of your old tents, outdoor clothes, fishing and hiking gear, and anything else related to the great outdoors are welcome. Info: wcls.libcal.com.

Sunday, July 28

Bellingham Beach Sweep

11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Community Boating Center, 555 Harris Ave.

Join the Community Boating Center as they kayak around to pick up trash and keep Bellingham’s beaches as clean as possible. It’s the perfect way to do something you love while cultivating a better, cleaner environment for everyone — and your efforts will be rewarded with a barbecue at the CBC after finishing up. Info: boatingcenter.org.

Wednesday, July 31

Sip Into Summer: A Tropical Cocktail Tasting

6–8 p.m., Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, 1200 10th St., Ste. 102

If you’re looking for a closer-to-home alternative to sipping cocktails on a faraway beach this summer, stop into Galloway’s for the next best thing. With their five-course tropical cocktail tasting (served alongside food pairings), Galloway’s will do their best to transport you to the island of your dreams, right here in Bellingham. Info: gallowayscocktail.bar.

Party with Waldo!

2–3 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St.

Bring the whole family to take part in the ultimate Where’s Waldo search at Village Books. Once you’ve found him, the fun doesn’t stop there — kids can eat some delicious treats, play games and even earn prizes from the Waldo search. Don yourselves in red-and-white stripes and glasses to fully embrace the day’s theme. Info: villagebooks.com.

Vintage Farming Days 

8 a.m. to 7 p.m., July 31–Aug. 3, Berthusen Park, 8837 Berthusen Road

Observe and appreciate all things farm-related. With daily demonstrations on threshing, tractor and lawnmower pulling and displays of various machinery, this multi-day fair is packed with activities for everyone to enjoy. When you’re not wanting to watch these presentations, you can browse the many toys and handmade goods being sold, as well as snacking on fresh food and drinks. Make sure to catch local group Allis and the Chalmers, fronted by Whatcom County musicians including Laurie Lee Lewis. The band performs at 6 p.m. Aug. 2. Info: psatma.org

Thursday, Aug. 1

‘Trees and Other Entanglements’ Documentary Film Screening

6–8 p.m., Ferndale Library Meeting Room, 2125 Main St.

The HBO documentary “Trees and Other Entanglements” captures the complex connections between humanity and nature. Filmmaker Irene Taylor uses our associations with trees to express how time passes, and how our landscape is forever changing. Info: wcls.libcal.com.

‘She Kills Monsters’

Various times, August 1–11, New Prospect Theatre

Agnes Evans becomes closer with her sister posthumously as she enters her sister’s 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 the adventures that come with it. Info: newprospecttheatre.org.

Hand Painting Combed Wool Top

11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jansen Art Center, 321 Front St., Lynden

For those that hand spin your own wool or enjoy felting, join this Jansen Art Center workshop where you can dye your own wool to use for your next project. Using an acid dye to hand-paint your braided wool, you can choose exactly what color(s) you want to include in your colored textile. Info: jansenartcenter.org.

Friday, Aug. 2

Carol Adelman: House of Mirth

6–9 p.m., Meloy Gallery, 301 W. Holly St.

The latest exhibit at the Meloy Gallery is almost up and running. Kicking off on August’s First Friday, Carol Adelman will be in attendance to host a discussion on her artwork and how she creates pieces showing “what is seen looking out of the eyes” of her subjects. Info: meloygallery.com.

Visage and Vessel

6–9 p.m., Aug. 2–31, Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Ave.

The opening reception of “Visage and Vessel,” the newest addition to the Allied Arts gallery, uses drawings, paintings, sculptures and other mediums to encapsulate a “rich tapestry of creative exploration.” Artists from Bay Street Studios and Baker Creek Ceramics will appear among others throughout the month. Info: alliedarts.org

Saturday, August 3

Paint Like An Impressionist

1–2:30 p.m., Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon

This watercolor workshop teaches you how to expertly layer details when painting all kinds of birds. Painters can follow guided tutorials to create colorful and intricate roosters and hens, or try similar techniques to create your own feathered friend. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.

‘The Woman Who Killed The Impossible Bosco’

7:30 p.m. July 25–27, Aug. 1–3, Idiom Theater, 1417 Cornwall Ave.

This comic mystery was penned by Matthew Balam and is set at Bosco Con, an international psychic convention. A group of clairvoyants have been challenged to murder the con’s founder, The Impossible Bosco, for glory, wealth and, apparently, gift cards. Fair warning: “The Woman Who Killed The Impossible Bosco” has content advisories for “foul language, cigar licking, violent acts, reptilian attacks, the future, murder, simulated murder [and] dreams.” Info: idiomtheater.org.

Bigfoot Festival

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maple Falls Town Hall, 7509 Mt. Baker Highway, Maple Falls

Celebrate the unofficial symbol of the PNW, Bigfoot, while also giving back to your community. You can purchase homemade goods directly from local vendors, or take part in one of the many fundraising opportunities available, including a raffle and root beer floats served in collector’s mugs. Info: maplefallspark.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.