COCOA’S PICKS
Bellingham Festival of Music Opening Night
7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30, WWU Performing Arts Center, 516 High St.
Even if you’re not a classical music lover, the Bellingham Festival of Music is worth paying attention to. This annual event showcases incredible talent, with five orchestra concerts featuring special guest artists from across the U.S. (and globe). The festival is also known for its associated outreach events, such as its Fifth Grade Strings program, which ensures the purchase and maintenance of string instruments for Bellingham schools.
2024 marks the beginning of Marcelo Lehninger’s tenure as artistic director. The festival begins on Sunday, June 30 with a performance from Lehninger, the festival orchestra and a special guest artist, award-winning international violinist Sarah Chang. Visit the Festival’s website for a full lineup of events, as performances take place throughout the month of July. Info: bellinghamfestival.org.
That Devil Music Festival
June 28–29, Lookout Arts Quarry, 246 Old Highway 99 N.
If you haven’t yet been to Lookout Arts Quarry, in the Squires Lake area between Lake Samish and Alger, you’re missing out: The one-time industrial rock quarry is now among the most unique venues in the PNW. It hosts a variety of festivals each year, but That Devil Music one of the newest — and despite what its name might imply, metal isn’t necessarily the focus. Genres range from funk to Americana, and Bellingham favorites like Hot Damn Scandal and Ebony & the Deep Cuts feature heavily on the lineup.
The Quarry has not one but five outdoor stages, including a designated metal stage called The Tripping Hazard (which, according to personal experience, is accurately named). The event culminates with a Saturday night burlesque performance. Festival attendees are welcome to camp overnight if they desire, and both day and weekend passes are available. Info: thatdevilmusicfestival.com.
Bellingham TheaterWorks Summer Repertory Theatre
June 25–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 June 25–July 21, with exact dates and times available online.
The series begins on Tuesday, June 25 with a performance of “To Kill A Mockingbird,” an adaptation of the classic Harper Lee novel set in Jim Crow-era Alabama. June 26’s performance is “The Thanksgiving Play,” which is the first show written by a Native American woman to be staged on Broadway. The satire follows “four woke white individuals who attempt to create a politically correct First Thanksgiving play for Native American Heritage Month to be performed in schools. The last performance, “The Mountaintop,” is a fictional depiction of Martin Luther King Jr.’s night at the Hotel Lorraine on the eve of his assassination. Info: firehouse-aec.com.
Whale of a Sale
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 29, downtown Anacortes
With more than 40 vendors set to participate in Anacortes’ annual sidewalk sale, this event is a great way to get to know the local business scene. Bargain hunters can find everything from clothing to shoes, books and handmade gifts at a reasonable price, with booths stretching from 10th Street all the way to the Port of Anacortes.
But even if you’re not in the mood to shop, you can still jam out to live music courtesy of local musicians like Barefoot Jazz and Collins Beach. Several local restaurants will be serving food and drink specials, and street food like hot dogs and kettle corn are also available. Finally, the evening closes with a “Depot Dance” at 6 p.m. at 6th and R Avenue, with the band Crazy Like a Fox providing tunes. Info: downtownanacortesalliance.org.
BAAY Summer Bash
2–6 p.m. Sunday, June 30, Time and Materials Taphouse, 954 N. State St.
Confession: Though the idea of being onstage today terrifies me to my core, I used to be a theater kid. Countless formative connections came from community theater, and I learned intrapersonal and creative skills that benefit me to this day.
In other words, performing arts are a lifeline for youth figuring out how to express themselves — which is why programs like Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY) are so needed. From their theater productions to EduArts after-school programs, BAAY offers a variety of options for kids looking to cut their teeth in the performing arts.
But BAAY is also a registered 501c-3 nonprofit, meaning its existence isn’t a given, and it relies on community support to continue its work. If you want to support BAAY, consider attending its upcoming Summer Bash at Time and Materials Taphouse. In addition to the food and drinks, expect yard games, speeches, barbecue and live entertainment. Check online for a full schedule. Info: baay.org.
ALL EVENTS
Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.
June Makers Market
4–9 p.m., Time and Materials Taphouse, 954 N. State St.
This upcoming Makers Market will feature art vendors, live music, a silent auction, and smash burgers and other food from Time and Materials. Better yet, all proceeds from the market will go directly toward Northwest Youth Services to support our local youth. Info: nwys.org.
Splash Day 2024
Noon to 2 p.m., 3rd and Martin Street, Blaine
Bring the whole family out to get some relief from the upcoming heat during this year’s Splash Day in Blaine. Join in on some water activities to cool down as you chow down on some hot dogs and grab a cone from the Sugar Shack ice cream truck all in one place. Info: blainewa.myrec.com.
Flicks in the Park: ‘Barbie’
9 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry St., Ferndale
Ferndale’s downtown has evolved quite a bit over the past few years, and if you haven’t spent time there recently, I recommend using their “Summer of Fun” series as an excuse to check out what’s new. Make sure to bring a blanket, comfy chairs and maybe a few snacks. Info: cityofferndale.org/summer.
Saturday, June 22
Public Opening Summer Exhibition
2–5 p.m., MoNA Museum, 121 1st St., La Conner
MoNA Museum is opening not one, but two new exhibitions for the summer season. “Portraits of the Divine” and “Early Rituals” feature multimedia artworks from two local artists. These artists use a variety of methods, including glass-blowing, painting and sculpting with tree rounds to create their one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Info: monamuseum.org.
Double Date
8–9:30 p.m., Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.
Seattle-based group Jet City Improv are coming up to Bellingham to join forces with our local Upfront Theatre improv group. Join in for a night of comedy you won’t forget as these performers put together a set like you’ve never seen before. Info: theupfront.com.
What’s the Point? Low Tide Exploration Event
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Point Whitehorn Park, 6770 Koehn Road, Blaine
While the tide is low this summer, beach naturalists will be out at Point Whitehorn Park to show onlookers the ins and outs of the area. If you’re looking to learn more about the landscape and the creatures that roam it, then be sure to come out and explore. Info: re-sources.org.
Sunday, June 23
Marine Algae and Ecology of Point Whitehorn
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Road, Blaine
Venture around Birch Bay State Park with a group of guides that will teach you all about the algae and other organisms surrounding the beach. You’ll go on a long walk through the park to learn all about the different native plants and animals. Info: wnpskoma.org.
Bellingham Queer History Tour
3-5 p.m., Rumors Cabaret, 1119 Railroad Ave.
Bellingham’s Good Time Girls have something special in store for us this Pride Month: a downtown walking tour to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the LGBTQ+ history in Bellingham. You can also look forward to a performance by drag queen Betty Desire. Info: bellinghistory.com
‘Pippin’
June 14–30, times vary, Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St.
First staged in the ’70s under the direction of Bob Fosse, “Pippin” was revived on Broadway in 2013 to rave reviews (and four Tony Awards). The show is still running today, but you don’t have to go to New York City to catch it: Director Michelle Kriz’s version has weekend shows at the Bellingham Theatre Guild until June 30. Info: bellinghamtheatreguild.com.
Wednesday, June 26
Bingo for a Cause
7 p.m., Corner Taphouse, 1125 Finnegan Way, Ste. 103
Corner Taphouse in Fairhaven hosts bingo every week, but this game is for a good cause: $1 from every drink purchased goes to Sun Community Service, an organization aiding homeless individuals with mental illness. Info: facebook.com/p/Corner-Taphouse.
Thursday, June 27
Elizabeth Park Concert Series
6-8 p.m., Elizabeth Park, 2205 Elizabeth St.
SpaceBand is the featured artist for next week’s concert at Elizabeth Park. Grab your camping chairs and get ready to jam out to some old-school music and new classics while you get dinner from the nearby vendors and watch the setting sun. Info: cob.org.
Rockin’ Gem Show
Noon to 9 p.m., The Heron’s Nest Gallery, 1200 Harris Ave., Ste. 307
If you’re on the lookout for some new crystals, gemstones or rocks, stop by Heron’s Nest and add to your collection on June 26. Some vendors have fashioned these precious stones into jewelry and other pieces of art. Info: blueheroncraftworks.com.
Blues, Brews & BBQ: Lost at Last
5–9 p.m., Hotel Bellwether Lighthouse Pub and Grill, 1 Bellwether Way,
The Hotel Bellwether is launching a new music series pairing two of summer’s greatest joys: live music and delicious barbecue. This week’s band is Lost At Last, a six-piece original and cover band based right here in Bellingham. Info: hotelbellwether.com.
Cat Yoga at NEKO Cat Cafe
6-7:30 p.m., NEKO Cat Cafe, 1130 Cornwall Ave.
Gather ‘round, cat lovers, and cuddle up with your favorite furry friends while you practice your yoga skills. Follow your guides (both human and feline) as they show you the best stretches and flows to relax your mind and body. Info: nekocatcafe.com.
Friday, June 28
Food Recovery Party!
5–9 p.m., Trackside Beer Garden, 298 W. Laurel St.
Kulshan’s Trackside Beer Garden is partnering with Toward Zero Waste to celebrate the latter’s Food Recovery Program. The live music, raffles and other festivities commemorate the program’s astounding accomplishment of recovering more than 1 million pounds of food for those in need across our community. Info: sustainableconnections.org.
Saturday, June 29
‘Hookman’
7:30–9 p.m., New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
Part coming-of-age performance, part thrilling slasher, “Hookman” follows the story of Lexi, a young woman set to discover the mystery of what has happened to her best friend while living with a strange new roommate — and a serial killer being on the loose. Info: newprospecttheatre.org.
Ask A Naturalist: Little Mountain
10 a.m. to noon, Hillcrest Park, 3000 Little Mountain Road
Bring all of your questions about our local parks and the environment surrounding us to a local Interpretive Naturalist Hillcrest Park. Even if you don’t have specific questions, feel free to stop by anyways and a naturalist will teach you a bit more about the park itself. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.
Corner Bar Olympics
6:30 p.m., Corner Taphouse, 1125 Finnegan Way, Ste. 103
Show off your skills at all kinds of bar games while you enjoy a pint of your favorite brew at Corner Taphouse. The winners of each bracket of cornhole, shuffleboard and pong will receive prizes for their victory, so grab a teammate and start practicing. Info: cornertaphouse.com.
Irongate Flea Market
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Irongate Vintage Depot, 1806 Cornwall Ave.
Vendors of all kinds are setting up at the Irongate Flea Market — ready to sell everything from antique objects to well-loved pieces that have been restored for you to enjoy for years to come. If you have things to sell, the market is also looking for more vendors to add their own goodies to the group. Info: bio.site/irongate_estate.
Downtime Summer Kickoff Festival
Noon to 8 p.m., Downtime Taps, 1730 Labounty Drive
Like any good summer festival, Downtime Taps’ celebration has all kinds of party games, live music and excellent food and drinks. It’s a family-friendly event, so you can even bring your kiddos along to celebrate the beginning of summer — they’ll have plenty of activities to keep them occupied as well. Info: downtimetaps.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.
