102nd Whatcom Memorial Day Parade
Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 25, downtown Bellingham
Calling the Whatcom Memorial Day Parade a tradition might be an understatement — rather, this annual event is better described as an institution. For more than a century, the Memorial Day Parade has served as a reminder for Bellinghamsters to “remember and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.” The event is also a registered 501c-3 nonprofit, and its existence is made possible with the support of local businesses and passionate community members.
This year’s parade kicks off at the corner of Cornwall Avenue and Alabama Street and is free to attend. The party will continue down Cornwall before wrapping up around 3 p.m. that afternoon. For more information about sponsorship and participation, visit the Memorial Day Parade’s website. Info: whatcommemorialdayparade.com.
Ski to Sea Block Party
4 p.m. Friday, May 24, Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.
Allow me to state the obvious: Ski to Sea weekend is busy in Bellingham. Virtually every venue in town has entertainment, from live music to beer releases and more — but of all these pre-race festivities, Boundary Bay Brewery’s block party is among the most beloved. The event is family-friendly and free to attend (not counting the price of beer, of course).
If you’re looking to celebrate before the big race, head to Boundary Bay’s beer garden on Friday from 4 p.m. onward. Over the course of the evening, attendees can expect games, craft brews and even a special fish fry menu. The Legendary Chucklenuts will provide live music starting at 6 p.m., and $1 per pint will benefit Hunger Vs Hunger, which supports the Bellingham Food Bank. Representatives from Ski to Sea will also be in attendance with race merchandise. Info: bbaybrewery.com.
Fairhaven Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 26, Fairhaven
Ski to Sea is exciting for participants and spectators alike, but the race isn’t the only can’t-miss event on May 26. The Fairhaven Festival — aka “Bellingham’s biggest block party” — is one hell of an afterparty, with live musicians, food trucks and more than 60 artisan vendors taking to the streets. Race spectators can join the party from 11 a.m. on (well before racers are due to cross the Marine Park finish line), and the celebrations don’t stop until well into the evening.
Note that the Fairhaven Festival is presented by the Fairhaven Association and is separate from the Ski to Sea’s finish line celebration, which occurs during the same time frame at Marine Park. For more information about the finish line event, check out Ski to Sea’s website at skitosea.com. Check the Fairhaven Association’s website for more information on schedules and transportation. Info: enjoyfairhaven.com.
National Geographic Live: Social By Nature with Ronan Donovan
7 p.m. Friday, May 24, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Back in March I wrote about the National Geographic exhibition “Greatest Wildlife Photographs,” currently on view at the Whatcom Museum. The expansive show includes 70 photographs from a wide range of well-known NatGeo photographers — including Ronan Donovan, whose projects shed light on issues ranging from the persecution of wolves in Yellowstone to the effects of deforestation on chimpanzees in Uganda.
Now Donovan is paying a visit to Mount Baker Theatre on May 24 to speak more about his projects, as well as how his photography dovetails with conservation efforts. Donovan’s work is about more than making pretty pictures — as he told CDN in March, “The real effort and change for me is when people feel moved to action when they see the images of the stories that I work on.”
On a related note: If you haven’t yet visited “Greatest Wildlife Photographs,” here’s a friendly reminder to do so before Donovan’s talk. The show runs through Sept. 8 at Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building (250 Flora St.). Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
BTG Satellites
May 24–26, New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
Theater nerds take note: The Bellingham Theatre Guild (BTG) has joined forces with New Prospect Theatre to bring local audiences even more options for performing arts. This brand-new partnership, entitled “BTG Satellites,” launches Memorial Day weekend at the New Prospect Theatre’s Lucas Hicks Stage. Expect three days of readings, radio shows and the kind of small-production magic that both BTG and New Prospect Theatre are known for.
Thanks to a three-for-$25 opening weekend ticket special, audiences can enjoy a different performance each day of opening weekend. Friday’s 7:30 p.m. reading, “Miss Firecracker,” follows Carnelle Scott (aka “Miss Hot Tamale”) in her quest for glory at a small-town Mississippi pageant. Saturday audiences can look forward to a live radio show reading of not one but two Sherlock Holmes cases at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday’s 2 p.m. matinee is dedicated to a workshop reading of “More Lasting than Bronze,” a “a sapphic retelling of the myth of Artemis and Orion” by local playwright Lillian Furlong. Info: bellinghamtheatreguild.com.
ALL EVENTS
Calendar entries written by contributor Hannah Yerington.
Friday, May 17
Brenda Peterson, ‘Wild Chorus: Finding Harmony with Whales, Wolves, and Other Animals’
6–7 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St.
Award-winning author Brenda Peterson is debuting her new book “Wild Chorus.” She draws on her life with animals to explore the wisdom we can learn from the natural world, writing about how wild animals — from Beluga whales to wolves — help us journey through daily life and a changing planet. Info: villagebooks.com.
‘Always… Patsy Cline’
May 17–26, The Lincoln Theatre, 712 S 1st St., Mount Vernon
Back by popular demand, “Always… Patsy Cline” returns to the Lincoln Theatre. Ria Peth plays Cline and Kelly Visten plays Louise Seger, alongside a live seven-piece country band. This rollicking good time plays tribute to the friendship between Cline and Seger, her fan from Houston. The duo met at a Texas honky-tonk and corresponded until Cline’s tragic plane crash at age 30. The musical play is full of popular hits and combines humor and emotion in a truly memorable way, giving old and new fans a fresh look into the life of this legendary icon. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
La Conner Guitar Festival
May 17–19, La Conner
The quaint town of La Conner is home to many artists, poets and musicians. And this year, it is showcasing the art of Lutherie, with some of the most renowned luthiers (makers of stringed instruments) in the world. Grab your weekend ticket for concerts and workshops all around town. Info: laconnerguitarfestival.com.
Cascade Juggling Festival
May 17–19, Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 6th St.
Dream of being the best juggler in town, or watching circus all-stars from all over the West Coast? You’re in luck because you can do both. Join the Bellingham Circus Guild for its Cascade Juggling Festival. Grab a weekend pass and learn about hoops, poi, staffs, yo-yos, diabolos, balls, clubs, rings and more. Info: bellinghamcircusguild.com.
Saturday, May 18
Cascade Juggling Festival Gala Show
7–9 p.m., Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 6th St.
Come on out for an evening of entertainment for all ages, whether or not you’re attending the Juggling Festival. The Circus Guild’s gala show combines artistry and athleticism, delivering a dazzling mix of juggling, prop manipulation and suspense. Info: bellinghamcircusguild.com.
Read to a Dog Story Time
11 a.m., Village Books, 430 Front St., Lynden
This is storytime with the sweetest twist: Book a spot and have your kiddo come out and read to a dog. Reading to pups is known to help with self-confidence and improve literary skills — but also, it’s just doggone fun. Info: villagebooks.com.
Kid Pickford: ‘Toy Story 2’
May 18–19, Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St.
Did you know the Pickford Film Center hosts “Kid Pickford” every month? This fun series features Pixar films for the whole family, so you can bring your little one to the movies — and perhaps inspire a love of independent theaters while you’re at it. This month features the beloved classic “Toy Story 2.” Info: pickfordfilmcenter.org.
Aslan’s 10th Anniversary
1 p.m., Aslan Brewing Co., 1330 N. Forest St.
May 18 marks 10 years of Aslan, one of Bellingham’s most iconic breweries. During this all-day event, beer lovers can enjoy face painting, Bellingham Circus Guild Performances at the brewpub, and live music all day at Aslan Depot (just a block away). A beer extravaganza for the books! Info: aslanbrewing.com.
Wednesday, May 22
Friends of the Library Book Sale
May 22–25, Central Library Lecture Room, Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave.
Want to support our local library and keep your books? Come out to the four-day Friends of the Library Book Sale. Most books will be $2 and all genres, from science fiction to poetry and more, will be on the shelves. Wednesday–Friday hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., whereas Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: bellinghampubliclibrary.org.
Thursday, May 23
Sue C. Boynton Poetry Awards
7 p.m., Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave.
In honor of poet and teacher Sue Crocker Boynton, residents from all over Whatcom County submit poems, and two respected Washington poets choose winners to be displayed around Bellingham. We almost lost our beloved poetry contest this year, but a multigenerational group of poets banded together and saved the contest. From second graders to 70-year-olds, this is one of the most special literary events of the year. Info: thepoetrydepartment.wordpress.com.
Friday, May 24
Bellingham Buried History
6 p.m., Bayview Cemetery, 1420 Woburn St.
The Good Time Girls’ tour season is back, and while each of their events is a hoot, the Bellingham Buried History at Bayview Cemetery is sure to give you the springtime shivers. Explore the most fascinating monuments and oldest areas with some of the city’s most knowledgeable guides — just make sure to book tickets in advance, as these tours are known to sell out. Info: bellinghistory.com.
Saturday, May 25
Memorial Weekend Block Party
Noon to 9 p.m., Stones Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Ave.
Ski to Sea might not kick off until Sunday, but the folks at Stones Throw are starting the party a day early. The Memorial Weekend Block party features music and food from Galley2Go, Cicchiti’s Pizza and Street Dogz. They’ll also be extending their beer garden patio on May 26, aka the day of Ski to Sea. Info: stonesthrowbrewery.com.
Wonderz Market
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Commercial Street, downtown Bellingham
Join 70-plus local artisans as they take over Commercial Street in downtown Bellingham. The Wonderz Market pop-ups are known to bring out creatives and merchants of all stripes, from jewelers to artists, vintage sellers and upcycled goods. Info: facebook.com/p/Wonderz-Market.
Comedy Fountain at Menace Brewing Live Stand-Up Comedy Starring Gabey Lucas
8–9:30 p.m., May 26, Menace Brewing, 2529 Meridian St.
Produced and hosted by Venus Comedy Productions, join the good folks at Menace Brewing for a night of laughter in the heart of the Fountain District. The event will feature Matt Beno and Star Gaby Lucas, and includes Gib Strange and Dan Mills. Info: menacebrewing.com.
Sunday, May 26
Low Sensory Sundays
10–11:30 a.m., Family Interactive Gallery, Whatcom Museum, 250 Flora St.
Want a personalized, quiet experience for your children at the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG)? The Whatcom Museum offers Low Sensory Sundays for children 12 and under, on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory needs. The building is closed to the public, and the staff curates accessible and exploratory time for their little guests. Info: whatcommuseum.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.
