COCOA’S PICKS
‘The Land Has Spoken: Tales of Indigenous Horror’
7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Horror has been among my favorite genres for as long as I can remember. I used to think I’d grow out of my love for all things spooky, or at least my mother hoped I would. But the older I get, the more I realize how great scary stories aren’t just written for shock value: When done well, horror can provide new perspectives on complex subjects like belief systems, human nature and culture.
On that note, I’m already biting my nails at the thought of Mount Baker Theatre’s upcoming storytelling event, “The Land Has Spoken.” In this immersive, radio-style drama, two Native dark fiction writers (Shane Hawk and Andrea L. Rogers) bring all manner of tricksters, shapeshifters and monsters from the Indigenous canon to life. The production is a unique opportunity to learn more about Native folklore, while also getting thoroughly spooked — just in time for Halloween. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Yale Whiffenpoofs
7–8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave.
Pop quiz: Who is the oldest a cappella group in the U.S.? Answer: The Yale Whiffenpoofs, of course. Founded in 1909, they’re also arguably the country’s best-known a cappella group, singing a repertoire of jazz standards, traditional Yale tunes plus “hits across the decades.” They (somehow?) perform at more than 200 international concerts each year, and recent venues include Carnegie Hall and the White House.
Bellingham High School alumnus Logan Foy was one of 14 Yale seniors selected to participate in the group for the 2024 school year — and if that wasn’t prestigious enough, he’s also the group’s musical director. On Oct. 18, Foy is bringing the ‘Poofs to Bellingham High School as part of their “hometown tour.” Performances this close to home are rare, so get tickets in advance. Info: whiffenpoofs.com/concerts.
Sippin’ on Cider
2–7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, Lost Giants Cider Co., 1200 Meador Ave.
Some say pumpkin spice lattes are the official drink of October, but I’d argue that cider is the more versatile option. Fresh-pressed cider is delightful served cold, whereas hot spiced cider is perfect for chilly fall days — but if you prefer your cider with a kick, the Sippin’ on Cider event might be the event for you. A variety of hard cider brewers will be in attendance for the fourth annual fundraiser, and proceeds benefit Shifting Gears, a local nonprofit empowering women in outdoor spaces.
The 2024 lineup features local cideries (like Lost Giants and Alma Cider) as well as other regional brands like Rootwood and Yonder. Tam Tam Pizza and Juanita’s Mexican will be in attendance with snacks. Other activity options include a photo booth, raffle, yard games and live music. Standard tickets include a 4-ounce taster glass and eight drink tickets. Info: letsshiftgears.org.
‘Skagit Drag: The Halloween Show’
6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, The Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon
This performance combines two of my very favorite costumed affairs: Halloween parties and drag performances. “Skagit Drag: The Halloween Show” promises to be spooky and campy in equal measure, spotlighting some of the PNW’s best “queens, kings and everythings in between.”
Supported by event/retail outlet The Simply Curious, Skagit Drag has long created space for queer art, collaboration and community-building. Whether or not you’re a Skagit County resident, their performances are worth an evening trip to Mount Vernon. Want to keep the party rolling after the show? Head to Skagit River Brewery to mingle with cast members post-performance. Info: lincolntheatre.org.
Shoulder Season Market
4–8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, Kulshan K2, 1538 Kentucky St.
Bellingham has no lack of artisan markets, but Kulshan Brewing’s annual autumn market stands out for several reasons. For starters, holiday and summer markets are a dime a dozen, but Shoulder Season is one of few to occur between these peak times. When compared to other markets, Shoulder Season also has a slightly more narrow scope: Its mission is to highlight “outdoor-minded femme creatives inspired by nature.”
This year’s lineup includes a range of local creatives, from printmakers like Skyline Printworks to upcycle designers like The Goat’s Coat. Folks can also expect sweet treats from Antler Baking Co., jewelry from The Little Refinery, ceramics from Mud Water Potter and much more. As an added incentive, $1 from every pint purchased and 10% of vendor sales benefits Foothills Food Bank. Info: kulshanbrewing.com.
ALL EVENTS
The following is a selection of events submitted by CDN readers. Click here to add yours.
For questions, ideas and feedback, email cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.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.
