COCOA’S PICKS
Gnomecoming
Sept. 20–21, Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 6th St.
I doubt my words can properly convey Gnomecoming’s level of whimsy, so I’ll let this description by the Bellingham Circus Guild do it for me: “Imagine your silly little high school dance — except thrown by mythical forest creatures and featuring live circus arts!” If that sounds like your kind of party, mark your calendar for Sept. 20–21.
This second annual Gnomecoming features all manner of enchanted critters, from talking mushrooms to flying elves and fairies. Evening performances are 21-plus, but organizers have also added an all-ages matinee, so even kids can get in on the fun. Note that attendees are requested to dress as their favorite mythical forest dweller — or “at the very least put a fern on your head.” Info: bellinghamcircusguild.com.
Travelogue: Exploring the Hidden Gems of the San Juans; Matia, Sucia and Patos Islands
7–9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, Whatcom Museum Old City Hall, 121 Prospect St.
Few people know the San Juan Islands better than Lance Ekhart. He’s been exploring them by sailboat for 24 years now, racking up more than 50 trips — and yes, he has the photographs to prove it. Among the islands he’s visited, Eckhart is most fond of Matia, Sucia and Patos (aka the “Three Amigos”) for both their beauty and remoteness.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, Ekhart will present photos from these islands in the Old City Hall’s Rotunda Room. The event is presented in collaboration with the Bellingham Parks and Recreation and promises an up-close look at the “grand scenery, fascinating details and wildlife” Ekhart stumbled across on his journeys. His talk is free and open to the public, though a $5 donation is encouraged. Info: whatcommuseum.org.
Bellingham Veg Fest
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, Barkley Village Green, 2219 Rimland Drive
Every September, roughly 50 food and craft vendors gather for a Sunday afternoon on the Barkley Village Green. Their offerings are diverse, ranging from gifts and home goods to burgers, pastries and other edible treats. But despite this variety, vendors have one thing in common: Everything they sell is 100% free of animal products.
The Bellingham Veg Fest, aka an “all-vegan, all-ages, family-friendly festival created to show how easy and fun it is to live a vegan lifestyle.” There’s no pressure. You don’t even have to be vegan to attend Veg Fest — you just have to enjoy good food. Expect offerings from local plant-based eateries like New Public and Sammies, as well as other regional food trucks and even craft vendors. Info: bellinghamvegfest.org.
International Day of Peace
3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, Structures Brewing, 601 W. Holly St.
Sunday, Sept. 21 is International Day of Peace, aka “Peace Day,” a holiday focused on the pursuit of peace as a human right. First created by the United Nations in 1981, it’s observed by countries across the globe, including the U.S. Folks in New York City celebrate by ringing the United Nations Peace Bell at the UN headquarters. But in Bellingham, the Whatcom Peace and Justice Center (WPJC) celebrates with an annual community gathering.
Every year on Sept. 21, WPJC brings together a variety of organizations and community leaders for their annual fundraiser. This year’s theme is “Sowing Hope, Cultivating Peace,” and attendees are invited to “envision what our world can look like without weapons, violence, and oppression.” As always, WPJC will issue “peacemaker awards” to community members working to make Bellingham a better place. Info: whatcompjc.org.
Bellingham Celtic Festival
Sept. 19–22, downtown Bellingham
If you’re into fiddles, folk music, storytelling and more fiddles, then you shouldn’t miss the Bellingham Celtic Festival. All weekend long, bars and venues in downtown Bellingham serve as performance spaces for both local and nationally-known Celtic musicians. This year’s lineup includes folks like San Miguel Fraser, Hanz Araki, Hildaland and Bellingham’s own Laura Reed.
The festival also has participatory elements, with workshops, tune sessions and even an “instrument petting zoo.” But my favorite is the pub sing, wherein volunteers share songs from Ireland, Scotland and other Celtic regions, and the whole audience sings along. I attended one at the Honey Moon last year, fully expecting to feel mortified. Instead, I left feeling a sense of camaraderie with the entire bar. Evidently, Celtic events are a great way to make new friends — whether or not you can carry a tune. Info: bellinghamcelticfestival.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.
