COCOA’S PICKS

Aslan Depot Drag Show

7 p.m. Thursday, March 28, Aslan Depot, 1322 N. State St.

Bellingham drag is often associated with venues like Rumors and The Blue Room — but did you know Aslan Depot hosts drag shows, too? These informal, 21-plus events promise to “entertain the room with captivating, glamorous, and empowering performances” — and better yet, each one benefits a local nonprofit.

The Depot’s next drag show features five talented local performers — Rikki Sensation, Elle BP, Kylie Mooncakes, Issa Man and Mx — and $1 of every pint poured goes to Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood. While the event is free to attend, don’t forget to respect drag etiquette and bring enough dollar bills to (generously!) tip your local queens. Info: aslanbrewing.com.

‘Dinner with Friends’

March 29–31, April 4–7 and 11–14, Bellingham Theatre Guild, 1600 H St.

Middle-aged food critics Gabe and Karen are good friends with fellow married couple Tom and Beth. The foursome are on track to stay close for life — that is, until Beth reveals that Tom has been unfaithful, and the two plan to divorce. As Beth and Tom share their sides of the story, both couples reflect on the different stages of their lives and friendship. Deeply held narratives begin to unravel, leading Gabe and Karen to question the stability of their own relationship. 

Writer Donald Margulies’ “Dinner with Friends” received the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for its “heartbreaking and witty” investigation of friendships, relationships and loss. Now, Bellinghamsters can catch director Ann Smith’s rendition of this contemporary classic at the Bellingham Theatre Guild. Info: bellinghamtheatreguild.com.

Bloom ’24

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 30–31, Tulip Town, 15002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon

The old adage about April showers bringing May flowers might be true for those outside the North Sound — but folks in Skagit County don’t have to wait until May to enjoy some of the country’s most impressive blooms. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been one the county’s main draws since 1984 and attracts visitors from across the U.S. (and world). This year’s installment officially kicks off Monday, April 1, but celebrations start even earlier at Tulip Town.

In addition to inaugurating the 2024 festival, the March 30–31 weekend doubles as an Easter celebration, complete with an appearance from the Easter Bunny himself. Tickets are $10 and include a complimentary glass of wine or beer for grownups. Info: tuliptown.com.

36th Annual Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, Hillcrest Church parking lot, 1400 Larrabee Ave.

Amateur and master gardeners alike should mark their calendars for Fairhaven’s annual plant sale. This beloved annual event, now in its 36th year, showcases more than a dozen local vendors. From tiny veggie starts to trees, bushes and even ornamental and native plants, shoppers have a wide array of plants and garden goods to choose from.

The sale doubles as a fundraiser for Fairhaven Neighbors, and proceeds also directly benefit local and regional growers. Up to half of proceeds are also donated to community nonprofits, so when you buy a plant or tree, you’re not just benefitting your own garden — you’re giving back to your community. Info: fairhavenneighbors.org.

Bellingham Roller Betties: The Cog Blockers and F.L.A.S.H.

4–9:30 p.m.. Saturday, March 30, Whatcom Community College Pavillion, 237 W. Kellogg Road

The Bellingham Roller Betties are in their 16th season, and you can catch their next bout at the Whatcom Community College Pavillion Gym this week. The first event pits Bellingham’s own Tough Lough against Hellgate Roller Derby from Missoula, Montana, whereas the 7 p.m. bout features The Cog Blockers and F.L.A.S.H.

Ever wondered why the Betties’ slogan is “breaking hearts and body parts”? Well, here’s your next chance to find out. In addition to the main (this season’s second Triple Header!), spectators can enjoy food, Betties merch and a beer garden courtesy of Boundary Bay. Info: bellinghamrollerbetties.com.

ALL EVENTS

Calendar listings written by contributor Hannah Yerington.

Thursday, March 21

Pacific Corner Poets-Open Mic and Feature Poet

7 p.m., Honey Moon Mead and Cider, 1053 N. State St. 

Pacific Poet’s Corner is an open mic poetry event with a featured reader, occurring on the third Thursday of every month at the cozy Honey Moon Mead & Cider in downtown Bellingham. A newer event on the Honey Moon’s event roster, the evening draws on local talent and brings warmth to the end of the work week. Info facebook.com/pacificcornerpoets.

Thursday, March 21

‘Lysistrata’

7:30 p.m., March 21–23 and 28–30, Idiom Theater, 1417 Cornwall Ave. 

Those Brazen Wenches are about to premiere their take on Aristophanes’ classic farce, “Lysistrata,” aka the “first battle of the sexes.” Adapted for the Idiom Theater stage by Rosalind Reynolds, the show follows Greek women who protest an ongoing war by refusing to provide their husbands with the only thing they desire. What is that thing, you ask? You can use your imagination — and yes, this show is probably PG-13. Info: facebook.com/thosebrazenwenches. 

Friday, March 22

Trail Running Film Festival 

6:30–9 p.m., March 21–22, FireHouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.

The Trail Running Film Festival is back. With films from around the world, come celebrate the universal nature of running as a shared practice and endeavor. With a diverse and fascinating set of films, this festival is sure to delight intrepid film lovers and athletes alike. Info: firehouse-aec.com. 

Saturday, March 23

Roots of Baile Folklórico

1–3 p.m., Museum of Northwest Art, 121 1st St., La Conner

In this free beginner’s class, open to all ages, teacher Andrea Alaniz will teach the basic steps of Baile Folklórico, a dance with roots in Jalisco, Veracruz, Nuevo Leon and Chiapa, as well as some of the culture and history of the dance. Info: monamuseum.org.

Animals as Natural Therapy’s 2024 Gala and Auction

5:30 p.m., Silver Reef Casino Resort, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale

Since 1999, Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT) has provided invaluable services to the Bellingham community. They’re marking 25 years with a gala on March 23, and if you want to show your support, why not help them celebrate the occasion? This year’s theme — “Party Like a Parton” — is a cheeky homage to Dolly herself. Expect dinner, auctions, a costume contest, line dancing and plenty of horses. Info: animalsasnaturaltherapy.org. 

‘Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales’

6–7 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St. 

As part of the Nature of Writing Series hosted by Village Books and the North Cascades Institute, co-author David B. Williams of “Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales: Fossils in Washington State” will discuss the incredible history of prehistoric life in Washington and why he and his co-author, Dr. Elizabeth Nesbitt, chose to write the first-ever book on fossils in the state. For example, did you know there are giant prehistoric bird tracks near Bellingham? Info: villagebooks.com.

Purim-Esther, The Barbie Spiel

6:30 p.m., Congregation Beth Israel, 751 San Juan Blvd.

This weekend is the Jewish holiday of Purim, and Congregation Beth Israel has a variety of events for those who celebrate. In addition to a carnival on Sunday, March 24, they’ve created “Barbie’s Shushan Dream House” for their annual Purim reading and performance. The event will include costume contests, snacks, trivia, debates and fun for all ages. Info: bethisraelbellingham.org.

Sunday, March 24

Spring Nature Ritual

2–4 p.m., Bow Sanctuary, 3533 Chuckanut Drive

Join Michelle Murphy as she combines her experience as a restoration ecologist and therapist to guide this group through mindfulness practices in nature. Using collage, art-making and/or words, you’ll also have the chance to create a piece of work representing your experience and intentions with the coming spring season. Registration is required, and more info can be found online. Info: bowsanctuary.com.

Monday, March 25

Good Neighbor Night 

5–9 p.m., Stones Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Ave.

The Whatcom Literacy Council’s mission is to “empower adults to achieve their goals and improve their lives through literacy.” Join them at Stones Throw Brewery in Fairhaven on Monday night — 10% of all sales will go to the Literacy Council, so have a pint for a good cause. Info: stonesthrowbrewery.com.

Tuesday, March 26

Skagit Acres Spring Fling

6:30–8 p.m., Skagit Acres, 18923 Peter Johnson Road, Mount Vernon

Skagit Acres is Mount Vernon’s premier destination for plants, gardening goods and gifts. They’re welcoming the new season with their Spring Fling event, which should be an evening of learning and socializing for gardeners of all levels. Plants and materials from renowned gardening brand Proven Winners will also be highlighted. Tickets are $30, and each ticket includes a glass of wine and light appetizers. Info: skagitacres.ticketspice.com/spring-fling.

Wednesday, March 27

Generations of Pride

5–7 p.m., Bellingham Senior Activity Center, 315 Halleck St.

Generations of Pride is a generational potluck dinner for the LGBTQ+ community of Whatcom County, held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center. The potluck is hosted by Western Washington University’s LGBTQ+ Western, Bellingham Queer Collective and the Bellingham/Whatcom Chapter of PFLAG. While the potluck is from 5–7 p.m., the main event begins around 5:30 p.m. Bringing food is encouraged but optional; if cooking at home, please bring only vegan or vegetarian dishes for food safety. Info: lgbtq.wwu.edu.

Thursday, March 28

‘Hundreds of Beavers’

7:45 p.m., Pickford Film Center, Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St.

Catch Mike Cheslik’s film, “Hundred of Beavers,” at The Pickford Film Center, co-presented by Lost Giants Cider Co. for one night only. This adventure comedy follows a 19th-century alcoholic applejack salesman on a mission to become North America’s greatest beaver trapper and win his lover’s hand. Beavers are played as actors in full-sized costumes, and the film is, in turn, bizarre and hilarious. Info: www.pickfordfilmcenter.org.

Friday, March 29

Laughs at Larrabee Comedy Night

8–9:30 p.m., Larrabee Lager Company, 4151 Meridian St., Suite 100

Larrabee Lager Company is on a mission to bring comedy to the north side of Bellingham with the first-ever installment of Laughs at Larrabee. Corrina Lee Allen is this month’s headlining comic, and Jay Markovitz plus Bellingham’s own Dan Mills will also perform. The evening is hosted by Nikki Kilpatrick and Venus Comedy Productions. Info: larrabeelagerco.com.

Saturday, March 30

Salmon Release

1 p.m., Central Bellingham Library lecture room, 201 Central Ave.

The community has been watching salmon hatch and grow at the library since February — and now these chum will finally be released. Local families are invited to gather for a salmon blessing and storytelling led by local Indigenous partners. Afterward, attendees will walk to Maritime Heritage Park to watch the salmon be released into the wild and continue their journey. Info: bellinghampubliclibrary.org.

Spring Makers Market

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aslan Depot, 1322 N. State St.

Make sure to swing by Depot Market Square this weekend, because Bellingham Makers Market is hosting its second annual Spring Makers Market. Welcome the new season by stocking up on cookies, local artisanal goodies, jewelry, body products and more. Vendors include Glitt3r Lyfe, Goat Boat Farm, Moss Bags and Sienna Dawn Art. Info: bellinghammakersmarket.com.

Glimpses of the Past: Writing About Our Lives in Prose and Poetry with Barbara Bloom

10 a.m. to noon., Village Books, 1200 11th St. 

Join author Barbara Bloom as she leads workshop participants in exploring family albums, memory and autobiography through poetry and prose. The event is part of Chuckanut Writers, a collaboration between Village Books and Whatcom Community College Community and Continuing Education, meant to “inspire and encourage writers at all stages of their writing journey.” Info: villagebooks.com.

Sunday, March 31 

Easter at the Farm

9–4 p.m., March 30–31, Bellewood Farms, 6140 Guide Meridian Road

Bellewood Farms & Distillery is celebrating Easter for the entire weekend, and attendees can expect everything from bunny photos to a pop-up candy store. Queen’s Bluegrass, a Lynden-based bluegrass band, will also be playing live tunes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Info: bellewoodfarms.com.

Adults Only! Easter Egg Hunt

1–4 p.m., Gruff Brewing Co., 104 E. Maple St.

Who says egg hunts are for kids only? Certainly not the folks at Gruff Brewing Co. Round up your (21-plus) friends, grab a pint and search for treasures hidden around Gruff’s beer garden on Easter Sunday. There will also be $5 mimosas, a raffle, candy and plenty of prizes. Info: gruff-brewing.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.