‘Come From Away’
7:30 p.m., Oct. 29–30, Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, 38 planes carrying 7,000 passengers made an emergency landing in an unexpected locale: Gander, Newfoundland. The people of Gander opened their homes to these stranded travelers — and this act of kindness went on to inspire a Tony Award-winning musical, “Come From Away.” The touring show is now making a two-night stop at the Mount Baker Theatre, seven years after its Broadway debut.
All characters in “Come From Away” are inspired by actual people, both Gander residents and the “plane people” they assisted. Despite its heartwarming premise, this show doesn’t gloss over the tensions and culture clashes that inevitably arise. But the ultimate message is one of gratitude and compassion for fellow humans — even (and especially) in the most unusual of circumstances. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Nordic Fest
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2, Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale
Scandinavians don’t mess around when it comes to their caffeine. Long, lingering coffee breaks — called “fika” in Sweden, and “kaffeepause” in Norway — are non-negotiable. These coffees are often accompanied by delicious baked goods, so if you (like me) require at least one sweet treat per day to function, a trip to Oslo might be in order.
Closer to home, there’s no better place to sample Scandinavian coffee and treats than Nordic Fest, happening this year at the Ferndale Events Center. Attendees also get a hefty dose of Scandi culture, entertainment, dancing, crafts and even traditional fashion. The Daughters of Norway have been hosting this event for 24 years and counting, so they know how to throw a party. Make sure to stick around for the dance demonstration at 11 a.m., and the bunad parade at 1:30 p.m. Info: daughtersofnorway.org.
Open Book: A Festival for Readers
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale
The day after Nordic Fest, Whatcom County Library System’s (WCLS) major event will take over the Ferndale Events Center. Open Book is a celebration of all things literary, from lightning-fast author talks to “bookish experiences” like letterpress printing and how-tos on digitizing family archives. WCLS staff will even give a presentation on how libraries can protect intellectual freedom.
Folks plugged into the Bellingham literary circuit will likely recognize a few names on the lineup. Expect appearances from bestselling authors like Janie Chang as well as local names like Robert Lashley, Becky Mandelbaum and Susan Colleen Browne. The whole shebang is presented by WCLS and Village Books, with sponsorship from WCLF. Info: wcls.org.
Spirits at Spark
7–9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, 1312 Bay St.
If you’re intrigued by offbeat history, the paranormal or both, you’ve likely heard of Spiritualism. This 19th–early 20th-century movement hinged on the belief that the living and dead can interact with the help of a medium. Of course, most mediums were later exposed as frauds (and magicians like Harry Houdini even joined the efforts to debunk them). But while the Spiritualists might not have been honest, they were intriguing enough to merit a number of contemporary books and podcasts — and a Halloween event at the Spark Museum.
There’s no shortage of activities in downtown Bellingham on Oct. 31, but the Spark Museum’s “Historical Seance Experience” stands out. It’s presented in collaboration with the Good Time Girls and promises to provide a “peek beyond the crystal ball to uncover secrets of the past.” Patrons can enjoy free snacks or paid refreshments courtesy of Gruff Brewing Co.; ticket and drink sales benefit the museum and its upcoming Wonderlab project. Info: sparkmuseum.org.
Día de los Muertos
4:30–8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, Whatcom Community College, Syre Auditorium, 235 W. Kellogg Road
Día de los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead, is a holiday about life, death and remembrance. On the first two days of November, Mexican families gather to honor deceased relatives in a colorful, lively, sometimes humorous fashion (and often accompanied by delicious food). Folks make brightly decorated altars, called ofrendas, to honor their loved ones. Throughout the festivities, spirits of the dead are thought to return home for a brief reunion.
On Nov. 1, Western Washington University is throwing its own Día de los Muertos event complete with dancing, live music and a communal meal. Students and community members alike are invited to learn more about the culture and traditions surrounding this important occasion. And although Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, everyone is invited to join the celebration — even those who’ve never been to Día de los Muertos celebration before. Info: thecenters.wwu.edu.
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.
A previous version of this story misstated sponsorship for the Nov. 3 Open Book event. The event is sponsored by the Whatcom County Library Foundation (WCLF), not WCLS. The story was updated to reflect this change at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2024. Cascadia Daily News regrets the error.
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.
