Dirty Dan Murder Mystery Weekend

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 27–28, 1106 Harris Ave.

Dirty Dan Murder Mystery is back for its fourth year running, and at this point, it’s safe to say the event has become a beloved Fairhaven tradition. The premise goes like this: Participants collect clues, question suspects and finally accuse the person who seems most guilty. If your hunch is correct, you might just win a prize.

If you’ve ever been to a murder mystery party, this lineup of events likely sounds familiar. But the thing that makes Dirty Dan Murder Mystery special is how it incorporates Fairhaven history and culture — while also taking some creative license here and there. For example: This year’s mystery, entitled “The Case of Fairhaven’s Fallen Flower,” is ‘70s-themed. In the game, the Dirty Dan Community Garden is set to be demolished, but “activists aren’t going down without a fight.” (What could possibly go wrong?!) If you think you can crack the case, make sure to register in advance. Info: enjoyfairhaven.com. 

Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival

April 25–28, locations vary, downtown Bellingham

The “international” part of Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival isn’t hyperbole — they recruit directors from as close as Canada and as far away as Germany, Brazil and even Palestine. Now entering its eighth year, the festival has garnered a reputation among filmmakers and fans in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

This year’s guest is Catherine Hardwicke, who you might recognize from films like “Thirteen,” “Lords of Dogtown,” and — yes, really — “Twilight.” She has an event at Mount Baker Theatre on Friday and, as a fun bonus, will be present at a 9:15 p.m. Saturday showing of “Twilight” at the Pickford (though it’s separate from the festival). Info: cascadiafilmfest.org.   

Lincoln Theatre 98th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser

5 p.m. Saturday, April 27, Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. 1st St., Mount Vernon

The Lincoln Theatre is one of Mount Vernon’s most historic establishments. Exactly how historic, you ask? The Lincoln dates back to the Roaring ‘20s — so it’s only fitting to celebrate its 98th anniversary on April 27 with a Prohibition-themed shindig and fundraiser. All proceeds benefit the Keep the Lincoln Cool campaign, which aims to update the Lincoln’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and expand ADA accommodations.

The evening’s main event is a showing of the silent film “Why Be Good?” — described by the theater as “filled with gin and jitterbugs” — with accompaniment by Karen Rentko and vocalist Rich Hinrichsen. Other happenings include a silent auction, prize drawing and costume contest, so make sure to come dressed in your Jazz Age finest. You can even peek behind the Lincoln’s iconic red curtains during 3 p.m. theater tours. Info: lincolntheatre.org.

‘Whatcom County History of Country Music’ opening

5–7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, 217 Front St., Lynden

Last year Cascadia Daily profiled Darlene “Peachy” Little, aka country music icon Loretta Lynn’s “singing sister.” This year Little and her daughter, Laurie Lee Lewis, have contributed their stories and talents to a new temporary exhibition at the Lynden Heritage Museum. But “Whatcom County History of Country Music” is about more than just their story: Lewis teamed up with the museum to collect tales from folks across Whatcom County, and as it turns out, our country music roots run deep.

The exhibition kicks off with a members-only event April 26 and opens to the public the following day. Finally, if you have your own story about country music in Whatcom County, it’s not too late to contribute to the exhibition — check out the Lynden Heritage Museum’s website for more info on how to submit. Info: lyndenheritagemuseum.org. 

April Brews Day

Saturday, April 27, 5:30–9 p.m., Bellingham waterfront, 1145 Granary Ave.

April Brews Day is kind of like Christmas for people who love beer — and judging by the sheer number of local breweries, “people who love beer” describes most of Bellingham. Sixty-plus regional breweries/cideries will be there repping their beers, so whether you’re a fan of lagers, IPAs or the funky experimental stuff, you’re bound to find something you like. Attendees can even nominate their favorite brewery for a People’s Choice Award.

All proceeds go to Max Higbee Center, a Bellingham nonprofit supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. In other words, April Brews Day isn’t just an excuse to drink beer: It’s an excuse to drink beer for a good cause. (Not that you need a reason to enjoy a good pint!) Info: aprilbrewsday.org. 

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ALL EVENTS

Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.

Friday, April 19

Collage Constellation Showing

12-5 p.m., Meloy Gallery, 301 W. Holly St., Suite D6

Meloy Gallery’s newest exhibition opens on April 19 and features art by Lisa Sheets, John Arbuckle, Adetola Abatan and many more. This gallery show, named “Collage Constellation,” features multimedia works and can be viewed at the opening, on weekends from noon to 5 p.m., weekdays by appointment or at the Sunday, May 5 First Friday Art Walk. Info: meloygallery.com.

Saturday, April 20

Earth Day Artisan Market

12–4 p.m., The Majestic Ballroom, 1027 N. Forest St.

The Majestic Art Cafe and Waffles in Paradise are teaming up to put on a fun-filled Earth Day market. Chef Ruby from Waffles in Paradise uses locally sourced ingredients for her decadent creations, which you can enjoy in addition to the maker’s market, flowers, a salsa-dancing showcase and more. Info: themajesticartcafe.com.

Corner Bar Olympics

6:30 p.m., Corner Taphouse, 1125 Finnegan Way, Ste. 103

Think you’re the best of the best at bar games? Well, now’s your time to shine. Find yourself a teammate to compete with and get ready to go head-to-head with other teams in cornhole, shuffleboard and pong until a champion is crowned. Info: cornertaphouse.com.

Tide to Table ‘24

5:30–9:30 p.m., Bellingham Cruise Terminal, 355 Harris Ave.

This year’s Tide to Table annual seafood buffet features live music, a photo booth to memorialize the night, a silent auction, and local seafood and spirits. Proceeds from the buffet will go toward organizations helping to preserve Whatcom County’s waterfront and its workers. Info: waterfrontfoundation.org.

Bellingham Story Hour: ‘It’s High Time’

7–9 p.m., New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.

For this month’s installment of Bellingham Story Hour, anonymous audience members will share their 4/20-themed confessions — the good, the bad and the ugly. If you have a tale to tell, submit your name before the show for the chance to be called up to get in on the act. Info: bellinghamstoryhour.com.

Sunday, April 21

Introductory Plant Walk: Native Plants on the Lower Padden Creek Trail

1–3 p.m., Fairhaven Village Green, 1207 10th St.

Take a nice, relaxing stroll through the Padden Creek Trail with Eric Worden, who will teach you about the native trees and shrubs you come across. Learn about how each plant interacts with and helps the environment we live in while also enjoying the scenery firsthand. Info: wnpskoma.org.

Books by the Bay Book Fair

1–4 p.m., Village Books, 1200 11th St.

Get ready to add to your to-read list, because Village Books is hosting a range of writers from across the country at this annual book fair. Think the Scholastic Book Fairs from the ‘90s, except you’ll have the chance to meet and greet the authors in attendance. Info: chantireviews.com.

Tuesday, April 23

The Taylor Parties: Tortured Poets Department

6 p.m., NEKO Cat Cafe, 1130 Cornwall Ave.

The cats at NEKO are all set for a Toe Bean Poets Department listening party. Jam out with them while you listen to Taylor Swift’s newest album “The Tortured Poets Department,” along with an exclusive “All Cats are Swifties” pin and an instant camera picture to take home. Info: nekocatcafe.com

Wednesday, April 24

Boundary Bay Brewery Tour

5:30–7 p.m., Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave.

Learn step-by-step how Boundary Bay Brewery makes their beer — while also taste testing a few, of course. Also included is a beer and food pairing curated by Boundary Bay’s head chef, and a pint of your choosing from their Mountain Room Bar. Info: bbaybrewery.com.

Bingo for a Cause!

7 p.m., Corner Taphouse, 1125 Finnegan Way, Ste. 103

Play a friendly game of bingo while also donating to a good cause at Corner Taphouse’s “Bingo for a Cause!” night. For every drink you buy, $1 is donated to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS). Info: cornertaphouse.com.

Friday, April 26

‘Wild Lives’

6–8:30 p.m., Western Washington University, 516 High St.

Art Wolfe and Greg Green hold a signing for their latest book “Wild Lives,” along with a presentation about the wildlife found across the world and the recovery efforts put in place for struggling populations. Wolfe’s remarkable photographs and Green’s intuitive essays make for the perfect combination of wonder in the natural world and the urge to conserve it. Info: foundation.wwu.edu.

‘Kiss Me Kate’

7:30–10 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave.

Cole Porter’s Tony Award-winning “Kiss Me Kate,” about two exes forced to work together as the stars of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” is taking the stage at Anacortes Community Theatre on April 26. This version, directed by Julie Nester, features local actors. Info: acttheatre.com.

Saturday, April 27

Chuckanut Bay Shoreline Exploration

1–4 p.m., Chuckanut Pocket Estuary, 1601 Fairhaven Ave.

Discover what marvels the northern sections of Chuckanut Bay have to offer as you follow a guide through a beach ridge, marshes, mud flats and more. Make sure to keep an eye out for chocolate lily and mountain larkspur in full bloom. Info: wnpskoma.org.

Mermaids in Birch Bay

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Birch Bay State Park, 7290 Birch Bay Drive

Take the whole family on a walk along the beach as you listen to stories about the sea life in Birch Bay State Park. The Pond Maiden Mermaids will be present, too, so you’ll get the chance to talk to them and take some pictures. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

Visible Mending Workshop

11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pumped Bellingham, 112 Ohio St.

Learn how to create different mending stitches and choose fabrics for select projects in this participatory class, geared toward anyone — beginners or expert stitchers. You’ll work on two projects, and practice tips and tricks to apply them to your own projects at home. Info: pumpedbellingham.com.

Store Pop-up

11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Museum of Northwest Art, 121 1st St., La Conner

Local artists Adriana Mannion and Katrina Hude are gathering at MoNA to showcase their artwork, and have conversations about the hard work and creativity that goes into their art. Take a look at their intricate jewelry, glasswork and more as you learn about these artists. Info: monamuseum.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.