COCOA’S PICKS
Jennifer Jewell: ‘Cultivating Place’
7:30–9 p.m. Thursday, May 2, Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St.
A published author, interviewer, speaker and radio host, Jennifer Jewell is passionate about sharing her horticulture knowledge with fellow gardeners across the U.S. Case in point: Her award-winning podcast, “Cultivating Place,” is syndicated nationally by Public Radio Exchange (PRX) as well as stations around California, and on Cincinnati Public Radio.
Through her diverse projects, Jewell’s ultimate goal is to empower gardeners and educate them about the “possibility inherent in the intersection between places, environments, cultures, individuals and the gardens that bring them together.” If that resonates with you, mark your calendars for May 2: Jewell will be sharing her wisdom with the Bellingham community at Whatcom Museum in partnership with the Whatcom Horticultural Society. Info: whatcomhortsociety.org.
24th Annual Children’s Art Walk
May 13–18, downtown Bellingham
Did you know that, under Washington state law, arts are considered a core part of children’s education? Its developmental perks are far-reaching, and the arts contributed $1.1 trillion to the U.S.’s gross domestic product in 2022 — yet, arts education is chronically underfunded in school systems throughout the U.S.
Presented in honor of the statewide Arts Education Month, the annual Children’s Art Walk celebrates the creativity and vision of Bellingham students. More than 50 downtown businesses will transform into honorary galleries for Bellingham’s littlest artists. Their artwork is on view across town until the end of May, but if you’d like to bring your own little ones, the best time to do so is during First Friday on May 3. Allied Arts Gallery will be hosting an opening reception featuring music and activities for kids and adults alike. Info: alliedarts.org.
The Cascadian Creatures Talent Show
May 3–5, Bellingham Circus Guild, 1401 6th St., Suite 102
Brought to you by the same folks behind October’s “Gnomecoming” event, Cirque Cadia and the Bellingham Circus Guild’s newest show will enchant audiences of all ages. The premise is simple: Enchanted forest creatures live in harmony in the woods of Cascadia. But when humans plan to bulldoze their home to build a SuperMegaShopville, they have no choice but to fight back — by putting on the “best show ever.”
With a vibe akin to “Fern Gully” or “Adventure Time,” this whimsical production is aimed at both kids and kids at heart. Want to take the whimsy to the next level? Audience members are encouraged to attend as their favorite magical forest creatures, from mushroom gnomes to fairies and even flying mermaids. Performances are at 6 and 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Info: bellinghamcircusguild.com.
First Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade
5–6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 1st Street, Mount Vernon
Contrary to what American celebrations might have you believe, Cinco de Mayo isn’t an excuse to drink margaritas. The holiday commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of the Puebla in 1862 (and margaritas weren’t invented until 1942). But that’s not to say there aren’t lots of ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo around the North Sound — and I’m especially excited about the Cinco de Mayo parade in Mount Vernon.
This year is the first of hopefully many Cinco de Mayo parades, and it “promises to be a fiesta like no other.” The occasion is presented in partnership with MV Mariachi and Latinos in Action and includes a wide range of entertainers, from folklorico dancers to mariachi bands and even dancing horses. Make sure to claim a spot on 1st Street well before the parade kicks off at 5 p.m. Info: downtownmountvernon.org.
‘Heidi Across America’
6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, Village Books, 1200 11th St.
At age 35, author and Bellingham local Heidi Beierle chose to pedal from the West Coast all the way to the Preserving the Historic Road conference in Washington, D.C. At the time she “didn’t love much about herself except her ability to endure grueling physical undertakings” — but this decision wasn’t just personal. Beierle also had some fundamental questions about the nature of America, ranging from political (“why do people live in small towns and what do they like about it?”) to the people-driven (“what can cyclists do to support communities?”).
Beierle found her answers to these questions and many more — and her new memoir, “Heidi Across America,” outlines the story of her trip in gritty detail. Poignant and observant in equal measure, this “physical and psychological encounter with self and nationhood” will prompt readers to reflect on their own relationship to adventure. Beierle will be presenting the book in person at Village Books on Tuesday, April 30. Info: villagebooks.com.
“May the 4th” (Force) of Poetry Be With You: Skagit River Poetry Foundation Fundraiser
5–9 p.m. Saturday, May 4, Hillcrest Park Lodge, 1717 S 13th St., Mount Vernon
This event combines two unlikely topics: poetry and … “Star Wars”? The combo might seem out of left field — until you remember it’s a fundraiser for the Skagit River Poetry Foundation, and it happens to fall on May 4 (as in, “May the Fourth be with you.”) All proceeds benefit the Poetry Foundation’s mission to support student learning through collaboration with poets from around the nation.
The evening’s main event is a silent auction, so even if you’re not a fan of “Star Wars,” you’ll still get to bid on auction items for a good cause. Items include an “I Sing the Salmon Home”-themed kayak trip, VIP tickets to the Skagit River Poetry Festival and even a meet-and-greet with Dublin poet Tony Curtis at a five-course dinner in La Conner. Meanwhile, “Star Wars” fans can get excited about a Dark Side Dessert Dash, “Be the New Hope” photo booth, “Star Wars” trivia and a Mos Eisley-themed bar. Info: skagitriverpoetry.org.
ALL EVENTS
Calendar listings written by contributor Maya Heinselman.
Friday, April 26
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival
April 25–28, downtown Bellingham, locations vary
The “international” part of Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival isn’t hyperbole. 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.
Outback Farm’s Spring Fling
4–6 p.m., Western Washington University Outback Farm, 516 High St.
Earth Week may be coming to an end, but it’s going out with a bang at Western’s Outback Farm. Its Spring Fling celebration is complete with live music, vendors, activities around the farm and more. Attendees can also learn more about Outback Farm’s sustainable permaculture practices. Info: fairhaven.wwu.edu.
Saturday, April 27
April Brews Day
5:30–9 p.m., Bellingham waterfront, 1145 Granary Ave.
April Brews Day is 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. All proceeds go to Max Higbee Center, a Bellingham nonprofit supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Info: aprilbrewsday.org.
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 the different flowers in full bloom, and enjoy an afternoon soaking up the beauty of the natural world. Info: wnpskoma.org.
Explore Outdoors: Kittens, Pups, Fledglings and Cubs
10 a.m. to noon, Hillcrest Park, 1717 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon
Bring the whole family to learn about some of the young animals you might come across here in the Pacific Northwest. Gain a deeper understanding of the animals in our area and how to handle them in the wild, while also engaging with nature in an exciting new way. Info: mountvernonwa.gov.
Thriftopia! A Flea Market Block Party
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington
If you’re looking to sell crafts you’ve made or even items you used to love, but don’t anymore, then reserve a booth at Thriftopia, an event where anyone can grab their goods and sell to the public. The Burlington Public Library and senior center are both also hosting thrift sales, so get ready for lots of foot traffic! Info: facebook.com/BurlingtonParksandRec.
Monday, April 29
Good Neighbor Night
5–9 p.m., Stones Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Ave.
Join Stones Throw Brewery in support of Road2Home, an organization dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity across Whatcom County. Ten percent of all sales at the brewery on Monday night will go toward this nonprofit so they can continue to support those in need. Info: road2home.org.
Wednesday, May 1
Spring Fling Formal
9 p.m., Rumors Cabaret, 1119 Railroad Ave.
Rumors Cabaret is hosting a Spring Fling Formal with a fairy garden theme, and it’s welcoming to any and all LGBTQIA+ individuals. Get ready for cocktails, mocktails, dancing and so much more as you let loose and mingle with new friends. Info: facebook.com/RumorsCabaretbham.
Thursday, May 2
‘The Half-Life of Marie Curie’
Times vary, May 2–12, New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St.
Directed by Shawn Fuller, “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” follows the titular Curie and her friend Hertha Ayrton as they navigate their friendship while they achieve great things in a harsh world. Don’t miss out when this production comes to Bellingham, with local actresses Christina Aimerito and Jayne Entwistle playing the two, spirited heroines. Info: newprospecttheatre.org.
Friday, May 3
‘Space Trek’
7:30 p.m., The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St.
The Upfront Theatre team’s upcoming show is a play off the Star Trek franchise, amusingly called “Space Trek: The Final Upfrontier.” They’ll put their own twists on the story, though, by adding suggestions from you and the rest of the audience. Info: theupfront.com.
Lunchtime Talk and Book Signing with Ranger Doug Leen
1-3 p.m., Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect St.
Former Grand Teton National Park Ranger Doug Leen has been determined to preserve the designs from the original Works Progress Administration’s Federal Art Project posters from the 1930s and ‘40s ever since he came across his first one in the 1970s. Leen is coming to Bellingham to share these prints and the steps he’s taken to reproduce them. Info: whatcommuseum.org.
Margaret Cho: Live and LIVID!
7:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
Margaret Cho, from “Fire Island,” “The Flight Attendant” and two Netflix comedy specials, is bringing her national comedy tour straight to Bellingham. Get your tickets fast, because this one is nearly sold out. mountbakertheatre.com.
BAAY Dance Showcase
7 p.m., BAAY Theatre, 1059 N. State St.
“Kids” is the theme of this spring’s dance showcase at BAAY. BAAY junior and senior performers aged 9–17 will dance on stage to represent “the ups and downs of what it means to be young in this day and age.” Watch these talented children perform everything from jazz, lyrical, musical theater and more as they share their emotions through dance. Info: baay.org.
Saturday, May 4
Birchwood Garden Club’s 31st Annual Plant Sale
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Downtown Bellingham Library, 210 Central Ave.
Get new books and new plants all at one place at the Downtown Bellingham Library on May 4. After you scour the shelves for your next read, check out the plant sale for your next plant. Choose from a variety of perennials, veggie starts, indoor plants and more, as well as new pots to house them. Info: birchwoodgardenclub.org.
Fundraiser Plant Sale
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Barnstar Events Venue, 5295 S. Church Road, Ferndale
Barnstar Florals is hosting a fundraiser for Ferndale Community Services, a nonprofit that provides assistance and supplies to community members in need. Take a stroll down the rows of vendors at the fundraiser, picking up plants from local nurseries, unique pieces of art and delicious meals from food trucks — all while giving back to this helpful organization. Info: barnstarflorals.com.
Flea Market!
Noon to 4 p.m., Gruff Brewing, 104 E. Maple St.
If you’re looking to sell and/or trade any of your belongings (while also staying refreshed with a cool beer in hand), look no further than Gruff Brewing’s upcoming flea market. All you have to do is set your items up on a table in the beer garden, and relax as people come by to browse. Info: gruff-brewing.com.
Sunday, May 5
The Dream of America
3–4:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 Commercial St.
Meeka Quan DiLorenzo and the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra are coming together to give stunning performances of three different compositions. They will be playing Arturo Márquez’s “Conga del Fuego,” translating to “Conga of Fire,” followed by Tan Dun’s “Crouching Tiger Concerto” from the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and finally “Ellis Island: The Dream of America” by Peter Boyer. Info: bellinghamsymphony.org.
American Rhododendron Society Plant Sale
8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Four Points Sheraton, 714 Lakeway Drive
The 2024 American Rhododendron Society Convention is happening in Bellingham, and nurseries from all over are bringing their best rhodies to sell. All kinds of rhododendrons will be for sale, as well as other companion plants, and phyto inspections and certificates so you can be confident in the quality of your new plants. Info: ars2024.org.
Cinco de Mayo Pre-Workshop Potluck
2–4 p.m., Boulevard Park, 402 Boulevard St.
Raj from The Salsa Collective is teaching a salsa dancing workshop to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. Before the lessons, though, enjoy a potluck with all kinds of food and good conversations. Feel free to bring a dish of your own to serve or grill for others to dig into. Info: facebook.com/p/The-Salsa-Collective-Bellingham.
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.
