COCOA’S PICKS
Let’s Groove! A Far-Out Fundraiser for the Max Higbee Center
5:30–8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, Fishermen’s Pavilion, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive
Whatcom Young Professionals is an excellent resource for young, career-minded folks in Whatcom County, providing everything from networking opportunities to monthly pop-ups. But in addition to nurturing young professionals, the organization gives back to the community through annual fundraisers. This year’s event is just around the corner, and proceeds benefit the Max Higbee Center.
On Thursday, Sept. 5, vendors, food trucks and family-friendly entertainers will take over the Fishermen’s Pavilion at Zuanich Park for a night of dining and dancing. Based on the ‘60s-inspired theme, I imagine flower crowns and tie-dye attire are welcome. Tickets are available for $25, and guests attending on behalf of the Max Higbee Center enter free of charge. Info: whatcomyp.com.
Lynden Whiskey Walk
4–10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, downtown Lynden
Downtown Lynden is known for its small-town vibe, charming storefronts, Dutch windmill and … excellent whiskey selection? Yes, you read that right: On Sept. 7, participating businesses will transform into pop-up tasting rooms for distilleries ranging from local favorites (such as Chuckanut Bay Distillery) and regionally known names (such as Woodinville Whiskey Co.).
Participants receive five “tasting tokens” plus perks like a commemorative shot glass and entrance to live music performances on 5th Street. (Concert-only tickets are also available). You can also expect street buskers, vendors and even designated cigar-smoking areas throughout the event. All proceeds support the Lynden Music Festival, an October event platforming locally- and regionally-known musicians. Info: lyndenwhiskeyevent.com.
BrewFest on the Skagit
2–7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, South 1st and West Broadway streets, Mount Vernon
On the subject of adult beverages, Mount Vernon’s annual BrewFest on the Skagit returns this Saturday with its usual offerings: live music, delicious food and, of course, beer and cider aplenty. All this is paired with scenic, late-summer views of the Skagit River.
In previous years, BrewFest was organized by the Lincoln Theatre, aka one of Skagit County’s most important cultural institutions. This year they’ve passed the baton to the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, but never fear: A portion of ticket sales will still support the Lincoln. The theater’s programming brings a variety of live music, theatrical performances and community events to Skagit County, so you know you’re imbibing for a good cause. Info: business.mountvernonchamber.com.
98221 Anacortes Artist’s Studio Tour
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 7–8, Anacortes and surrounding areas
The Anacortes Arts Festival draws in 80,000 visitors on average, so it’s no surprise this seaside town has a booming art scene. But while the aforementioned event includes artists from across the region, the Artist’s Studio Tour is a more intimate look at the creatives who call Anacortes home. Ever wanted to learn more about blacksmithing, or how to turn lamps into intricate works of art? Here’s your chance: Mediums represented range from painting to glasswork, metalwork, jewelry, fiber arts and just about anything else you could dream up.
Visitors can follow colorful signage from studio to studio, where participating artists will be present to give curious community members a glimpse into their processes. This year’s tour features 34 artists across 29 locations, so make a day of it and use the opportunity to explore Fidalgo Island to its fullest. Make sure to stamp your “passport” at each studio for a chance to win gift baskets donated by the artists themselves. Info: anacortesstudiotour.com.
2024 Bellingham Greek Festival
11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 5–8, St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 510 E. Sunset Drive
Greek Fest is one of Bellingham’s most anticipated cultural events, and for good reason. It’s your annual opportunity to sample all manner of Greek dishes, from baklava to savory bites, traditional desserts and plenty of fresh pita.
But beyond the food, Greek Fest also provides a window into the country’s cultures and traditions. Longtime volunteer Fahren Mansour said in a 2022 CDN article, “There’s a strong sense of collective community. The culture there is that people want to enjoy life instead of working all the time and being overly stressed out.”
In other words, between the traditional dances and lingering smell of gyro meat, Greek Fest is as close as you can get to an Athens taverna — without leaving Whatcom County. Info: saintsophias.org.
ALL EVENTS
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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.
