Easter Sunday falls on March 31 this year — so if you haven’t made plans yet, now is the time to make like a bunny and hop on it. To save you the research, we’ve made our own list of brunches and activities happening around the area in 2024.
Easter brunches
First up is Bistro at Shuksan — they’ll be celebrating Easter Sunday with a Louisiana-inspired a la carte menu by chef Matthew Boudousquie, aka Belligham’s resident Southern food expert. The menu is a la carte and includes Creole eggs sardou, crawfish etouffee omelette, plus not one but two dishes starring fried green tomatoes.
B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar is another Easter standby, and they’re planning a four-course brunch from noon to 5 p.m. ($54 for adults and $50 for seniors, and a kids’ menu is also available.) The menu is heavily influenced by seasonal produce, featuring two spring-inspired salads, a choice between apricot-glazed lamb shank or prime rib, and an Easter-striped cheesecake with mint syrup.
The Lighthouse Grill at Hotel Bellwether has its annual Easter buffet from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m ($75 for adults, $35 for children, children 5 and under free). In addition to an omelette bar and small bites, they’ll be serving up chef specials including wild-caught salmon with roasted squash and fennel salad, Kurobuta spiral ham with pineapple chutney and roasted prime rib.
In downtown Bellingham, Penny Farthing Restaurant at Chuckanut Bay Distillery has brunch seatings from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($50 for adults, $20 for children ages 6–10, children 5 and under free). Options include a breakfast buffet, carving board with bourbon-smoked ham, yogurt and granola “martinis” and — perhaps most excitingly — a build-your-own Belgian waffle bar.
Ever wondered what a Caprese eggs benedict would taste like? Lombardi’s is doing Easter brunch Italian style with an a la carte menu 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. In addition to the requisite pasta and pizza, they’re offering American favorites like biscuits and gravy, frittatas and delightfully oversized cinnamon rolls.
The Vault Wine Bar has one of the best brunches in Blaine, so it’s no surprise they’ll be serving something extra special on Easter Sunday. In addition to their usual menu, which includes treats like tamale waffles and brunch poutine, they’ll be serving a la carte Easter specials such as deviled eggs and house-made hot cross buns.
Chuckanut Manor, located on scenic Chuckanut Drive, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and makes for an idyllic brunch spot. Their a la carte Easter menu includes a selection of favorite dishes from their brunch, lunch and dinner menus, plus special dishes like grilled spring salmon, smoked beef brisket and oysters on the half shell.
Other brunch options in Bellingham include Skylark’s Hidden Cafe, the Bellingham Golf & Country Club, and Semiahmoo Resort — the latter of which offers buffet, prix fixe and by-the-course options at its various restaurants. Not in the mood for traditional Easter fare, but still want to do something special? Slough Food in Edison has gained a reputation for its “paella parties” with Paellaworks, so it’s only fitting they’ll be throwing one on Easter Sunday.
Egg hunts and activities
Downtown Bellingham is ringing in Easter a week early with Painted Eggs in the Plaza, happening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. Expect a block-wide egg hunt on Commercial Street, make-and-take crafts, and local vendors including Mo’s Parlor, It’s the Sweet Things and Glitt3r Lyfe.
Bellewood Farms & Distillery is celebrating Easter from March 30–31, and in addition to the traditional Easter Bunny photos, they’re introducing a candy pop-up 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.
The seventh annual Bellingham Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by R.B.’s Treasure Hunts and Bellingham Coin, kicks off at daybreak March 30. Wooden eggs will be hidden all over Whatcom County, and lucky finders can bring them to Bellingham Coin to redeem them for prizes (which total more than $12,000 this year). Limit to two eggs per person.
Bellis Fair Mall is celebrating Easter a day early on Saturday, March 30 — and in addition to their Easter egg hunt, which kicks off at 9:45 a.m. sharp, kids can get their picture taken with the adorably named Bellis Bunny. For folks in Skagit, the second annual Sedro Woolley Museum Easter Egg Hunt also takes place from 1–3 p.m. March 30.
In addition to their brunches, Semiahmoo Resort’s waterfront lawn will be a hub for Easter activities and indulgences, including an egg hunt, lawn games, face painting and a bloody mary and mimosa bar for the grownups. Easter festivities begin at 11:30 a.m., and the egg hunt starts at noon. Those lucky enough to find one of six golden eggs win prizes to redeem throughout Semiahmoo, including dining, spa services and more.
On Easter Sunday, head to Cornwall Park for Miraculous Eventz’ Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt. Show up early for music and face painting from 6–8 p.m., or arrive at 8 sharp for the hunt itself. Last year’s inaugural event featured 2,000 eggs, but this year, organizers are aiming to hide upwards of 10,000.
If a leisurely hunt sounds too low energy, perhaps the Easter Egg Dash at Bender Field on Sunday, March 24 in Lynden is more your speed. There’s also an Anacortes Easter Egg Dash at 6 p.m. March 22, featuring 5,000 eggs hidden around Storvik Park.
Arne Hanna Aquatic Center’s underwater eggstravaganza might not be traditional, but it is a whole lot splashier than a normal hunt. It takes place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, and kids under 6 must be within arm’s length of a parent.
Last but certainly not least, Gruff Brewing Co. will also host an egg hunt — but this one is reserved for grown-ups only. Round up some friends, grab a pint and scour for all the goodies (including an elusive golden egg) hidden around Gruff’s beer garden. Other things to look forward to include $5 mimosas, a raffle, candy and prizes.
A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the dates of the Bender Field egg hunt and photo of Gruff Brewing Co. easter egg hunt. This story was updated to reflect this change on Friday, March 22 at 12:30 p.m. Cascadia Daily News regrets the error.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
