COCOA’S PICKS
Aaron Foster: ‘Mostly Jokes’
8–9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
FireHouse Arts & Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave.
As far as comedians go, Aaron Foster’s resume is … unusual. HGTV fans might know him best as the former host of the home makeover show “FreeStyle.” These days, however, Foster spends his time doing stand-up — and apparently, the career shift has gone over well. Foster’s solo show, “Mostly Jokes,” received rave reviews at the Hollywood Fringe Festival — and on Feb. 27, Bellingham residents can find out why.
“Mostly Jokes” is a standup/storytelling combo covering Foster’s “strained relationship with his bipolar father, his strained relationship with his schizophrenic brother, his strained relationship with network TV executives and his strained relationship with … wait for it … himself.” Those subjects sound dark in theory — but as Foster assures us, “Mostly Jokes” is most definitely a comedy. Info: firehouse-aec.com.
Whatcom Farm Expo
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 1
WECU Expo Building, Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, 1775 Front St., Lynden
The Whatcom Farm Expo has brought together community members, businesses, organizations and other agricultural resources every spring for nine years now. Despite its name, this meet-and-greet/networking event isn’t just for established farmers: “Whether you are trying to grow your own food, making the transition from hobby to business or operating a small farm business,” the description states, “this event offers something for everyone.”
This year’s expo features a diverse lineup of speakers and demonstrations, with topics ranging from “Holistic Pasture Management” to “Winter Pruning in the Orchard” and “Native Plants & Trees in the Farm Ecosystem.” Folks can even enjoy a visit with cuddly farm critters thanks to the nonprofit Animals as Natural Therapy. Whether you’re an established farmer, hobbyist or simply homestead-curious, the Whatcom Farm Expo is an invaluable resource. Info: whatcomcd.org.
Wild Whatcom Pint Night
5–9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24
Stones Throw Brewing Co., 1009 Larrabee Ave.
When it comes to outdoor education, Wild Whatcom is a community treasure. The nonprofit’s mission is to foster “lifelong connections with nature” through community field trips, summer camps and even “nature preschool.” And its outings aren’t just for kids: It also offers adult-oriented “Wonder Walks,” a monthly “Ladies’ Night Out,” and even BIPOC Walks, “a program by and for people of color to build community while spending time outdoors.” Did I mention the majority of programs are by donation?
If you value accessible outdoor education, you can support Wild Whatcom’s work at a Feb. 24 “Good Neighbor Night” at Stones Throw Brewing Co. from 5–9 p.m., where 10% of purchases will benefit the organization. Nature-themed trivia will take place from 6–8 p.m. and is $3 per person (buy-in costs also benefit Wild Whatcom). Info: stonesthrowbrewery.com.
No Man’s Land Film Festival
5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, 516 High St.
On the subject of outdoor access, Western Washington University’s Outdoor Center will host No Man’s Land Film Festival — “the premier all-woman + genderqueer adventure film festival” — on Friday, Feb. 28. The Denver-based festival has been “un-defining femininity in adventure, sport, conservation and film since 2015,” with previous films spotlighting everything from skateboarding in Morocco to drag queens in Alaska and even bike-packing close to home in the PNW.
Tickets for Western’s showing are $8 for students and $14 for general admission; this price includes a raffle ticket and will benefit the Outdoor Center’s efforts to foster outdoor access for all. Per the event description, “All are welcomed and encouraged to join us in uplifting femininity in outdoor recreation.” Info: win.wwu.edu.
Rick Steves — ‘On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer’
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24
Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave.
As of press time, tickets are still available — albeit going fast — for Rick Steves’ next event in Bellingham. Last time he was in town, the Edmonds-based travel author gave a presentation on the history of fascism at a Cascadia Daily News town hall. This time around, he’s regaling audiences with tales of his 1978 trek down the “Hippie Trail,” running from Istanbul to Kathmandu. In Steves’ telling, the adventure “made him the travel writer he is today.”
Highlights from Steves’ trip include “jumping off a moving train, making friends in Tehran, getting lost in Lahore, getting high for the first time in Herat, battling leeches in Pokhara” and other normal (I think?) vacation activities. You could read about these adventures and more in his book, You could read about these adventures and more in his book, “On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer.” But why read about it when you could hear these stories directly from the man who lived them? Info: villagebooks.com.
COMMUNITY 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.
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.
