COCOA’S PICKS
‘Dragons & Mythical Beasts’
3 p.m. Sunday, March 16
Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St.
From “House of the Dragon” to “Fourth Wing,” dragons are a big deal in pop culture right now — or maybe they’re just perpetually cool? Either way, Mount Baker’s upcoming show, “Dragons and Mythical Beasts,” feels very of the moment.
The larger-than-life puppet show is fresh off a run in London’s West End and brings more than just dragons to the stage: Audiences are invited to “discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik, the dream-eating Baku,” and even the Tooth Fairy makes an appearance (though she’s “not as sweet as you’d think”).
The interactive performance promises to be spellbinding for families, kids at heart and anyone with an appreciation for adventure. No matter your age, you’re invited to “take your place among legendary heroes — just don’t wake the Dragon!” Info: mountbakertheatre.com.
Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival
Times vary, March 14–16
Locations vary (Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay)
These days, seemingly everyone in my friend group is obsessed with birding. I’m not sure if it’s a 30-something rite of passage or just a Pacific Northwest thing — but either way, the phenomenon is pretty endearing. (Full disclosure: I personally haven’t fallen down the birding rabbit hole yet. I am, however, willing to be converted.)
If you want to learn more about Whatcom County’s avian populations, don’t miss the annual Wings Over Water Festival. This year’s schedule includes numerous guided field trips, nature walks and kids’ activities. There are also presentations with adorable titles like “Chickadee Chatter” (9 a.m. March 16) and “Is There Life After Birding?” (11 a.m. March 16).
Last but not least, 2025 keynote speaker and naturalist Lyanda Lynn Haupt has a presentation on Saturday, March 15. Check online for a detailed schedule. Info: wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.
Whatcom Conservation District Native Plant Sale
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
Pioneer Park, 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale
As gardener Kelle Rankin-Sunter mentioned in her debut column last month, one of the best ways to support our ecosystem is by planting natives. In her words, “Even with climate change on our horizon, the natives are predisposed to be successful in our environment.”
Not sure how to get started? Whatcom Conservation’s 32nd annual plant sale is an excellent resource for anyone looking to add more natives to their garden. The organization will have more than 40 species for sale; additionally, visitors can shop for garden art or mingle with various conservation organizations. Check online for a full species lineup, plus info about conditions each plant needs to thrive. Info: whatcomcd.org.
Whatcom Reads 2025 Author Events
Times vary, March 12–15
Various locations, Whatcom County
Whatcom County bookworms, it’s your time to shine: Erica Bauermeister, author of 2025 Whatcom Reads pick “No Two Persons,” is coming to town for a series of author events. For the uninitiated, Whatcom Reads is an annual program challenging all community members to read and discuss the same book. You can find more info and a full schedule online at whatcomreads.org — but for now, allow me to give you the Cliff Notes version.
Bauermeister’s visit kicks off on Wednesday, March 12 with a five-course meal at Evolve Chocolate + Cafe, featuring pairings inspired by “No Two Persons.” Thursday is a book discussion at Lummi Island Grange Hall followed by a drink and book pairing at Bellewood Farms. And on Friday, Bauermeister will make an appearance at Village Books in the morning, then end the day with a lecture at Mount Baker Theatre.
Can’t make it to any of the in-person events? On Saturday, March 15, the series wraps with a conversation between Bauermeister and librarian Katie Bray.
Whatcom Cultural Arts Festival
11 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 15–16
Bellingham Cruise Terminal/Ferry Terminal, 355 Harris Ave.
Whether it be through food, art, performance or any other creative endeavor, the Whatcom Cultural Arts Fest is meant to “celebrate the diverse cultures that make up our beautiful region.” It’s one of several annual events presented by arts nonprofit Allied Arts of Whatcom County (who, might I add, hosted a grand opening for their new building just last month).
This year’s schedule hasn’t yet been announced, but the 2024 program is a good overview of what to expect. Last year’s highlights included 13 different performances, a “Resisting Erasure through Storytelling” presentation with Putsata Reang, plus a variety of all-ages crafts. That’s not to mention the vendors selling handicrafts, jewelry, food and other gifts representative of our region’s cultural melting pot. Info: alliedarts.org.
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.
