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A&E calendar: Park parties, art in action and fun for kids

A curated selection of events from Whatcom and Skagit counties

Audiences can help decide what happens next at The Upfront Theatre's "Bottled Lightning" shows every Friday and Saturday night through July at the Sylvia Center. Taking inspiration and suggestions from attendees
Audiences can help decide what happens next at The Upfront Theatre's "Bottled Lightning" shows every Friday and Saturday night through July at the Sylvia Center. Taking inspiration and suggestions from attendees (Photo courtesy of The Upfront Theatre)
By Amy Kepferle Staff Reporter

Wednesday, July 6

Fairhaven Summer Rep
8 p.m., Firehouse, 1314 Harris Ave. 
Bellingham TheatreWorks presents its summer offerings with three plays exploring the trials and tragedies of youth. Showing in repertory through July 24 are “Big, Scary Animals” by Matt Lyle, “The Children” by Lucy Kirkwood and “Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time,” by Mark Haddon. Tickets are $20, or $50 for a season pass. Performances take place Tuesdays through Sundays. Info: bellinghamtheatreworks.org

Thursday, July 7

Barkley Market
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Barkley Village Green, 2215 Rimland Dr.
Local growers and makers will sell their wares when this seasonal market returns today and every Thursday through July and August. In addition to homegrown and handmade goodies, there will be food trucks on site for lunch and live music from noon to 2 p.m. Grab the kids and a picnic blanket and stay awhile. Info: thebarkleymarket.com

Stacy Jones Band
6–8 p.m., Riverwalk Park, Mount Vernon 
The Riverwalk Summer Concert Series kicks off with this powerful blues band. Jones and the ensemble have won Best Band, plus nine other “Best of the Blues” awards, from the Washington Blues Society. Entry is free. The concerts continue Thursdays through Aug. 25. Info: mountvernonchamber.com.  

Summer Concert Series 
6–8 p.m., Elizabeth Park, 1000 Walnut St. 
This free, family-friendly summer concert series in the heart of Bellingham’s Columbia neighborhood continues with Dr. Jimmy and the Swingtime Serenaders. The events continue Thursdays through Aug. 25. Info: facebook.com/elizabethparksummerconcerts

Friday, July 8

Burlington Summer Nights
6–8 p.m., Visitor Center Amphitheater, 520 E. Fairhaven Ave.
Pack up chairs and blankets, grab dinner at a downtown restaurant and then listen to country-rock sounds of Randy Weeks when this free summer concert series kicks off. The events happen Fridays through Aug. 26. Info: burlington-chamber.com

Bottled Lightning
8 p.m., Sylvia Center, 207 Prospect St. 
Audiences will help decide what will happen next when The Upfront Theatre presents this format at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday through July. Taking inspiration and suggestions from attendees, improvisers will create hilarious scenes and stories never seen before. Tickets are $10–$15. Info: theupfront.com

Flicks in the Park 
9 p.m., Pioneer Park, Ferndale
“Spider Man: No Way Home” will be the featured film for this event, part of the city’s “Summer of Fun” lineup. Grab blankets and comfy camping chairs and settle in for an evening of al fresco film. Info: cityofferndale.org

Saturday, July 9

Kids-R-Best Fest
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Storvik Park, Anacortes
Celebrate kids and all they do for the community at this free annual event, which has been taking place since 1990. In addition to activities and games for kids and families, there will be live entertainment throughout the day. Food will be available for a nominal fee. Info: anacortes.org

Emerald Flats Market
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 14969 W. Bow Hill Rd., Bow 
More than 40 makers, artists and farmers will share their local goodies at this event. The market is free to attend, family-friendly and outdoors. Live music and food options will be part of the event meant to showcase the magic and abundance of Skagit. Info: creativeavenuenw.com


Freedom Vans Gathering
Noon–4 p.m., 1414 Meador Ave., unit H104
Bring your van (if you have one) to this annual meetup at the Freedom Vans shop. This is an opportunity to bring the van community together to share spaces and knowledge as they introduce others to van life. Attendees can expect a free taco bar and live DJ. Info: freedomvans.co

Art in Action
2–6 p.m., Pioneer Park Pavilion, Ferndale
Watch local artists build, paint and create their pieces in front of you at this event hosted by the Ferndale Arts Commission. Learn about the creative process and purchase art directly from the vendors at this unique event. Info: cityofferndale.org

Bardic Mouse Tales
7 p.m., Anacortes Community Theatre, 918 M Ave. 
Written and directed by Carolyn Travis and presented by Shakespeare Northwest, this collection of fairy tale shows is described as having “a Shakespearean twist as well as some pixie dust.” Expect hilarious retellings of “Cinderella,” “The Singing Bone,” “The Little Mermaid” and “The Snow Queen.” Entry to the all-ages event is free, but donations are welcome. Info: shakesnw.org

Encanto
8:15 p.m., Fairhaven Village Green, 1207 10th St.
As part of the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema, Out of the Ashes will make music before the screening of the fantasy adventure comedy. The al fresco movie screening continues Saturdays through Aug. 27. Info: enjoyfairhaven.com

Tuesday, July 12

History Sunset Cruise 
6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Bay 
Pack a picnic, sunglasses and a light jacket for this weekly outing put on by the Whatcom Museum every Tuesday through Aug. 30. Local historian Brian Griffin leads the outings, which focus on stories about the region’s history and up-to-date facts about bayside activities. Tickets are $35–$40. Info: whatcommuseum.org

Jesse Colin Young 
7:30 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon
As part of his “Troubadour Tour,” the longtime folksinger will make his way to the stage to share the vocals and guitar work that have had him making music for more than 50 years. Young will be touring as an acoustic duo with his daughter, Jazzie Young, in support of his new solo acoustic album, “Highway Troubadour.” Tickets are $47–$62. Info: lincolntheatre.org

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 on Wednesdays. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com

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