Bellingham Alive

Community Boating Center Opening Day
2026-05-02 10:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | WA
Opening Day is a celebration of the Community Boating Center’s reopening for the 2026 summer season with a fun-packed day of activities for the whole family! Opening Day features more than just first rentals and classes – it’s your opportunity to dust off your skills and reconnect with the water and your community!
Event Highlights:
Boatyard Sale (12:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Browse the warehouse for deals plus a discounted clear-out of last season’s merch.
Boatyard Tour (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Don’t know where to start? Join our boatyard tour to learn about all our watercraft and gain insider insight to your Community Boating Center!
Mega SUP Rides (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Test your sea legs with fun 15-minute group rides.
Knot-Tying Station (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Dust off your skills—practice your cleat hitch & bowline and make friendship bracelets while you’re at it!
Dinghy Rigging Refresher (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Can’t quite remember the outhaul? Stop by for a quick, helpful tune-up.
Beer Garden + Community Connections (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Meet local partners, learn about our fresh adult programs for 2026, and enjoy the beer garden (21+).
Food (4:00 PM -7:00 PM): Curb your hunger with fresh slices from Tam Tam Pizza.
Special Offer: Get 50% off rentals all weekend with code “FirstFloat.” Book online in advance or at the check-in desk. Rentals are available 10 AM – 8 PM Saturday & Sunday
Whether you are brushing up your skills or just getting started, Opening Day is the perfect way to kick off the season on the water!
Online registration for classes and rentals is live on our website. We can’t wait to see you there!
Phone: 360-714-8891
Email: info@boatingcenter.org
Website: https://www.boatingcenter.org/contact

Birchwood Garden Club's 33rd Annual Plant Sale!
2026-05-02 11:00 - 14:00
Birchwood Garden Club’s 2026 Plant Sale!
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Bellingham Central Library, Lower Level
11:00 AM until 2:00 PM
It is said that April showers bring May flowers. May flowers will also be found at the 33rd Annual Plant Sale of the Birchwood Garden Club on Saturday, May 2.
The Plant Sale will be held in the lower level conference room of the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham WA.
Local plants grown by local gardeners for our local climate ― all plants in the sale have been donated by the Birchwood Garden Club members. There will be an affordable assortment of annuals, perennials, veggie starts, indoor plants, and more. Come early for best selection!
Cash or check only please.
Proceeds from the Plant Sale benefit numerous community organizations and provide for the maintenance of the public gardens at the Museum and Central Library. The Club also funds small grants for gardening-related projects that enrich our neighborhoods and encourage the love of gardening for all ages.
Founded in 1931, Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit Counties. You are invited to join us at our monthly meetings held in the Rotunda Room of the Whatcom Museum, featuring guest speakers on current gardening topics.
Check out our website, www.birchwoodgardenclub.org
or join us on Instagram and Facebook @ Birchwood Garden Club.

Charles Villiers: Untethered
2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:00
Cordata Gallery invites you to ‘Charles Villiers: Untethered’—the first comprehensive exhibition of art by local artist Charles Villiers.
Featuring works across a wide range of materials and disciplines, the exhibition offers a rare look at the breadth of Villiers’ practice. From experimental pieces to fully realized works, visitors will experience an artist driven by curiosity, constant reinvention, and a lifelong spirit of exploration. Join us at the gallery to celebrate this exciting and
expansive presentation of Villiers’ work!

Procession of the Species
2026-05-02 14:00 - 17:00
Mark your calendars — Whatcom County’s favorite celebration of art, nature, and community is back! We’re teaming up with Gabriel’s Art Kids again, on the
Procession of the Species parade and festival bringing color, creativity, and fun to downtown Bellingham. Families, friends, and neighbors are invited to dress as
their favorite animals, create dazzling costumes, and join
the fun. After the parade, stick around for live music, interactive performances, face painting, and hands-on art activities. Procession of the Species also coincides with
the 2026 Children’s Art Walk beginning on May 1, making for a fantastic weekend of creativity and community! Parade begins at Bellingham High School and ends at Maritime Heritage Park.
Website: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=procession&viewMode=list

Spring Car Show
2026-05-03 09:00 - 14:00
Sunday, May 3, 2026
9am – 2pm
1731 Labounty Dr, Ferndale
All makes and models welcome including motorcycles.
If it has more two or more wheels and an engine, it’s welcome!
$20 registration fee
No preregistration available
Free for spectators
Dash plaques, trophies, raffle, and 50/50 Draw
Free NSRA inspections
Club T-shirts for sale
Food vendor(s) on site
www.wccacruisers.org

PAINT & SIP COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN EVENT
2026-05-03 13:00 - 15:00
BellinghamArt fundraiser for Whatcom Family YMCA
Sunday, May 3
1-3pm

May the 4th Be With You
2026-05-03 14:00 - 16:00
A super fun, hands-on Star Wars™ workshop! Use green screen magic to transport yourself to a galaxy far, far away, and bring your favorite scenes to life with stop-motion animation. Make spaceships zoom, droids dance, and lightsaber duels. Perfect for kids who love Star Wars™ and making movies. Costumes encouraged. $30, pre-registration required.
Website: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=may%20the%204th&viewMode=list

Whatcom Literacy Council's 30th Annual Trivia Bee
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and community impact at the 30th Annual Whatcom Literacy Council Trivia Bee! Gather your team and test your knowledge across a wide range of trivia topics in this lively, interactive event.
Teams will compete using a new trivia format this year, with answers submitted right from your phone—making gameplay fast-paced and engaging for all. Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the fun, everyone is welcome to participate.
The winning team will take home the coveted traveling “Totten Trophy,” and all proceeds from the event support the Whatcom Literacy Council’s free adult literacy programs, helping empower individuals across our community.
Hosted in person at Aslan Depot, the event will be featured on a big screen for an immersive experience. Plus, Aslan Depot will donate $1 from every pint sold during the event—so you can sip and support a great cause at the same time.
We recommend arriving early to grab a seat, get set up with the trivia platform, and order food and drinks before the competition begins.

Whatcom in Food & Stories
2026-05-07 18:30 - 20:30
KMRE 88.3 FM is approaching its 20th anniversary! We’re doing something special for our fundraiser this year: a one-night-only gathering designed to delight the senses and spark connection.
Limited to just 100 guests, the evening promises a rich mix of locally crafted dishes, compelling storytelling, and a shared appreciation for the people and traditions that make Whatcom County such an amazing place to live.
When: Thursday, May 7th, 6:30 pm
Where: Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road
Reserve your spot at https://www.whatcomstories.org/!
Tickets are $125 or $200 for two; early registration is encouraged due to limited capacity.

Prototypes for Play | Rising Tide Speaker Series with the Zenga Bros
2026-05-08 19:00 - 22:30
Join Paper Whale for the return of the Rising Tide Speaker Series on May 8, featuring brothers Christian and Benny Zenga. Through their work in kinetic sculpture, they explore how experimentation, community, and hands-on making can transform space and perspective.
Ease into the night with live music from the Buddy Mac Band, a surprise co-host, and our Small Wins segment—inspiring short stories from community members turning ideas into action. After the talk, stick around for an intro to 2-step and swing dancing with Heather Haugland of the Honky Tonk Social Club, followed by an extended set from Buddy Mac Band. No partner or experience needed.
Tickets by donation, from $10.
7 PM: Doors
7:45 PM: Programming starts
9 PM: After party starts
Get tickets here: https://www.paper-whale.com/event-details/rising-tide-prototypes-for-play
Rising Tide is generously supported by the Project Neighborly Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation and Tilt Shift Design.

JR Ski to Sea
2026-05-09 09:00 - 16:00
Do you have a young athlete (or a few!) between the ages of 8 and 18? The Jr Ski to Sea Race is a team relay event open to all participants in that age range, featuring four legs: downhill skiing or snowboarding, running, mountain biking, and kayaking. Ski to Sea The race takes place across two spectacular locations — Mt. Baker Ski Area and Lake Padden — making it a true showcase of everything Whatcom County has to offer outdoors.
The race introduces kids to the life-long outdoor recreational activities that make this region so special, and it’s a wonderful way for young athletes to experience a multisport adventure alongside their peers.
For more information or to register, visit skitosea.com/jrrace or contact the race office at jrrace@skitosea.com.

Skagit Valley Chorale Spring 2026 Concert
2026-05-09 19:30 - 2026-05-10 14:00
Skagit Valley Chorale Presents, “Celebrating in Song.”
Happy 250th Birthday, USA!
with the North Cascades Concert Band.
Saturday, May 9th at 7:30pm
Sunday, May 10th at 2pm
Celebrating In Song

Mother's Day Brunch
2026-05-10 09:30 - 14:00
Celebrate Mom with a delicious brunch in our majestic ballroom in the heart of downtown. Join us for a festive buffet featuring seasonal dishes, fresh pastries, live stations, and plenty of family-friendly options. Live music and a complimentary ‘Mom-mosa’ for all our wonderful Moms!

Community Boating Center
2026-05-10 09:30 - 20:00
“Mother’s day plans you don’t want to miss here at the Community Boating Center!
Mini Mariners (9:30-11am): Enjoy some time with your little ones here on the Bay! Learn about the Salish Sea, enjoy a craft, and spend time on the shore!
Group Paddle (2-5pm): Make memories on the water with mom! Kayak on the bay and soak up the sun!
“Wild Women” Evening Sail (6-8pm): Set sail on a relaxing Bellingham adventure for 2 hours here on the Bay. Guests can either take part in sailing or simply sit back and relax! No prior sailing experience is required.
Join us at the Community Boating Center for a great time with mom and the little ones this May 10th from 9:30am to 8pm”

Mother's Day Cocnert
2026-05-10 12:00 - 16:00
Mother’s Day Concert at Meerkerk Gardens, Sunday May 10, noon – 4 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank, WA. 3 great bands. Gorgeous rhododendron gardens. $15 admission, children under 13 enter free. Dogs on leash welcome. Bring your own chair. free parking. Details at www.meerkerkgardens.org/events-overview

Mother's Day Concert at Meerkerk Gardens
2026-05-10 12:00 - 16:00
Mother’s Day, Sunday May 10, is spectacular at Meerkerk Gardens, 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank. The rhododendrons are blooming in every color and nature’s beauty is on full display. Come walk the gardens and join us for fine music from local musicians on the Gazebo lawn from noon – 4. along with pie and beverages for purchase. Bring friends, children, and grandchildren, and enjoy a lovely day together. Bring your own chair. Parking is free. Dogs on leash are welcome, always. Admission is $15, children under 13 come for free. More information at www.meerkerkgardens.org/mothers-day-celebration or call 360-678-1912.

Pop-Up All Voices Chorus
2026-05-12 19:00 - 2026-06-20 20:30
Do you Love to Sing?! Come join our open Pop-Up Chorus, hosted by the Mount Baker Toppers, for 6 Tuesday practices starting May 12th, culminating in a June 20th concert performance on the Fairhaven Village Green. Learn fun A Cappella music from some wonderfully energetic leaders and perform with your new friends. Register at http://topperschorus.org.

Badminton Blitz
2026-05-13 18:00 - 2026-05-27 21:00
Looking for a new, fast-paced indoor activity? Try
Badminton Blitz – a fun twist on tournament play! Players
rotate courts and play up to 4 games per week. For each
game participants are paired up with a new member. Scores are tallied per player per game. At the end of the mini season a single champion will be crowned! All
abilities are welcome. Two divisions to choose from!
Pre-registration required.
Website: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=badminton%20blitz&viewMode=list

Backcountry Essentials 20th Anniversary Party
2026-05-15 17:00 - 20:00
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of Backcountry Essentials with an evening of community, music, drinks, snacks, and giveaways.
We’ll be giving away a huge pile of gear and goods from brands like Black Diamond, Patagonia, Kavu, and more. Raffle tickets will be handed out with purchases throughout the evening.
At Backcountry Essentials
Friday, May 15
5–8 PM

Live Music!
2026-05-15 18:00 - 20:00
Friday, May 15, 6:00-8:00 PM, come to Welcome Road Wine & Coffee for a free show with Pine & Shake, featuring Jan Peters. For more info, contact Linda at linda@welcomeroadwinery.com
Welcome Road
300 West Champion
Bellingham, WA 98225

Muay Thai Kickboxing Workshop
2026-05-16 11:00 - 13:00
Learn the sport of Muay Thai Kickboxing in this one-day workshop. Learn basic footwork, punching, kicking, and pad holding techniques. In the second half of the day, you’ll get a taste of a full Muay Thai class. No need to buy any gear—everything will be provided! Bring a water bottle and wear athletic clothes you can move freely in.
Cost: $20, pre-registration required.
Website: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=muay%20thai&viewMode=list

FAMILY FINANCIAL FUN DAY
2026-05-16 13:30 - 15:30
BECU is hosting a Family Financial Fun Day on Saturday May 16, from 1:30p to 3:30p. Stop by anytime to learn about financial skills and financial literacy support!! There will be games, prizes, giveaways and new account incentives!!! Come visit us at 1066 Lakeway Drive, right next to Menchies.

Common Ground
2026-05-16 14:00 - 2026-05-17 15:30
Dangerous Women is a diverse collective of artists, educators and performers based in Central Washington. To mark their ten-year anniversary, the group is debuting their most ambitious production to date. Opening May 16, 2026 in Leavenworth, Common Ground integrates the perspectives of Indigenous, White, Black and Latina women to gather audiences at the intersection of human and natural history. Dangerous Women’s goal in creating Common Ground is to open dialogue, entertain and enlighten audiences in surprising and spectacular ways. Women from the history of science, scenes portraying the wonder of the natural world and reflections on the diverse belief systems that fuel our choices on Earth will be featured. All scenes are original and art forms include drama, art, Latina dance, hip hop, instrumentation, singing, pole, Indigenous story-telling and drumming, shadow puppetry and spoken word. Director Rhona Baron explains, “The scope of arts and history present in Common Ground is groundbreaking.” Women in science like Marie Curie and Rachel Carson will rub shoulders with dancing Monarch butterflies and Indigenous creation stories. “Interactions between groups of people can be conflicted and complicated. But even in times of political and climate stressors, one thing is certain; we must find ways to share this planet. Dangerous Women is diving into that!”
Common Ground will open May 16 at Snowy Owl Theater at Icicle Creek Center for the Arts in Leavenworth. The production will be performed twice on Saturday, May 16 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Another matinee is offered Sunday, May 17 at 2pm. Audience “Talk Back” following each show allows ticket holders to participate and comment. Tickets are priced from $17 for students to $35 for adults and can be purchased by calling 509-548-6347 or visiting icicle.org.
CONTACT: Angie Ploch, Assistant Director, Dangerous Women: angieploch@icloud.com (509) 860-5889

Authors Lara Messersmith Glavin and Caskey Russel in Conversation
2026-05-16 16:00 - 17:00
Saturday, May 16 • 4 PM – 5 PM BELLINGHAM, WA: Authors Lara Messersmith-Glavin in conversation with Caskey Russell for new book Ruiner.
Village Books and Paper Dreams Bookstore
1200 11th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Event link. Tickets start at $5.
Lara will be in conversation with Caskey Russell, author of The Door on the Sea, one of NPR’s picks for Best Book of 2025!
More about Lara Messersmith-Glavin:Lara Messersmith-Glavin (she/they) lives in the Pacific Northwest, where they write both nonfiction and speculative work, teach creative writing, coach movement practices for all bodies, and serve on the editorial board of Perspectives on Anarchist Theory magazine. While her true loves include forests, crows, and tide pools, she also collects languages, patterns, and magical objects.
Website: https://queenofpirates.netInstagram: @lara.messersmith.glavinMore upcoming events with Lara here.
More about Ruiner: linkRuiner is the first installment of the Tellers series, an epic fantasy of colliding worldviews that demands its fighters draw on all their resources to stop an encroaching extractivist power. It is a political fantasy where storytelling is combat magic and ordinary people must fight against exploitation and environmental destruction. Lush and complex, the story wrestles with trauma, ecological damage, the high cost of resistance, and the nature of violence.
Reviewed by Publisher’s Weekly as, “an ambitious speculative work” that “readers seeking surprising post apocalyptic fiction will want to check out.” An early reader on Netgalley called it, “visionary.”
More about Caskey:Caskey Russell was born and raised in Washington and has lived in Oregon, Iowa, Wyoming, and New Zealand. He is a father, a professor, a musician, and an enrolled member of the Tlingit Nation (Eagle / Kooyu Kwáan) of Alaska. He is the author of the Raven and Eagle Series, a fantasy trilogy based on Tlingit culture. The first book in the series, The Door on the Sea, was published in October of 2025 and was selected as one of NPR’s Best Books of 2025. It also won an Honorable Mention in the International Association for the Fantastic Arts Crawford Award. The second book in the series, The Eagle in the Mountain, will be released on September 22, 2026. The third book in the trilogy is slated to be released in the fall of 2027. His author’s website contains information about the series including a map and glossary: https://caskeyrussellbookeater.com
Instagram: @caskey_russell_author

Skagit Symphony: The Great British Music Show
2026-05-16 19:30 - 21:00
Skagit Symphony is baking up a delicious finish to our Cult Classical season. Prove you’ll rise to the occasion by kneading to hear Holst’s The Planets with special guest Vox Pacifica! Soprano Renee Rybolt illuminates McIntyre Hall with Herbert Howell’s idyllic In Green Ways.
For more information visit https://www.skagitsymphony.com/the-great-british-music-show
Email the symphony office at info@skagitsymphony.com or call 360-848-9336
For tickets, visit https://purchase.mcintyrehall.org/EventAvailability?EventId=12001
Or call the box office at 360-416-7727

Minecraft™ Amusement Park
2026-05-17 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for a 3-hour Minecraft Amusement Park Workshop inspired by our popular school-year Minecraft camp! Participants will explore and play in our custom Minecraft Amusement Park World, build and program amusement-park-style creations using micro: bits, and finish the day by making a sweet carnival treat. A perfect mix of creativity, coding, and hands-on fun! Pack a snack & water bottle. Pre-registration required, $30/person.
Website:
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=minecraft&viewMode=list

International Conference on Infrastructure and Construction Engineering
2026-05-18 09:00 - 18:00
Pages Conferences cordially invites you to the International Conference on Infrastructure and Construction Engineering(ICICE-2026), which will take place from May 18-20, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. This prestigious event will bring together leading experts, researchers and professionals from around the world to discuss the latest innovations, challenges and advancements in Infrastructure and Construction Engineering.
We warmly invite you to be a part of ICICE-2026 and take this opportunity to connect with global experts while experiencing the vibrant culture and historical charm of Spain. This event will be an excellent platform to expand your professional network, gain new insights and contribute to the future of Infrastructure and Construction Engineering.
We look forward to welcoming you to Madrid for this impactful and inspiring event!

Gifts of Music Spring Fundraiser
2026-05-19 18:00 - 20:00
Join Us for the Gifts of Music Spring Fundraiser at Stones Throw Brewery on May 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.
We bring music education to people who would not otherwise have access. In 2025 we brought music to over 60 teens in the Whatcom Juvenile Detention Center, and over 40 seniors in assisted living. This is an opportunity to learn more about our work, listen to some fantastic music, and support our mission.
We have Bellingham native Pete Ruble performing. Pete plays in the country/folk of style music, with finger-picking and songs that range from the serious (heartbreak) to the mundane (Holly street bike lane). After Pete, the founder of the organization and some of his volunteers will share some stories about this work.
Learn more about us at GiftsofMusicNW.org

Roots & Rivers: A Benefit for RE Sources
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:30
We invite you to Roots & Rivers, an evening fundraiser along the waterfront dedicated to protecting clean water across Northwest Washington. Hosted at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, this event brings together story, place, and local action.
We are honored to welcome Healing Through Hope, Nooksack storytellers who generously share place-based stories passed down through generations. Through their storytelling, guests will journey through the landscapes that shape this region. These stories invite us to listen first to place, history, and Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Woven throughout the evening, RE Sources will share how we work to safeguard our streams, rivers, lakes, and bay, advance climate resilience, and help communities be better stewards of the lands and waters we love. Funds raised at Roots & Rivers help keep our waters clean, inform policy, and create real-world impact that ripples across our region.
Guests will enjoy abundant small plates, drinks, dessert, and live music. Suggested attire is business casual.
RE Sources is a local nonprofit working across our region to protect local water quality and advance our communities’ climate resilience through advocacy, education, and partnerships. Through water quality monitoring and timely alerts, we keep both the community and local decision-makers informed when our waters are at risk, so together we can protect them for people, wildlife, and future generations.

Backpacking Basics with Her Backpacking Prep
2026-05-20 19:00 - 20:30
Interested in backpacking? Looking for other adults to backpack with? Taken a few trips but it’s been a while? On Wednesday, May 20th at 7 PM, join Kate from Her Backpacking Prep for a free workshop on backpacking basics: skills, gear, and human connection. You’ll walk away with a three step plan to get you on your first overnighter and hey, maybe a couple of new friends to come along. Registration is free, easy, and required to join the fun. See you there!
At Backcountry Essentials
Wednesday, May 20
7-8:30 PM
Sign up link: https://calendly.com/herbackpackingprep/her-backpacking-prep-intro-to-backpacking-workshop?back=1&month=2026-05
