Bellingham Alive

Birchwood Garden Club's September 3rd Meeting
2025-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver) | WA
Birchwood Garden Club
September Speaker Topic: Begonias, Fuchsias and Geraniums with Judy Boxx
The September 3, 2025 meeting of the Birchwood Garden Club will be held in the Rotunda Room of the Old City Hall Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Doors open at 6:30PM.
The speaker for the evening will be Judy Boxx who will speak on the care and beauty of begonias, fuchsias and geraniums. Included will be information about choosing interesting containers to enhance the beauty of your plants, and having fun in your garden.
Judy has been a gardener for over 50 years. She is and has been a member of four different garden clubs now belonging to Birchwood and DUPI (Digger Uppers and Putter Inners.) She is a Master Gardener and a member of the National Garden Clubs where she has held a number of different offices. Judy has also enjoyed being a National Garden Club Flower Show Judge for over 30 years, traveling around the states judging flower shows and also participating in a number of shows at which she has won many top awards in both Horticulture and Design. Photos of her garden appeared in five different national magazines, and her garden was on many different garden tours. Please join us for what promises to be a great program!
The Birchwood Garden Club is accepting applications for donations to help support the efforts of non-profit organizations that offer opportunities in the realm of horticulture, agriculture or related fields. Applications are being accepted for up to $500 each from now until December 31 and awarded by March 1, 2026. Applications can be found at: https://www.birchwoodgardenclub.org/donate-page.html. Follow the directions on this page to print a hard copy of the form.
Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit Counties. You are invited to join us at our monthly meetings where we will have membership brochures available to join our club. Check out our website, www.birchwoodgardenclub.org to see the fun activities and community services our club does! You can join us on Instagram and Facebook @ Birchwood Garden Club.

Monochromatic Group Exhibition
2025-09-05 17:00 - 2025-09-10 21:00
oxel Gallery is proud to present Monochromatic, a striking group exhibition running from July 31 through September 10, 2025. Featuring black-and-white photography, grayscale paintings, and digital artworks, this show delves into the expressive potential of a restricted palette—where contrast, texture, and form take on heightened emotional resonance. For more information, please visit voxelgallery.com or follow @Voxelfineart on social media.

Gong & Sound Bath Benefit
2025-09-05 18:30 - 19:45
Gong & Sound Bath Benefit: unwind and replenish in a deeply relaxing soundscape with Kristi Moseley of Mystic Heart Sound Meditation. Proceeds benefit Whatcom Million Trees Project’s efforts to protect and plant 1 million trees throughout Whatcom County. Friday 6:30PM September 05 at the Firehouse in Fairhaven. Rise feeling refreshed, grounded and centered. Details and tickets available today at MysticHeartBeats.com.

BMC Night Beat presents Bellissima Brass
2025-09-05 19:30 - 21:00
Bellingham Music Club opens its 110th season with Bellissima Brass, an all-women quintet that plays an all-women composers program for horn, trumpet, tuba and trombone.
Michelle Rockwood, Karolyn Labes, Shelly Devlin, Amy Kavanagh, and Emma Eliason will perform works by Gwyneth Walker, Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel, Barbara York, and Florence Price.
Join us right after Labor Day, for the full-length “Night Beat” concert on Friday, September 5, 7:30pm at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave. in Bellingham. No ticket purchase required; we suggest a $20 donation. All are welcome and students are always free!
Find out more about BMC’s season and endeavors on https://bellinghammusicclub.org/

Ride the Teal Wave
2025-09-06 13:30 - 19:00
Ride the Teal Wave is a fun paddle in Bellingham Bay that benefits STAAR Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Foundation.
Schedule
1:30 pm: Sign in at the Community Boating Center. Pick up a teal T-shirt and flag.
2 pm: Launch from the Fairhaven boat ramp.
2-4 pm: Paddle along the shore of Bellingham Bay. Gather in flotillas. Take pictures. Wave a flag. Have fun.
4-7 pm: Grab a drink and a snack and win door prizes at Skylark’s Hidden Cafe. Enjoy live music from the J.P. Falcon Band.

Tai Chi Flow
2025-09-08 09:00 - 2025-10-30 10:15
Nourish your nervous system and awaken your vitality! Experience a gentle, empowering practice that activates your body’s natural capacity to heal while nourishing the nervous system. Through movement, breath, and intention, Tai Chi Flow supports you in finding balance from within. Rooted in the graceful Yang-style 24 forms, this class also incorporates joyful group play, partner work, and guided exploration to help you move from your own inner wisdom. Whether you’re new to Tai Chi or returning to the path, this practice offers a steady foundation for cultivating grounded peace, vitality, and ease—in both body and spirit.
Spring Chun Cheng is the co-founder of Dancing Tao Tai Chi School and has been practicing Tai Chi for three decades.
Cost: $120 each session (8 weeks)
Session 1: Mondays, Sept. 8-Oct. 27 Maritime Heritage Park Pavilion; 5:30-6:45 pm
Session 2: Thursdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 30 Cordata Park Pavilion 9:00-10:15 am
https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search?locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=tai%20chi&viewMode=list

Whatcom Genealogical Society
2025-09-08 14:00 - 16:00
Whatcom Genealogical
Society 1st Fall Meeting-Sharing Summer research results and reintroducing ourselves and our interests. Did you have a research trip or family reunion this summer? Maybe you are new to our group, and you have some questions about research. This is a great meeting to start off the Fall. Visitors are welcome!
https://www.whatcom-gen-soc.org

Intro to Scottish Country Dancing
2025-09-10 19:00 - 2025-12-10 20:30
Scottish Country Dancing is the social dancing of Scotland. It is one of the root influences of US folk dancing. In each 6-week session you will progress from learning basic steps and figures which build into fun group dances. Dance to the joyful music of jigs and reels and the elegant strathspey. Wear soft soled shoes or your favorite sneakers. For ages 12 and older. under 18 with an adult. Cost is $60 for 6 weeks. Session 1: Sept. 10-Oct. 15. Session 2: Oct 29-Dec. 10 (no class Nov. 26)

Walking Meditation + Sound Bath
2025-09-11 17:30 - 19:00
Connect with nature with at least 15 minutes of walking meditation followed by an hour-long sound bath by Ruby Koa. Bring a yoga mat, blanket or sleeping bag, and dress warm! Pre-registration required. This event is for ages 7 years and older, under 18 with an adult. This event costs $25. http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40266

Open Roller Skate
2025-09-12 18:00 - 2025-12-12 20:00
Come out every second Friday of the month to Depot Market Square for free skate! Bring your own roller skates or inlines. Helmets and pads (elbow, knee, and wrist) recommended. This is a free, all ages event, under 18 with an adult. DAY/DATE: Fridays / Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40269

Mt. Baker Hill Climb
2025-09-14 07:00 - 12:00
Individual: $80 early bird, $90 after; Tandem: $100 early bird, $120 after
Great views, fresh air, tough climbs. Ascend 4,462 feet from Chair 9 in Glacier to Artist Point (5,140 feet elevation) in approximately 22 miles. The Mt. Baker Highway (SR542) is known as one of the most scenic paved roads in the country and rarely is the highway closed to motorized vehicles from Glacier to Artist Point. With steep elevation and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint of heart, but the views are stunning. Experience the agony and the ecstasy!
This is a timed bike race; 1st female and male overall registered in the Competitive Division, receive a custom award and 1st – 3rd of each division receive a locally produced medal.
The race begins at MP 35, 1/4 mile east of the check-in at Chair 9 Pizza & Bar.
Social: 7:00 AM
Recreational: 8:00 AM
Competitive: 8:30 AM
End time: 12:00pm (road closed until noon)
All start lines begin at Snowater Road, just east of Glacier, WA. Parking is available at the Chair 9 restaurant. All vehicles will need to have a NW Forest Pass ($5) to park at Artist Point.
Anyone over the age of 13 can participate in the Mt. Baker Hill Climb. Riders between the ages of 13-15 years old on race day MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate.
10459 Mt Baker Hwy, Glacier, WA 98244
Contact: Anna Rankin
Email: info@bakerhillclimb.com
Phone: (360) 746-8861
Websites: http://www.bakerhillclimb.com
https://www.facebook.com/Mtbakerhillclimb/
https://www.instagram.com/mtbakerhillclimb/

First-Time Homebuyer Classes
2025-09-15 18:30 - 20:00
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & Oct)
Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226.
Choose your series:
* September: Sept 15 and Sept 17
* October: Oct 20 and Oct 21
Why join us
* Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify).
* Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why.
* Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys.
* Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms).
Save your seat:
September: https://www.andidyer.com/event/first-time-homebuyer-class-september-2025
October: https://www.andidyer.com/event/first-time-homebuyer-class-october-2025
Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year.
P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.

Brews and Bouquets-Creating a Seasonal Bouquet
2025-09-16 19:30 - 21:00
Whatcom Horticultural Society is back with one of our favorite MEMBER-ONLY EVENTS – making your own arrangement! Materials fee $45 – pre-registration online is required! You can pay online or at the door, but please pre-register by Sept 11! Seating is limited; this event will fill up fast. You must be a current member to attend, join, or renew online. Renew also for 2026 at the door. The first beer or wine is on us, and delicious snacks and desserts will be served! Want more time to socialize? Join an informal group that will meet up at Stemma starting at 5:30 in the main dining area. (Menu is from The Rivera Club)

Pre-Harvest Release Party
2025-09-18 18:00 - 21:00
Join GLM Winery in the release of two wines (one white, one red) paired with the musical talents of Michael Dayvid and a new star in the culinary world: Queens of Fire Wood-Fired Pizza Truck. 6PM-9PM Thursday, Sept. 18th at the garage winery in Blaine: 1678 Boblett Street (exit 275). We’d love to see you there to help celebrate!

Learn the Art of Crafting Cheeses!
2025-09-19 13:30 - 2025-10-22 00:00
Join us for a delightful culinary experience led by Marisa Papetti of Marie’s Bees, where you can learn the art of cheesemaking using the finest local Twin Brook Creamery milk! In these hands-on classes, you will have the opportunity to create delicious mozzarella, bocconcini, burrata, feta, chèvre, compound butter or simply relax and indulge in the flavors of fresh cheese. Perfect for a unique date night or a fun way to discover the magic of cheesemaking, classes typically last between 2 to 2.5 hours. Embrace the joy of creating and savoring with Marisa’s tagline: “Eat Cheese While Making Cheese!” Come hungry and ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor!
DAYS/DATES/LOCATIONS/TIMES:
Mozzarella, Bocconcini & Burrata:
Friday, Sept. 19 at Cordata Pavilion, 1:30–3:30 pm
Grape Leaf Wrapped Chèvre:
Friday, Sept. 26 at Cordata Pavilion, 6:00–8:30 pm
Feta Making:
Saturday, Oct. 11 at Cordata Pavilion, 1:30–3:30 pm
Compound Butter:
Wednesday, Oct 22 at Bloedel Donovan Pavilion,
6:00–8:30 pm. This event is for ages 9 years and older, under 18 accompanied by an adult. The cost is $70 per class. Times and dates are varied. http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40287

Sound Therapy
2025-09-19 17:30 - 2025-12-19 18:30
Bring a blanket and yoga mat and enjoy soothing sound vibrations of Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, and bells for deep relaxation. Sessions are hosted by either Everitt Allen of Sound Therapy of the Pacific Northwest, Kristi Moseley of Mystic Heart, or Ruby Koa of Inspire Yoga. Pre-registration is required for all sessions.
September 19 with Kristi
October 10 with Ruby
November 21 with Everitt
December 19 with Kristi
TIME: 5:30–6:30 pm
AGES: All (6 years and older with an adult)
COST: $10 per session
Link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40261

Mini Ballers
2025-09-20 10:00 - 2025-10-11 11:15
Sign up today for this fun series of classes that provide young children with a positive introduction to tam sports. Kids and adults will play together while coaches lead activities, drills, and mini games helping to build basic skills along with sportsmanship and community. Each session includes four classes focusing on a different sport each week. Featured sports include soccer, basketball, baseball, and football. Pre-registration required. This event is $60 for ages 4-6 accompanied by an adult. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search/detail/40298?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Whisky Meets Celtic Spirit at Hotel Leo.
2025-09-20 14:00 - 16:00
As part of the Bellingham Celtic Festival weekend, Hotel Leo invites you to a special whisky tasting at Amendment 21 in Downtown Bellingham. This community-driven festival, running September 17–21, 2025, celebrates Celtic culture with concerts, sessions, workshops, tea, and more — and our tasting is the perfect way to raise a glass in the spirit of the weekend.
On Saturday, September 19, enjoy one of two guided 30-minute sessions at 2 PM or 3 PM, each featuring a thoughtfully curated flight of Scotch and Irish whiskies. With a focus on tradition and craftsmanship, the tasting highlights the distinct flavors and stories of these iconic spirits. Bourbons will not be included, keeping the experience true to the Celtic theme.
Each ticket is $20 and includes your flight. Space is limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere, so early booking is encouraged. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or simply curious to explore, this event offers a relaxed yet enriching experience — and one more reason to make the most of Celtic Fest weekend at Hotel Leo and throughout Downtown Bellingham. Pair this tasting with live Celtic music, cultural events, and celebrations happening all weekend long.

GangBall
2025-09-22 16:00 - 2025-12-08 18:00
GangBall is a fast-paced adaptive sport where players use specially designed wheelchairs to score by carrying a ball across the opponent’s goal line. Combining elements of rugby, basketball, and handball, the sport emphasizes strategy and teamwork. Open to all abilities (for ages 12 and up) – all bodies welcome and wheelchairs provided! There is no GangBall on October 20th or November 17th. This is a free event with a Liability Waiver signed at the door. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search/detail/40297?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Fall Equinox Sound Bath
2025-09-22 18:00 - 19:00
The fall equinox marks a time of introspection and release. Pause, let go, (re)balance and center, awakening our senses to the seasonal energetic shift. Kristi Moseley will offer a meditative soundscape to unwind and carry you into deep listening and renewal. Please bring padding to remain comfortable while reclined on the floor, a cozy blanket for warmth and a small pillow. Indoor event, located inside Woodstock’s Barn event space, please dress for varied temperatures. Seated, chair or reclined available. Dress in layers as room temperature may vary. Free parking onsite but limited, we suggest carpooling.
DAY/DATE: Monday / September 22
TIME: 6:00–7:00 pm (Check-in 5:45 pm)
AGES: 12 years and older (under 18 years with an adult)
COST: $28
Link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40283

Tim Kliphuis & Jimmy Grant, Pace Trumpet
2025-09-22 19:30 - 23:00
Join us on Monday September 22nd for an acoustic affair to remember in the heart of downtown B’ham with award-winning violin legend Tim Kliphuis (Holland) and rising star on manouche jazz guitar Jimmy Grant (LA).
The duo celebrates the music of Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Re-creating the 1930s in Paris, and drawing inspiration from current-day classical and folk music as well, they alternate moments of dazzling interplay with melancholy and sheer exhilaration in an inspired conversational journey that is different every night.
Featuring an opening set by local purveyors of nostalgia Pace Trumpet, a rotating regional collective offering songs and singalongs from early jazz and blues. With Christian Casolary on percussion, Pace Rubadeau on muted trumpet, Sarah Yates on the upright bass, and Zach Zenovic on rhythm guitar.
Tickets available via shakedownbellingham.com
Doors 7:30PM
Show 8PM
21+

Learn the Art of Crafting Chevre!
2025-09-24 17:30 - 20:30
Join Marisa Papetti of Marie’s Bees at Hela Provisions for a cozy cheesemaking demonstration where I’ll show you how to make fresh, creamy chèvre using local goat’s milk. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the option to purchase delicious food and wine while you watch. Browse their amazing selection of local and international gourmet goods, soak in the good vibes, and taste plenty of cheese along the way. Reserve your spot today for a fun, flavor filled experience!

All Hands Whatcom Summit
2025-09-25 08:30 - 16:30
Join us on September 24th and 25th for It’s All Connected, where we will explore the intersection of the opioid crisis, mental health, and incarceration through personal stories, local data, immersive learning experiences, and community-driven solutions. Change begins when our community comes together and builds a path forward rooted in justice, compassion, and healing.
The re-entry simulation on September 24th is at capacity. Please register and attend the Summit on Thursday, September 25th.

Boost Biodiversity in Your Garden with Insect-Friendly Habitat
2025-09-25 19:30 - 21:00
News of crashing insect populations may make you feel hopeless about the future. However, there are many things you can do to make a real difference in improving insect biodiversity where you live.
There is so much that you can do to make a difference in your garden! In Amy’s engaging and informative talk, you’ll learn about keystone plants, the fascinating creatures that show up when you welcome them in, and the importance of your garden’s habitat. She will give detailed information about eight simple steps that you can take to increase biodiversity and create a more insect-friendly habitat in your garden.
Amy Campion grew up in Minnesota and gardened in the Cincinnati area, where she worked at a wholesale nursery for 16 years. In 2013, she and her husband moved to Portland, Oregon. Amy is the co-author of Gardening in the Pacific Northwest: The Complete Homeowner’s Guide, along with Paul Bonine. She currently works at Garden Fever in Northeast Portland. Amy writes and speaks about gardening for insects and other wildlife, and she’s passionate about helping others make their own gardens more biodiverse.
To learn more go to The World’s Best Gardening Blog (Amy’s website and blog) http://amycampion.com

Relax & Restore
2025-09-29 18:00 - 2025-12-08 19:00
Relieve stress, relax and restore with a guided meditation, healing sounds and movement with licensed therapist, Layla Jasper. Learn tools to add more relaxation to your life. Bring a cozy set up including a pillow, blanket and cushy yoga mat. Pre-registration is required.
DAY/DATES: Monday / Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Nov. 24, Dec. 8
TIME: 6:00–7:00 pm
AGES: 18 years and older
LOCATION: Cordata Park Pavilion
COST: $15 each session
Link: http://apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/Activity_Search/40270

BMC matinee program for two pianos with Rebecca and Gabriel Mañalac
2025-10-01 10:30 - 11:30
Bellingham Music Club continues to “Elevate Your Spirit” with pianists Rebecca and Gabriel Mañalac in early October.
“Echoes and Departures” is a rich program for two pianos featuring composers from home and abroad. It includes works by Saint-Saëns, Rachmaninoff, Argentine composer Carlos Guastavino, plus the famous “La valse” by Ravel!!!
Join us for a matinee preview on Wednesday, October 1, at 10:30am, at First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave. in Bellingham. Free, open to all, and family friendly. This is BMC’s gift to the community!
The Mañalacs offer a longer recital on Friday, Oct. 3, 7:30pm. More information about these programs, BMC’s 110th season and other endeavors on https://bellinghammusicclub.org/

Birchwood Garden Club's October 1 Meeting
2025-10-01 19:00 - 21:00
Birchwood Garden Club
October Speaker Topic: “Iris—A Flower for All Seasons” with Patrick Spence of Cascadia Iris Gardens.
The October 1, 2025 meeting of the Birchwood Garden Club will be held in the Rotunda Room of the Old City Hall Museum, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
The speaker for the evening will be Patrick Spence of Cascadia Iris Gardens in Lake Stevens, Washington. His presentation is titled, “Iris—A Flower for All Seasons.”
Patrick and Margaret Spence began collecting Iris in 2004. Their collection grew so quickly that they opened Cascadia Iris Gardens in 2008 on a 1-acre property. By 2011 they needed a larger property and found a site with a suitable three acres. Patrick hybridizes Japanese iris and Sino-Siberian iris. Besides growing a number of unique irises, Patrick and Margaret continue to develop their display gardens.
The Birchwood Garden Club is accepting applications for donations to help support the efforts of non-profit organizations that offer opportunities in the realm of horticulture, agriculture or related fields. Applications are being accepted for up to $500 each from now until December 31 and awarded by March 1, 2026. Applications can be found at: https://www.birchwoodgardenclub.org/donate page.html. Follow the directions on this page to print a hard copy of the form.
Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit Counties. You are invited to join us at our monthly meetings where we will have membership brochures available to join our club. Check out our website, www.birchwoodgardenclub.org to see the fun activities and community services our club does! You can join us on Instagram and Facebook @ Birchwood Garden Club.

One Church - Whatcom Night of Worship
2025-10-02 17:00 - 19:30
Event Name: One Church – Whatcom Night of Worship
Date: Thursday, October 2
Time: Foodtrucks & Fun @ 5:00 PM | Worship @ 6:00 PM
Location: 4173 Meridian Street | CTK Bellingham
The heartbeat of this gathering is simple: unity in Jesus. On this special evening, churches, organizations, families, and individuals from across Whatcom County will come together in fellowship and worship as one body.
You can find us at @onechurchwhatcom on instagram or click here [https://shorturl.at/HSNzy] to respond to the Facebook event.

A Place to Call Home
2025-10-02 19:00 - 20:15
Bellingham local Bo Bestvina shares incredible guitar playing, soul-stirring lyrics, and stories about finding a place to call home.
For years, Bo had wanted to stitch together a creative life as a musician and writer. It just took losing a job, a pandemic, backpacking in Spain, and a surprise landing in Bellingham for things to settle in. In all of the changes, Bo wrote an album exploring his folk roots, fingerstyle guitar and songs to make people laugh, because sometimes you just gotta laugh.
Come listen to Bo’s songs and stories, and get a chance to reflect on your own journey towards wholeness, however unusual that may look.
Come out on Oct. 2nd at 7:00 pm to hear Bo’s music.
Website: www.bobestvina.com
Tickets: www.bobestvina.eventbrite.com/

Lydia McCauley Reunion Concert
2025-10-03 07:00 - 09:00
Join celebrated singer/songwriter Lydia McCauley for a special reunion concert featuring music from her six beloved albums—including Sabbath Day’s Journey, Entrances, The Beauty of the Earth, and more—plus new single releases. Known for her unique blend of Contemporary, Folk, and Classical styles, Lydia’s music has been described as “sophisticated Folk” and “therapy for the senses.”
Lydia will be joined by an ensemble of longtime collaborators for this one-night-only performance:
Phil Heaven – viola
Nancy Rumbel – Grammy Award-winning oboe and ocarina
Brian Cunningham – guitars
Lynne Givler – bass and vocals
Jay Darling – percussion
Together, they’ll bring you an evening of beautiful, transportive music that celebrates the natural world, ancient traditions, and timeless storytelling.
Tickets: $25.00
More information: Instagram.com/lydiamccauleymusic
