Whatcom Literacy Council's 30th Annual Trivia Bee
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver) | WA
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!

Charles Villiers: Untethered
2026-05-19 11:00 - 2026-08-01 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!
Charles Villiers belongs to a generation of artists whose careers developed outside rigid institutional frameworks, shaped instead by personal exploration, experimentation, and sustained studio practice. Active for several decades, Villiers has produced a body of work that spans painting, sculpture, drawing, mixed media, photography, digital image-based works, and even music, reflecting a lifelong commitment to visual inquiry and creative independence.

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

Doreen Wynja “The Spirited Garden: Creative Private Retreats”
2026-05-21 19:00 - 20:30
A Visual Presentation of 17 Garden-makers in the Pacific Northwest
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Whatcom Museum, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham
7PM – Doors open at 6:30pm
Tickets: $10 Members, $15 General
We are delighted to welcome photographer Doreen Wynja who will share highlights from her stunning new book, The Spirited Garden: Creative Private Retreats (Rizzoli, 2025). Her images capture the richly realized and profoundly personal visions of 17 garden-makers in the Pacific Northwest, from the Willamette Valley to the Salish Sea. This visually powerful presentation will fill you with inspiration and encourage you to get out into your garden and create your own magic.
Oregon-based Doreen has been photographing plants and gardens for over twenty years. Known for her ability to capture the spirit, story, and personality of gardens, her work has appeared in Garden Design, Fine Gardening, Landscape Architecture, American Gardener and Marin Magazine. She has been an outside contractor for Monrovia Nursery since 2004, and has a host of other commercial clients, including artists and garden designers.
Doreen’s book, The Spirited Garden: Creative Private Retreats, co-written with Lorene Edwards Forkner, will be for sale at the lecture

Chasing Sunsets, Artist Reception with Andrea Kendall
2026-05-22 18:00 - 20:00
The Studio at Istari Creative hosts an artist’s reception for Chasing Sunsets, new paintings by Andrea Kendall. Watercolor and mixed media on paper, atmospheric and layered work exploring light, landscape, and the magical line between day and night. Free and open to the public. Wine and conversation. The exhibition runs April 24 through June 26, 2026. Contact: david@istaricreative.com, istaricreative.com

LIVE MUSIC _ Haley and the Haymakers
2026-05-22 18:00 - 20:00
Summer is right around the corner—come enjoy live music in the Acme Diner beer garden!
Join us on May 22nd from 6–8 PM for a live performance by Haley & the Haymakers, a local country band playing all over Whatcom County. Featuring lead singer Haley Holmes, lead guitarist Mark Williams, and Jacob Hoffman on cajón, their sound brings a fresh, energetic take on country with a laid-back, feel-good vibe.
Kick back outside with friends, grab a drink, and enjoy an evening of live music, great food, and small-town charm as we ease into summer.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll move the show indoors—either way, the music plays on.
Whether you’re meeting friends, planning a date night, or just looking for a reason to get out and enjoy a spring-to-summer evening, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Lummi Island Artists' Tour
2026-05-23 11:00 - 17:00
Lummi Island Artists’ Studio Tour. Free. Over 30 artists and artisans present a wide variety of creations. Tour small group and individual studios. Free tour map available at The Islander next to ferry landing. Saturday and Sunday.

Lummi Island Memorial Weekend Art Tour
2026-05-23 11:00 - 2026-05-24 17:00
In addition to featured glass artist, Art Hohl, enjoy the work of over 30 artists and craftspeople showing at 14 locations around the island: paintings, drawings, prints, note cards, jewelry, photography, sculpture, woodwork, pottery, metalwork, stonework, quilts, clothing, knitwear and more! Maps are available at lummi-island.com or the Islander Store. Preview artists on Instagram at lummi.island.art.studio.tour and Facebook at Lummi Island Art Studio Tour. To get to Lummi Island take I-5 to exit 260 and head west on Slater road. At the light turn left onto Haxton Way and go south to the ferry dock. Line up for an 8-minute ferry ride. Pay on board credit or debit card only. For ferry schedule go to https://www.whatcomcounty.us/562/Ferry-Schedule.

Skagit Valley Farmers Market
2026-05-24 10:00 - 2026-10-04 15:00
The Skagit Valley Farmers Market is a vibrant gathering place where local farmers, artisans, and food vendors come together to share the best of the region. With fresh produce, handcrafted goods, delicious food, and live music, the market creates a family-friendly, welcoming space that celebrates community, supports our farms and small businesses, and brings people together!
We are located on the beautiful grounds of Christianson’s Nursery in Mt. Vernon, WA. The SVFM runs from 10 AM – 3 PM every Sunday, beginning with our big kickoff on May 24 and finishing on October 4.
For more information, you can visit our website at:
https://www.christiansonsnursery.com/2026-skagit-valley-farmers-market/
Or reach us by email at svfm.christiansons@gmail.com. Be sure to visit our Instagram @skagitvalleyfarmersmarket.
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are always welcome!
