Bellingham Alive

Birchwood Garden Club's October Meeting
2023-10-04 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver)
Birchwood Garden Club’s October Meeting
Established 1931 ~ Bellingham, Washington
Planting Seeds of Friendship throughout our Community
The October meeting of the Birchwood Garden Club will be held October 4th at the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham’s Old City Hall, 121 Prospect Street. The doors open at 6:30 PM and the program starts at 7:00 PM. John Christianson will be our featured speaker and his topic will be, “Roses.”
John and his wife are the owners of Christianson’s Nursery in Mount Vernon. Their nursery carries over 500 varieties of Roses! John is knowledgeable about choosing Roses for specific purposes and situations, as well as what it takes to help them thrive here. Come join us for this interesting presentation! It’s time to start planning for next year’s blooms!
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 to join. Check out our website, www.birchwoodgardenclub.org to see the fun activities and community services our club does! You can also join us on Instagram and Facebook @ Birchwood Garden Club.
Birchwood Garden Club is offering a number of small grants to organizations in Whatcom and Skagit counties that promote education opportunities in the realm of horticulture, agricultural or related fields. Applications are being accepted now and will be awarded in January 2024. For more details and the applications visit the BGC website at birchwoodgardenclub.org and click on the “Donation/Grant” link.

Workshop: Drawing Exploratory (Class by Margaret Davidson)
2023-09-30 11:00 - 17:00
All experience levels welcome – workshop for ages 18 and up
Cost: $105 ($90 participation + $15 materials fee)
Where: In-person art class at the MoNA studio
When: Saturday, September 30 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM with 1 hour lunch
All Materials Provided
In this one-day workshop, we will throw ourselves into the fun – and sometimes the surprises – of discovering the relationships between the drawing mark and the drawing surface.
Starting with smooth paper, then moving to slightly textured paper, and then heavily textured paper, and finally drawing on things that aren’t even paper at all we will copy some of the greats, and also do something of our own. Participants can expect to make at least four finished drawings in various media.
RSVP at: monamuseum.org/events/margaretdavidsonworkshop

SKAGIT FARM TO PINT FEST
2023-09-30 | La Conner Marina
Showcasing the intoxicating bounty of the Skagit Valley’s fertile lands, Skagit Farm to Pint Fest gives you the opportunity to sample beers from many of the county’s breweries. You can chat with passionate brewers and farmers while you sample the astounding variety of beers and plenty of fresh local food, enjoy live music, and support our agricultural community. La Conner Marina, 613 N. 2nd St., La Conner, skagitfarmtopint.com

Truck Show-Neeter House of Luxury Jewelry Shop
2023-09-29 10:00 - 2023-09-30 19:00
Neeter House of Luxury Presents The Gabriel & Company, Artisan of Love Trunk Show – Receive a Free Gift with an appointment, Call 360-778-1613
Friday September 29 (10 am to 7 pm) Saturday September 30 (11 am to 6 pm)
Neeter House of Luxury 21- Bellwether Way, STE 107, On Marina Side. https://neeterhouseofluxury.com

SKAGIT BIGFOOT FEST 2023
2023-09-29 - 2023-10-30 | Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., Mount Vernon, WA, 98273, United States
Bigfoot enthusiasts and believers, welcome to the second annual Skagit Bigfoot Fest! This festival is put on by a team of Skagitonians who want to support local businesses and “Keep Skagit Wild.” Tons of live music, live comedy, Bigfoot talks, a beer and wine garden, and vendor markets will keep you busy, but keep your eyes peeled for Sasquatches– the costume contest guarantees you’ll see a few! Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., Mount Vernon, skagitbigfootfest.com

Muppet Movie
2023-09-24 14:30
Please join us for this special celebration of the life and legacy of Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, on his birthday — September 24. Two bargain-priced Sunday showings to choose from — bring the whole family!
In the Muppets’ first feature film, Kermit the Frog decides to pursue a movie career and starts a cross-country trip from Florida to California.
Along the way, he meets and befriends Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and rock musicians Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
When Kermit is offered a job by Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) to advertise the fried frog legs at Doc’s restaurant chain, Kermit turns Hopper down. However, Hopper refuses to relent and pursues Kermit and his companions to a final showdown.

CREATIVE ABSTRACTION
2023-09-24 00:00 - 2023-09-28 00:00 | Heartful Retreats, 8480 Thompson Beach Rd, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Stay & Play At A 5-Day Conceptual Painting Workshop
Wellness retreats are a healthful way to bring body and mind back into alignment, and to recenter the seat of soul in the spirit of loving kindness. At Heartful Retreats, the focus is on exploring our many selves through friendship, writing and art making, good food, and mindful spirituality. In this workshop, you’ll learn to create an original work from the ground up, applying essential painting and composition skills, and a design-driven methodology. What you will leave with is a finished project you can be proud of, a better understanding of the creative process, and meaningful friendships that add joy to life. Small class, big impact – space is limited so book now. Specific info about this Retreat can be found at www.heartfulretreats.com/retreats or contact Yvette Neumann @360-510-9819.

HELL'S BELLES
2023-09-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Swinomish Casino and Lodge, 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Hell’s Belles are back at Swinomish Casino and Lodge for a night of rock ‘n’ roll magic. This world-famous all-female band covers AC/DC’s greatest hits and was once endorsed by Angus Young (lead guitarist of AC/DC) himself. After performing all across the world including Singapore, Japan, Canada, and all over the U.S., they’re here in our corner of the Pacific Northwest! Swinomish Casino & Lodge,12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 1.888.288.8883, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

Dudestock
2023-09-23 18:30
We will be showing the Big Lebowski, have costume contests, bowling, and of course white Russians (for our 21+ attendees only, of course). All ages are welcome, but the movie is rated R. Enjoy!

Hello Autumn Soundbath and chakra Balancing session
2023-09-23 17:00 - 18:15
Say hello to fall and welcome Autumn! Come together to celebrate the change in seasons. We’ll take a trance journey to explore inner healing, rest and peace
Through the use of voice, singing bowls, bells, rattles, drums and other instruments, you’ll be guided through an inner journey. We will create a sacred space for inner reflection and physical relaxation.
We start with words of intention, and then we enter the journey through breath, meditation and sounds. Let the journey guide you in to your inner world, and allow the soundscapes of vibration to support you. You’ll leave the session feeling relaxed , centered, and grounded and connected with you body, mind and spirit.
Admission: Tickets are $37
Ticket link – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/welcome-autumn-relaxation-soundbath-chakra-bala-tickets-690661325617

Author Event
2023-09-23 16:00 - 17:00
Local poet Victoria McCallum will read from her newly released book I Dreamed the Ocean Froze in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Fairhaven on Sat., Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. Advanced registration is required: www.villagebooks.com. Also see Victoria’s website for more info: www.parrotfishpress.com.

Drawings are for all of us one at a time: Lecture by Margaret Davidson
2023-09-23 14:00 - 15:30
Drawing, by its very nature, is an intimate art form. Looking at any drawing, from any time period, becomes an immediate, familiar, private, and intense conversation with the artist. Join curator and artist Margaret Davidson for a lecture inspired by her exhibition Leading with Drawing.
Cost: Free for members | $5 suggested donation for non-members
Become a member today! Learn more at: monamuseum.org/membership
image credit
Margaret Davidson, “Button Coat with Super Strings,” 2011, colored pencil on rag paper, 33.75″ by 32.5″ framed

Drinking for Dogs
2023-09-23 13:00 - 18:00
Drinking for Dogs is back! After three years of online auctions, Happy Tails Happy Homes annual fundraising event will be LIVE and in-person on September 23 at Lost Giants Cider Company in Bellingham. Our silent auction begins at 1:00pm, ends at 6:00pm, and features goods and services from tons of local businesses, including vacation stays in Suncadia and Mazatlán! We will also have live music by Original Jim.
Happy Tails Happy Homes is a no-kill, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to protecting and serving the well-being of animals and fostering positive relationships between people and animals. We are an at-home foster program: no shelters, no offices, and no paid staff. All the money donated to HTHH goes directly to our animals.
Come out and support Happy Tails Happy Homes and enjoy a fun afternoon of food, drinks, and good music!
Saturday, Sept. 23 1:00-6:00PM
Lost Giants Cider Company
1200 Meador Ave.
Bellingham, WA
for more info, go to www.happytailshappyhomes.org

112 + JON B
2023-09-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip
112 is a late ‘90s to early 2000s R&B group with hits like Grammy award nominated song “Peaches & Cream” and “Only You,” plus an independently produced EP “Forever” released in 2020. Joining them is R&B singer-songwriter Jon B, whose first album in 1995 included the Grammy award nominated single “Someone to Love.” Together, this show is a powerhouse of classic American R&B! Orca Ballroom, Tulalip Resort Casino, 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd., Tulalip,888.272.1111, tulalipresortcasino.com

Belly Dance Fitness: An Introductory Workshop
2023-09-18 18:45 - 19:45
Sweat, shimmy, laugh, and dance in this FREE workshop designed to introduce you to the art of belly dance. If you’ve been curious about this fascinating dance style, come join instructor Rachel Carter for an introduction to the basics. Beginners welcome and encouraged! Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle. Pre-registration required.
http://whatcomcommunityed.com/

Bellingham Veg Fest
2023-09-17 10:00 - 15:00
Bellingham Veg Fest
Sunday, September 17th
10am-3pm
Barkley Village
2219 Rimland Drive
Bellingham Veg Fest is a free to attend, all-vegan, all-ages, family-friendly festival created to show how fun it is to live a vegan lifestyle. This event welcomes anyone and everyone— from the veg-curious to the experienced vegans.
Veg Fest stands for compassion for all humans and non-humans, sustainability of our planet, and support for our local vegan and vegan-friendly small businesses and nonprofits.
The Fest will feature food, art, crafts, kids corner, raffle, and more. Everything sold, distributed, and displayed at this event will be 100% vegan. Don’t forget to bring your reusable totes, containers, and utensils as this is a Toward Zero Waste event.
We are thrilled that this fest will be at the Barkley Village, a beautiful space with ample free onsite parking!

BELLINGHAM VEG FEST
2023-09-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Barkley Village
Bellingham Veg Fest is an annual event spreading the good word— vegan food is accessible, tasty, and for everyone (not just hardcore vegans)! A variety of vegan-friendly businesses will be there, and there will be live music, crafts, and yummy food to try. For more info, check out their site or our coverage on pg. 20. Barkley Village, Bellingham, bellinghamvegfest.org

Mt. Baker Hill Climb
2023-09-17 07:00 - 12:00
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 event. 1st female and male of each age division registered in the Competitive Division, receive a custom Voler Winners Jersey 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.
Individual: $80 early bird, $90 after; Tandem: $100 early bird, $120 after May 31st
Visit https://www.bakerhillclimb.com for more information.

Circling Home Launch Party
2023-09-14 18:00 - 19:00 | UW Bookstore, Seattle, WA, United States
Book launch party.
Circling Home chronicles the adventures and challenges of raising children overseas.
UW Bookstore 4326 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
September 14th – 6PM
Terryrepak.com

Whatcom Literacy Council: Volunteer Recruitment
2023-09-14 17:00 - 18:00
Come learn about the ways you can volunteer with the Whatcom Literacy Council, and how to make a positive impact on improving literacy rates in our community.
Program staff and current volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about our free adult literacy services.

Italo-Argentinian Wine Dinner with Catena Zapata Wines
2023-09-13 18:30 - 21:00
Come and celebrate Italy in Argentina with us.
Wednesday, September 13th, 6:30pm, at Milano’s
1210 11th Street
Bellingham, WA
$120/person, all included, plus tax and tips.
Reserve by phoning Milano’s 360 599 2863.
Make sure we confirm your reservation.
ITALY in ARGENTINA Wine DINNER MENU:
Aperitivo
Verano Porteño
Dry Gin, Danham Sauvignon Blanc wine, Quince Syrup, Grapefruit
Antipasto
Italian Chorizo Empanadas
Pairing: Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
Primo piatto
Canelones de Verdura – Chard and Ricotta Canelones
Made with Crepes instead of Pasta
Pairing: Natural la Marchigiana Chardonnay
Amusebuche
Provoleta with Faina
Baked Sharp Provolone with Garbanzo Flour Flat Bread
Pairing: Natural la Marchigiana Bonarda
Secondo piatto
Bistecca Milanesa
Breaded Steak with Ham and Mozzarella
Pairing: Pareja Altamira Malbec
Dolce
Chocolate Alfajores with salted Dulce de Leche Gelato
Pairing: Catena Appellation White Clay Chenin Blanc/Semillon
Digestivo
Il Generale
Lenda Aunty Molly Rye 100 proof, Aromatic Bitters
Red Wine Reduction – Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon Catena

WABI SABI
2023-09-12 00:00 - 2023-09-14 00:00 | Heartful Retreats, 8480 Thompson Beach Rd, Anacortes, WA, 98221, United States
Stay & Refresh With Our 2-Day Getaway Exploring Flawed Beauty
Wellness retreats are a healthful way to bring body and mind back into alignment, and to recenter the seat of soul in the spirit of loving kindness. At Heartful Retreats, the focus is on exploring our many selves through friendship, writing and art making, good food, and mindful spirituality. Through a combination of poetry, painting, drawing, and mixed media materials, you will explore the ideals of “handmade’ and the imperfections that make objects singular and meaningful. By allowing the process to unfold and becoming enveloped in the moment, mistakes and accidents will become your guide. Small class, big impact – space is limited so book now. Specific info about this Retreat can be found at www.heartfulretreats.com/retreats or contact Yvette Neumann @360-510-9819.

SIPPIN' ON CIDER
2023-09-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Lost Giants Cider, Bellingham, WA, United States
Shifting Gears, a Bellingham organization dedicated to making outdoor recreation welcoming and accessible for women, is hosting this cider tasting event! Community events like this one are the main avenue of funding for Shifting Gears’ no- or low-cost programming, so join them for a night of fun and cider! Lost Giants Cider Co., 1200 Meador Ave.,360.746.9841, Bellingham, letsshiftgears.com

TIG NOTARO: HELLO AGAIN TOUR
2023-09-08 19:30 - 22:30 | Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St, Bellingham
For one night only, catch Tig Notaro at the MBT! Notaro is a multi-talented knockout comedian, having written and acted in numerous shows, authored a New York Times best selling memoir, and endeared audiences all over the world with her dry but relatable wit. Why not get ready for the show by checking out one or both of her podcasts? Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, 360.734.6080, mountbakertheatre.com

Birchwood Garden Club's September Meeting
2023-09-06 19:00 - 21:00
Birchwood Garden Club’s September Meeting
Established 1931 ~ Bellingham, Washington
Planting Seeds of Friendship throughout our Community
The first meeting of the Birchwood Garden Club’s 2023-2024 season will feature Erika Simms of West Coast Seeds.
West Coast Seeds is in Delta, B.C. Their catalog and gardening guide is full of information, most notably their South Coastal B.C. Planting Guides, with detailed schedules that apply to us here.
Erika Simms is a Vancouver, B.C. native who loves to garden and share her passion. She has been with West Coast Seeds since 2016 and is currently working as the Community Roots Program Coordinator. Please join us for what will be a fun and informative meeting!
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 to join. Check out our website, www.birchwoodgardenclub.org to see the fun activities and community services our club does! You can also join us on Instagram and Facebook @ Birchwood Garden Club.

JUNGLE BROTHERS
2023-09-01 20:00 | The Shakedown, 1212 N State St, Bellingham
If you missed them in February, don’t make the same mistake this month! Legendary hip-hop group Jungle Brothers return to Bellingham’s own The Shakedown. Lauded as innovative since the ‘80s, the group was once a part of the Native Tongues collective along with huge names like De La Soul and Queen Latifah. Enjoy their hits and songs from 2020 album “Keep it Jungle” at this intimate show. The Shakedown,1212 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.1067, shakedownbellingham.com

ORCAS ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL
2023-09-01 - 2023-09-03 | Orcas Center, 917 Mt. Baker Rd., Eastsound, WA, 98245, United States
Since 2015, the Orcas Island Jazz Festival has aimed to celebrate and educate about this great musical art form. With highly regarded jazz artists performing on all three days, this festival brings together Orcas Island locals and visitors, young and old, aficionados and amateur appreciators for a riotous good time. Orcas Center, 917Mount Baker Rd., Eastsound, 360.376.2281, orcasislandjazzfestival.org

PNWaffle Festival
2023-08-26 11:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Bellingham, Bellingham, WA, 98225, United States
Our International Waffle Festival will feature sweet and savory waffle food trucks & booths, live Scandinavian, Irish and Scottish music, a pop-up art gallery, and cultural vendors, as well as a waffle bake-off competition, with guest chefs from waffle restaurants in the PNW and proceeds going to the Bellingham Food Bank. We will be inviting local farmers to participate in our event as well, to have booths.

The Old Milano's Wine Dinner!
2023-08-23 18:30 - 21:00
Join us in Fairhaven for a culinary pairing adventure paying homage to the Old Milano’s! With a menu of popular dishes of old, created with the freshest quality ingredients, we’ve paired this five-course menu with delectable wines from our cellar.
August 23rd, 6:30PM
Milano’s
1210 11th Street
Bellingham
360.599.2863
Reservation Required
$100 per person
Hi Amberleigh,
It’s just Karen without the “n”. 🙂
I am familiar with Bellingham Alive. We used to run a couple of ads here and there, and we’ve participated in the Best of the Northwest and the 31 Days of Giveaways in the past. I’m very happy to chat about options. To level with you, our budget is not what it used to be pre-pandemic, and we don’t have much wiggle room. If there are opportunities to work out ad trades or ticket giveaways to offset costs, I’m totally down to chat. Otherwise, I’m not sure we’ll be able to afford much advertising with you this season.
Cheers!
Celebrating the Old Milano’s – 33 years of History
Antipasto
Pan Seared Calamari
Tri-color Peppers, Red Onions, Olive oil, White Wine (no breadcrumbs!)
Pairing
Mealhada Vinho Verde, Portugal
Primo Piatto
Carbonara
Prosciutto, Cream, Garlic, Linguini
Pairing
Sensi Pinot Noir
Amuse Buche
Calabrese Lasagna
Italian Ham, Bolognese, Ricotta, House made Pasta
Pairing
Sensi Sangiovese
Secondo Piatto
Chicken Sarda
Chicken Breast, Mushrooms, Pepperoncini, Vodka-marinara-cream Sauce, with Pesto Fettuccini
Pairing
Sensi Nero D’avola
Dolci
Lemon Polenta Cake with Torte al Limone Gelato
Pairing
Lamborghini Sparkling Black Brut

Art in the Garden Bash
2023-08-20 14:00 - 17:00
Sunday, August 20th, 2:oopm-5:00pm
Tickets are $30 per person
Stroll the Lavone Newell Reim Destination Garden, admiring works by well-known Skagit artists while surrounded by the sounds of Skagit Symphony & Friends Music Ensembles ~ You don’t want to miss this Gardens of Note!
Garden Tour Ticket Outlets (cash or check ONLY)
Azusa Garden Centre ~ 14904 Hwy 20, Mount Vernon
Christianson’s Nursery ~ 15806 Best Rd, Mount Vernon
The Old Thompson’s Greenhouse ~ 6412 SR 9, Sedro-Woolley
The Wishing Rock ~ 716 Commercial Ave, Anacortes
Tri-Dee Arts ~ 215 S 1st St, Mount Vernon
Or on Brown Paper Tickets
Please Note that his private garden features sensitive landscapes with uneven terrain. Some areas may not be suitable for walkers or wheelchairs. Alcohol will be served so only folks 21 years of age and up are permitted. Service animals only, please. Carpooling recommended.
