Kilmacurragh: the evolution of an 18th century Irish Garden and its Spectacular Meadows
2025-04-29 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Denver)
Whatcom Horticultural Society is exceptionally excited to welcome you to this engaging lecture by Seamus O’Brien, one of Ireland’s best-known horticulturists and Head Gardener of the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh, County Wicklow. This garden estate is famous for its conifer and extensive rhododendron collections, and under Seamus’s direction, is being restored.
The recent rejuvenation of the dramatic Kilmacurragh native wildflower meadows is one of the highlights of this talk. Seamus will describe the process and unique plants employed to create the colorful tapestry of ever-changing seasonal wildflowers, including snowdrops, crocuses, narcissi, and native orchids.
We will also enjoy a glimpse into the evolution of Kilmacurragh with its rich and fascinating history dating back to monastic origins in the 1600s. In the 19th century, it became a wild-style ‘Robinson’ garden when the latest discoveries of plants and exotic trees from world expeditions were added. Recently, the gardens have undergone a major replanting program using material raised at multiple botanical gardens from collaborative expeditions worldwide.
Seamus has travelled extensively to many areas of the world to study plants in their native habitats. From these expeditions he has published two award winning books; In the Footsteps of Augustine Henry and his Chinese Collectors (2011), and In the Footsteps of Joseph Dalton Hooker: A Sikkim Adventure (2018). He regularly contributes to Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, The Irish Garden, The Irish Garden Plant Society Newsletter and the International Dendrology Society Year Book.
For additional information and a look at the wildflower meadow garden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlbbtqEl67E

Whatcom Literacy Council's 29th Annual Trivia Bee
2025-04-30 18:00 - 20:30
Join the Whatcom Literacy Council for our 29th annual TRIVIA BEE fundraiser on Wednesday, April 30th from 6:30 pm to 8pm.
Ryan Budds of TRIVIA WITH BUDDS will team up with Scotty VanDryver of KAFE Radio to provide a fast paced and interactive platform for an online trivia night akin to Jeopardy! Register your team (3 people) on our webpage for $75 or just watch for free. Teams compete in four rounds on a variety of topics; this year one of the rounds will be all LOCAL (Whatcom County) trivia!! Winners going home with the traveling “Totten Trophy” and all proceeds go to support the wonderful free adult literacy programs offered by the Whatcom Literacy Council. Because it is a virtual ZOOM event participants can play from anywhere, with answers submitted via cell phone.
For local residents who would like to meet in person Aslan Depot (1322 N State, Bellingham, WA) will be showing the event on a big screen, and supporting the Whatcom Literacy Council by donating $1 for every pint purchased. It is recommended that you arrive around 6pm to find a table and order drinks and food before the game begins at 6:30pm.

Best Hiking Trails in Whatcom County by Ken Wilcox
2025-05-01 19:00 - 20:30
Ken Wilcox, an expert in outdoor recreation, will be leading an engaging event exploring the best local hiking trails in Whatcom County. Attendees can expect to learn about the region’s diverse landscapes and discover hidden gems for outdoor adventure.
-May 1st
-7pm-8:30pm
-Backcountry Essentials

Plant Sale
2025-05-02 10:00 - 2025-05-03 15:00
Veggies, Flowers & Herbs available this year, at the annual Kiwanis Club Plant Sale. Visit us May 2 & 3 at 1515 Birchwood (across from old Big Lots), from 10am – 3pm both days. https://www.facebook.com/groups/kiwanisclubbellinghamwa/

Mother’s Day Bouquet Painting
2025-05-02 15:30 - 18:00
In this workshop, we will paint a lovely bouquet of flowers in watercolor that can be gifted just in time for Mother’s Day. Instructor Angela Wright will guide you step-by-step through the process, while you learn how to paint an array of beautiful flowers to gift or keep. Bring Mom herself for the fun of painting together or even gift the class!
Class Fee: $48
Ages: 16+
Registration Deadline: 05/01 12 PM

Open Roller Skate
2025-05-02 18:00 - 20:00
Throw on your roller skates or roller blades and free skate with us! Bring your own skates; helmets and pads (elbow, knee, and wrist) recommended.

Saturday Jazz Brunch
2025-05-03 08:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-10 08:00 - 12:00
Your Weekend Indulgence!
Brunch just got even better—Hotel Leo now invites you to savor the perfect blend of delicious flavors and live jazz every Saturday and Sunday at our Jazz Brunch.
Treat yourself to a spread of breakfast and brunch favorites, from classic staples to indulgent treats, all served in the elegant setting of our historic hotel. Raise a glass with a mimosa or Bloody Mary, or opt for one of our refreshing mocktails to keep it light. As you dine, let the sounds of live jazz set the mood for a relaxing and refined weekend.
Whether it’s a weekly tradition or a special treat, Jazz Brunch at Hotel Leo is the perfect way to gather with loved ones, enjoy great company, and savor a memorable experience.
Every Saturday & Sunday | Live Music
Reserve your table today and make brunch the highlight of your weekend!

Birchwood Garden Club's 32nd Annual Plant Sale!!!
2025-05-03 11:00 - 14:00
Birchwood Garden Club’s 32nd Annual Plant Sale!
Saturday, May 3rd
11 AM until 2 PM
Cash or Check Only Please
Birchwood Garden Club’s 32nd annual plant sale will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. The sale will be in the lower level conference room of the Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Avenue, Bellingham, WA.
We will have a wonderful assortment of plants for sale, including annuals, perennials, veggie starts, indoor plants, pots and choice selections from our member’s gardens and more! Come early for best selection!
Cash or check only please.
Proceeds from our sale benefit numerous community organizations including maintenance of the Whatcom Museum and Bellingham Public Library gardens along with gardening literature for children and adults at the library. The club also uses sale proceeds for grants in our community.
We will have BGC membership details available at our sale if you would like to join our fun garden club!
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 join us on Instagram and Facebook @ Birchwood Garden Club.

Creators Coven Art Market : Surrey
2025-05-03 14:00 - 21:00
Shop from 30+ alternative artists, enjoy three performers at 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm; live body painting, tarot card reading, tattoos, a food truck, a drink cart, and a bar!
Tickets are $6.66 at creatorscoven.com or $10 at the door

Into The Woods ~ Musical
2025-05-03 19:00 - 2025-05-10 22:00
Nooksack Valley H.S. drama presents “Into The Woods”. Come and enjoy this wonderful musical.
Saturday, May 3rd @ 7pm
Friday, May 9th @ 7pm
Saturday, May 10th @ 2pm & 7pm
3326 E Badger Rd, Everson, WA 98247

Sunday Jazz Brunch
2025-05-04 08:00 - 12:00

Spring Car Show - WCCA
2025-05-04 09:00 - 14:00
Calling all makes, models, and motorcycle enthusiasts! If it has two or more wheels and an engine, it’s welcome! This is the first of our three shows for this year. It will be held at Les Schwab in Ferndale from 9am-2pm. You can look forward to dash plaques, trophies, raffle, 50/50 draw, free NSRA inspections, and club T-shirts for sale. Food trucks will be on site. We support Ferndale Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club, Vietnam Veteran chapter #165, and Project Santa Claus. No pre-registration available. $20 registration day-of and on-site only. Spectators are free. www.wccacruisers.org
shelby.harksell@gmail.com

Youth Outrigger Paddling Lessons
2025-05-06 16:15 - 2025-08-21 17:30
One of the core goals of Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) is to honor and respect Polynesian cultural traditions through the promotion of both competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, families, and the community. Keiki (kids) ages 8-14 will enjoy games on and off the water and learn to paddle as a team in a 6-person outrigger canoe! Sign up for one or more of the 4 sessions throughout the summer, which includes opportunities to race with your BBOP team! Visit our webpage for more information: https://www.bbop.us/youth-program

Birchwood Garden Club's May 7th Meeting
2025-05-07 19:00 - 21:00
Birchwood Garden Club
Established 1931-Bellingham, Washington
Planting Seeds of Friendship throughout our Community
May Speaker Topic: Fungi in the Garden.
The May 7, 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.
Our speaker will be our own Fred M. Rhoades who will talk about “Fungi in the Garden and Yard: The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful.” He will discuss where the fungi fit into the scheme of things and some of the beneficial and harmful mushrooms and other fungi you can find or encourage in your gardens and yards. He will also present a survey of some mushroom art he’s seen in local gardens.
Fred M. Rhoades is a mycologist/lichenologist, retired instructor, and current research associate in the Biology Department at Western Washington University. He lives in Bellingham, where he continues to pursue his interests in gardening, cryptogamic botany (lower spore producing, plant-like organisms), and natural-history photography. Please join us for this most interesting presentation!
Remember—-Birchwood Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale is coming up! Saturday, May 3, 2025. Bellingham’s Central Public Library, lower level conference room, 121 Central Avenue. 11 AM until 2 PM. Cash only please!
Birchwood Garden Club membership is open to anyone in Whatcom or Skagit Counties. You are invited to join us at our monthly meetings. Membership brochures will be available.
Check 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.

Sunnyland Art Walk
2025-05-09 16:00 - 18:00
We are so excited to be participating in another community art walk! Stop by Hela Provisions on the route for a wine, cheese, and non-alcoholic product tasting from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Find more information about our neighbors and local artists on the @sunnylandartwalk account on Instagram.

Sunnyland Sip + Stroll
2025-05-09 17:00 - 20:00
Sip, Stroll, Stamp — and WIN! | Join the Sunnyland artists and breweries for the Downtown Sunnyland Sip + Stroll on Friday, May 9th from 5–8 PM!
Ready to sip, stroll, and snag some seriously good prizes?
Here’s the deal:
Grab a Sip + Stroll Passport at any participating location.
Wander Sunnyland, stopping by local businesses and artists’ studios for sips, art, and cool vibes.
Earn stamps at each passport location.
Turn in your stamped passport to win some stellar raffle prizes — including gift certificates, local merchandise, and original art!
More stamps = more chances to win. (And hey, bragging rights too.)
Sip a little.
Stroll a lot.
Stamp your way to sweet prizes, all while supporting artists.
Mark your calendar:
Friday, May 9, 5–8 PM, Sunnyland neighborhood.
See you on the stroll!

Spring Wine Walk
2025-05-09 17:30 - 21:00
The 11th Annual Spring Wine Walk is here! Stroll through 19 Downtown shops as they transform into pop-up tasting rooms featuring a variety of regional wines. Attendees receive 10 tasting tickets to sample their favorites while retailers offer exclusive deals. All proceeds support the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Kick off Mother’s Day weekend by sipping, shopping, and celebrating local!
VIP Experience at Red Star Taco – $65/ticket ✨
Want to elevate your Wine Walk? VIP ticket holders start the evening early at Red Star Taco with an exclusive experience:
🍷 A complimentary glass of wine OR a slushy margarita
🧀 A quesadilla, chips, and dip bar
💃 Early check-in from 4:30–6:30 PM so you can sip, snack, and get a head start on the fun!
Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out on this special VIP perk!
General Tickets – $40/ticket ✨
General tickets include:
🎟 10 tasting tickets
🛍️ Organic cotton tote bag
🍷 Stemless wine glass
EVENT DETAILS
CHECK-IN LOCATIONS & TIMES
General Admission Check-In: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Crown Plaza Building Lobby (114 W. Magnolia Street)
Wineries begin pouring at 5:30 PM
VIP Check-In: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Red Star Taco (1327 N. State Street)
VIP guests receive a complimentary glass of wine or a slushy margarita, access to a build-your-own quesadilla bar, and three additional tasting tickets.
Tickets: Each ticket has a corresponding QR code attached to your confirmation email. No printout needed—simply show it on your device at check-in.
Age Requirement: All attendees must be 21+ and present a valid ID at check-in. You’ll receive:
A wristband required for tasting
Tasting tickets (10 for General Admission, 13 for VIP)
An event guide with venue details
A tasting glass and tote bag
WINE PURCHASES
Love what you’re tasting? Purchase bottles directly at each tasting location.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
Parking: The Commercial Street Parking Garage is free after 6:00 PM and remains free until 11:00 AM Saturday, giving you time to return for brunch and pick up your vehicle.
Public Transit: The WTA Bus Station is located just two blocks away on the 1400 block of Railroad Avenue.
FOOD OPTIONS
Grab-and-go food options will be available from AB Crepes, El Capitan’s, Pye Hole, Saltadena, & Sweet As Waffles. Some tasting venues will also offer light snacks.
EVENT RULES & SAFETY
No alcohol may be consumed on public streets or sidewalks. Each venue has a special liquor license, and violations can result in fines and event expulsion. Please respect liquor laws to ensure this event can continue in the future.
Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle. Public restrooms are available in the Commercial Street Plaza next to the parking garage.
Questions? Contact the Downtown Bellingham Partnership at (360) 527-8710.
Thank you to our sponsor, Greenhouse!
https://www.downtownbellingham.com/wine-walk

Everon Lions Club Rummage Sale Fundraiser
2025-05-10 09:00 - 15:00
Rummage Sale Fundraiser for the Everson Lions Club! All proceeds go back into community needs! The Everson Lions Club use funds to give annual scholarships to High School students, donate to the Cub Scouts, Plocal fire department, provide free dictionaries to local 3rd grade students, fund hearing aids for those in need along with supporting Lions Camp Horizon in Blaine, WA for people with disabilities and much more!
Rummage Sale will be May 10th from 9AM to 3PM at the Everson Lions Club Medical Equipment Warehouse, rain or shine! All types of items from Plant starts (Hostas, Christmas Cactus, Jade, etc) to clothes, books, antique/vintage items, furniture, decor and more!
Find a great Mother’s or Father’s Day gift or a hidden treasure you didn’t know you needed!
Everson Lions Club websites: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/everson/index.php and https://eversonlionsclub.org/

Jr Ski to Sea
2025-05-10 09:00 - 15:00
May 10th 2025
The Jr Ski to Sea Race in Bellingham has been taking place from Mt Baker to Lake Padden. This timed event for 3rd – 12th graders features skiing/snowboarding, running, biking and kayaking. An award ceremony follows the races.
Contact: Kelcy King
Email: jrrace@skitosea.com
Phone: 360-746-8861
Website: https://skitosea.com/jrrace/

The Path to Kindness
2025-05-10 19:00 - 21:00
Kulshan Chorus presents “The Path to Kindness,” directed by Dustin Willetts. Inspired by the book of poems by the same name (edited by James Crews), this uplifting concert about connection and joy encourages us to combine self-care with acts of kindness towards others. Consider joining us not only for the performance but in reading this encouraging poetry along the way. Stay tuned for more info! www.kulshanchorus.org, info@kulshanchorus.org

Mother's Day Brunch
2025-05-11 08:00 - 14:00
Join us for no ordinary brunch!
This Mother’s Day, treat her to a celebration that hits all the right notes. We’re serving up crave-worthy classics with seasonal twists, signature brunch cocktails, and a live set by Tenderpile’s De Dream—bringing smooth Sade covers and soulful Sunday jams. Because Mom deserves more than just flowers.
May 11, 2025 8am-2pm

Mother's Day Brunch
2025-05-11 09:30 - 13:00
Join us this Mother’s Day at Chuckanut Bay Distillery for a very special brunch in our historic upstairs ballroom. Enjoy a chef-crafted menu, live music, and a setting full of charm. In addition to a complete array of breakfast buffet items, we’ll be featuring a selection of delicious starters, as well as a live carving station featuring seasoned medium rare strip loin. Plus, every mom receives a complimentary “Momosa” to make the day even sweeter! From 9:30am to 1pm on May 11th – reservations required, space is limited.
$60 for adults; $30 ages 10 & under (5 & under free)
* Alcoholic beverages are a la carte and not included in the brunch buffet price.

Mother's Day on the Bay
2025-05-11 14:00 - 16:00
Celebrate Mother’s Day on the Bay!
Looking for a unique way to honor everything that she’s done for you? (Let’s be honest- it’s a lot.) Join us at the Community Boating Center this Mother’s Day for an unforgettable afternoon on the water!
From 2:00 to 4:00 PM, explore Bellingham Bay at your own pace with sit-on-top kayaks. This self-guided experience is perfect for soaking in the beauty of the bay while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or trying it out for the first time, we’ve got you covered. Moms paddle for FREE, and family members can join at a discounted rate of just $30 for a 2-hour session!
Are you interested in something extra special? We’re also offering a discounted sunset sailboat rental! We will provide you with a skipper- and with only one boat available, families are encouraged to book early to secure this serene experience!
Let’s make this day as remarkable as the moms who inspire us with their love, strength, and selflessness. Pre-registration preferred. Thank you, moms, for everything you do!

Whatcom Genealogical Society
2025-05-12 14:00 - 16:00
Ancestry DNA – a presentation by Peg Mertl
Join us for an enlightening presentation on Ancestry.com DNA.
Peg is an accomplished Ancestry DNA researcher and collaborator and serves as a volunteer at the local Family History Center.
May 12, 2025, 2 pm
2007 Cherry St. Ferndale, WA
Contact information: whatcomgenesoc@gmail.com
WGS Web: https://www.whatcom-gen-soc.org

Life Drawing Bellingham
2025-05-13 18:30 - 21:00
Life drawing from the live model – All levels welcome!
– $20 at the door, Cash/Card/Venmo
– Doors at 6p / Poses begin at 6:45p
– Materials & Snacks provided
– Short to long poses
– More details at www.lifedrawingbellingham.com
These are uninstructed events for anyone who enjoys or is curious about drawing from a live model. First-timers always welcome!
We provide a welcoming and supportive environment so that everyone can get into their creative flow.
The poses are timed, starting with shorter poses to warm up, gradually building up to longer poses, with breaks throughout.
** Stay up to date & Follow us on instagram @lifedrawingbellingham + Join our mailing list at www.lifedrawingbellingham.com **

All Voices Pop Up Chorus
2025-05-13 19:00 - 2025-06-17 20:30
Did you sing in school or in the church choir or love to sing in the shower? Then join the All-Voices Pop-Up Chorus put on by the Mount Baker Toppers. Learn to sing 4-part acapella harmony from award-winning teachers for six weeks and then perform A Night of Acapella on June 21st at the Fairhaven Green. It’s free and it’s fun. Ages 12-99 welcome! Stop by The Majestic on May 13th and check it out!
https://topperschorus.org/

Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn
2025-05-14 00:00 - 2025-05-21 23:59
5/14/25 – 5/21/25
One of Whatcom County’s longest-running community fundraising events, Dine Out for Maple Alley Inn is a weeklong celebration to support local restaurants, strengthen the community, and help end local hunger. All you have to do is visit any of the restaurants at oppco.org/dineout, and a portion of your purchase will go to support Maple Alley Inn, Opportunity Council’s hot meals program. Enjoying meals in your community can provide free hot meals to those who need them.
About Maple Alley Inn:
Since 1987, Maple Alley Inn has been dedicated to serving healthy and sustaining meals and fighting hunger in Whatcom County.  Offering all that a family meal provides, Maple Alley Inn has historically served a diverse community of low-income families, people experiencing homelessness, veterans, isolated seniors, individuals in recovery, and others by offering the chance to come together, dine in dignity, offer companionship, and share their stories. Meals are prepared from scratch and feature organic vegetables from the Maple Alley Inn Community Garden.
Contact anneliese_deleon@oppco.org or 360-734-5121 ext. 1333 for more information.

Spring Wine Release
2025-05-14 18:00 - 22:00
Join winemakers to introduce two new wines: Vintage Port and Rose of Cabernet Franc!
At 6PM on Wednesday, May 14th: 1678 Boblett Street in Blaine (exit 275) — free pizza, live music, wine tasting and a special announcement!

The 2025 La Conner Guitar Festival presents... Tracy Spring's workshop::"Unpacking Great Songs"
2025-05-16 12:00 - 13:30
A great lyric. A lovely bridge. An unexpected melodic line or chord structure. What caught your ear or captured your heart? We’ll bring our favorite songs to this workshop and learn about songwriting by exploring the great moves that someone else made. Bonus points if you bring a song you love, and then play a song you’ve written that incorporates one of those great moves! No prior songwriting experience is required to participate; just bring a favorite song to share with the group.
Tickets: $30 advance/$35 at the Box Office (Maple Hall, 104 Commercial St., La Conner, WA
https://laconnerguitarfestival.com/workshops
