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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Three buildings for the price of one

Pictured above is a view from the second floor of the Lightcatcher Studio at 250 Flora St. Below left is one of the many exhibits of the Old City Hall at 121 Prospect St. Below right is the Old Fire Station at 201 Prospect St. These three buildings make up the Whatcom Museum in Bellingham. All are accessible with one paid admission, and free the first Friday of each month. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)

Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

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Whatcom Museum offers past and present of history and art Vivid Victorian will be on exhibit until Sept. 27, 2026.

The Museum explains at its website that petrified wood is a type of fossil BELLINGHAM — Art tells us as created by the millennia-long process much about the past as it does about of permineralization. It begins with a the present. Same goes for history. tree that is buried quickly, perhaps by Both are true at the Whatcom Muvolcanic ash or mud. In these oxygenseum in Bellingham and its three buildfree conditions, the tree is protected ings: Old City Hall, The Lightcatcher from decay.

Studio and the Old Fire Station No. 1.

On display through April 25, 2027, Since January 2024 the first Friday Painted Forest: of each month is The Science and Free First Friday, Beauty of Petrimeaning free adfied Wood was mission, extended made possible hours until 9 p.m. thanks to a loan and special free f ro m t h e R i ce programming.

Northwest MuEach month, seum of Rocks & Whatcom Museum Minerals in Hillsbrings a different boro, Oregon. mix of artists, perHours at Old formers and exCity Hall are perts to lead worknoon-5 p.m. shops and activities Wednesday for all ages. through Sunday, A visit to the closed Monday Old City Hall at 121 a n d Tu e s d a y.

Prospect St., or However, Free next door at the Old First Friday hours Fire Station No. 1 at at Old City Hall 201 Prospect St. is are 10 a.m. until akin to taking a trip 9 p.m. back into BellingNext door ham’s origins. to Old City Hall Currently on ex- Patrons are shown looking at abstract art that is part of the Lightis Old Fire Stahibit at 121 Pros- catcher Studio’s permanent collection. The first Friday of each tion No. 1 at 201 pect are Painted month means free admission at any of the Whatcom Museum’s Prospect St. This Forest: The Science three units. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune) is home to the and Beauty of Petmuseum’s photo rified Wood, Vivid archives and is open to the public from Victorian: Whatcom County Fashions Room.

Vivid Victorian: Whatcom County 1-5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. from 1860-1900, and a collection of black and white photographs of the Fashions from 1860-1900 is a collec- Always free to access.

The research room is accessed at tion of black and white photographs Bellingham Symphony Orchestra.

According to the museum’s web- and various pieces from the Museum’s the back-alley entrance of the building, site, the orchestra’s 50th anniversary clothing collection “that dazzled so- next to Old City Hall. Ring the buzzer at “was the perfect opportunity to exhibit cial events and held up to the rugged the marked door to be admitted.

During public hours, the photo a selection of photographs from the streets and daily struggles of the era,” Whatcom Museum Photo Archives the Whatcom Museum website states. archives are accessible through the Vivid Victorian was curated by Whatcom Museum’s in-house datadocumenting key moments in BellingNaomi Whiting, a Bellingham resident, base, Past Perfect 5.0. ham’s fascinating music history.”

Using the database, researchers This exhibit, ongoing since October textile specialist and conservator “with 2025, includes turn-of-the-century a long-standing interest in historical images of the Bellingham Choral and clothing.”

See Whatcom Museum on 4

By Bill Helm Editor

Musical Society, Benny Goodman’s performance at Western Washington University, and more that show how Bellingham has been host “to many talented musicians.”

“Thanks to the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra, we are a vibrant musical community still,” the exhibit’s listing states.

These two dozen photographs are on display in 121 Prospect’s Rotunda

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Whatcom Museum: Offers history & art Continued from 3

may search on their own across all photographic and archival collections using names and/or words.

Print-outs from the database are 25 cents per page.

The research room also contains local history books, city directories, maps, reference materials and other resources that patrons may search.

Normal admission to the Whatcom Museum allows same-day access to all three buildings.

Regular admission is $12 for adults; $10 for students, seniors, military and children ages 6-17; $7 for children ages 2-5; $5 for Family Interactive Gallery mornings. Free for children younger than age 2.

More information at whatcommuseum.org.

The Lightcatcher Studio Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press, is a nationally traveling exhibition that features works by 17 African American artists. Through June 28, Personal to Political is on exhibit at the Light-

On display through April 25, 2027, Painted Forest: The Science and Beauty of Petrified Wood was made possible thanks to a loan from the Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks & Minerals in Hillsboro, Oregon. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune) catcher Studio, 250 Flora St. The exhibition includes 46 fine art prints and a special piece, David Huffman’s Basketball Pyramid, made from 650 basketballs. Huffman has requested that at the exhibit’s conclusion each of the basketballs used in the piece be donated to local schools and recreational organizations in Whatcom

and Skagit counties.

On display through Sept.

20 is From the Vault: Hard Edge/Soft Ground, a collection of abstractions in the museum’s permanent collection.

From the Vault is the first in a series of exhibitions meant to introduce the museum’s vast collection to the public.

Also on display at Lightcatcher Studio is Murmuration, Andrew Vallee’s artistic collaboration with nature.

According to the museum’s website, Vallee’s art “encompasses themes of the natural world, referencing feathers, bone, shells and stones through the features and textures of carved and sanded maple, fir, cedar and other wood species.”

“After carving, sanding and shaping by hand, Vallee further transforms these objects into bronze or glass through the casting process,” the website states.

A resident of Edison, Vallee has been an artist and woodworker for nearly three decades.

During First Free Friday the Lightcatcher Studio is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Normal hours are noon-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Lightcatcher Studio is always closed Monday and Tuesday.

More information at w h a t c o m m u s e u m .o r g .

Don’t forget to check out the calendar at whatcommuseum.org/free-first-friday to see the scheduled events.

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Take a hike at Lookout Mountain

By Racquel Muncy Staff Reporter

WHATCOM — Nestled adjacent to Sudden Valley is the trailhead to the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve, which makes up 4,430 acres on the west side of Lake Whatcom.

It was originally comprised of the Olsen property which was acquired in 2001 and Department of Natural Resources Land that was reconveyed in 2014.

While there are many local hikes that feature a waterfall crashing down, birds chirping through a serene old growth forest and views worth walking a few miles, the Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve stands out for its variety.

There are many trail options that are great for hikers and mountain bike riders.

From the parking lot, visitors will reach the trailhead and hop onto Rufus Creek Trail where they will head up a gentle incline for 4.3 miles while crossing streams, skirting wetlands and providing views of Lookout Mountain. Along the way are several wooden bridges, including Amelia’s Bridge, named after the designer Amelia Bethke.

“With competence, grit and grace, she led her trail crew to its completion in 2018. A year later she died unexpectedly while enjoying the wild outdoors she loved,” a memorial at the bridge states. “Amelia had a profound connection to the natural world. She is remembered for her perseverance, wry sense of humor, intuitive creativity and affinity for healthy snacks. May those who cross the bridge do so as Amelia would: respect the forest and appreciate the well-crafted trail, with quiet comfort in the present moment.”

All together this trail gains about 1,000 feet of elevation.

Less than a mile into Rufus Trail is quick, must-do loop for anyone who craves the crashing sound of a waterfall and a spectacular view.

Hidden on the west side of Lake Whatcom is Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve and its multiuse trail system is ideal for hikers, dog See Preserve on 8 walkers and mountain bikers. (Racquel Muncy/Lynden Tribune)

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Preserve: Take a hike at Lookout Mountain Continued from 6

The .8-mile Waterfall Trail can only be accessed by hikers, but the view is accompanied by a bench, making it a good spot for those looking for a quick view or in need of a breather before heading up Rufus Trail or hiking back down to the trailhead. The loop has 150 feet of elevation at the start and then drops about 200 feet before connecting with the main service road that runs up to Lookout Mountain.

Opposite the start of the Waterfall Trail is Baneberry Trail which makes a large loop of Rufus Creek Trail with its 1.2-mile stretch. Bikes travel uphill only in this section and to call it a thigh burner would be a bit of an understatement. Despite the incline, it has a Mountain Bike Trail Difficulty Rating of easy. The trail here is wide and switches between easy to moderate elevation gain, totaling about 600

feet over the 1.2 miles. Along the trail is a bench with a view of a smaller waterfall, but watch out for nettles. About one mile in the trail connects with Leila June Trail, or visitors can continue the quick jaunt back to Rufus Creek Trail.

Those who continue on Rufus Creek Trail for another .4 miles will find the hiker-only Leila June Trail, named after previous land owner Leila June Olson.

This trail is narrower than those previous, but still has plenty of space as it gains about 500 feet in elevation over the course of just under a mile.

Another .8 miles later is Backside Trail, which leads to Bottoms Up Trail, which goes to the Galbraith Mountain Trail System.

Near the end of Rufus Creek Trail, about 3.5 miles in, is the Lake Whatcom Overlook, which provides a breath-taking view of Mount Baker and the surrounding forests. There is a bench facing the view for everyone

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needing a second to catch their breath, whether from the hike or the view.

At the top of the trail is the downhillmountain bike-only Cougar Ridge Trail.

This trail is rated more difficult, with optional very difficult sessions. The rating comes from dops, steep sections, cliff edges and sharp corners.

Bikes ride at their own risk.

The park will likely expand in the far off future as plans include connecting to the nearby Squires Lake Park to the south and Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.

Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve is dog and family friendly. Located at 2537 Lake Louise Road, the 8.1 miles of trails is open from 8 a.m. until dusk.

A Whatcom Transit Authority bus line runs to the trailhead.

For a map of the trail system or more information, visit whatcomcounty.us/3602/Lookout-MountainForest-Preserve.

Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

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Lookout Mountain Forest Preserve is a dog and family friendly destination with places to sit as needed.

Located at 2537 Lake Louise Road, the 8.1 miles of trails is open from 8 a.m. until dusk. A Whatcom Transit Authority bus line runs to the trailhead. (Racquel Muncy/Lynden Tribune)

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Professional baseball in Everett

AquaSox are a ballplayer’s third minor league step in five toward the big leagues

By Bill Helm Editor

EVERETT — First time I attended an Everett AquaSox game was back in August 2009.

I was in Washington on a vacation to visit one of my best friends.

One of the places my friend took me was to Everett to a See AquaSox on 12

Everett Memorial Stadium (top photo) is the home of the AquaSox. Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller (left) pitches for Everett in a recent injury rehab appearance. (Photos courtesy Evan Morud/Everett AquaSox)

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

AquaSox: A ballplayer’s third minor league step toward the big leagues Continued from A10

baseball game where we saw the hometown Aqua-

Above, an Everett AquaSox baserunner takes a lead off second base in a recent game.

At right, one of the AquaSox players poses with a fan before the game starts.

(Photos courtesy Evan Morud/Everett AquaSox)

Sox host the Salem-Kaiser Volcanoes in a Northwest League game near the end of their season. At the time,

the Northwest League was a Class A Short Season league where teams played roughly 60 games from late-June

through Labor Day. By the time my wife and I moved to Whatcom County in May 2021, Salem-Kaiser was no longer a member of the league — and the league no longer played an abbreviated schedule. Teams in the Northwest League now play 132 games, virtually a full season by professional baseball standards.

Honestly, the Northwest League could be a 66-game league or a 132-game league and it almost would not have mattered to me when we made Washington our home. Because I still had my first AquaSox hat and its awesome logo of a frog catching a baseball with his tongue. I was an AquaSox fan. Actually, we call them the Frogs.

No doubt there’s plenty of ball to be played within a few hours of Whatcom.

Up north is the Vancouver Canadians, also in the Northwest League and a Toronto Blue Jays affiliate.

In Bellingham is the Bells, a member of the West Coast League, a collegiate summer baseball wooden bat league.

Of course everyone knows about the Seattle Mariners, and more than a few people know the Tacoma Rainiers, the Mariners’ AAA-affiliate.

Since 2021 the Northwest League has been a High-A league, meaning of a professional team’s five affiliates the AquaSox and the other High-A teams countrywide are the midway point on a professional See Frogs on 15

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Frogs: Professional baseball in Everett Seattle Mariners prospect Jonny Farmelo waits for a pitch in a recent at-bat for the Everett AquaSox at Everett Memorial Stadium.

Continued from A12

ballplayer’s ride from square one to the Major Leagues.

An hour or so is all my wife and I drive to get to a Frogs game. We see them take on their opponents from Vancouver, Spokane, Hillsboro (Portland suburb), Eugene and Tri-City (Pasco).

This year I have tickets for 16 games and by the. Time you read this I will have attended three of those games — and will be chomping at the proverbial bit to see more.

So I have been to 25 big league ballparks and probably a good 200 games in my 60 years. I have been to minor league games in Phoenix, Utica, Nashville and Knoxville, Fresno, Frisco (TX, not to be confused with San Francisco), Vancouver, Spokane, Rancho Cucamonga and Lake Elsinore, and a few others. Even more so than the 100-plus games I have seen at Angel Stadium in Anaheim (not to be confused with Los Angeles — sadly, the owner of the Angels thinks his team is in Los Angeles), I am more at home at an AquaSox game than at any other professional or amateur ballpark.

And it’s a far cry shorter trip than to Seattle.

(Photo courtesy Evan Morud/ Everett AquaSox)

The AquaSox — in case you didn’t know — are a Mariners affiliate. Pretty much everyone on the Mariners played at Everett at one point. Cal Raleigh played for the Frogs in 2019. Early in the 2021 season, Julio Rodriguez was a Frog.

Recently on injury rehab, Bryce Miller pitched for the Frogs. Colt Emerson, who Mariners’ fans can’t stop talking about, played parts of two seasons with the

Historic Fairhaven in

Frogs. I’ve probably seen him play a dozen games for the Frogs. He’ll likely do well as a big leaguer — and my wife and I will be able to look back and remember when he went from Modesto to Everett and we somehow managed to be at his first game for the Frogs.

This year, the Everett AquaSox are the defending 2025 Northwest League Champions.

Last year was a heck of

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a ride, as they say. Win or lose, it’s really a thrill to see talented young ballplayers as they try to realize a dream they’ve had their entire lives.

So few of us are blessed with the opportunity to perform in a field of their choosing. For even fewer, that field is a ballfield.

For me, Everett Memorial Stadium, home of the Everett AquaSox, is that field.

More about the Everett AquaSox at AquaSox.com.

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Neko Cat Café a haven for rescues

Chloe takes a break from her mouse video at Bellingham’s Neko Cat Café. Neko offers cat adoptions as well as play dates with cats. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)

Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

17

Play with cats or adopt a cat

By Bill Helm Editor

BELLINGHAM — Mr. Meowgi (Osamurai-san) is a rare cat in the mobile cat collecting game called Neko Atsume. During the game’s fifth anniversary celebration, Mr. Meowgi wore a commemorative black and gray kimono costume. When he sits on a gold pillow, Mr. Meowgi changes to a red and black palette.

In real life, Mr. Meowgi is not a mister at all. She’s a not-yet 1-year-old female grey shorthaired cat whose home is Bellingham’s fully ADA accessible Neko Cat Café. Mr. Meowgi and her two dozen or so feline friends are available for play dates. With people, that is.

According to its website, Neko Cat Café is a haven for rescue cats and people to enjoy each other’s company. Visitors can lounge with the kitties in the cat room — but be sure to book ahead — or come by anytime to grab a drink in the cafe and watch the cats play in the windows.

The standard cat room visit is $16 per person for 45 minutes. Expect to share space with as many as 15 other people and 20-25 cats. For an extended stay, bring your laptop and stay for two hours 45 minutes — for only $35.

For $29 per person join the meowsters of Zen relaxation for 45 minutes of yoga, followed by 45 minutes of kitty and beer time. Tickets required.

Want to stage a cats and friends party? A 45-minute private cat room visit for $276 and you and 20 of your friends can play with 20-25 cats.

Wednesdays are College Day at Neko Cat Café. Save 25% off cat room visits when you show your college ID at the door. Don’t forget to book your visit by using COLLEGE as the purromo code.

If you and one of these precious babies bond, well, Neko Cat Café offers opportunities to foster or even adopt. However, the needs of the

animal will greatly affect the adoption timeline.

“We believe in slow, thoughtful matchmaking because every cat has a unique story,” Neko Cat Café’s website states. “But the result is lasting love.”

From start to finish the adoption process could take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, although some may move quicker or take longer. For folks who badly want a same-day adoption, Neko Cat Café partners with Regional Animal Services of King County.

Once the adoption process has begun any questions can go to info@ nekocatcafe.com.

Neko Cat Café is at 1130 Cornwall Ave. Call 360-656-6217 or visit nekocatcafe.com for more information, such as booking policies and employment opportunities.

Hours are noon-5:45 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon-7:45 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. until 7:45 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Closed Tuesdays.

Reservations (bookings) are recommended.

Western Washington University students Ashlye Triebs, left, and Rian Shirayanagi enjoy a recent Saturday morning at Bellingham’s Neko Cat Café. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Lynden’s new indoor golf simulator

Richie Dowdy swings a driver at InPlay Golf. InPlay uses Trackman technology to analyze swing data.

For story on InPlay Golf see page 22. (Zen Hill/Lynden Tribune)

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

InPlay Golf brings 24/7 access to unlimited fairways

By Zen Hill Sports Reporter

LYNDEN — InPlay Golf opened its doors in Lynden in October and the indoor golf facility provides a cuttingedge experience for local golfers looking to escape the weather and access loads of virtual courses any day and time of the week.

“We call it a premium indoor golf experience,” owner Chad Baron said.

“We’ve got the top-of-the-line simulator.”

InPlay is powered by Trackman, a ball tracking and swing analyzing software that’s used by pros and amateurs to track swing data like club speed, ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, apex and landing position.

Casual players might not be interested in all the advanced metrics, but InPlay offers a unique experience for any level of player. With their simulator, you can explore golf courses from around the world while avoiding crowded tee times and rainy fairways.

“I thought it would be a great thing for the community,” Baron said. “We don’t have Homestead open anymore, so I know there’s a lot of golfers that have to drive at least 20 minutes out of town to play. We also don’t have to have weather where you can golf year round.”

InPlay’s 24/7 access makes it the most accessible golf option near Lynden. Players can book a tee time for an hourly rate of $45 for a group of up to four players. Six players may play at one bay, but additional players are $11 each.

Memberships are also available for as low as $160 a month in the par tier of membership that offers unlimited bookings for a solo player for onehour tee times. The birdie tier is $229 a month and comes with three guest passes for two-hour tee times. The highest tier of membership is the eagle tier for $367 a month and features two

membership accounts that can book two active tee times with four guest passes and has three-hour long tee times.

There are two simulators inside the

facility for use. There’s a lounge with snacks, seating and a bathroom to ensure however long you stay swinging See InPlay on 24

Emily Dowdy swings an iron at InPlay Golf. Lynden’s only indoor golf simulator is a way for players to have fun and get better at their game. Players can book a tee time for an hourly rate of $45 for a group of up to four players. Six players may play at one bay, but additional players are $11 each. (Zen Hill/Lynden Tribune)

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

InPlay: Brings 24/7 access to unlimited fairways Continued from 22

it’ll be a good time.

You can choose to play a variety of games through their simulators computer to up the fun past playing on a normal course. And don’t worry if you forgot your clubs because InPlay offers a selection of free irons to use while you play, both lefthanded and right-handed.

InPlay is the perfect getaway from the non-golfing months in the Pacific Northwest due to rain and chilly wind. Rather than freezing outside, you can relax indoors and listen to music while you have fun and improve your game.

To up the competition, InPlay offers leagues and tournaments where winners

can earn prizes competing against other players at InPlay. It’s all virtually tracked and you compete on your own schedule.

“It’s just another fun way to get out, play with friends and compete with other people,” Baron said. “They’re a free thing that people can be a part of for some friendly competition and an opportunity to play courses from around the world.”

And if you want to have your own simulator at an event, InPlay offers a mobile simulator that they set up and staff for $150/hour or a full day for $1,000. It’s the perfect way to take a birthday, wedding or work party to the next level.

InPlay is still growing as its beginning its journey as

InPlay Golf is located just off the Guide Meridian at 115 Duffner Drive, Suite C. (Zen Hill/Lynden Tribune) a business in Lynden. It’s already the most accessible golf simulator in Whatcom County due to the freedom of 24/7 access.

InPlay is already making

waves as one of the most fun activities in Lynden. Try it yourself by visiting golfinplay.com. The business is located at 115 Duffner Drive, Suite C.

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Things to do for free in Whatcom County is from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.

Coastal Canvas Creations Learn about Coast Salish art from artist Michael Jimmy and make a creation of your own to take home.

Materials will be provided. All ages welcome. Space is limited. Registration is required. Visit wcls.org for more information.

• From 7-9 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the Deming Library • From 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at the Everson Library • From 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Ferndale Library • From 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at the North Fork Library

Free, all-ages game night at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center from 5-8 p.m. the second Friday of every month. (Racquel Muncy/Lynden Tribune)

The following are some of the many things you can do in Whatcom County for free. Most activities on this list are free at certain times of the month, such as free First Friday at the Whatcom Museum and The Lightcatcher in Bellingham.

The Marine Life Center is also a free-admission educational center that features local marine animals and an interactive touch pool.

Always make sure to visit websites for the most up-to-date information, such as hours, new exhibitions, etc.

Community Game Night Free, all-ages game night at the Pioneer Pavilion Community Center from 5-8 p.m. the second Friday of every month.

Whether you’re a seasoned table-

top gamer or just looking for an evening of fun and connection, this event is the perfect opportunity to gather with neighbors, friends and family.

Bring your favorite board, card or tabletop games to share — or come ready to learn something new. Bring your own snacks or dinner to enjoy.

The Pioneer Pavilion Community Center is at 2007 Cherry St., Ferndale.

More information, email meganjuenemann@cityofferndale.org.

Shakespeare in the Park From 2:30-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 13-17, a week of Shakespearean fun. Play improv games, read from scripts, design costumes and much more.

On our final day together, we will perform a short production for friends and family. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Visit wcls.org for more. Event scheduled for Hovander Park, although this is weather dependent. Alternate location will be the Ferndale Library.

History Walking Tour

Whatcom Grooves Summer Music Series

Meet at the Sumas Historical Museum to take a walking tour of points of interest around the city of Sumas, a bustling border town first incorporated in 1891. Be prepared to walk up to two miles outdoors. Space is limited.

Registration is required. Visit wcls.org for more information. Sumas Historical Museum is at 114 Second St. Event

Celebrate summer, music and libraries at free concerts hosted across the Whatcom County Library System.

At each event, discover what’s new at local libraries and join neighbors for a joyous evening of live music.

Most concerts are held outside.

Please leave pets at home and bring your own lawn chair. Learn more at

Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026 wcls.org/events.

The Whatcom Grooves Summer Concert Series is sponsored by the Whatcom County Library Foundation with additional support from Friends of the Library groups.

Financial donations to support local libraries are gratefully accepted at the concerts.

The Puppy Wranglers 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Deming Library The Jerry Steinhilber Trio 7-8 p.m. Saturday, June 27 at the Lynden Library Sleepy Alligators 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 11 at the Island Library The Penny Stinkers 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at Glenhaven Clubhouse, 2997 Glenhaven Drive Sponsored by So. Whatcom Library Pine & Shake 6-7 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at Sycamore Park Sponsored by Sumas Library Paradox 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at Deming Library The Jack Radsliff Band 7-8 p.m. Friday, July 31 at Ferndale Library The Hot Tomatoes 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 at Point Roberts Library Sarah Goodin 7-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at Blaine Library One Lane Bridge 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 at Deming Library Cape Flattery 6-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 at North Fork Library

Make.Shift From 1-3 p.m. Fridays, stop by Make.Shift’s Open Art Studio and craft whatever you’d like with the available supplies and tools, such as vintage magazines and collage materials, paint of all kinds, pens, pencils, yarn, embroidery thread and fabric.

Refreshments available.

For more information, such as availability, visit makeshiftartspace.org.

Always all-ages Make.Shift’s Open Art Studio is at 306 Flora St., Bellingham.

Marine Life Center The Marine Life Center is a freeadmission educational center that features local marine animals and an interactive touch pool.

Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, Marine Life Center in Bellingham is open five days each week and is always free to enter. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., closed for lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Marine Life Center is at 1801 Roeder Ave. Hours are For more information, visit marinelifecenter.org, call 360671-2431 or email marinelifecenter@ portofbellinham.com.

Sunnyland Stomp The Sunnyland Stomp is a freeranging annual summer celebration of the talent and creativity hiding behind the garden gates of the Sunnyland Neighborhood. This year’s event is Saturday, July 18.

Stomp Stops are located at participating homes and businesses in the neighborhood, where hosts feature games, art, activities and music.

There are many ways to celebrate the spirit of Sunnyland, which is what makes this neighborhood event so special.

From 3-8 p.m., stomp around the neighborhood and flock to participating Stomp Stops. Maps are available at participating host locations, or find a printable map, Google map and the

27 full map details listed below.

More information at sunnylandstomp.com.

Spray Parks Spray parks are the perfect place for the little ones to keep cool. Bring a picnic and some friends and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Spray parks include the following Bellingham parks: • Cordata Park, 4510 Cordata Pkwy.

• Cornwall Park, 3424 Meridian St. • Fairhaven Park, 107 Chuckanut Drive North.

Also Sumas Spray Park, at Sumas City Park.

Open summer. More information, including hours, at whatcomkidinsider. com: Summer Fun Guide.

Washington State Parks Washington’s state land management agencies have designated 12 Discover Pass free days for 2026, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience our state’s beauty.

On these free days, a Discover Pass is not required to park at Washington state parks or on lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Sno-Park permits are still required when visiting Sno-Parks.

Each of the Discover Pass free days celebrates an important day of the year with the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the restorative impact of nature with friends, family or in a moment of well-deserved solitude.

Those days are New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, State Parks’ birthday, Earth Day Free Fishing Weekend (Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7), Juneteenth (Friday, June 19), Smokey Bear’s birthday (Sunday, Aug. 9), National Public Lands Day (Saturday, Sept. 26), World Mental Health Day (Saturday, Oct. 10) and Veterans Day (Wednesday, Nov. 11).

More information at parks.wa.gov.

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

July concerts scheduled for WWU, Hotel Leo

The Bellingham Festival of Music has so much going on during the month of July. Story on page 30.

n e v a h r i a F e r o l p Ex

(Photo courtesy Zachary C Person)

Where children grow naturally 909 Harris Avenue 360-714-8552 www.fairhaventoygarden.com

1200 10th St., Suite 102 Bellingham, WA (360) 756-2795 Happy Hour is daily from 3-6 PM

2026

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Bellingham Festival of Music prepares for 2026 season

The Bellingham Festival of Music has so much going on during the month of July. Pictured, the Bellingham Festival of Music Orchestra perform Dvorak’s 9th symphony on July 6, 2024. (Photo courtesy Zachary C Person)

WHATCOM — The Bellingham Festival of Music has so much going on during the month of July.

This year’s Festival features a brand new work called Earth 2.0 about mother nature and her relationship with humanity. It features an incredible countertenor soloist, and this piece was premiered in 2025. It fits in well with Whatcom County’s environmental awareness and love for nature and outdoors.

Bellingham Festival of Music also has several free community concerts throughout Bellingham including Mallard Ice Cream, the Whatcom Museum, Stemma West and more being booked.

In addition to five orchestral concerts and several chamber concerts, the Festival will host an international conducting institute where two students are awardSee Festival on 32

Whatcom County

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Play Whatcom (& Beyond!) 2026

Festival: July concerts scheduled for WWU, Hotel Leo Continued from 30

ed an all-expense paid trip to Bellingham to study with the Festival’s artistic director and orchestra for the summer.

This year, Bellingham Festival of Music has two fellows, a woman from Indonesia and a doctoral student from Boston.

“We look forward to highlighting their involvem e n t t h ro u g h o u t t h e summer,” said Erika Block a Bellingham clarinetist originally from Annapolis, Maryland. In January 2023, Block was appointed executive director of the Bellingham Festival of Music. Before she became

Festival’s executive director she served as board member of the BFM. She also has been a member of the orchestra since 2013.

According to Block, this year’s Festival will showcase “several world renowned soloists,” this includes one who specializes in bluegrass and classical, a cellist who has a special connection to Sitka, a pianist playing Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue — and several performances featuring American composers from all walks of life, to celebrate America 250.

“The festival draws professional musicians from leading orchestras across North America and presents a fully professional

orchestra right here in Bellingham, which is something many in the community may not realize,” Block said. “In addition to its ticketed concerts, the festival is expanding its community outreach through free performances designed to increase access and visibility throughout the region.”

The Festival’s American 250 performances include the following: • 7:30 p.m. July 3 Opening Night with cellist Zuill Bailey • 7:30 p.m. July 10 with violinist Tessa Lark and countertenor Key’Mon Murrah • 7:30 p.m. July 14 with Calidore String Quartet • 7:30 p.m. July 16 with

pianist Andrew von Oeyen • 4 p.m. July 19 Chamber music at the Leo • 7:30 p.m. July 21 with soprano Maria Valdes and composer Michael Palmer • 7:30 p.m. July 25 with violinist Blake Pouliot To buy tickets for these performances or for more information including biographies of the performers, visit bellinghamfestival.org.

With the exception of the July 19 show at the Hotel Leo, all other performances will be held at Western Washington University’s Performing Arts Center, 516 High St., Bellingham.

The Hotel Leo is at 1224 Cornwall Ave.

SURROUNDED BY BEAUTY

JULY 3–25 2026

INSPIRED

BY MUSIC

bellinghamfestival.org

NORTHWOOD CASINO

SPORTS BETTING