Live improv, a free film screening and a race to finish a jigsaw puzzle are on the calendar in Whatcom County this weekend.
Here are five things to do in Bellingham and Ferndale Nov. 6–8, including four that are free to attend.
1. Field Friday Planting at Kelsey Reserve
If your ideal Friday involves getting some mud on your boots, Whatcom Land Trust and the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association are bringing volunteers to Kelsey Nature Reserve to plant native trees and shrubs.
You’ll get a look at a protected property near Lake Terrell where wetlands, meadows, forest and streams meet.
Plan on a full day of digging, bending and walking over uneven ground. Bring lunch, water, boots and rain gear.
The land trust provides tools and gloves. Advance registration is required, and anyone under 17 must have a parent or guardian present.
When: Friday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Kelsey Nature Reserve near Lake Terrell, Ferndale, WA. The exact meeting location and carpool details are sent to registrants.
Cost: Free
Details: Whatcom Land Trust event and registration
2. Rivers of Resilience — The River Remembers
Whatcom Museum’s Old City Hall hosts a free screening of The River Remembers, a documentary about Tribal members working to remove dams and restore salmon on the Elwha and lower Klamath rivers.
The film follows families whose ties to those rivers give the big engineering story a personal scale.
It’s a good pick for anyone who knows the outline of the Elwha dam removals and wants to hear more from the people who fought for them. The museum says seats are first come, first served.
When: Friday, Nov. 6, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Old City Hall, Rotunda Room, 121 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA
Cost: Free
Details: Whatcom Museum screening listing
3. Bellingham Improv Festival
The Upfront Theatre’s fourth annual festival brings improv troupes to downtown Bellingham for shows and workshops.
The Friday 6 p.m. bill alone brings together groups from Houston, Vancouver, B.C., Chilliwack and Seattle. Pick a show based on when you can get downtown and let the performers figure out the rest.
The six Friday and Saturday evening shows listed below are at New Prospect Theatre, across the hall from The Upfront. Tickets are sold by show.
The organizer lists any mature content or age recommendations on individual show pages.
When: Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, with shows each day from 6–7:30 p.m., 8–9:30 p.m. and 10–11:30 p.m. The festival runs through Sunday, Nov. 8.
Where: New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St., Suite 100, Bellingham
Cost: Varies by show. Friday’s 6 p.m. show is $14–$18, and Saturday’s 10 p.m. show is $12.
Details: The Upfront Theatre’s festival schedule and tickets
4. Bellingham Farmers Market: Saturday Market
The Saturday market is still running at Depot Market Square. Browse local produce and handmade goods, pick up ingredients for dinner or see what catches your eye.
It’s an easy stop if you’re already downtown, and one you can fit into a morning without committing the whole day.
Most nearby parking is metered. The adjacent Herald Building lot requires a special permit, so look for a public spot instead. The market accepts SNAP EBT and participates in SNAP Market Match.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Depot Market Square, 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, WA
Cost: Free to browse. Purchases vary by vendor.
Details: Nov. 7 market listing from Visit Bellingham
5. Open Book: A Festival for Readers
The Whatcom County Library System and Village Books are putting on a free, all-ages festival at the Ferndale Events Center.
Browse local authors’ work, try hands-on literary activities or catch a main stage talk. Donna Barba Higuera is scheduled for 1 p.m. and Emma Pattee for 2:30 p.m.
There’s also a speed puzzling championship, in case your idea of a spectator sport involves watching someone find all four corners first. Admission requires no registration.
The library system says accessible parking, ramp access and live captioning for main stage presentations will be available.
When: Sunday, Nov. 8, noon–5 p.m.
Where: Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale, WA
Cost: Free
Details: Open Book schedule and event information