An indie rock solo show, a closer look at sunflower sea stars and a morning watching for snow geese are on the calendar in Skagit County this weekend.
Here are five things to do in Mount Vernon, Burlington, Anacortes and on Fir Island from Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8.
1. Soccer Mommy at the Lincoln Theatre
Sophie Allison brings Soccer Mommy to Mount Vernon for a solo show Friday night.
The Lincoln Theatre bills it as her Skagit County debut, and the solo format should put the focus on the candid songwriting that made her early home recordings stand out.
It’s a good pick if you want a Friday night concert with room to hear the words. The Lincoln lists two reserved seating tiers, with a $3 discount for members.
Check with the box office for current seat availability.
When: Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Theatre, 712 S. First St., Mount Vernon, WA
Cost: $34–$44 plus applicable fees. Reserved seating.
Details: Lincoln Theatre’s concert listing
2. Sea and Shore Talks: Sunflower Sea Stars with Jason Hodin
What does it take to bring back a sea star? Jason Hodin of the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories will talk about sunflower sea stars and the work underway to help them recover at the Anacortes Public Library.
The Salish Sea School welcomes all ages, so this is an easy Saturday morning pick for kids who like tide pools and adults who still stop to look in them. The organizer encourages RSVPs and accepts optional donations.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10–11 a.m.
Where: Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th St., Anacortes, WA
Cost: Free. RSVP encouraged.
Details: The Salish Sea School’s event and RSVP page
3. PAC NW Artisans Holiday Craft Bazaar
Local makers bring handmade gifts to the Skagit County Fairgrounds on Saturday.
It’s a good place to start if your holiday list includes somebody who always says they don’t need anything.
Food trucks are also on the lineup, so you can grab a bite between laps around the vendors. The county lists the bazaar as a one-day event.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Skagit County Fairgrounds, 501 Taylor St., Mount Vernon, WA
Cost: Admission price not listed. Food and merchandise prices vary by vendor.
Details: Skagit County Fairgrounds event calendar
4. 30th Annual Skagit County Veterans Day Parade & Tribute
Burlington honors veterans and their families Saturday with a parade along Fairhaven Avenue.
The city recommends finding a spot before the 11 a.m. start. The route runs from Walnut Street to Skagit Street.
If you get downtown early, American Legion Memorial Post 91 serves pancakes from 8 to 10 a.m.
A military display at the Burlington Visitor Center runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the Legion serves lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Both meals are free for veterans and offered by donation to everyone else.
When: Saturday, Nov. 7. Parade starts at 11 a.m.
Where: E. Fairhaven Avenue between Walnut and Skagit streets, Burlington, WA. The visitor center is at 520 E. Fairhaven Ave.
Cost: Free to watch.
Details: Burlington Chamber’s dated parade listing
5. Winter Ducks and Geese of Skagit
Naturalist Kate Brown leads a Sunday morning bird walk at Fir Island Farm Reserve.
You’ll learn what to look and listen for before scanning the wetlands for waterfowl. Snow geese, tundra swans and gadwalls are among the birds commonly seen there.
The outing is for ages 16 and up and involves more standing and watching than hiking. Bring layers for the wind and binoculars if you have them.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife requires a Discover Pass or qualifying Vehicle Access Pass for parking and lists no restroom at the reserve.
When: Sunday, Nov. 8, 10–11:30 a.m.
Where: Fir Island Farm Reserve, 15802 Fir Island Road, Mount Vernon, WA
Cost: $20 per person or $35 for two. Parking pass separate.
Details: Visit Skagit Valley’s bird walk listing