Bellingham Greek Festival
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, Sept. 10–12 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 510 E. Sunset Drive, Bellingham
This time last year, my partner and I took our first-ever international vacation together, and ended up on a remote island in Greece. We made friends with many cats, accidentally trespassed onto a goat farm, laid on beaches and (somehow) didn’t drive our rental car off a cliff into the Aegean Sea. Winding mountain roads aside, Greece is one of the most stunning and hospitable places I’ve ever been; and yes, I still dream about the food.
I tragically have no immediate plans to return to Greece. Bellingham’s annual Greek Festival, however, is the closest I can get to reliving nights spent sipping ouzo on a terrace, or eating my weight in feta cheese. Those who attend are invited to sample a range of Greek staples, including spanakopita, souvlakia, gyros and sweet treats like loukoumathes. Other staples include shopping, dance performances and even a “taverna” with Greek coffee, wine and beer. Info: saintsophias.org.
Whatcom Water Week
Sept. 12–20
Various locations, Whatcom County
Presented by the Whatcom Watersheds Information Network (WWIN), Whatcom Water Week is devoted to one of our region’s most abundant (and vital) resources. Community members of all ages are invited to learn more about water’s importance via a variety of activities, including the ever-popular Run with the Chums 5K (slated this year for Saturday, Sept. 12).
Other highlights from the 2026 Water Week include water trivia at Stones Throw (Thursday, Sept. 17), a self-guided 18-mile bike ride called H2Whoa!, a beach cleanup for International Coastal Cleanup Day (Saturday, Sept. 19), kids’ activities and multiple tours of Bellingham’s water treatment plant. In the lead-up to the main event, stop by the Whatcom Museum during First Friday for an event titled “Sharing Our Water,” a day of “art, music and honest conversation” co-presented by the Salish Current and Whatcom League of Women Voters. Info: whatcomwin.org.
Kids weave through poles and other obstacles in September 2023, during the Smolt Sprint of the annual Run with the Chums 5K in Blaine. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)
Jokes on the Waterfront
8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11
Mercato delle Bontà, 1211 Granary Ave. , Bellingham
Waterfront events might be winding down for the season, but it’s not too late to catch an installment of Jokes on the Waterfront, which happens at Mercato delle Bontà on Friday, Sept. 11. The monthly standup series bills itself as the “perfect way to unwind and enjoy some damn funny stand-up in a chill, waterfront vibe.” It’s also produced by Nikki Kilpatrick of Laughing Hamster Comedy Festival, so you know whoever’s on the lineup will be worth seeing.
This month’s guest is Nathan Hart, who’s currently performing throughout Oregon and Washington state. The nationally touring, Eugene-based comedian is also the host of Hand Shoes & Horse Grenades, a panel-style podcast available on YouTube. Make sure to check Venus Comedy Productions’ EventBrite page for info on other upcoming shows, and keep the Laughing Hamster Comedy Festival on your radar this fall. Info: mercatobellingham.com.
Whatcom County Farm Tour
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Various locations, Whatcom County
One of the highlights of my tenure at CDN has been our Made in Cascadia series, wherein videographer Finn Wendt and I interview makers and artisans throughout Whatcom County (and sometimes beyond). Prior subjects range from luthiers to chocolatiers; though oftentimes, we find ourselves at farms. Flower farms, “seed-to-cheese” creameries, even a farm devoted to heritage chicken breeds … the list goes on. Needless to say, berries and dairy are just the tip of Whatcom County’s (delicious) agricultural iceberg.
If you also want to get to know local farmers firsthand, I recommend making time to attend Sustainable Connections’ Whatcom County Farm Tour on Saturday, Sept. 12. The 19th annual, self-guided event includes stops at more than 15 local farms, giving folks the opportunity to “meet the folks who grow and raise our food and learn more about how that food makes it from the farm to our plate,” per the nonprofit’s website. This year’s participants include Widnor Farms, Farmwild, Grace Harbor and Growing Veterans; check online for a full list. Info: sustainableconnections.org.
Pigs roam a pasture at Widnor Farms, one of 15 participating locations in the 2026 Whatcom County Farm Tour. (Photo courtesy of Widnor Farms)
The Lynden Whiskey Event
4–10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
Downtown Lynden
Do you really need me to explain what an evening entitled “The Lynden Whiskey Event” could entail? As the name implies, this evening is devoted to Whatcom County’s numerous craft distilleries, who’ll be setting up pop-ups in local shops around town. Those who purchase tickets will receive five tasting tokens, plus access to live music at the Main Stage on Fifth Street. Other attractions include street vendors, buskers, designated cigar-smoking areas and a VIP spot.
This year’s participating whiskey brands include Chuckanut Bay Distillery, Bellewood Farms and Distillery, Probably Shouldn’t Distillery, Doc Swinson’s, Woodinville Whiskey Co. and many more. Proceeds from the Whiskey Event support the Lynden Music Festival, which “brings live music to our town from all across the world every October,” per its description. Info: lyndenwhiskeyevent.com.
The following is a selection of events submitted by CDN readers. Click here to add yours.
For questions, ideas and feedback, email cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com.
Before heading out to attend in-person happenings, check with individual venues to make sure the event is still taking place as scheduled.
The A-List appears weekly. To submit an event for consideration, email calendar@cascadiadaily.com.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
Dining and Cooking