Good morning, Bellingham.

John Purdie, executive director of Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, leads the historic venue — one of the few remaining old‐style vaudeville theatres — as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and works toward its 100th season in 2027.

He listens to local voices and books a range of shows from touring Broadway acts to community bands to keep the theatre accessible.

Anglers in Whatcom County will open lowland lakes on April 26 as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks lakes with rainbow, cutthroat, and tiger trout to boost fishing opportunities.

In Bellingham, Lake Padden (the only derby lake) already received nearly 16,000 trout and over 14.5 million trout will be stocked statewide this year.

Bellingham Public Works is working with Sanitary Services Company to order smaller food waste bins that residents can request—free indoor compost caddies will cut the number of outdoor trips.

Officials said monthly cost reductions will be expanded to benefit more customers.

Lawmakers in Olympia advanced bills that would require drivers with suspended licenses to install speed-limit devices— and would raise fines for littering by increasing penalties based on trash volume.

Both bills return to the House for votes on the amended versions— then head to the governor’s desk.

The Nooksack Valley Food Bank has partnered with Health Ministries Network to offer an Ask-A-Nurse program that takes blood pressure from clients once a month—this program aims to provide essential health services while individuals receive food assistance.

Unionized PeaceHealth nurses in Bellingham plan to picket outside PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center on April 29 unless a new contract is reached.

Negotiations remain stalled over key issues such as wages and health insurance, and union and hospital representatives are set to meet on April 17 and 18.

BAAY Presents: Out of the Woods

7 p.m. — BAAY Theatre — Ticket details available online — Experience a whimsical apocalyptic tale where imagination reigns as beloved characters find their way back to creativity.

The River Only Runs One Way Book Reading

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate award-winning poet Mary Lou Kayser's newest collection that explores love, loss, and the passage of time through evocative poetry.

Páscoa Rhythms: Easter Brunch with Jovino Santos Neto

Celebrate Easter with Páscoa Rhythms at Hotel Leo—a festive brunch buffet featuring dishes like coconut chicken thighs, prime beef sirloin, and brunch classics paired with live piano by three-time Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto. Sip Novo Fogo caipirinhas crafted for the occasion, with a portion of proceeds supporting rainforest reforestation; $68 per person, half off for kids 12 and under, and 10% off for seniors.

Páscoa Rhythms: Easter Brunch with Jovino Santos Neto

Celebrate Easter with Páscoa Rhythms at Hotel Leo—a festive brunch buffet featuring dishes like coconut chicken thighs, prime beef sirloin, and brunch classics paired with live piano by three-time Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto. Sip Novo Fogo caipirinhas crafted for the occasion, with a portion of proceeds supporting rainforest reforestation; $68 per person, half off for kids 12 and under, and 10% off for seniors.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free to members — Get expert advice on your laser projects from seasoned designer Jason Davies.

Swan Lake - A Timeless Masterpiece

7-9 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting ballet “Swan Lake” performed by the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

LinuxFest Northwest

9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Bellingham Technical College — Free entry — Explore free and open source technologies with presentations and exhibits for all skill levels.

April Brews Day 2025

3-8 p.m. — Waypoint Park — Check for ticket prices — Celebrate local brews with great friends and craft beverages.

Intro to Vector Graphics

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Cost varies — Learn to create art and cutting files using Inkscape in this hands-on workshop.

First Fridays Celebration

6-10 p.m. — Downtown Bellingham Partnership — Free entry — Experience local art, live music, and late night shopping in the heart of Bellingham.

Procession of the Species 2025

2 PM — Downtown Bellingham Partnership — Free entry — Celebrate nature and creativity with a vibrant costume procession and festival.