Good morning, Bellingham.

Ski to Sea organizers in Whatcom County are seeking over 200 volunteers to help on Memorial Day weekend—each volunteer will receive a race T-shirt, free lunch and an invitation to a Volunteer Appreciation party on June 12.

A dog was fatally attacked at Lake Padden Park on April 11 when its owner heard barks and later found it with bite wounds, and the city has posted warning signs at Lake Padden and Whatcom Falls parks—alerting pet owners to potential coyotes.

Residents in the Meridian School District will vote next week on a $70.9 million bond proposal for a new middle school that excludes funding for high school improvements — ballots must be submitted by April 22.

If approved, property taxes will rise by $1.35 per thousand dollars of assessed value to help pay for safety upgrades and modern facilities for grades 5 to 8.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency announced up to $3 million in funding for two climate action projects in Bellingham—$1.7 million will support a community solar array that is set to cut emissions and save about $69,000 a year while $1.303 million will help install ductless heat pumps at Sterling Meadows. The projects will support long-term energy savings and cleaner air in the community.

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.

3rd Annual Living Donor Forum

12-2 p.m. — Squalicum Boathouse — Lunch Provided — Hear inspiring stories and learn about the impact of kidney donation.