Good morning, Bellingham.

Visitors at the Hovander Demonstration Gardens in Ferndale can learn new gardening ideas and take a pleasant stroll—managed by the Master Gardener Foundation in agreement with Whatcom County Parks and Recreation.

Blaine officials reported that Canadian cross-border traffic dropped by 50% and that the loss is straining funds for essential services—leading to lower consumer spending and layoffs.

Mayor Mary Lou Steward said reduced freight traffic forced a Vancouver-based company to pause a commercial development project—heightening the town’s economic pressure.

Whatcom County's unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% in March—down from 5.5% in February and lower than the rate last year.

Skagit County also saw a decline to 4.7% while the statewide rate remained near its February level.

At its April 17 meeting, the Nooksack Valley School Board refunded the 2015 bond that was used to build the new middle school—saving taxpayers about $1.6 million and meeting the June 1 deadline to reduce interest costs.

This weekend in Whatcom County, the CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is showing films directed by women at local theaters — from the Pickford Film Center to Mount Baker Theatre — and Bellingham’s April Brews Day will feature live music and local brews to benefit the Max Higbee Center. Dance fans can learn Bollywood and Bhangra on Saturday at Cordata Pavilion while music lovers can catch Seattle’s Magenta Wave live today at the Blue Room.

This weekend in Whatcom County, the CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival runs from April 24 through 27 at Pickford and Mount Baker theatres—showing a variety of films and hosting panel discussions and a script workshop.

Local events also include April Brews Day on Bellingham’s waterfront with live music to benefit the Max Higbee Center, a Bollywood and Bhangra dance session at Cordata Pavilion on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and a live show with Magenta Wave at the Blue Room on Friday night.

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.

Drink Beer for a Good Cause

El Sueñito will donate $1 per pint of beer sold from open to close to IRIS. Chicas Reinas and Chicos de Oro-Folklorico Dance Group will be performing at 6:00pm.

An Evening of Poetry with Dion O'Reilly and Kami Westhoff

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Experience a poignant exploration of love, grief, and memory through the eyes of two celebrated local poets.

Introduction to the Laser Cutter

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get insights on laser projects with expert guidance from Jason Davies.

Quartet San Francisco Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the Bay Area’s leading crossover string ensemble with Grammy-winning performances.

Women's Only Spring Fling Hike

9-11 a.m. — Clayton Beach Trailhead — Discovery pass required — Explore a scenic forest trail and relax at the beach with fellow nature lovers.