Love the spotlight? From Broadway shows and Grammy-Award winning music to independent film and hyper local performances, Bellingham and Whatcom County are alive with theater and music events. Combine that with nationally and locally produced museum exhibits and gallery tours and you’ve only just begun to explore Bellingham’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Select your favorite lodging options and make it a whole weekend of art. See below for a list of events this spring.
Art, Music, Film, Theatre Events & Performances
Two Views: Photographs by Ansel Adams and Leonard Frank - February 15, 2020 - May 17 , 2020 - This exhibition at the Whatcom Museum's Old City Hall tells the story of two countries through two photographers. The 1942 incarceration of people of Japanese descent in the United States and Canada following the bombing of Pearl Harbor is portrayed through this stunning collection of black and white photographs.
The Global Language of Headwear - February 1, 2020 - April 26, 2020 - This exhibition, hosted in the Whatcom Museum's Lightcatcher Building, features hats from 42 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, and is a tribute to the stunning diversity of the world’s cultures. With a few exceptions, the pieces are from the mid-to-late 20th century, and many are still worn today in parts of the world for revelry, ritual, and the rhythms of everyday life.
Moving Forward, Looking Back: Washington's First Women in Government -February 15, 20202 - May 10, 2020 - This traveling exhibit from Legacy Washington honors the centennial celebration of women’s suffrage and the passage of the 19th Amendment, giving women in the United States the right to vote. Located in the Whatcom Museum's Old City Hall, the exhibit follows the lives of 14 women who soared to some of the most coveted offices in Washington politics never before held by women.
Gina Williams - March 21, 2020 - Join award winning artist and composer Gina Williams at The Firehouse Arts and Event Center as she presents new and exciting twists on old classics, top 40, and ending the evening with the music of Whitney Houston.
Bellingham Music Film Festival - April 3, 2020 - The fifth annual Bellingham Music Film Festival returns to the Pickford Film Center to showcase music through the medium of film. The community is invited to join students and professional filmmakers and come together to celebrate and learn.
2020 World Paddling Film Festival - April 3, 2020 - Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures is hosting the 2nd Annual screening of The World Paddling Film Festival at Bellingham Technical College . The night will begin with a community expo followed by the screening of films.
Finding Neverland - April 4, 2020 - Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Head to the Mount Baker Theatre to see how playwright J.M. Barrie astounds Bellingham theatregoers
Pink Martini - April 10, 2020 - A Pacific Northwest favorite, Pink Martini returns to the Mount Baker Theatre for a night of classical music, classic pop, Latin and jazz.
CASCADIA International Women's Film Festival - POSTPONED Stay Tuned For More - The International Women's Film Festival celebrates and showcases exceptional films directed by women. Up to 40 films will be selected for the multi-day festival at the Pickford Film Center with directors from all over the world in attendance.
Kenny Metcalf as Elton and the Early Years Band - April 23, 2020 - Kenny Metcal cut his teeth as the original keyboardist for the 80's metal band Stryper. Now this accomplished musician and vocalist, delivers a spot-on recreation of the multiple Grammy-winning legend and flamboyant superstar Elton John at the Mount Baker Theatre.
Menopause the Musical - April 25, 2020 - This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s will have you cheering and dancing in Mount Baker Theare's aisles!
Chris Botti - May 3, 2020 - A dazzling trumpeter, Chris is a brilliant bandleader who lets his players shine, and a born showman whose joy at being on stage is infectious. See him live at the Mount Baker Theatre, and you’ll understand why musical stars from Sting to Paul Simon to Joni Mitchell have been eager to share his stage.
Kevin James - May 22, 2020 - Long time comedian, Kevin James is coming to Bellingham to share his experiences in show biz and his sense of humor at the Mount Baker Theatre.
