Happy Tuesday, Bellingham. In today’s edition: Thrive Through Menopause, Pacific Arts Holiday Market, BSO: Holiday Magic!, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Poetry inspired by film: CASCADIA hosts a free, all-ages “STILLS” launch Friday, December 12 at Aslan Depot, 6:30 to 10 p.m., with readings, live jazz 8 to 10 p.m., and Greenwood Cider on tap — get all the details.

Spiking costs, few answers: Ferndale residents report undrinkable, corrosive water and skyrocketing bills, with one family replacing $40,000 in appliances. City officials have not been available as community groups call for a potential lawsuit — read the full story.

First annual festive kickoff: Stemma West Holiday Market is December 4, 4 to 8 PM, with over 25 artisans, drinks including Stemma brews, and food from The Riviera Club and Tacos Tepozteco — get all the details.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Remove invasives and plant at Birchwood Park
• Countdown to Downtown’s dazzling tree lighting
• Browse handcrafted gifts at this festive shop
• Sip Winterfest Ale by the bonfire
• Learn about services at this outreach event
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Help shape future flights: Bellingham International Airport is asking Whidbey and Island County travelers to weigh in on a regional travel survey. With 10,000+ responses so far, it wants more voices beyond Whatcom to guide potential new routes and fares when courting airlines. BLI, a closer, less congested alternative to SeaTac, remains served by Alaska and Allegiant. The survey stays open for several months. See how you can weigh in.

Shaping local port leadership: The Port of Bellingham is taking public comment on a redistricting plan to add two commissioners after voters in November approved expanding the board (65% yes). Written comments are open through Dec. 8, with a public hearing Dec. 9. The plan mirrors Whatcom County Council’s five districts. See how to comment.

Serious burrito cravings? Meet the Mucha Lucha burrito at El Toro Loco, a local truck serving generous, no-fuss wraps with big, saucy energy. Each bite lands with satisfying heft, then quiets the table. Victory-lap flavor, tidy price, and fillings that don’t skimp, simple, bold, and seriously delicious.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🤠 Huckleberry’s Holiday Hoedown @ Beach Cat Brewing: South Paw | Tuesday (12/2) at 6:30pm – Giving Tuesday calls for boots, not spreadsheets. Whatcom Land Trust is hosting a hoedown at Beach Cat’s Oasis in Bellingham with line dancing, tunes from Lynne Givler and Keith Carpenter, goat-themed puzzles, and the Calcutta food truck, plus an original ode to Huckleberry, the G.O.A.T.

☕ Lynden Social Hour @ Whatcom County Library System | Thursday (12/04) at 10:00am – Settle in for friendly conversation, warm coffee, and a laid-back hour of community connection. Whether you’re into puzzles, chess, or just chatting with neighbors, this mellow meetup is the perfect mid-morning reset. A simple way to bring a little togetherness to your week.

💪 Thrive Through Menopause @ Peak Hydration | Thursday (12/4) at 6:30pm – Hot flashes, brain fog, mystery moods? Join me at Peak Hydration Lounge for a no-nonsense evening with Dr. Heather Honey, real talk on perimenopause through postmenopause, and evidence-based fixes. Sip, snack, and leave with actual solutions, support, and a little perk for showing up.

🛍️ Pacific Arts Holiday Market opening weekend @ Forever 21 | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – Opening weekend for the Pacific Arts Holiday Market in its new Bellis Fair home, the old Forever 21 by the food court, with 40 local makers to meet while you shop. A Bellingham tradition that ages better than eggnog, and happily embraces being over 21.

🎨 The Artful Offering @ Allied Arts of Whatcom County | Friday (12/5) at 6:00pm – Nothing beats seeing Washington’s bridges, peaks, and old festival grounds from 2,000 feet up, no hiking boots required. Tore Ofteness’ aerials headline the opening reception, with pieces by Daelinar, Forrest Chel Hull, and friends. Come for the views, stay for the civilized mingling.

This weekend

☃️ Fairhaven Frosty @ Fairhaven | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Nothing says Bellingham winter like lapping Fairhaven Park in a Santa hat, then pretending the candy cane counts as recovery. Choose 5k, 10k, or the kids’ scamper, rock your favorite holiday getup, and chase spot costume glory, age-group bragging rights, and light refreshments.

🚢 Holiday Port @ Bellingham Ferry Terminal | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – If your idea of cheer is music, sugar, and friendly rivalry, hit the cruise terminal for Holiday Port. Over 30 local groups, Santa pics, fish and chips, mini donuts, plus the famed gingerbread contest, where edible structures win ribbons and whale watching tickets.

☕ Friends of the Deming Library Holiday Tea @ Deming Meeting Room | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – Pull on a cozy sweater and pop into the Deming Library for the annual Holiday Tea, with home-baked treats, hot cups, and live local music. Think MBHS Choir, Tim McHugh and Greg Gundersen, and Nooksack Royalty. Less mall madness, more neighbors, carols, and butter.

🎩 Walton Magic @ Mount Baker Theatre | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – Whether you still think the coin-behind-the-ear trick is peak wizardry, or you like your illusions vetted by Penn & Teller, MBT’s John Walton is back with up-close, mind-bending magic. A witty, family-friendly afternoon your kids, grandkids, and inner skeptic will enjoy.

✨ BSO: Holiday Magic! @ Mount Baker Theatre | Sunday (12/7) at 3:00pm – Holiday Magic turns 10, and Ryan Dudenbostel is back to cue the goosebumps at Mount Baker Theatre. Think Home Alone with an orchestra, Celeste Fraser, kids’ choirs, and a sing-along, plus Sleigh Ride. Tickets from $15, and kids get in free with a full-price adult.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/3 Michele D’Amour and the Love Dealers @ Stones Throw Brewery – 6 pm
• 12/3 Budman. and more @ Wild Buffalo – 8:30 pm
• 12/4 Fruition and more @ Wild Buffalo – 8 pm
• 12/4 Game Night! Blood on the Clocktower @ The Upfront Theatre – 9:30 pm
• 12/5 Watch Out For Flying Chairs @ New Prospect Theatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/5 Frozen Cloak and more @ The Shakedown – 8:30 pm
• 12/6 Holiday Magic @ Mount Baker Theatre – 11:30 am
• 12/6 Celebrating the Winter Solstice: An Hour of Mystic Readings & Recitations @ Village Books – 4 pm
• 12/6 Smith. @ Wild Buffalo – 9 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Jim Skerjanc (HomeSmart One Realty)

This 3-bed, 2-bath charmer runs on a smart, no-wasted-space layout, all on a very quiet street. A sunny, oversized front deck handles morning coffee, weekend hangouts, and impromptu sun sessions. Right next door, the York Farm community garden feels like a bonus backyard, instant inspiration for homegrown herbs.

Blocks to downtown Bellingham, Lakeway shopping, and local athletic complexes, plus an easy stroll to Marlin’s Cafe. Currently a well-kept rental with versatile options, city convenience with neighborhood calm.

Take a peek inside →