Featured Events in Bellingham in October, 2023(November Updated)

Join authors Tele Aadsen and Holly J. Hughes at Village Books and Paper Dreams in Bellingham for a captivating conversation about Tele's exquisite book, What Water Holds. This event is part of the Nature of Writing series, presented in partnership with the esteemed North Cascades Institute. Tele Aadsen, a remarkable female commercial fisherman, shares a collection of heartfelt essays from her experience at Oregon's FisherPoets Gathering. With profound introspection, Tele explores themes of equality, identity, community, climate change, and sustainability, offering a profound perspective. What Water Holds delves into the depths of existence, uncovering the possibilities that lie beyond the surface. It is a compelling read for those seeking a life filled with thoughtfulness and purpose. Tele Aadsen's intimate connection to the sea, which began at the tender age of seven, serves as a beacon throughout the book. Her essays beautifully encapsulate the intricacies of labor, gender, community, and the natural world. Acclaimed author Christine Byl praises What Water Holds as a significant contribution to the canon of working women. Laura Kalpakian, author of Memory into Memoir, declares that reading this poignant volume will forever change the way one perceives salmon. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from Tele Aadsen and Holly J. Hughes, two remarkable authors who will undoubtedly inspire and enlighten.

Mac Barnett, the beloved children's author, and illustrator Shawn Harris are returning to Bellingham for an exciting event at Sehome High School. This interactive theatrical spectacular will captivate audiences with live music, dramatic performances, and out-of-this-world hijinks, all in celebration of their bestselling graphic novel series, "The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom." Attendees who come dressed as their favorite characters from the books will receive a special gift! Pre-signed copies of the books will be available for pick-up at the event, with no personalization. Fans will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Mac and Shawn instead of waiting in a signing line. Additional pre-signed copies of "The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza" and "The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom" will be on sale, along with First Cat merchandise. The second book in the series is filled with secret tales of woe, hilarious new characters, and dangerous plans of sabotage that will keep readers delighted and laughing until the thrilling climax. Perfect for fans of "Dog Man" and "InvestiGators," this adventure follows the Moon Queen, who has been poisoned by soup. With few allies in her own royal court, she and First Cat set off on a journey to find the antidote, encountering villainous cowboys, high-speed chases, and falling pianos along the way. Can they save the Moon Queen before it's too late? Don't miss out on this epic and infectious tale by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris.

Join us in the Readings Gallery at Village Books in Bellingham for the exciting launch of Wild Heart, a captivating children's book by author Kim Allyson Freier. This family event will take place on October 21, 2023. Wild Heart takes young readers on an enchanting journey through diverse wilderness landscapes found across the globe. From majestic mountains to mysterious rainforests, golden canyonlands to frozen tundra, arid savannas to the ocean depths, these captivating places foster a deeper understanding of our connection to the family of life on earth. Through lyrical language and enchanting illustrations, Wild Heart sparks a sense of wonder and belonging in children's hearts. Kim Allyson Freier, Ed.D, the author of Wild Heart, has dedicated her career to environmental education and civic engagement. As a university professor, program administrator, museum director, outdoor educator, interpreter, and organizational leader, she has guided people in cultivating intrinsic and reciprocal relationships with the natural world and each other. Freier's lifelong dream has been to inspire children's delight in, kinship with, gratitude for, and responsibility toward the earth's abundant gifts. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the launch of Wild Heart and discover your very own wild heart. Admission to the event is free, so mark your calendars and join us for an evening of enchantment and exploration.

Join three extraordinary authors, Jacquelyn Tuxill, Terry Repak, and Sophia Kouidou-Giles, as they take you on a literary journey of self-discovery, family, and home. These captivating writers will be sharing their inspiring work at the Readings Gallery, an event you won't want to miss. Jacquelyn Tuxill's memoir, "Whispers from the Valley of the Yak," paints a vivid picture of her multiple trips to China, the land of her birth. Born to medical missionary parents during WWII, Tuxill's experiences in China have shaped her identity and transformed her relationship with her parents. Her memoir is a tale of self-exploration and the beauty of nature. Terry Repak, the author of the forthcoming memoir "Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere," takes readers on a remarkable journey through African countries and Europe. Repak's experiences living in diverse cultures have greatly influenced her perspective and understanding of the world. Her memoir is a testament to the challenges and rewards of finding a sense of belonging in unfamiliar places. Sophia Kouidou-Giles, an immigrant from Greece, shares her captivating story in "Sophia's Return: Uncovering My Mother's Past." This poignant memoir delves into the author's natal home, Greece, and explores the impact of her mother's mysterious departure. Kouidou-Giles' forthcoming novel, "An Unexpected Ally," set in Greece, promises to be another compelling exploration of home and identity. Don't miss the opportunity to hear these talented authors at the Village Books and Paper Dreams in Bellingham on October 22, 2023. Immerse yourself in their captivating stories of self-discovery, family, and the power of home. Tickets are available for $5 to $19.53. Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable literary event.

Join Tim McNulty at the Readings Gallery in Bellingham for an enlightening event in the Nature of Writing series, in collaboration with North Cascades Institute. Tim McNulty, an award-winning writer and naturalist, will take you on a journey through the remarkable landscape of Washington's Olympic Peninsula in his book, Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain. This captivating book explores the complex history of wildlife, adventure, economic development, and conservation in the region. Alongside Tim McNulty's narrative, writers from five sovereign tribes share their own insights and stories, offering a diverse and layered portrait of this unique ecosystem. The book is beautifully enhanced with stunning photography by renowned photographers such as John Gussman, Art Wolfe, and Pat O'Hara. Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain celebrates the natural, cultural, and economic communities of the Olympics, and emphasizes the importance of sustaining a resilient future for these communities. With its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, the Olympic Peninsula is truly one of the most diverse and spectacular natural areas on the planet. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the depths of the peninsula's history and explore its potential for the future. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event on October 27th at Village Books and Paper Dreams in Bellingham. Tickets are priced at $5 - $35.85.

Join the beloved Washington poet, Marie Eaton, as she returns to the Readings Gallery in Bellingham for a special event to celebrate her latest poetry collection, "Be Here Now." This remarkable collection delves into the complexities of aging, exploring both the physical and emotional landscapes that come with it. Through her poignant words, Eaton beautifully captures the joys and sorrows, transformations and revelations that accompany this journey. Marie Eaton's writing career has been diverse and multifaceted. Throughout her years as a teacher at Fairhaven College, her writing took on various forms, from creative non-fiction stories that embraced cherished memories, to songs that eloquently expressed a range of emotions, to thought-provoking academic research papers. Recently, Eaton has discovered a new voice in poetry, allowing her to further express her artistic vision. Her talent has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest Walk Award in both 2018 and 2021. Eaton's work has been published in esteemed publications such as Whatcom Watch, and her poems have been featured in notable collections like Keep a Green Bough: Voices from the Heart of Cascadia by Empty Bowl Press in 2021, as well as the upcoming Red Wheelbarrow Writer's 2023 Anthology, Spring and All. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the profound and thought-provoking poetry of Marie Eaton. Join us at Village Books and Paper Dreams on October 29th, 2023, for an evening filled with literary inspiration. Tickets for this event are priced at $5 to $16.32, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this extraordinary celebration of words.

Experience an unforgettable night of original songs at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center in Bellingham, WA. The Righteous Mothers, renowned for their intricate vocal harmonies, social commentary, and comedic flair, will grace the stage with their captivating performance. With a rich history spanning over 40 years, The Righteous Mothers have enchanted audiences at prestigious festivals like the Vancouver Folk Festival, Bumbershoot, and Kerrville Folk Festival. They have also delighted crowds at renowned clubs such as the Triple Door and the Abbey in Seattle, as well as La Pena and Freight and Salvage in the Bay Area. This time, they are thrilled to return to their beloved musical community of Bellingham, where they have previously collaborated with local talents like Linda Allen, Geof Morgan, Motherlode, Janet Peterson, Marie Eaton, and Julian Smedley. Speaking of Julian Smedley, he will be joining The Righteous Mothers as a special guest for this one-of-a-kind event. Don't miss out on this exceptional evening filled with captivating music and entertainment. For more details, visit the official website of The Righteous Mothers.