Cocoa's picks: oysters, comedians and over-the-top cabarets

Lynden Music Festival

9th–13th Oct., Front Street, Lynden

Lynden has a storied musical history – so storied that the city's music scene deserves an exhibit at the Lynden Heritage Museum this spring. With that in mind, it only makes sense for the city to host its own festival.

2024 is a special year because it marks the 15th anniversary of the Lynden Music Festival. Throughout the week, places from Village Books to the Jansen Art Center transform into pop-up venues, with concerts taking place at any time of day. Legendary vocal quartet The Four Freshmen headline this year's lineup, which also spans genres from country and jazz to German song. Info: lyndenmusicfestival.com.

Laura Ramoso

6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, Mount Baker Theater, 104 N. Commercial St.

Earlier this week, a video spoofing “that one girl who just got back from the Pacific Northwest” popped up on my TikTok. While the jokes were good-natured, they were also spot-on: think references to reusable coffee cups, Blundstone boots, and “seasonal craft bites.” I laughed out loud more than once – so you can imagine my delight when the comedian mentioned an upcoming show in Bellingham.

The entertainer in question is Laura Ramoso, a sketch comedian who has gained a following on social media for her clever characters. (Seriously, she has over a million followers and 56 million likes on TikTok.) She's in town as part of the Bellingham Exit Festival, although she's not the only big-name actress coming to the Mount Baker Theater: the singers Joseph and co comedian Reggie Watts will also be headlining throughout the festival weekend. Info: mountbakertheatre.com.

Blaine Oyster Festival

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, H Street Plaza, 701 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine

A few months ago, Mark and Steve Seymour of Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. taught me a memorable saying: “The Jersey Shore oysters have deservedly made a name for themselves, but we grow tastier ones here in Blaine, yes.” Although the quote Published in the Blaine Journal in 1913, it still rings true a century later. Blaine's oysters are known for their quality and flavor – and if you've never tried one before, the Oyster Festival is the best time to do so.

This “ultimate clam meal” includes not only oysters, but also music, dancing, a clam feast and even an oyster shucking competition. All the happiness is brought to you by the folks at Drayton Harbor Oyster Co., so you know you're in good hands.

It's also worth noting that the Oyster Festival coincides with the Blaine Harbor Harvest Festival. Once you've had your fill of seafood, head to G Street for a street festival, music, and more good food. Info: blainebythesea.com.

“Sugar’s Big Top”

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 10 – 12 Oct., New Prospect Theater, 207 Prospect St.

“Sugar: A Cabaret” is a true Bellingham tradition, with performer Brie Mueller leading a group of powerful performers. But this weekend, Mueller will premiere a brand new production: “Sugar's Big Top.” Our titular protagonist finds herself in “an unexpected dreamland – it’s a little bit circus, a little bit scary and a lot of fun.”

Mueller will be joined on stage by a talented cast of dancers, actors and singers, as well as the “infamous” Sugar Band. And although the show is billed as a cabaret, there is no nudity (although it does contain content warnings for profanity, adult content, sexuality and “general naughtiness”). Info: newprospecttheater.org.

Brewing on the Slough

3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, Maple Hall, 104 Commercial St., La Conner

If you feel like there's a beer event happening practically every weekend, then you're probably on the right track. September was full of Oktoberfest celebrations and the celebrations continue this weekend with the La Conner Beer Festival. Unlike Oktoberfest, this event features beers not just from one, but from 12 different companies.

This year's breweries include local favorites like Gruff and Terramar, as well as regional names like Boneyard and Double Mountain Brewery. Beyond the beer, people can enjoy live music from the CC Adams Band, food and even a silent auction. VIP tickets give you early entry and the first 275 guests receive a free tasting glass. Info: lovelaconner.com.

“Bart and Annie”

10th-12th Oct., Idiom Theater, 1417 Cornwall Ave.

Good news for theater lovers: Idiom Theater has extended the run of its season premiere “Bart and Annie” through Saturday, October 12th. This world premiere from New York playwright Adam Szymkowicz is “a delightful and whimsical story of two buddies navigating the challenges of city life, friendship and existential dread – with a little help from puppets and modern dance.”

“Bart and Annie” aims to feel simultaneously fresh and familiar, with quirky characters reminiscent of “beloved odd couples” from pop culture history. What's more, the entire production is brought to life by not just one, but three different actors – so even if you've seen it once, the second viewing will be a completely new experience. Info: idiomtheater.org.

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