Free parks, ‘Princess Bride,’ kids’ films, planets and a river walk
State parks and national parks offer free days this week, and there’s a guided hike at Horseshoe Bend, skywatching, a film fest and the final Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema.
Free state, national parks
Admission is free from Thursday, Aug. 25, to Sunday, Aug. 28, at all national parks, including North Cascades in Whatcom/Skagit counties, marking the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Thursday also is a free day for state parks in Washington, including Peace Arch, Birch Bay and Larrabee in Whatcom County: No day-use parking pass or seasonal Discover Pass is required. Info: findyourpark.com, discoverpass.wa.gov/136/State-Parks-Free-Days
Last outdoor movie
Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema presents its final outdoor movie of the season, closing as is tradition with “The Princess Bride,” Rob Reiner’s fantasy adventure romance. Seating opens at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, on the lawn at the Village Green, corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street. Admission is $5; bring a blanket for the lawn. Live music by Tom Sandblom at 7 p.m.; movie shows at dusk. Info: epiceap.com/fairhaven-outdoor-cinema.
River walk
The Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association’s River Stewards Program features a free guided interpretive walk from 3-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, along the Nooksack River at the Horseshoe Bend Trail. Get a free N-SEA bandanna. Free parking is in a dirt lot along the road across from the Douglas Fir Campground on the Mount Baker Highway east of Glacier. Info: n-sea.org/river-stewards-calendar.
Planetary two-step
Venus and Jupiter are at conjunction, appearing extremely close together just after sunset Saturday, Aug. 27. You’ll see them low on the western horizon. Info: earthsky.org.
Kids’ adventures
5Point Film Fest: Youth Adventure Program offers 10 short films for all ages at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Pickford Film Center, 1318 Bay St. Admission is $8.50 adults, $7.50 members, $8 students; free for children 12 and younger. Afterward is free Acme ice cream, a bike clinic, face painting and “The Real Food Show” to teach healthy food and lifestyle choices, sponsored by the Community Food Co-op – it’s a series of routines involving audience participation, visual aids, comedy, juggling and other circus skills. Info: pickfordfilmcenter.org.
What are you going to get out and do next weekend? Share with Robert Mittendorf: 360-715-2805, @bhamMitty, facebook.com/bellinghamherald. Tell us about your event at least three weeks in advance to be considered for this column.
This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 12:00 PM.