WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – This weekend many Whatcom County residents will be out shopping for Turkeys and sides in anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. But once the turkey is thawing in the fridge, why not head out and do something fun? We’ve got you covered in this week’s Lifestyle Lookout.

The Upfront Theatre is hosting the 2025 Bellingham Improv Festival from Thursday, Nov. 20 to Sunday, Nov. 23. It’s an annual celebration of improv theater showcasing a variety of shows and workshops.

The multi-day event will take place at the Upfront (203 Prospect St.) and the neighboring New Prospect Theatre this year. So, there’s plenty of space for everyone to attend.

For tickets and a full schedule of events, go to theupfront.com.

Fans of exotic pets are in luck this weekend.

The Bellingham Show Me the Reptiles Show and Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the NWW Fairgrounds in Lynden. Vendors will have lizards, snakes, exotic animals and more on display and for sale.

Admission is $10. For tickets and details, go to showmereptileshow.com.

Christmas season hasn’t officially begun but it looks like Santa Claus is already coming to town.

That’s right. Santa Arrives kicks off at the Bellis Fair Mall on Friday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. The big man will arrive in style at the Food Court entrance for all to see. Attendees can join a jolly parade from the food court to Santa’s home at center court. Jingle bells will be provided for the first 140 kids in attendance.

Santa will be stationed at the mall through the Christmas holiday with special events including Sensory Santa, Pet Santa and Cowboy Santa. For a full list of events and to reserve a spot with Santa, go to whereissanta.com.

Not to be outdone by Bellis Fair, the good folks at Sunset Square have something special in store.

The Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts runs from Friday through Christmas Eve. A holiday tradition for over 46 years, the festival features over 100 artisans selling wares along with live music performances, workshops for kids, and artist demonstrations.

The Holiday Festival of the Arts is located next to Sunset Safeway and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving). For all the details, go to alliedarts.org.

Our featured live show this week is at the Mount Baker Theatre.

Over the Rhine, an Americana duo from Cincinnati, OH, have been performing together for over 30 years. Their soulful delivery is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

Over the Rhine perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. For tickets, go to mountbakertheatre.com.