Bellingham Alive

Community Impact Night
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Denver) | WA
Join us at Backcountry Essentials on April 30 from 6–8pm for an evening centered on connecting with local nonprofits and community organizations in the Bellingham area. Meet the people doing impactful work, learn about the causes they support, and discover meaningful ways to get involved!

Backcountry Essentials 20th Anniversary Party
2026-05-15 17:00 - 20:00
Join us as we celebrate 20 years of Backcountry Essentials with an evening of community, music, drinks, snacks, and giveaways.
We’ll be giving away a huge pile of gear and goods from brands like Black Diamond, Patagonia, Kavu, and more. Raffle tickets will be handed out with purchases throughout the evening.
At Backcountry Essentials
Friday, May 15
5–8 PM

Shoestring Circus in Bellingham
2026-05-29 16:00 - 2026-06-14 18:00
Shoestring Circus returns with a dreamlike, story-driven circus production that leans into absurdity, physical mastery, and unapologetic beauty. Guided by two counting sheep, the show explores the logic of dreams through aerial movement, acrobatics, and theatrical humor – performed by an exceptional, internationally sourced cast.
Tickets available only at shoestringcircus.com starting April 3rd! Mark your calendars!
Friday, May 29th – 4pm, 7pm
Saturday, May 30th – 1pm, 5pm
Sunday, May 31st – 3pm, 6pm
Thursday, June 4th – 4pm, 7pm
Friday, June 5th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 6th – 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, June 7th – 3pm, 6pm
Wednesday, June 10th – 4pm, 7pm
Thursday, June 11th – 4pm, 7pm
Friday, June 12th – 5pm, 8pm
Saturday, June 13th – 3pm, 6pm
Sunday, June 14th – 1pm

Wander to Wander 1k
2026-06-06 10:30 - 13:00
The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center will once again be hosting the shortest fun run in the county, the Wander to Wander 1K. This short-and-sweet adventure takes off on Saturday, June 6th at 10:30. Starting with donuts and a few light calisthenics just outside the WDRC office before embarking on the mighty 0.62-mile journey to Wander Brewing. Participants are encouraged to dance, skip, and rove with style. Finish line festivities will include an awards ceremony, costume contest, raffle, and family friendly activities. Proceeds from the event will help the WDRC continue to provide creative and collaborative conflict resolution services on a sliding scale.
So, bring your friends, family, and well-behaved furry sidekicks for a day full of fun! Costumes and silly shenanigans are STRONGLY encouraged. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or just strolling for the sprinkles, the Wander 1K is all about one thing: FUN.
Learn more and register at: https://www.whatcomdrc.org/wander-to-wander

Skagit Valley Renaissance Faire
2026-06-13 10:00 - 2026-06-14 18:30
June 13-14, 2026 (Sat/Sun) The Skagit County Fairground welcomes The Skagit Valley Renaissance “Faire du Well”. A celebration of the Renaissance of many cultures. Armored Knights in Combat, Musicians by the Score, the “Pursued by a Beer” Garden, Turkey Legs, Entertainment, Classes, Vendors, MayPole dances, and more.

Intercultural Dance Day
2026-06-14 12:00 - 15:00
Intercultural Dance Day is a free community celebration bringing people together through dance, music, food, art, and cultural exchange.
Join us for live performances, food trucks, artist vendors, cultural booths, and opportunities to experience traditions from around the world.
Our mission is to create a welcoming space where different cultures can be shared, celebrated, and experienced together — creating connection, belonging, and community through the arts.
Your attendance supports local artists and helps encourage more intercultural events in Bellingham.
Free & open to the public
Contact with questions or if you want to volunteer: kaiagilje@gmail.com 360.325.2414

Boulevard Park Concerts: Veronica North
2026-06-26 18:00 - 20:00
Stop by Boulevard Park for an evening of sensational sounds and sunsets on the fourth Friday of June, July and August. These free, family friendly concerts are sponsored by Coldwell Banker Bain and Bellingham Parks & Recreation and feature some of the best local musicians and bands in the PNW! Local singer/songwriter bringing pop star energy to every stage!

25th Annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival
2026-07-18 11:00 - 2026-07-19 20:00
Saturday July 18 | 11am-8pm Sunday July 19 | 11am-5pm
Join us for the 25th Annual San Juan Island Lavender Festival at Alchemy Art Center on Saturday & Sunday, July 18-19!
Stroll fragrant lavender fields in peak bloom, enjoy stunning photo opportunities, and celebrate the “peak of purpleness” with art, music, and community. Explore handcrafted lavender products and artwork from over 50 local artists in the Alchemy Store, and take part in hands-on creative activities for all ages throughout the fields. With live music, local food vendors, community art activities, and free admission, it’s a joyful weekend celebrating lavender, art, and community!
More details at alchemyartcenter.com/events/2026-lavender-festival
45 Hawthorne Ln, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
alchemyartcenter@gmail.com

Boulevard Park Concerts: The Brie Mueller Band
2026-07-24 18:00 - 20:00
Stop by Boulevard Park for an evening of sensational sounds and sunsets on the fourth Friday of June, July and August. These free, family friendly concerts are sponsored by Coldwell Banker Bain and Bellingham Parks & Recreation and feature some of the best local musicians and bands in the PNW!

SAMISH ISLAND ARTS FESTIVAL
2026-07-25 10:00 - 16:00
28th ANNUAL SAMISH ISLAND ARTS FESTIVAL
Saturday, July 25th, 2026
10am – 4pm
11292 Blue Heron Road, Bow, WA 98232
www.samishisland.net
Prepare for a day of creativity, inspiration, and fun in a beautiful setting! Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, or a family looking for an engaging outing, the Samish Island Arts Festival offers something for everyone:
• Featuring 40+ LOCAL ARTISTS and MAKERS. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures and stunning artwork handcrafted by talented artisans.
• Groove to live music from DON ORTON and CAFÉ IMPROMPTU TRIO.
• Enjoy craft beverages from TERRAMAR BREWSTILLERY in the festival’s Beer and Cider Garden.
• Savor delicious bites from CICCHITTI’S PIZZA.
• Kids of all ages can experience hands-on artistic exploration in the CHILDREN’S ART ACTIVITY AREA.
See you there!

Inclusion Festival
2026-07-26 09:00 - 18:00
The Inclusion Festival is a FREE, family‑friendly celebration of the amazing resources and organizations that make Whatcom County a more inclusive place for everyone. This event is hosted by Whatcom Center for Early Learning. Join us for a joyful day of music, art, performances, hands‑on activities, and connection with local groups supporting accessibility, disability pride, and community belonging. Come explore, learn, and celebrate the people and programs that help our community thrive—everyone is welcome!

Fix it fair
2026-07-26 12:00 - 15:00
The Bellingham Fix it Fair will be hosted by Kulshan on Kentucky on the last Sunday of every month.
The event is FREE and offers:
* Clothes Mending
* Small Appliance Repair
* Knife Sharpening
* Jewelry Repair
* Toy Repair
* Good Vibes
* Small appliance repair by NW Free Repair includes just about anything you can carry in that is not gas powered. Sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, lamps, hand tools, electronics, and so much more.
* Clothing mending includes patches, button fixes, pocket holes, sweater holes, and more! Please limit your items to one & be prepared to return at a later time.
* Jewelry repair can include jump ring fixes and minor repairs.
* Knife sharpening & Pruners. Please limit two items per person & be prepared to return at a later time, as we hand-sharpen with whetstones and this is labor-intensive work.
* Shoe polishing includes basic shoe polishing and cleanup.
* Happyland Toy Rescue will have a booth mending & restoring broken toys. They also take toy donations to be restored and re-gifted.
Go to: https://www.instagram.com/fixitfair for more info
This is a volunteer-run event. All repairs we perform are free or by donation.

Lunchtime at Maritime: Wren the Juggler
2026-08-07 12:00 - 13:00
It’s Friday and that means it’s time to have FUN in the SUN! Join us for one (or all three!) of our entertaining and interactive performances at Maritime Heritage Park Amphitheatre. Pack your picnic lunch, sunglasses and sunscreen, grab a blanket and be ready to dance, sing, juggle, twirl and hoop it up!

Aire Craft Festival
2026-08-13 10:00 - 2026-08-16 21:00
From August 13–16, the inaugural Aire Craft Festival will bring artists, pilots, performers, and community members together for four days of street arts, contemporary circus, paragliding culture, and outdoor experiences in downtown Issaquah.
Centered along the Rainier Trail and at the Issaquah Community Center, Aire Craft celebrates Issaquah’s remarkable natural landscape and its vibrant creative community. Inspired by France’s legendary Free Flight festival Coupe Icare – and Europe’s rich tradition of street arts festivals, Aire Craft offers a distinctly Pacific Northwest experience rooted in the Issaquah Alps.
Festival Highlights
Thursday, August 13 – Opening Celebration & Outdoor Cinema Night
Friday, August 14 – Flying Trapeze & Evening Performances
Saturday, August 15 – Street Arts Programming, Circus Performances, Community Workshops & Free Birds Costume Parade
Sunday, August 16 – Street Arts Programming, Circus Performances, Workshops & Closing Celebration

Noisy Waters Mural Festival
2026-08-14 13:00 - 2026-08-16 15:00
Watch world-renowned muralists paint live, then cast your vote for who will paint Bellingham’s next big public murals.
This isn’t your average arts festival—it’s a vibrant mix of art, music, movement, and community that only Bellingham-based Paper Whale could produce. Dive into three days of spray-paint workshops, mural tours, live music, art for sale, yoga, upcycled fashion, and nonstop creative energy for all ages at the 4th annual Noisy Waters Mural Festival.
As daylight fades, the art starts glowing and the music gets louder for the 21+ crowd. Noisy Night Mode brings together headliner bands and DJs, blacklight painting, late-night mural sessions, and a libations bar for a multi-sensory experience.
Visit noisywatersmuralfest.com to see the schedule of events. Advanced purchase of workshop and mural tour tickets will be available leading up to the festival. Get them before they sell out!
Location:
The Portal Container Village, 298 West Laurel Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Aug 14 1:00 – 11:00 PM
Aug 15 9:00 – 11:00 PM
Aug 16 9:00 – 3:00 PM

Seattle Tattoo Expo
2026-08-14 14:00 - 2026-08-16 20:00
The Seattle Tattoo Expo returns to Seattle Center August 14–16, bringing a unique showcase of tattoo culture and history, fan-favorite contests, burlesque shows, karaoke, and more. Hosted by Seattle’s own Hidden Hand Tattoo and Supergenius Tattoo, the expo brings more than 250 tattoo artists from around the world to Seattle for
one weekend only, including legendary artists Vyvyn Lazonga, Shawn Barber, Tony Hundahl, and Big Gus. Tattoo appointments can be made in advance or on-site, depending on the artist. Since launching in 2001, the expo has grown into the largest tattoo event in the Pacific Northwest.
Tickets: https://www.seattletattooexpo.com/tickets/
Learn More: https://www.seattletattooexpo.com/

Camano Island Yacht Club Annual Music Festival
2026-08-15 13:00 - 18:00
Celebrate summer! Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chair, and enjoy an afternoon of outstanding live music in a beautiful waterfront setting. Gates open at 1 pm, with performances from 2–6 pm. Beer and wine will be available for purchase (please, no outside beverages). This popular annual event also serves as the Yacht Club’s membership drive, making it a great opportunity to experience the club and connect with the community.
MUSIC BY:
Nick Vigarino Band: https://www.nickvigarino.com/
Mary Ellen Lykins & The CC Adams Band: https://www.facebook.com/CCAdamsBand
Tickets: $35 at www.camanoislandyc.com
** Membership Drive Event **

Boulevard Park Concerts: Living Rumors
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00

Bellingham Dahlia Festival
2026-08-30 12:00 - 17:00
Join us for the Bellingham Dahlia Festival, a late-summer celebration of thousands of blooming dahlias at Bellingham Flower Farm. Come enjoy Upick, workshops, live music, food trucks and local artisan vendors.
Sunday, Aug 30th 12pm-5pm

NORDIC FEST
2026-11-07 10:00 - 16:00
26th Annual Nordic Fest
Saturday, November 7th, 10am -4pm
Ferndale Events Center, I-5 Exit 262
Entertainment All Day, Vendors with Nordic Gifts & Crafts, Scandinavian Bakery, Norsk Kafe
