A few years back, just one Bellingham venue had visiting artists in one season who had been awarded a total of 36 Grammys! Now, access to big stars is common in Vegas, but seeing live entertainment where there might be a mountain in the background, a firepit at your feet, and a huge list of local pours to choose from is where Bellingham truly shines. Several local venues have regular music both indoors and out, not to mention free summer music series and one-of-a-kind festivals. Here’s some hot spots and annual festivals:
• Downtown Sounds - Downtown Sounds is a series of free outdoor concerts for the entire family to enjoy! Held in the Arts District of Downtown Bellingham on Wednesday, Downtown Sounds features a different performance every week with popular bands from all over Washington and music from a variety of genres. The night also includes local food and brews vendors, and a 21+ beverage garden.
• Bellingham Festival of Music - Since 1993, the Bellingham Festival of Music has been bringing live music to Bellingham. Now under the direction of maestro Michael Palmer, the festival’s summer season features musicians from all over America and Canada. Enjoy exceptional musicians from regional and national ensembles as they bring you the highest caliber of artistic excellence possible.
• Birch Bay Days and Crab Festival - Located between the beautiful San Juan Islands and snow-capped Mt Baker, Birch Bay Discovery Days is a great way to spend a weekend with the entire family! From the grand parade down Birch Bay Drive to the arts and crafts fair, and a variety of food vendors, there’s something for everyone. Not to mention kites flying on the beach, clamming, wakeboarding, and skimboarding.
• Seafeast - SeaFeast is a celebration of Bellingham’s maritime heritage legacy, bustling working waterfront, internationally renowned fishing and seafood industries, and unsurpassed culinary bounty. The waterfront has defined Bellingham from its very beginnings, and this two-day festival in September shows from sea-to-plate why the ocean, Bellingham Bay, and the Salish Sea set us apart.
• Farm Tunes at Bellewood Farms & Distillery - Every Friday night starting in July, Bellewood Farms features different artists from all over the Pacific Northwest for a night of live music on the largest apple orchard in Western Washington! This family-friendly event is a great way to soak up views of Mount Baker while enjoying locally sourced ingredients and beverages. Bellewood is home to one of the first apple distilleries in Washington and their apple-made spirits are award winning!
• NW Tune Up - The Northwest Tune-Up is Bellingham’s newest bike, beer and music festival held in celebration of Pacific Northwest culture! This new three-day event showcases the beauty of the region and everything it has to offer. Whether exploring Bellingham’s world-class mountain biking, enjoying each evening’s lineup of live music on Bellingham’s waterfront or indulging in the best beers from across the Northwest.
Don't just trust us, check out Bellingham for yourself! We're giving away a chance to win a 2-night stay at Hotel Bellwether, a whale watching tour from San Juan Cruises and a flight for two on Southwest Airlines from LAS to BLI. Click HERE to enter!