This is an amazing beer lovers event…read more Bellinghamsters come out in force, so arrive early. The lines to get tickets and get in the day of the event are super long. It is worth it to buy the VIP pass online to avoid the wait. Plus, you get early entry before the masses which gives you immediate access to each vendor without the long lines. You buy a 4oz cup for $4 upon arrival. Brewers from out of town, out of state and even locals will sell you a taste of their special crafts for a $1. It is worth it to try the local breweries too. Boundary Bay had special concoctions that were only available at this event, and they turned out to be very unique and tasty. Don't forget your state identification to prove you are 21+, and cash to buy drinks and those amazing pretzel necklaces. It's highly recommended you arrange a ride home in advance with a service like Uber, Wheels & Wines, or a cab. With so much good brew to enjoy, you are guaranteed to be in no condition to get behind the wheel. A live band played throughout the night. Yelp had a fun "selfie booth" that was a hit with groups wanting a picture on their phone to mark the occasion. I only wish this event happened more than once a year.

Bellingham biggest and baddest beer festival just keeps getting better. And this year they made it…read moreeven more fabulous by concentrating not only on getting a lot of people in the gates, but by making sure we had fun once we were inside. The variety of beers and ciders available was absolutely amazing. Everything from local breweries to beers from far away were featured. There were two music stages, a game area, several amazing food trucks, and other nice touches such as plenty of bathroom facilities. I had a wonderful afternoon, and it's definitely the place to see and be seen at the end of Bellingham Beer Week. If you go here and don't run into anyone you know you clearly aren't from Bellingham.

This festival, hosted on Memorial Day Weekend in historic Fairhaven, is lovely to walk through and…read moredrink in. It's a beautiful part of Bellingham, and there are lots of vendors with food and interesting wares, crafts and art. The festival featured bands and plenty to places to enjoy the music. This festival was a happy coincidence for me--I came for the Ski to Sea event, and the festival was a beautiful bonus.

This fantastic festival happens on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend each year (same day as the…read moreSki to Sea race) and is produced by the Historic Fairhaven Association. All of the core streets of Fairhaven are closed and lots of street and craft vendors line the streets. Yummy food options to suit every taste - many fair favorites. Love the main stage showcasing popular local bands and adjacent to a huge beer garden. This is a great family friendly event not to be missed.

Up here in Bellingham we like to do things differently, so our local Pride Festival (the second…read morelargest of it's kind in the state...by the way!) is held a few weeks later than most of the national festivities. The result is our festival attracts people not just from these parts, but from Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver BC as well. The festivities begin with a colorful parade through downtown Bellingham, and end at Depot Market Square where the entire street is shut down for food trucks, vendors, live music, and plenty of space to hob-nob with all the friends you'll run into. Be sure to wear your brightest, most festive attire - this is one of the few days in Bham where people aren't wearing various shades of khaki, tan, and brown!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Pride is a big deal in Bellingham with many events offered in the days…read moreleading up to the actual festival and parade. The parade starts near or at Bellingham High School and proceeds down Cornwall. The parade ends at the Market Depot on Railroad where the festival is held. The usual haters led the parade and was then followed by happy, singing, and supportive people from all walks of life. Kings, Queens, kids, and grannies marched in the parade alone with church groups and other organizations. The festival included vendors, drag performers, and other forms of entertainment. If you're easily offended by exposed skin, you're in the wrong place. Bellingham Pride is much smaller than Seattle Pride, but it's definitely more enjoyable. You can get a good viewpoint at all times and not feel overwhelmed. I'm looking forward to next year already.

Known for their many, many social causes which tremendously benefit our community, the Kiwanis Noon…read moreClub also holds a weekly luncheon in Lynden where members come to network, hob-nob, and listen to a guest speaker. On this particular occasion, I had the privilege of being the guest speaker and I was impressed by the thoughtful crowd, the polite questions, and the very warm welcome. At the end they even gave me a souvenir Kiwanis coffee mug - what a great group of people! While I wasn't real excited about the food, the rest of the event was very well done.

This annual event is now approaching its second year, sold out so quickly last year they had to…read moremove to a larger venue. This year's Light in the Night Gala & Silent Auction will be held at Four Points by Sheraton on Lakeway Dr. on May19th. Help raise $$$$ for The Lighthouse Mission while enjoying a relaxing night out. Tickets go on sale at the end of March and will surely sell out again...see you there! -Live Entertainment -Appetizers, Plated Dinner, & Dessert -Inspiring Stories of Transformation -Silent Auction & Raffle -Live Auction & Raise Your Paddle

I always used to look at animal masks online and think, "I should buy one. You never know when…read moreyou'll need this!" Against my better judgement, I didn't buy a mask....And then I saw the poster for this. Mistake! This is an opportunity for anyone to dress up as any species and march in a parade from the library to Maritime Park. There was music during the parade and then again at the park. So much fun for the entire family! I've learned my lesson. Mask ordered for next year.

Short but sweet! On this glorious sunny day creative Bellinghamsters take to the streets and…read moreparaded from the city hall down Holly Street to Maritime Park. The musicians were a crack up.

This has become one of my favorite Friday outings in beautiful Fairhaven! Celebrating its first…read moreyear, local artists show their work at unique and welcoming venues which include (to name a few) Mambo Italiano, Tony's Coffee, Village Books, Melvin Brewery. Pick up your map at any participating stop on your tour and plan your route! Each month the artists are new, so you never see the same one twice as you are treated to the diverse and local flavor of the very talented artists in Bellingham. Get a chance to talk to the artist over sips and snacks. 5pm-8pm every fourth Friday of the month excluding December. Perfect for a date night or evening out with friends.

It was a beautiful, sunny day in Bellingham. A rainbow even appeared in the sky. About 10,000 men…read moreand women of all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds came out to peacefully march in solidarity for issues important to them. The organizers had speakers, poets and musicians perform and present before and after the march on the steps of City Hall. They didn't expect as many people to show up because the sound system, while powerful, was not loud enough to reach the throngs of people wrapped around the adjoining streets. Even the 1 mile march had to be extended on the fly when the front of the line was prevented from further movement because it had ran smack dab into the middle of the line. Thankfully police and volunteers were able to redirect the marchers down some additional streets to accommodate the large crowds. The library lawn had booths manned by local organizations such as DVAS. Individuals could learn more about local organizations making a difference in the community and sign up for future action. Parking was free on Saturday. Organizers encouraged individuals to walk, bike, bus or carpool. However, parking at nearby lots like the Bellingham High School was also an option. Portable potties were available on site. A few food trucks were also located on the march route where people could fuel their body. The event was very inspiring as groups of individuals chanted back and forth things like, "What does democracy look like? This is what democracy looks like!" People held signs voicing their concerns over health care, education, environmental protection, immigration, racism, equal pay, sexual assault, etc. I was glad I was able to march in this momentous occasion. It gave me a sense of community and a sense of hope for our future.

2018 and we haven't lost our momentum! More millennials and tables representing during the speakers…read morefrom 10 to 11 before the actual marching. It is very cold and difficult to hear the speakers. You can feel the excitement. This is good medicine for the soul.