As the non-profit dedicated to Bellingham's vibrant downtown, we strive to keep you informed about the exciting developments, events, and initiatives that shape our community. Read and share our press releases about Downtown Bellingham Partnership events, programs, organization, and service announcements. We also share news from community partners and press outlets.
For press inquiries and further information, please contact Jenny Hagemann, our Development & Communications Manager. We look forward to sharing the stories that make our downtown a thriving and engaging destination.
See below to subscribe to our monthly newsletters, which highlights news each month, and for quick links to local publications and the City of Bellingham’s official news.
The City of Bellingham along with Visit Bellingham and Downtown Bellingham Partnership are thrilled to announce the slate of grant awardees that will participate in the Bellingham Fan Zone – an official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone celebrating the world’s games in June and July 2026.
Two community watch party locations will anchor the soccer festivities in the city’s center to showcase Seattle matches. Trackside Beer Garden by Kulshan Brewing will bring the games to screens near the waterfront, while The Den and the Wild Buffalo will host a Commercial Street Block Watch Party in Downtown’s heart.
Rooted in the heart of our city, Julian & Company is more than a real estate team; it is a lifelong advocate for the culture that makes Bellingham extraordinary. As a proud Title Sponsor of Downtown Sounds, it believes that vibrant neighborhoods start with a vibrant downtown.
Downtown Bellingham is the heart of our city—a heart that cherishes character, creativity, small business spirit, connection, kindness, and pride. Like any heart, it’s been tested by pressure and pain, but it keeps beating because people continue to show up and care for it.
In recent years, Downtown Bellingham has been pressured by regional and national stressors, including community mental health issues, housing scarcity, high cost of living, and a changing generation of small business owners. These challenges have drawn the attention and dedication of not only the staff and board at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, but also Mayor Lund’s leadership team through the Downtown Forward actions and commitments.
A flood of Western Washington University students descended on downtown on Wednesday in an annual tradition, doubling as an announcement to the rest of Bellingham: The kids are back in town.
Students filled several blocks of East Maple Street at around 5 p.m. for WWU First Night Out. Many students wearing Western merchandise gathered at Red Square on campus and walked in a massive group to Depot Market Square
Read MoreAllied Arts of Whatcom County hosts a pay-by-donation art workshop for Western Wednesday's First Night Out September 24th 5:30-7:30 p.m. Students and non-students alike are welcome to join in the creative fun!
Read MoreFor 30 years, Boundary Bay Brewery has poured more than just pints. They’ve poured their passion into our community with service, hospitality, and a spirit that has inspired the craft brewery phenomenon Bellingham enjoys today. As they prepare to close their doors at the end of September, we invite you to join us in raising a glass to their legacy.
On Saturday, September 20th, Boundary Bay is hosting a 30th Anniversary Party and farewell celebration unlike any other: two stages, five bands, a full block of Railroad Avenue closed for dancing, and the food and beer we all know and love. From 11 AM to 11 PM, let’s come together to honor a truly monumental run and celebrate a retirement well-earned.
Read MoreOn Monday, August 18 a team of JL Weiler organ restoration experts, led by Service and Restoration Technician Toby Washburn, worked hand in hand with Mount Baker Theatre staff to start the process of removing and dismantling the historic 1927 Wurlitzer Pipe Organ (Opus 1558). Washburn and the JL Weiler team will restore the mighty Wurlitzer to its historic splendor in time for MBT’s 100th Season. During the removal and restoration process, MBT Board, staff, and some organ enthusiasts had the opportunity to hear Washburn’s firsthand insights into the complex removal process, followed by reflections and fascinating historical context from some of MBT’s longest-standing employees and volunteers.
Read MoreSustainable Connections is excited to celebrate September Eat Local Month, a month-long celebration of eating local food and honoring those who grow, raise, harvest, and prepare it to share with this community. Eat Local Month will feature the Whatcom County Farm Tour and the Sandwich Showdown, two exciting events that will inspire connection, learning, and delight.
Read MoreAs announced in November, 2024 Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro will be closing its doors at the end of September after 30 years in business. Since this announcement, Boundary Bay has been approached by other breweries about the possibility of using their unique recipes to contract brew the iconic beer and keep the Boundary Bay brand available to customers.
Read MoreMore than 7,000 Chinook salmon are expected to return to Whatcom Creek in downtown Bellingham this season thanks to an ongoing collaboration between Bellingham Technical College (BTC), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC), and the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe.
Read MoreWhatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) will provide free rides on all bus trips within Whatcom County from August 7 through August 16, 2025. Free Fare Days are an opportunity for regular riders and newcomers to experience the ease and convenience of WTA’s bus services at no cost.
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