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 Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) announces the return of Downtown Sounds for its 22nd season, bringing free live music, local artists, and community activities to Downtown Bellingham on Wednesday evenings from July 8 through August 5.
Downtown Bellingham continues to navigate many of the same economic pressures affecting business districts across the country, including rising operating costs and shifting consumer spending habits. We know these challenges are real for many of our businesses, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, and we are committed to listening to and advocating for our community's needs.
Western Washington University’s College of Business and Economics (CBE) is proud to celebrate 50 years of educating future business leaders and engaged community members. To mark this milestone, CBE is hosting a free community event featuring two distinguished alumni.
Applications are now open for muralists interested in participating in the 2026 Noisy Waters Mural Festival, taking place August 14–16, 2026 at the Bellingham waterfront. The festival invites artists from around the world to compete in a live public art event where blank walls become vibrant murals before the community’s eyes.
Read MoreVoxel Gallery is proud to present The Veils of Self, a solo exhibition by Lori VanEtta, an abstract painter, opening April 3, 2026. The public is invited to attend the opening reception from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The exhibition will remain on view through May 15, 2026.
The Veils of Self presents a compelling collection of paintings that explore emotional states, intuition, and the evolving inner landscape of the artist. Each piece serves as a visual record of a moment—capturing moods, experiments, and expressions that emerge organically through VanEtta’s creative process.
Read MoreIf you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve enjoyed a craft beer in Bellingham at some
point—and for that, we thank you. All 15 Bellingham breweries have once again come together
to bring you Bellingham Beer Week! Join us in Bellingham, WA, April 10th–19th, 2026 for a full
week celebrating our vibrant craft beer community, the spirit of collaboration, and of
course—LOCAL BEER!
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreRooted 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.
Read MoreDowntown 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.
Read MoreFor the first time in its 33-year history, the Bellingham Farmers Market (BFM) is turning to the community to help sustain its food access programs as government funding for SNAP Market Match is set to be drastically reduced in 2026. With cuts expected to exceed two-thirds of current support, BFM is launching an urgent fundraising effort to keep its Unlimited SNAP Market Match program alive.
Read MoreMore than just a tribute concert, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the Broadway sensation that tells the remarkable true story of music icon Tina Turner’s life and legacy. The smash hit has kicked off an all-new North American Tour.
Read More
