If you’ve ever wished you could sample delicious Washington State wines while you shop downtown, Downtown Bellingham Partnership has the perfect event for you: The Second Annual Downtown Wine Walk on Friday, May 13.
Even if you’ve never heard of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership before, you’ve likely enjoyed one of their many fun, free events such as the Downtown Sounds summer concert series, Art Walk on the first Friday of every month, and the new Commercial Street Night Market. Last year they introduced Wine Walk to bring together two things that make Bellingham shine: Locally and regionally produced wines paired with small, eclectic shops.
“This is such a beer town, and we need more events for people who like drinks other than beer!” says Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s Marketing Director, Kyle Fuller. This event is the perfect way to sample delicious regional wines while supporting downtown retailers. “We have 15 retail shops participating this year, and the nature of the event gets people into these stores and showing off the amazing selection and shopping our local stores have,” Fuller adds.
Tickets for Wine Walk include 15 tastes and a commemorative wine glass. Pre-purchase your tickets online through the Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s website.
“Downtown becomes one huge wine tasting experience,” Fuller says. “There’s music playing in the streets, balloons everywhere, and hundreds of people laughing and enjoying themselves. The atmosphere is fun and laid back, and it’s a great way to experience downtown — especially if you’ve never been before.”
Plus the Second Annual Wine Walk has grown since last year’s inaugural event. The Downtown Bellingham Partnership listened to feedback from attendees and participating shops, making this year’s event full of more wine and local flair. “We went from 11 to 15 participating shops, added food trucks and buskers outside on the streets, made the event four hours instead of three, and much more,” Fuller explains.
And Wine Walk is fun for downtown retailers, too.
“I love participating in the Wine Walk because it draws people downtown for leisure and wine,” business owner Michelle Bouma says. If you’ve ever shopped in the downtown area you’ve likely experienced one of Bouma’s well-curated shops: Mi Shoes, her mobile boutique Belle on Wheels, and her newest addition, Heroine Clothing. “I can’t tell you how many new people came into my store last year during Wine Walk!” Bouma shares. “Then for at least a month following, we had ladies coming back saying they were in Mi Shoes for their first time during Wine Walk and couldn’t wait to get back to shop!”
Downtown Bellingham’s shops are an eclectic mix of everything from outdoor gear at Backcountry Essentials to home goods at Greenhouse. You’ll find something for just about anyone at shops like Novato, The Bureau, Spruce, Ideal, Garys’ Men’s and Women’s Wear, Downtown Emporium, Fringe, Lisa Crosier Skin Care, Kids Northwest, and Third Planet. Plus many participating retailers will be running exclusive discounts and drawings the night of the event to make your shopping experience even better.
Wine Walk is Friday, May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available online at Downtown Bellingham Partnership’s website, but make sure you grab them soon.
“There are more tickets available this year, but I’m sure they will sell out before the night of Wine Walk,” Bouma says. “Don’t miss out! This is the most fun you will have all year.”
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