This year Whatcom County is going to be booming with fun events celebrating our nation’s birth. With all these wonderful offerings, there is sure to be something to delight the whole family. This guide includes events on and around the 4th, so get out there and enjoy as much Whatcom County 4th of July fun as you can!
Haggen Family 4th of July Celebration, Bellingham
Festivities go all day! Starting at 9:00 a.m. is the registration pickup for the 3×3 Hoop It Up basketball tournament with games starting at 11:00 a.m. Live music starts at 12:30 p.m. in Zuanich Park including the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, Chris Eger Band (2:30 p.m.) and Baby Cakes (5:30 p.m.). At 8:30 p.m., the Washington Army National Guard “Full Metal Racket Rock Band” will be playing along with the fireworks show on Bellingham Bay.
Day time activities at Zuanich Park and Squalicum Harbor also include Olde Time Games, Vendor booths and a beer garden. To help with access and parking, there are free shuttles from Bellingham High School to the front of the CityMac store on Roeder Street just north of the Squalicum Harbor main entrance.
The fireworks show can be viewed throughout Bellingham. Consider high and near points such as the Fairhaven Cruise Terminal, Sehome Arboretum, the end of Broadway at Holly St and Eldridge, Western’s Viking Union and PAC plaza, and even your or your friend’s deck on South Hill, Alabama Hill, Fairhaven or Eldridge for a good view. Another great option is the San Juan Cruises 4th of July Fireworks cruise.
Elizabeth Park 4th of July Kids Parade, Bellingham
In addition to the goings on at Zuanich Park and Squalicum Harbor, check out Elizabeth Park’s kids’ parade and music by the Sweet Goodbyes. Decorate your bikes and scooters and head to the kids’ parade at 12:15 p.m. Elizabeth Park will be decked out in red, white and blue!
Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, Blaine
Head north to Blaine for the Car Show (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., downtown), Pancake Breakfast (8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Blaine Community Center), Library Book sale (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), Arts and Crafts Fair (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Peace Portal and H Street), Parade (12:00 p.m., Peace Portal), Plover Ferry Rides (12:00 to 8:00 p.m., Marina), Live Music all day and a Beer Garden (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pizza Factory Parking lot), Clam Bake BBQ (4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort) and Fireworks (10:15 p.m., Marine Park and Peace Portal Drive). Plenty of fun for the whole family all day long!
Concerts in the Park, Bellingham
On Thursday July 6, Midnight Legend plays classic rock n’ roll at Elizabeth Park in the Columbia neighborhood. Bring a picnic and listen to some great tunes under the biggest Silver Maple Tree this side of the Mississippi. Donations accepted. Dancing optional and encouraged. Music continues Thursday evenings at 6:000 p.m. from June 15 to August 17. The Sweet Goodbyes play again on Thursday July 13 at Elizabeth Park. Shows start at 6:00 p.m.
Bilongo Qunitet with Sabrina Gomez plays Latin and African Grooves at Boulevard Park on Saturday July 15 at 7:00 p.m. Come on down to Boulevard Park and enjoy the sunset and free live music. Bring a picnic and your sunglasses to watch the sun sink behind the Bay.
Bellingham Festival of Music, Bellingham
Celebrate classical music in Bellingham by attending several concerts and talks. The Calidore String Quartet will be playing July 1 and 2. Guest performers include Marc-Andre Hamelin, Jeremy Denk, Tim Fain, Zuill Bailey and Robert McDuffie. Most concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. with free concert lectures at 6:30 p.m. at the Western Washington University Performing Arts Center (PAC). The Chamber by the Bay concert on July 9 will be at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal beginning at 4:00 p.m. Tickets will be available for single events or the entire festival. Come on up to Western (and down to the Cruise Terminal) to hear some beautiful classical music.
Improv at Boundary Bay Brewery from the Upfront Theatre, Bellingham
Four Upfront Theatre improvisers will present two sets of short-form improv comedy games at Beer + Improv + Food Truck (BIFT) shows. The shows will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Boundary Bay every Tuesday from June 20 through August 29, excluding the 4th of July.
Northwest Raspberry Festival, Lynden
July 14 and 15 head to Lynden to take part in the Curt Maberry Memorial Classic 3×3 Basketball Tournament. The Razz and Shine Cruise-in car show will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on July 15. An all you can eat Raspberry Pancake Breakfast supporting the Lynden Community Center will be held July 15 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Children’s’ events include the “Fill the Raspberry! Sticker Scavenger Hunt” and Little Pickers Kid’s Zone. Enjoy Berry Tasty Treats on Friday July 14 from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday July 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Raspberries and Edaleen Ice Cream – Yum! Razz-tastic sounds will be played both days at the food area on 4th Street and the dessert area on 6th Street.
Fairhaven Steampunk Festival, Bellingham
Come down to Fairhaven on July 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to listen to live music from Rogue’s End. Enjoy additional entertainment from One Man Folk Punk Cabaret Rioteer, MC Extraordinaire, Strangely Doesburg, The Penny Stinkers, The Sound and Fury Morris Dancers and Trevor the Sword Guy. Indulge in some delicious food, purchase raffle tickets, visit local and steampunk vendors, meet guest authors and enter the costume and art contests.
There is a bevy of fun and fascinating Whatcom County events to enjoy on or around the 4th of July. So get out there and have some fun! After all, it’s our nation’s birthday and that’s something worth celebrating.
