Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham’s oldest current microbrewery, has announced that they are closing its doors in September 2025. This local establishment has served the community for 30 years.
“In the very beginning, 1995, there weren’t very many craft breweries in the whole country,” says general manager Janet Lightner. “So we started out as pioneers, and then we were closing after 30 years as a legacy brewery, as true veterans. I don’t know how many 30-year-old breweries are left in the country.”
As the brewery’s announcement states, Boundary Bay has grown with generations in Bellingham and the craft brewery scene.
“People have come up to me with tears in their eyes when they found out that Boundary is closing and, you know, just can I give you a hug?” Lightner says. “And I’m like, sure, give me a hug. And you know, it’s like somebody met their partner there, somebody and their parents came there every time they came to see them at Western. Everybody I’ve talked to about it has a personal story about how Boundary has touched their lives and their families. We’ve seen babies grow up, and we’re on our second generation of some employees. If my granddaughter comes up and works for us before she starts Western, we’ll have three generations working at Boundary. It’s just really touching, really heartfelt.”
Raise a Glass to Boundary Bay’s Final Year
As a centerpiece of Depot Market Square, Boundary Bay is planning to go out with a bang, just like many of the celebrations it has hosted before.
“Our 30th anniversary technically is September 16, but we’re joining forces with the Farmers Market and having a big block party on Saturday, September 20,” says Lightner. “So we’re going to close down part of Railroad Avenue, and we’ll have bands out in the street, bands in the Beer Garden, just a lot of fun, a lot of activities. And so that’s what’ll be our community sendoff.”
Guests can still anticipate nostalgic merchandise (such as “Save the Ales”) and events in the space that has hosted many concerts, weddings, and memorials.
“We’re doing lots of little things like new merchandise, new logos, throwback menu items, throwback bands, and the beer garden,” Lightner says. “Just things that have touched people over the years and just bring it back one more time.”
30 Years of Community in Bellingham
Until September, patrons can still enjoy Boundary Bay’s diverse menu of food and drink options for families and bargoers alike.
“We really try to encompass the community in our philosophy,” Lightner says. “When you choose Boundary, you choose community. But also in our menu items and in our offerings, you can have a beer, you can have root beer. You can bring your whole family, and everybody’s going to find something that they like.”
Lightner looks forward to Boundary Bay’s legacy of giving continuing with its staff and community partners.
“I think some folks are picking up on the entrepreneurial spirit that Boundary has demonstrated and maybe start their own businesses,” says Lightner. “Some staff people are talking about writing the Boundary cookbook. There are a lot of ripple-out effects from the knowledge base that people have had the opportunity to learn so many different skills while working at Boundary. Some employees have been with us over 20 years, and so they’ve learned a lot, and they want to take that skill set and move on with it and make an impact on the community themselves.”
Boundary Bay has partnered with community organizations such as Whatcom Events for Ski to Sea, Bellingham Bay Marathon, Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, and Max Higbee Center for April Brews Day.
“It’s going to be different, and you know we’ve had a really good run,” Lightner says. “But I really do feel like we will be missed, but I feel honored that we’ve touched so many lives.”
Sailing Into the Sunset for Boundary Bay
As Bellingham says goodbye to Boundary Bay, we remember their central place in making personal and communal memories.
“I think the one story that’s kind of funny is that we have a reputation of gift giving and helping out,” Lightner says. “And I overheard some folks in the foyer one time say, ‘Ask for Janet. She doesn’t know how to say no.’ So it was like, generosity is part of our list of values, and we walk that talk pretty well.”
Boundary Bay is leaving the community with an updated list of sendoff events and the opportunity to share personal stories.
“It’s just been such an honor to see into people’s lives and watch children grow and watch our community grow,” says Lightner. “This is just a heartfelt thank you for trusting us over 30 years with your family celebrations, your happy times, your sad times. Boundary has been there for you, and it’s just been such an honor.”
