Submitted by Cascade Connections
After a hiatus since 2019, the Hamster Crawl is coming back to downtown Bellingham for its fifth year. The walking tour of pubs, breweries, and eateries will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026. Organizers expect its return to be bigger and better than ever, with 15 participating locations.
The Hamster Crawl serves a dual purpose: first, as a fundraiser benefiting Cascade Connections, a Whatcom County nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their community. The second purpose is to connect people with Bellingham businesses they might not have patronized in the past. For event organizer Gregg Hill, what sets the Hamster Crawl apart isn’t just the cause; it’s the connection it builds between attendees and the businesses that line the route.
“I think it’s the interaction between the community and downtown Bellingham businesses,” Hill said. “We’ve had people tell us that a pub or restaurant they visited for the first time during the Hamster Crawl ended up becoming one of their favorite places. I love that!”
While the event raises critical funds for Cascade Connections, Hill sees it as a two-way boost for downtown Bellingham as well. “For one afternoon, we’re also bringing hundreds of people downtown to support our route sponsors,” he said. “Hopefully, they will discover a few new favorites and keep coming back long after the Hamster Crawl is over.”
Supporting People With Disabilities Across Whatcom County
The money raised goes directly toward expanding opportunities for people with disabilities throughout the region. “Cascade Connections does so many incredible things in our community,” Hill explained. “We support approximately 400 individuals with disabilities as they live, work, grow, and thrive throughout Whatcom County.”
That support takes many forms: from helping someone live more independently in their own home, to job placement and success, to helping students transition from high school into adulthood and employment, to providing Home Care services for individuals of all ages.
Hill emphasized that Hamster Crawl proceeds do more than fund existing programs; they give Cascade Connections room to meet needs that traditional funding can’t always cover. “That allows us to invest in opportunities and experiences that can make a real difference in someone’s life,” he said. “At the end of the day, every Hamster Crawl ticket, sponsorship, raffle ticket, and donation helps us create more opportunities for the people we serve.”
New Locations, Old Favorites
This year’s route features a lineup of new and returning stops, a reflection of how much downtown Bellingham has changed since the event’s last outing in 2019.
“I’m really excited about all the new locations on this year’s route,” Hill said. “Since our last Hamster Crawl was in 2019, unfortunately, a lot of the places we visited back then are no longer around. That makes supporting local businesses an even bigger part of what this event is about.”
One stop with deep roots is the Horseshoe Cafe, a Bellingham institution dating back to 1886, which is participating in its fifth Hamster Crawl. “Another highlight every year is stopping at the Horseshoe to see what they’ve created for us,” Hill said. “They always put together a special Hamster Crawl menu with a themed drink and appetizer.”
Hill hopes other staples of the downtown scene become similarly long-lasting fixtures. “We want places like El Capitan’s and Uisce Irish Pub to be part of Bellingham for a long time,” he said. “And even if you can’t make the Hamster Crawl, head downtown sometime and support these local businesses anyway!”
A Little Friendly Competition
Beyond the food, drinks, and fundraising, the Hamster Crawl has another playful tradition, a T-shirt design contest among participating bartenders and waitstaff.
“One of my favorites was when we had a contest for bartenders and waitstaff to creatively modify their Hamster Crawl T-shirts, and some of them really went all out!” Hill recalled. “One person turned their shirt into a fringed crop top, cut holes in it, and actually strung lights through it.” Attendees photographed their favorite looks and nominated them using a hashtag before the event’s committee selected a winner. “Yes, the light-up shirt won!” Hill said.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Kick-off location: Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden
- Last Call: Bar Two Eleven
- Tickets: On sale now
- Benefiting organization: Cascade Connections
Route Sponsors:
- Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden
- Bar Two Eleven
- Waterfront Tavern Seafood & Bar
- Beaver Inn
- Cheba Hut
- El Capitan’s
- Fiamma Burger
- Gruff Brewing
- Horseshoe Cafe
- Jalapeños
- JUXT Taphouse
- Ruckus Room
- State Street Bar
- The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge
- Uisce Irish Pub
Business Sponsors:
- Barron Home Services
- Van Loo’s Auto Service
- Environmental Insulation and Contract LLC
- Fountain Rental & Leasing
- Mountain Pacific Bank
- Hub International
- SERVPRO
- LSM Heating, Plumbing, Electric, Inc.
- FastCap
This year’s Title Business Sponsor is Barron Home Services. Barron Home Services selected Cascade Connections as the October Nonprofit for their Barron KARES program, which has donated over $280,000 to local nonprofits since 2024.
A raffle featuring great prizes will also be part of the day’s festivities. Whether attendees are longtime Hamster Crawl veterans or first-timers, the event offers a chance to explore downtown Bellingham, support local businesses, and contribute to a cause that expands opportunity for people with disabilities across Whatcom County.
Get your tickets here.
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