Your guide to Bellingham’s July events: The NW Tune-Up Festival is back, plus more fun on tap

Alyse Smith
·4 min read

Summer is officially here, and if you’re looking for fun local events you won’t want to miss, we’ve got you covered. Here’s is a monthly roundup of Bellingham events, trivia nights and live music this month:

Trivia nights

These local restaurants and bars regularly hold trivia nights:

▪ Kulshan Brewing Roosevelt Taproom at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, July 12, 19 and 26 at 1538 Kentucky St.

▪ Overflow Taps at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, July 17 and 31 at 2930 Newmarket St.

▪ Culture Cafe at 7 p.m. on Mondays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 210 E Chestnut St.

▪ Cheba Hut Toasted Subs at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 11, 18 and 25 at 306 W Holly St.

▪ Stemma Brewing Co. at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2039 Moore St.

▪ Flatstick Pub at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 11, 18 and 25 at 902 N State St.

Bellingham Events

▪ The Bellingham Farmers Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at 1100 Railroad Ave.

▪ The NW Tune-Up Festival, a beer, bike and live music event is back for its second year at the Bellingham waterfront from July 14-16. Some activities require a festival pass, while other activities such as a makers market, exhibits and races are free and open to the public. Here’s your complete guide to the festival, how to get tickets, free activities and more.

The Northwest Tune Up event is a mountain bike, live music and beer festival in Bellingham, Wash. The 2023 festival takes place July 14-16 at the Bellingham Waterfront.
The Northwest Tune Up event is a mountain bike, live music and beer festival in Bellingham, Wash. The 2023 festival takes place July 14-16 at the Bellingham Waterfront.

▪ Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures is hosting various kayaking ventures throughout the month of July, exploring Larabee State Park, Bellingham Bay, Lummi Island and other local spots.

▪ The LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival will take place July 8 and July 9 in Bellingham. The festival will include a pride family picnic, parade, festival and dance. For activity times and locations, visit the event’s website.

▪ The Fairhaven Outdoor Movie Cinema will be playing “Finding Nemo” on July 8, “Mamma Mia” on July 15, “Black Panther” on July 22 and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” on July 29. The movies start at 6:30 p.m. and cost $7 per person, or $8 with a credit card. Children 4 and under will be admitted for free, and concessions will also be available for sale. The movie will play at the Fairhaven Village Green park at 1207 10th St.

The Wednesday Farmers Market at Fairhaven’s Village Green will have different hours this year, operating from 3-7 p.m. The market will be open each Wednesday in June July and August except for July 4.
The Wednesday Farmers Market at Fairhaven’s Village Green will have different hours this year, operating from 3-7 p.m. The market will be open each Wednesday in June July and August except for July 4.

▪ The Bellingham Waterfront Makers Market will feature local vendors and artists during the NW Tune Up Festival at Bellingham’s waterfront. The market is free to attend and will be open from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, July 14, noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday at 1145 Granary Ave.

▪ The Commercial Street Block Party – Pride Continues will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 20. The free block party will include face painting, food trucks, games, drag performances, Queer-owned businesses, chalk art and small business shopping. The event is at the 1300 block of Commercial St.

Live music

▪ The Aslan Brewing Co. depot welcomes local artists throughout the month of July, including holding jazz nights on Tuesdays. For the music line up, check the schedule online. Aslan Brewing Co. is at 1322 N. State St.

▪ Downtown Sounds, a weekly free concert in downtown Bellingham is back this summer with live music, food trucks and a beer garden every Wednesday from July 11 through Aug. 9. Concerts run from 5:30-9 p.m. Here’s your guide to the event.

Downtown Sounds returned Wednesday evening, July 6, 2022, for its 18th year with music, food and vendors in a Downtown party at Bay and Prospect streets in Bellingham, Wash.
Downtown Sounds returned Wednesday evening, July 6, 2022, for its 18th year with music, food and vendors in a Downtown party at Bay and Prospect streets in Bellingham, Wash.

▪ Kulshan Brewing Company’s various breweries are hosting live music throughout the month of July. For the music line up and locations, check the schedule online.

▪ Barkley Village is hosting Tuesday Tunes, with live music every Tuesday throughout the summer. The concerts and food trucks will be open from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday from July 11 through Aug. 29 at the Village Green at 2215 Rimland Drive.

▪ The Blue Room, a live music and event venue regularly hosts live performers, including jazz nights, local artists, and improv nights. Tickets are available online in advance. The Blue Room is at 202 E. Holly St.

▪ Bar Cicotti, a coffee and wine bar will host jazz nights from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays through September. Bar Cicotti is at 202 Grand Ave.

Would you like to add an event? Email asmith@bellinghamherald.com.