Bellingham’s Fourth of July festival is back, with this new location, events
While the fireworks show remains the same, the Port of Bellingham will shake things up a bit with the annual 4th of July Festival.
The free festival leading up to the fireworks will be in the Waterfront District this year, near Waypoint Park and the Granary Building. The Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden will be open and activities for children are planned around the Peter Paulsen Stage during the day, followed by live music in the late afternoon into the evening.
This year’s slate of events marks the full return of the festival to Bellingham after dealing with COVID-19 restrictions the past two years. Last year Bellingham had fireworks but no festival; in 2020 the entire event was canceled because of the pandemic.
The Port of Bellingham is not planning any organized events in the Zuanich Park area this year, which was the traditional spot for the festival. The Bellingham Pickleball Club is hosting a tournament at the Fisherman’s Pavilion throughout the day. Community members are welcome to watch the fireworks at Zuanich Park in the evening, said Mike Hogan, Port of Bellingham spokesman.
Events kick off at 2 p.m. at the Waterfront District with an assortment of yard games like a giant Connect 4, bubble wands and hula hoops. Inner Child Studio and the Bellingham Circus Guild will provide interactive activities.
The bands start performing at 4 p.m. and there will be a variety of food vendors on hand, including Hungry Street, Lumpia Luv, Simmering Tava, Sammies Vegan and Kona Ice. The Container Village and the bike pump track will also be open.
The fireworks show is expected to start around 10:30 p.m.
Area parking is limited and the port urges people to park in neighboring areas and walk to the festival. There is no Whatcom Transportation Authority bus service on Independence Day.
Along with the Port of Bellingham, the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and Kulshan Brewing are sponsors of the festival.
This story was originally published June 20, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
