Bellingham’s October events: pumpkin patches, Oktoberfests, live music and more local fun
October has officially started, and as Halloween events start and pumpkin patches open in Bellingham, we’ve put together a guide of fun, local events. Here is a monthly roundup of Bellingham events, trivia nights and live music this month:
Bellingham events
▪ The Bellingham Farmers Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at 1100 Railroad Ave.
▪ The SeaFeast Jazz Celebration, a seafood BBQ and night of live music will run from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5 at Aslan Brewing Co. at 1322 North State St.
▪ Free open roller skate from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6 at Depot Market Square at 1100 Railroad Ave.
▪ Oktoberfest at Boundary Bay Brewery, a free, traditional German celebration with Oktoberfest-inspired food, drinks, yodeling and stein-hoisting contests, keg rolling, a dance off and more, will run from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1107 Railroad Ave.
▪ Bellingham Exit, a music and art festival in downtown Bellingham will run from Oct. 11-15. The festival includes shows across 15 downtown venues. Tickets are available online in advance.
▪ 7th Annual Bellingham SeaFeast, is a free seafood and waterfront festival, although some activities require tickets. The festival includes a beer garden, BBQ salmon, live music, boat rides, cooking demos, art and craft vendors and the dockside seafood market. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 at 2600 North Harbor Loop Drive.
▪ The Sippin’ on Cider Festival is a local cider festival at Lost Giants Cider Company. The festival includes local cider tastings, nonalcoholic drink options, games, live music and a photo booth. Tickets are on sale online. The festival runs from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1200 Meador Ave.
▪ The Bellingham Circus Guild will be performing two shows in October, “Vaudevillingham,” a circus variety show and “The Beastly Frightful Unspeakably Spooky Circus of Doom.” The circus has shows for all ages and some cabaret, adult only shows. Tickets are available online, and performances are at 1401 6th St., #102.
▪ Boo at Bloedel & Sensory Friendly Boo, a candy-free children’s Halloween event on Saturday, Oct. 28 will include crafts and games for children in preschool through second grade. Costumes are encouraged. The event will run from 2:30-5 p.m., and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. the event will provide headphones for a sensory-friendly experience.
▪ The annual Downtown Bellingham Trick-or-Treat event is back this year, with over 100 local businesses participating from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. The event is free and open for all ages in downtown Bellingham.
▪ Welcome to “FEAR”Haven, a trick-or-treating event will run from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. The event includes trick or treating and a photo booth in Fairhaven Village at 1106 Harris Ave.
▪ Doctober, a month-long documentary film festival at Pickford Film Center, is the largest documentary festival in the Northwest according to the event’s website, playing over 35 films throughout the month. Tickets are available online in advance or at the theatre at 1318 Bay St.
▪ Howl-O-Ween, Bellingham’s second annual dog costume parade fundraiser is back from 1-3 p.m. on Oct. 29 in downtown Bellingham. Registration for the costume contest and walk starts at 12:30 p.m., and a donation is suggested. All proceeds will be donated to The Zoe Fund, an organization seeking to help“low-income individuals whose pets need emergency veterinary care.”
Whatcom County pumpkin patches and farms
Looking for a pumpkin patch, apple orchard or fall activities this October? Check out our guide to Whatcom County’s fall destinations with pumpkins, tractor train rides, apple cider donuts, old Western town atmospheres and more.
Trivia nights in Bellingham
These local restaurants and bars regularly hold trivia nights:
▪ Kulshan Brewing Roosevelt Taproom at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 1538 Kentucky St.
▪ Stemma Brewing Co. at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 2039 Moore St.
▪ Flatstick Pub at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 902 N State St.
▪ Corner Taphouse at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 1125 Finnegan Way
▪ Stones Throw Brewery at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 1009 Larrabee Ave.
▪ Culture Cafe at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 210 E Chestnut St.
▪ Zeeks Pizza at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2416 Meridian St.
▪ Garden Path Fermentation at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 1319 Commercial St.
Live music in Bellingham
▪ The Aslan Brewing Co. depot welcomes local artists throughout the month of October. For the music line up, check the schedule online. Aslan Brewing Co. is at 1322 N. State St.
▪ Kulshan Brewing Company’s various breweries are hosting live music throughout the month of October. For the music line up and locations, check the schedule online.
▪ 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.
Would you like to add an event? Email asmith@bellinghamherald.com.
This story was originally published October 3, 2023 at 1:58 PM.
