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Bellingham’s August events: Psych rock music fest, free haircuts, trivia and more

Looking for fun events to do in August? Here is your monthly roundup of key Bellingham events, festivals, trivia nights and live music this month. For a complete list of Whatcom County events, visit bellinghamherald.com/events.

Bellingham events

  • Acid Ball Psych Rock Music Fest, “an unforgettable evening of psychedelic rock,” will run at the Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, August 2. The festival includes five bands, live painting, a circus performer, a liquid light show, beer, corn dogs and hot dogs. Admission costs $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Kulshan Trackside is at 298 W Laurel St.
  • The Downtown Boogie Showdown, a dance party at Red Star Taco, will run from 7-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The free party includes a live DJ, and a special drink and food menu. Red Star Taco is at 1327 N State St.
  • The Noisy Waters Mural Festival returns to Bellingham’s waterfront from Friday, Aug. 15, through Sunday, Aug. 17. The free festival includes live painting, live music, food trucks, a makers market, an upcycled fashion show, yoga and more. The festival runs from noon to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at 298 W Laurel St.
  • The Bellingham Farmers Market features over 100 vendors and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Depot Market Square at 1100 Railroad Ave. in Bellingham. The market runs every Saturday through Dec. 20.
  • The Bellingham Dockside Market features fresh fish from local fishermen and a variety of vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 2 and Saturday, August 16 at Squalicum Harbor, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive.
  • Barkley Market, a farmers market and food truck event, will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays through Aug. 28. The free event is at the Barkley Village Green 2215 Rimland Drive.
  • Evergreen Beauty College is hosting a Free Back to School Community Event, including free haircuts for students, and free manicures and facials for all guests. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 20, at Evergreen Beauty College Bellingham Campus’s at 1414 Cornwall St.
Bellingham’s iconic acid ball stands at Waypoint Park on April 11, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. The 438,000-pound orb was originally part of the cooking equipment used to turn raw wood chips into pulp on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront.
Bellingham’s iconic acid ball stands at Waypoint Park on April 11, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. The 438,000-pound orb was originally part of the cooking equipment used to turn raw wood chips into pulp on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront. Rachel Showalter The Bellingham Herald

Did we miss anything? Let us know by sending an email to asmith@bellinghamherald.com, with subject line “August events.”

Trivia nights in Bellingham

These local restaurants and bars regularly hold trivia nights:

The Trackside Beer Garden sits next to the iconic digester tanks on April 11, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. The tanks, known locally as the “rocket ships,” have remained on the waterfront property since it was the Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mill.
The Trackside Beer Garden sits next to the iconic digester tanks on April 11, 2025, in Bellingham, Wash. The tanks, known locally as the “rocket ships,” have remained on the waterfront property since it was the Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mill. Rachel Showalter The Bellingham Herald

Live music in Bellingham

  • Stone’s Throw Brewery has free live music for all ages from 6 to 8 p.m. throughout the month. For the lineup of artists, check the brewery’s website or Facebook page. Stone’s Throw Brewery is at 1009 Larrabee Ave.
  • ​The Aslan Brewing Co. Depot welcomes local artists throughout the month. For the music lineup, check the schedule online. Aslan Brewing Co. Depot is at 1322 N. State St.
  • Kulshan Brewing Company’s various breweries are hosting live music all month. For the music lineup and locations, check the schedule online.
  • ​The Blue Room, a live music and event venue, regularly hosts live performers and performances, including jazz nights, local artists, and improv nights. Tickets are available online in advance. The Blue Room is at 202 E. Holly St.
  • The Shakedown, a live music venue and bar, regularly hosts live music and performers. Tickets are available online in advance. The Shakedown is at 1212 N State St.Wild Buffalo House of Music, a live music and event venue, regularly hosts live music from a variety of bands and performers. Tickets are available online in advance. Wild Buffalo House of Music is at 208 W. Holly St.
  • ​Bar Two Eleven, a bar and music venue, regularly hosts live music and concerts. Tickets are available online in advance. Bar Two Eleven is at 211 E Chestnut St.

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

This story was originally published July 31, 2025 at 1:23 PM.

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Alyse Smith
The Bellingham Herald
Alyse Smith is a reporter at The Bellingham Herald covering retail, restaurants, jobs and business. If you like stories like this, please consider supporting our work with a subscription to our newspaper.
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