Free summer concerts are back in Bellingham. See where and who’s performing
Summer concerts are a staple in Bellingham.
Luckily for music lovers, there are several outdoor shows planned at spots around in the city — and they’re all free.
They range from evening concerts to lunchtime shows.
Here’s what to know:
When are free concerts at Boulevard Park?
Boulevard Park, 470 Bayview Drive in Bellingham, will host monthly concerts this summer
On Friday, June 26, Bellingham pop artist Veronica North will bring her “pop star energy” to the waterfront park, the city of Bellingham said on its website.
OThe Brie Mueller Band will “deliver a high-energy mix of Top 40, pop, rock, blues and soul that’ll keep you singing and dancing” on Friday, July 24, the city said.
Closing out the series on Friday, Aug. 28 is Living Rumors, an “all-star show band with an electric, energetic set list of songs that cross over many genres and decades of music,” the city said.
The no-cost concerts are from 6 to 8 p.m.
Who is playing at Elizabeth Park this summer?
Live music returns to Elizabeth Park, 2205 Elizabeth St. in Bellingham, in mid-June.
Now in its 31st year, the free concert series features bands performing in a variety of genres, including classic rock, jazz, funk, Latin music and R&B.
Here’s who is performing this summer, according to the city of Bellingham:
- June 18: 4Tens Band
- June 25: The Sweet Goodbyes
- July 2: Charmed Life
- July 9: Jansen Jazz
- July 16: Bilongo
- July 23: The Unknowns
- July 30: bandZandt
- Aug. 6: The Brie Mueller Band
- Aug. 13: JP Falcon Band
- Aug. 20: GrooveBot
Concerts last from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays.
Who’s performing at Maritime Heritage Park?
The Maritime Heritage Park Amphitheatre will host three “entertaining and interactive performances” in August, the city of Bellingham said. “Pack your lunch, sunglasses and sunscreen, grab a blanket and be ready to dance, juggle, twirl and hoop it up!”
The lunchtime shows take place at the park at 500 West Holly St. in Bellingham from noon to 1 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 7, Wren the Juggler will combine juggling, comedy and circus arts.
“Get creative, have fun and explore the magic of hoops” with Natalie Lyme at Hoop-Hoop Hurray! on Friday, Aug. 14, the city said.
A “special guest performer” will encourage concertgoers to “sing, dance, wiggle and giggle” on Thursday, Aug. 21, according to the city.
As of Wednesday, June 3, the performer had yet to be named.
What’s in store for Downtown Sounds in 2026?
An iconic free music festival returns to downtown Bellingham for its 22nd year.
“Each week, Downtown Sounds transforms the Arts District into a lively gathering space featuring music, food vendors, family activities, and local businesses,” organizers said in a news release. “The series now welcomes more than 28,000 attendees and generates an estimated $450,000 in spending for downtown businesses throughout the season.”
The fun begins with a kickoff party at Aslan Depot, 1322 North State St. in Bellingham, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
Free concerts take place on Wednesday evenings at the intersections of Bay, Holly, and Prospect streets in downtown Bellingham.
The concert series begins on Wednesday, July 8, and concludes on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Shows are from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“Downtown Sounds has always been about more than concerts,” Lindsey Payne Johnstone, executive director of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, said in the release. “It’s a celebration of Bellingham’s creative spirit and the partnerships that help make downtown welcoming and vibrant for everyone.”
See lineup for free downtown concert series
According to the release, these are the bands who be taking over downtown this summer:
- July 8: Boot Juice and Stapletones
- July 15: Cytrus and AEFECT
- July 22: Global Heat and Wasabi Samba
- July 29 – Bellingham All-Star Super Jam featuring more than 30 Bellingham-based musicians
- August 5 – MarchFourth and Silent Disco Club
Eventgoers 21 and older can enjoy a beer garden at the corner of East Champion and with local brews.
Also in store are family-friendly activities and local food vendors.