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Where can I watch fireworks in Bellingham area? Find Fourth of July events

The Fourth of July is a time for backyard barbecues and firework shows.

2026 marks 250 years since the United States declared its independence from England, giving Washington state residents even more reasons to celebrate.

You can watch fireworks for free at a number of Bellingham-area events.

Other celebrations include a cruise and a summer concert series.

Here’s what to know:

The Whatcom Museum is silhouetted by Fourth of July fireworks that explode behind the historic Bellingham landmark in 1999.
The Whatcom Museum is silhouetted by Fourth of July fireworks that explode behind the historic Bellingham landmark in 1999. Staff The Bellingham Herald file

Peoples 4th of July Spectacular

When: 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 4

Where: Zuanich Point Park, 2600 North Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham

What: The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Peoples Bank and the Port of Bellingham to present a grand Independence Day celebration.

The Peoples 4th of July Spectacular begins at 4 p.m. at Zuanich Point Park with a performance by Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. The Kid Zone and Food Truck Rally open at the same time.

Participating food trucks include Curry00sity, That’s What I Like!, Kona Ice, Seashells Coffee Co, Sugar Shack Ice Cream, Juanita’s and Tam Tam Pizza.

At 5 p.m., attendees can participate in a watermelon and raspberry eating contest.

The Kid Zone closes at 7 p.m., while the Food Truck Rally runs until 11 p.m.

At 9 p.m., there will be a raffle for folks who used the free bike valet, with $250 in gift cards up for grabs.

The fireworks show begins near Squalicum Harbor at 10:30 p.m.

How much: Free

Contact: 360-734-1330

Members of the Rodeo Cowgirls Drill Team entertain the crowd during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade in downtown Blaine in 2014.
Members of the Rodeo Cowgirls Drill Team entertain the crowd during the Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade in downtown Blaine in 2014. PAUL CONRAD For The Bellingham Herald

Old Fashioned 4th of July

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4

Where: H Street Plaza, 701 Peace Portal Drive in Blaine

What: Blaine is celebrating the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday with “all-day, family-fun activities,” according to the Blaine by the Sea website.

Described by organizers as “Whatcom County’s largest 4th of July celebration,” the event includes a pancake breakfast at the Blaine Community Center and a street fair on H and Third streets with more than 100 vendors.

A parade kicks off at noon, preceded by a special performance of the national anthem.

In addition to the Red, White and Vrooom Car Show, there’s a kid zone, beer garden and live music.

Most of the festivities last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., organizers said, with a fireworks spectacular over Semiahmoo Bay starting at 10 p.m.

How much: Free

Contact: info@bbbprd2.com or 360-332-4544

The Fourth of July fireworks show over Bellingham Bay.
The Fourth of July fireworks show over Bellingham Bay. Staff The Bellingham Herald file photo

4th of July Fireworks Cruise

When: 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 4

Where: Alaska Ferry Terminal, 355 Harris Ave., Bellingham

What: Watch the fireworks on the water with San Juan Cruises‘ 4th of July Fireworks Cruise.

The 3.5-hour cruise departs from the Alaska Ferry Terminal.

Once on board, you can enjoy a crab dinner, a full bar with cocktails, beer and wine and scenic views of Chuckanut and Bellingham bays.

Vessels will settle in near Squalicum Harbor for the grand fireworks show.

How much: $119 per person

Contact: tours@whales.com or 360-738-8099

Maggie Breckenridge of Blaine hands out candy during the Old Fashioned 4th of July parade in Downtown Blaine in 2014.
Maggie Breckenridge of Blaine hands out candy during the Old Fashioned 4th of July parade in Downtown Blaine in 2014. Paul Conrad For The Bellingham Herald

Blues, Brews & BBQ

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4

Where: Hotel Bellweather, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham

What: Celebrate the Fourth of July with a barbecue and live music on the waterfront at Hotel Bellwether.

The hotel kicks off its Blues, Brews & BBQ concert series with a performance by Baby Cakes.

Enjoy funk and R&B hits by artists such as Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson while you enjoy a dinner featuring sirloin, prawns, loaded baked potato salad and ahi poke, according to the Visit Bellingham Whatcom County website.

How much: $85, $75 children 10 and under

Contact: 360-392-3100

Julia Hawkins
The Bellingham Herald
Julia Hawkins joined The Herald as a service journalism and general assignment reporter in December 2025. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Western Washington University in Bellingham.
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