Do you have an idea for Bellingham’s next festival? Apply for a $100,000 city grant
Do you think Bellingham should have a new event besides our live music, beer or chicken festivals? The city of Bellingham is now offering grants for a new “signature event” and tourism promotion, and applications are open.
The city’s signature event grant will provide three years of money towards launching a new event, starting with $100,000 the first year, followed by $70,000 the second and third year. Previous events that have started through the grant include the Northwest Tune Up Festival, Bellingham Exit and SeaFeast.
The new event is hoped to be “held annually during the spring, intended to encourage tourism, commerce, fun and community connection,” according to a news release from the city. The new event would be expected to take place in Spring 2026.
“Applicants are encouraged to offer big, bold, creative new ideas. The purpose of the event is to enhance the existing quality of life for residents, encourage commerce, and maximize national and regional exposure. Ultimately, the goal is for the event to become self-sustaining,” the news release states.
Applications are due Sept. 6 and winners will be announced later this year.
The city is also awarding new annual tourism grants for events, projects or programs that are less than three years old and that “encourage diverse participation.”
“Special consideration will be given to events that occur during the off-season (between October and May), and to those that include partnerships with other agencies or events to reduce duplication of activities,” according to the news release.
The annual tourism proposals are also due Sept. 6, and a final decision will be announced at a later date.
