Good morning, Bellingham! It’s January 29th!

Miss us? We’re shaking things up a bit—instead of daily updates, we’re now trying a weekly roundup of all the must-know local news and events. That means more stories, more happenings, and more reasons to love this city! 

Want the latest updates every day? Follow our Facebook page and join our Facebook group for real-time alerts and community chatter.

Now, let’s talk about the wildest story of the week…

🚓 Flying tires, reckless drifting, and a high-speed chase through downtown? One DUI driver decided bar closing time was the perfect moment for some illegal street stunts—until BPD stepped in. Spoiler alert: he didn’t get far. We’ve got the full rundown on this pursuit below.

Plus:
🍫 Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The Fairhaven Chocolate Walk is back—bigger, sweeter, and filled with 18 stops of deliciousness.
🎬 Outdoor movie nights return! The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema 2025 lineup is here, and it’s packed with crowd favorites.
🌲 A huge win for Bellingham’s drinking water: The City just purchased 754 acres of forestland to protect Lake Whatcom.

This Week’s Must-Dos:

Wednesday, January 29, 2025:

• Cheba Hut Trivia: Test your knowledge at Cheba Hut's weekly trivia night. The fun begins at 7:00 PM at 306 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Marine Birds of the Salish Sea: Join an informative session about the diverse marine bird species inhabiting the Salish Sea. The event runs from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Community Boating Center, 555 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Open Track Night: Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, take advantage of the open track at Civic Field Stadium from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Located at 1355 Civic Field Way, Bellingham, WA 98229.

• WCC Music Faculty Recital: Aperatonic Trio: Enjoy a midday musical performance by the Aperatonic Trio. The recital takes place from 12:30 PM to 1:20 PM at Whatcom Community College's Heiner Theater, 231 West Kellogg Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226.

• Western Wednesdays: Embrace the mid-week spirit by exploring downtown Bellingham's offerings. Various businesses participate with special events and promotions throughout the day.

• Whatcom Community College Men's and Women's Basketball: Cheer on the Orcas as both teams take to the court. Games are at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Pavilion - Student Recreation Center, 237 W. Kellogg Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226.

• Wine Wednesday at Amendment 21: Unwind with a selection of fine wines from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Amendment 21, 224 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

Thursday, January 30, 2025:

• Cold Sludge, Serious Talk, Cat Positive at The Shakedown: Experience a night of live music featuring these intriguing bands. Doors open at 8:00 PM, and the show starts at 9:00 PM at The Shakedown, 1212 N State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Mallard Trivia: Bird Night: Bird enthusiasts and trivia buffs unite! Test your avian knowledge at 6:00 PM at Mallard Ice Cream, 1323 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Orin Swift Wine Dinner: Indulge in a curated wine dinner featuring Orin Swift wines. The event begins at 6:00 PM at Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine, WA 98230.

• Trivia at Stones Throw Brewery: Gather your team and challenge your wits at Stones Throw Brewery's trivia night from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 1009 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Trivia Thursdays at The Great Northern Bottle Shop & Lounge: Another chance to showcase your trivia talents from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 1319 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

Friday, January 31, 2025:

• Elephant Stone and The Asteroid No. 4 at The Shakedown: Enjoy a night of psychedelic rock. Doors open at 8:30 PM, and the music starts at 9:00 PM at The Shakedown, 1212 N State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Hype the Homies at Kulshan Brewing - Roosevelt Taproom (K2): Support local talent from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 1538 Kentucky St., Bellingham, WA 98229.

• Laughs at Larrabee Comedy Night: Enjoy a night of laughter from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM at Larrabee Lager Company, 4151 Meridian St., Suite 100, Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Live Music and Family Dinner with Cuarto Sueño: Savor a family-style dinner accompanied by live music from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Old World Deli, 1228 North State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Live Music: Aperatonic Trio at Aslan Depot: Experience the unique sounds of the Aperatonic Trio from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Aslan Depot, 1322 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Meloy Gallery Presents Dream States: Art by Richard Longstreet: Explore the surreal artworks from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Meloy Gallery, Suite D.6, Downstairs in Bay Street Village, 301 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Puzzle Hustle at Bloedel Donovan Community Building: Challenge yourself with puzzles from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at 2214 Electric Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• The Bellinghistory Show with the Good Time Girls: Early Amusements on Bellingham Bay: Dive into local history with this engaging show at 7:30 PM at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

Saturday, February 1, 2025:

• Atomic Blondie, We Bite, Green Daze at The Shakedown: Experience a night of high-energy performances by tribute bands honoring Blondie, The Misfits, and Green Day. The show starts at 9:00 PM at The Shakedown, 1212 N State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Deep Blue Sound at Firehouse Arts and Events Center: Enjoy an evening of immersive theater with "Deep Blue Sound," presented by Bellingham TheatreWorks. The performance begins at 7:30 PM at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225

• HairNation: The Northwest's Premier 80's Rock Tribute at Bar Two Eleven: Rock out to the greatest hits of the '80s with HairNation. The concert kicks off at 8:00 PM at Bar Two Eleven, 211 E. Chestnut St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Josh Roberts Hot Five Swing Dance at VFW Hall: Put on your dancing shoes and swing the night away with live jazz music. The event starts at 7:00 PM at VFW Hall, 625 N State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Live Music at Stones Throw Brewery: Enjoy local tunes in a cozy setting. Music starts at 6:00 PM at Stones Throw Brewery, 1009 Larrabee Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Aperatonic Trio at The Odd Fellows Temple Room at The Orion: Experience an eclectic mix of jazz and improvisation. The performance begins at 8:00 PM at The Odd Fellows Temple Room at The Orion, 322 N. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Meloy Gallery Presents Dream States: Art by Richard Longstreet: Explore the surreal and imaginative artworks by Richard Longstreet. The gallery is open from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Meloy Gallery, Suite D.6, Downstairs in Bay Street Village, 301 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Whatcom Falls 5k at Whatcom Falls Park: Participate in a scenic 5k run through the beautiful Whatcom Falls Park. The race starts at 9:00 AM at 1401 Electric Ave., Bellingham, WA 98226.

Sunday, February 2, 2025:

• (Re)Brilliancy at Firehouse Arts and Events Center: Experience a unique performance blending music and storytelling. The show starts at 7:00 PM at the Firehouse Arts and Events Center, 1314 Harris Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Jazz in the Taproom at Boundary Bay Brewery: Relax with some smooth jazz tunes. Music starts at 5:00 PM at Boundary Bay Brewery, 1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Pine Needle Basketry Workshop with Northwest Natura at Chuckanut Center: Learn the art of pine needle basketry in this hands-on workshop. The class begins at 10:00 AM at Chuckanut Center, Fairhaven, WA 98225.

• Sunday Jazz Brunch at Hotel Leo: Enjoy a delightful brunch accompanied by live jazz music. Brunch is served from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Hotel Leo, 1224 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• To Whom It May Concern at New Prospect Theatre: Attend a thought-provoking theatrical performance. The show starts at 2:00 PM at New Prospect Theatre, 207 Prospect St., Bellingham, WA 98226.

Monday, February 3, 2025:

• Belly Dance Fitness - An Introductory Workshop at Whatcom Community College: Get moving with an introductory belly dance fitness class. The workshop starts at 6:00 PM at Whatcom Community College - Pavilion 201, 237 W Kellogg Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226.

• GangBall at Bloedel Donovan Community Building: Join in on a fun and energetic game of GangBall. The game begins at 7:00 PM at Bloedel Donovan Community Building, 2214 Electric Ave., Bellingham, WA 98229.

• Matthew Nienow with Cori Winrock at Village Books: Enjoy an evening of poetry and conversation with authors Matthew Nienow and Cori Winrock. The event starts at 7:00 PM at Village Books, 1200 11th St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Monday Trivia at Zeeks! Test your knowledge at trivia night. Trivia starts at 7:00 PM at Fountain Brewing & Zeeks Pizza, 2416 Meridian St., Bellingham, WA 98226.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025:

• Aslan Depot Jazz Night: Unwind with live jazz music. The performance starts at 8:00 PM at Aslan Depot: Barrels & Blending, 1322 N State St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

• Bingo at Cheba Hut: Enjoy a fun night of bingo with friends. Bingo starts at 7:00 PM at Cheba Hut, 306 W. Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98229.

• Dear Evan Hansen at Mount Baker Theatre: Experience the acclaimed Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen." The show starts at 7:30 PM at Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225.

🚧 Maritime Heritage Park Boardwalk Closure – What You Need to Know! 🚧

Heads up, trail lovers! The Maritime Heritage Park boardwalk between Holly Street and C Street is temporarily closed for repairs starting January 27 and will remain closed for about three weeks. If this is part of your usual walking route, you’ll need to detour via Holly Street and C Street.

This boardwalk, originally built in 2005 as part of the Holly Street Landfill Cleanup/Whatcom Creek Estuary Restoration Project, is getting a much-needed safety upgrade. Crews will be replacing the handrail and bullrail sections, ensuring a safer, sturdier experience for everyone once it reopens.

We appreciate your patience while these improvements take place. In the meantime, consider taking the scenic route—Bellingham has no shortage of beautiful places to walk!

40 DUI Arrests in January—And One Wild Chase Downtown

Bellingham Police have been busy—11 more DUI arrests have been made since their last update, bringing the January total to 40. And it’s not even February yet.

One of those arrests? A driver who thought it was a good idea to do burnouts through downtown at bar closing time. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

This particular incident took officers on a high-speed, reckless ride through Railroad Avenue, Chestnut, Roeder, and beyond, featuring:
➡️ Fishtailing and drifting through intersections
➡️ Crashing into a parked car (thankfully unoccupied)
➡️ Going the wrong way down Chestnut
➡️ Losing both front tires while fleeing (yes, really)
➡️ Eventually crashing into the railroad tracks at Roeder Ave and Coho Way

The driver and his passenger bailed out, but officers were right there to greet them. The driver was arrested and booked on a laundry list of charges, including DUI, attempting to elude, reckless driving, and hit-and-run.

🚨 Super Bowl weekend is coming up, and extra DUI patrols will be out. If you're planning to drink, make a game plan for a safe ride home. No excuses—just smart choices.

BPD officers, thank you for keeping our streets safe!

🎬 Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema 2025 – Save the Dates! 🌙

Movie nights under the stars are back! The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema has officially announced its 2025 summer schedule—so get ready for another season of movies, music, and magic in the park.

📽 7/5 – Chicken Little (plus Chicken Fest!)
🧙 7/12 – Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone
🌪 7/19 – Twisters
🩸 7/26 – The Twilight Saga: New Moon
💃 8/2 – Dirty Dancing
🌌 8/9 – Star Wars: The Force Awakens
🎶 8/16 – Wicked (Sing-Along!)
🗡 8/23 – The Princess Bride

✨ More info at EnjoyFairhaven.com. Mark your calendars and start stocking up on picnic blankets and popcorn.

City of Bellingham Buys 750 Acres to Protect Lake Whatcom

In a historic move to safeguard Bellingham’s drinking water, the city has acquired 754 acres of forestland in the Lake Whatcom watershed—the largest purchase yet through its land protection program. Approved by the City Council on January 27, this purchase ensures that a vital portion of the watershed remains undeveloped and untouched by large-scale timber harvests.

🔹 Where? Southeast end of Lake Whatcom, south of Lake Whatcom Park
🔹 Who’s selling? Nielsen Brothers, Inc., a local timber company
🔹 Price tag? $3.65 million, funded through watershed fees on utility bills
🔹 Why does it matter? Protects drinking water, preserves forestland, improves habitat, and helps mitigate climate impacts

While no public trails are planned, the City will actively manage the land to enhance wildlife habitat, improve forest health, and safeguard water quality. Forests naturally filter rainwater, reducing pollution and stabilizing lake conditions.

Since 2001, Bellingham has purchased over 3,500 acres through the Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program—a voluntary program where property owners can sell their land to the City at fair market value for permanent conservation.

Construction worker killed by work vehicle

Tuesday, Smith Road (between Everson Goshen & Starry Rd.) and Noon Road (between Hemmi Rd. & Kelly Rd.) were closed following a tragic accident in Whatcom County.

🔹 According to Washington State Patrol, a construction worker was struck and killed by a vehicle involved in the same project around 9 a.m. at East Smith Road & Noon Road.
🔹 Reports say the vehicle was backing down the right shoulder while the worker was walking westbound, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Fairhaven Chocolate Walk 2025 – Bigger, Sweeter, and More Delicious Than Ever!

Love is sweet, and so is Fairhaven’s Annual Chocolate Walk—back for its 4th year and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth! Grab your friends, your valentine, or just your love for all things chocolate, and get ready for a delectable adventure through Fairhaven Village.

📅 Event Date: Valentine’s Day 2025
🎟 Tickets: On sale January 2nd—available until sold out (no refunds)
💲 Single Admission: $35 per person (all ages welcome)
🍷 VIP Add-On: $15 per person (includes alcohol tastings – must be 21)
🚶‍♀️ 18 Sweet Stops: Each ticket holder collects unique chocolates from local Fairhaven businesses!

Participating Hosts Include:
✨ 12th Street Shoes
✨ Adored Boutique
✨ Babygreens
✨ Bellingham Training & Tennis Club
✨ Berkshire Hathaway Bayside Realty
✨ Blessings Salon
✨ Bloomhaven Bottle Shop
✨ Edward Jones
✨ Evolve Chocolate
✨ Fairhaven Coffee
✨ Fairhaven Village Inn
✨ Quinn & Foster
✨ Sweet Haven Dessert Universe
✨ The Garden Room
✨ Three French Hens
✨ Village Books
✨ Whatcom Art Market
✨ Whimsey

🍫 Important Note: Chocolates may contain dairy, peanuts, or tree nuts.