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Hello Bellingham! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Airbnb grants for FIFA World Cup fan zones, AMP’s Battle of the Bands finale, and gold and silver’s momentum + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Investing in hometown festivities: Airbnb announced $40,000 grants for nine FIFA World Cup 2026 fan zones in Washington, including Bellingham, supporting celebrations and spaces as part of its $5 million Host City Impact Program — see which cities benefit.

New steps for safer beaches: Whatcom County has updated how residents report illnesses after water recreation to catch issues faster. Little Squalicum is under a swimming advisory for high bacteria — see how to report illnesses.

Local music showdown escalates: AMP’s Battle of the Bands grand finale is today in Bellingham, with remaining bands vying for Best in Bellingham. Western band Grover says they’ll play louder, faster, and scream more — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Rebuild balance, coordination, and elasticity
• Charity poker tournament for foster kids
• Run green 5K/8K at Stones Throw
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Small plates, big vibes: Bar Cicotti does Italian-style small plates and lively wines that make weeknights feel casually European. Slide in for a couple shareables and a glass (or two). It’s an easy, low-key catch-up spot without the full dinner fuss.

Upgrade your weekend kit: Backcountry Essentials is Bellingham’s go-to for skis, boots, packs, and layers, staffed by folks who actually use the goods. Find used-gear trade-ins, fresh trail beta, and rentals to make your next outing smooth, sorted, and more fun.

Your cozy cinema fix: From new indies to cult gems, Pickford Film Center keeps Bellingham’s screens buzzing with curated lineups, cozy seats, and the expanded Pickford on Grand for more showtimes… catch that must-see before it’s gone. Perfect for a weeknight hang with friends.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎨 El Agave and Paint @ El Agave Fairhaven | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Paint, sip, and prove your high school art teacher wrong at El Agave, home to dangerously good margaritas and legit chips. A guided Date and Paint session with zero pressure and maximum laughs, food and drinks sold separately. Adults $35, kids $20.

⛸ Olympic Spirit Public Skate Night @ Bellingham Sportsplex | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – If your Olympic dreams peaked in PE, lace up for Olympic Spirit Public Skate Night at Bellingham Sportsplex. Ten bucks gets you skates, red, white, and blue spirit, a very good bake sale, and the glow of funding local skaters on their road to nationals.

🌱 Planting Day @ Kelsey Nature Reserve | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade screen time for shovel time, this is it. Help plant native trees and shrubs at Kelsey Nature Reserve, Ferndale, boosting habitat for beaver and coho. Tools, tea, coffee, and snacks provided, registration is required and limited.

🐟 Bellingham Dockside Market @ Fishermen’s Pavilion | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – If your idea of fresh seafood doesn’t involve a freezer aisle, follow the signs into Squalicum Harbor for the Dockside Market. Buy straight from the fishermen, then linger for a hot lunch, maritime crafts, and giftable goodies. Go early, bring a cooler, brag later.

🐾 PetSmart 1st Saturday of the Month @ PetSmart | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – PetSmart is hosting a first Saturday meet-and-greet with adoptable cats and dogs. Let a kitten choose you, toss a toy to a mellow pup, and call it volunteer work. Low pressure, high serotonin, and you might leave with a new couch coworker.

🏠 Tours of the Roeder Home @ Roeder Home | Sunday (3/8) at 1:00 PM – Nothing beats a second-Sunday snoop, politely, through the Roeder Home, our 1910 beauty built for Victor Roeder. WCHS and Parks are running guided tours, small groups, first come, first served. Swing up Sunset, soak up the stories, and feel smugly local.

🧶 Mamas Handwork Circle @ Whatcom Family Village | Sunday (3/8) at 3:30 PM – Bring your yarn, beads, or that 2009 scarf, and settle in with mamas for a cozy, no-pressure craft circle. Beginners, pregnant folks, and tiny supervisors welcome, with a gentle check in, lots of making time, and a $5 to $10 if-you-can donation.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Bellingham report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 54°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 95%

Rain. Cloudy. High near 54, with temperatures falling to around 51 in the afternoon. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 78%

Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This unique 4.05-acre parcel with Mount Baker Highway frontage pairs rare elbow room with quick access to Bellingham. A vintage 1951 residence anchors level to gently sloped terrain, primed for gardens, play, or projects. City water is available, an on-site septic serves the home. The setting invites continued use, a creative remodel, or exploring redevelopment potential.

Take a peek inside →