Welcoming city resolution, Gamwell House revival, July 4th festivities, resin lantern crafting, comedy night, bioluminescent kayak tour, permaculture basics, and more. 
Happy Friday, Bellingham. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Bellingham Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead:
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Welcoming city 🚩
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Gamwell House 🏠
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July 4th fun 🎆
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
Bellingham embraces “welcoming city”: A resolution passed June 21, 2025 designates Bellingham as a “welcoming city,” expands local protections (including for transgender residents) while stopping short of “sanctuary city” language — read the full story.
Kismet home keepers: Three couples honor Bellingham’s past by reviving the Gamwell House, a decommissioned church, and the Luci Pettibone residence through careful preservation and community-building — read the full story.
Whatcom County 4th of July: From free family fun, food trucks, and beer gardens at Zuanich Point Park to epic fireworks dinner cruises aboard the Zodiac and San Juan Cruises, July 4th celebrations are shaping up to be unforgettable — check out the full lineup.
Is your bank underperforming? If you’re earning less than 3.80% APY with your current savings account (the national average is 0.41% 👀)… the answer is yes. Do yourself a favor and take the time to open a SoFi savings accounts. It could earn you up to 9x more in interest on top of no fees and a $300 bonus with eligible direct deposits — what are you waiting for?
Highlights this week
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Lawmakers reclaim Capitol dome access
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Discretionary funds back a new school platform
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Blues rock meets California covers at Fish Fry
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Learn about permaculture design basics
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Explore nature with the book-themed hike club
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Endurance’s auto warranty is $300 off
🫶 We got your back
Pom-pour perfection: When life gives you apples, Bellingham Cider Company turns them into sparkling, spiced sips you didn’t know you needed—whether you’re into crisp and dry or sweet and cinnamon-kissed, they’ve got the pour to match your fall-in-love mood.
Last bite, best bite: Tiny towers of frosting, molten center marvels, and a sugar swagger that’ll keep you guessing what’s coming next—Pure Bliss Desserts is where your sweet tooth (and your Instagram feed) both get their moment in the spotlight.
Mic drop central: From shower-stall solos to power-ballad bravado and the occasional “sorry, not sorry” encore, That’s What I Like! Restaurant & Lounge hands you the mic, cranks up the neon, and dares even the most tone-deaf among us to steal the show.
Ready, set, print: When you need flyers, banners, or that custom-worthy business card that’ll have everyone asking for your number, Copy Source is your one-stop shop for turning pixels into paper perfection.
Plot twist (AARP is actually amazing): It’s packed with perks that actually matter — discounts at hotels, restaurants, flights, even car rentals. Plus, you’ll unlock a second membership for free for someone else in your house. At just $15 per year… it’s kind of a no-brainer.
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📆 Bellingham happenings
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🧪 Resin Lantern Nightlight – Spun Resin Hurricane Vase with 10ft Fairy Lights @ The Cusp Creative | Friday (6/27) at 6 pm – Get your hands sticky with resin (in the best way) as you spin your own glowing hurricane vase. It’s crafty, cozy, and capped with 10ft of fairy lights—perfect for gifting or hoarding for your own bookshelf.
🤣 Comedy Night Starring Brett Emerson @ Larrabee Lager Co | Friday (6/27) at 8 pm – Pizza, pints, and punchlines—what more do you need? Brett Emerson headlines this month’s comedy night at Larrabee, where the laughs are fresh and the beer is cold. Early tickets recommended—these shows tend to pack out.
🌊 Bioluminescence Tour @ Larrabee State Park | Friday (6/27) at 9:45 pm – Paddle out under the stars to witness glowing waters and otherworldly vibes at Wildcat Cove. It’s nature’s own light show, no filter needed—just you, your kayak, and the quiet shimmer of the sea.
This weekend
🌱 Basics of Permaculture @ Garden Spot Nursery | Saturday (6/28) at 10 am – Ready to turn your backyard into a self-sustaining paradise? This intro class dives into permaculture the fun, friendly way—whether you’re dreaming of a food forest, a pollinator haven, or just some green magic tucked in a corner. Bonus: you might walk out planning a fairyland.
🧵 Whatcom Soft Goods Collective Launch Party @ Whatcom Art Center | Saturday (6/28) at 5:30 pm – Fiber artists, sewists, and curious creatives — this free launch party is for you. Expect demos, snacks, and serious crafty community vibes. RSVP required, but everyone’s welcome.
🎉 Nite Wave – The Best 80’s Prom Ever! (So Far) @ Wild Buffalo | Saturday (6/28) at 8 pm – Tease that hair, break out the neon, and moonwalk your way to the ultimate throwback bash. Nite Wave is bringing the 80s back to life with synth-fueled energy and a tribute to George Michael/Wham! so good it’ll make your legwarmers sweat. This prom doesn’t need a corsage—just your best dance moves and love for the era of excess.
🎧 Sunset Silent Disco @ Zuanich Point Park | Saturday (6/28) at 8 pm – Dance like nobody’s watching (or judging) with a headset, a bay view, and zero pressure. It’s free, freeing, and fabulously weird in the best way. Show up, vibe out, and watch the sun melt into the water.
🧶 Book Club Reading of The Book of Ile-Rien by Martha Wells @ Northwest Yarns & Mercantile | Sunday (6/29) at 3 pm – Wizards, court intrigue, and Victorian-esque mischief? Yes, please. This month’s pick is The Book of Ile-Rien by Martha Wells—two early fantasy gems featuring daring heroes, dark magic, and clever plotting. Bring your knitting and dive into the fantasy realms with fellow book lovers.
🐝 Christina Baldwin – The Beekeeper’s Question @ Village Books and Paper Dreams | Sunday (6/29) at 5 pm – Step into the Readings Gallery for Christina Baldwin’s powerful debut historical novel. Set against the backdrop of World War II, The Beekeeper’s Question explores family, race, and resilience in small-town Montana. Expect lyrical prose, layered characters, and deep emotional stakes. Seats are free but limited, so don’t snooze on the RSVP.
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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6/27 Jay Irwin & The GP Sunsets @ Greene’s Corner – 6 pm
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6/27 SpaceBand @ Boulevard Park – 6 pm
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6/27 Shady Groove @ Corner Taphouse – 7 pm
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6/27 Comedy Night ft. Brett Emerson @ Larrabee Lager Co – 8 pm
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6/27 The All’s Eye and more @ The Shakedown – 9 pm
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6/27 Wildbeast & Friends and more @ Wild Buffalo – 9 pm
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6/28 Nite Wave @ Wild Buffalo – 8 pm
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6/28 Riff Raff and more @ Bar Two Eleven – 9 pm
🏠️ Price Is Right – Bellingham edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Kristal Grimstead (COMPASS) – 5 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | Built in 2009 | 4457 sqft
Privacy, acreage, and a poolside setup that makes resort brochures jealous—this Northwest hideaway is all about living large without peering neighbors or HOA drama. Two sprawling shops stand ready for your RV, gear, or that questionable collection of vintage snowmobiles. The detached ADU is perfect for guests, in-laws, or the world’s most spoiled home office.
Inside, the kitchen flaunts JennAir and Wolf appliances like a culinary catwalk, while the spa-inspired primary bath dares you not to linger with its soaking tub, heated tile floors, and Grohe fixtures. Out back, the pool deck brings the party: fire pit, outdoor shower, changing room, and a covered hangout zone—just add cannonballs and s’mores.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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