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Happy Halloween, 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.
In today’s edition: Small looms at the library, a Kulshan Chorus concert, a home emergency preparedness class, and more.
Let’s get to it.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Substandard workspace prompts move: With a tentative deal to relocate to Bellingham’s Cordata neighborhood, Whatcom County Council will vote Nov. 5 on the Sheriff’s Office move, which is expected as early as summer 2026 — get all the details.
Beloved landmark’s fate nears: WSDOT was set to decide by Nov. 1 whether Bellingham’s I-5 graffiti rock would be relocated or demolished, having found it can’t be moved intact. Two private owners showed interest — read the full story.
Community-driven World Cup festivities: Bellingham has scaled back 2026 World Cup plans amid a lean budget, offering $180,000 for partners to host fan events and watch parties. Applications are open now through Dec. 10 — see how and when to apply.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.
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Hands-on play at the Children’s Museum of Skagit County
Bellingham parents, when the drizzle hits and the wiggles get real, a quick hop south pays off. The Children’s Museum of Skagit County delivers hands-on play that wears kids out. It’s community-run and built for how kids learn best, by doing, tinkering, and trying again.
Inside are 15,400 square feet of kid-scale adventures: a pint-sized main street, a semi truck to climb, a working crane, a music room that welcomes joyful noise, a water feature, and a bright art studio for make-and-take masterpieces.
Sensory-friendly areas keep the experience welcoming for everyone. Programs include storytime, Make It & Take It crafts, and monthly Community Access Days.
When you need a rainy-day ringer, send the energy here and plan your visit at the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, then let them play.
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Ready to see your business featured in an ad spot like this? 👆
Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!
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🫶 We got your back
Public gets first look: Ahead of opening Whatcom County’s severe weather shelter in Bellingham, Health and Community Services will host a free open house on Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m. at 925 N Forest St. Tour the space, hear a brief presentation, and ask questions. The lease begins this weekend, with operations expected no earlier than Nov. 15. Get all the details.
New sips, eats, wellness: Bellingham’s food-and-drink beat: Dutch Bros filed plans for a stand at 451 W Bakerview, which would be Whatcom’s first and the northernmost in the U.S. SOHO Asian Kitchen & Bar was teasing an April 1 debut in the former K-Pop Chicken and Beer spot. Restore Hyper Wellness has opened on James Street. Check the Herald’s events guide. Read the full roundup.
Fluffy pancake dreams: Whether you’re team German Pancake or chasing that glorious Apple Pancake, The Birch Door Cafe goes all-in on from-scratch comfort: heirloom-sourdough buttermilk stacks, house-whipped butter, blueberry-lemon cobbler French toast. Settle in, sip coffee, and let your week get cozier.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
Break up with debt for good: These guys can help you cut ties, pay up to 30% less than you owe, and finally get some peace. This isn’t your average debt relief advice… it’s a financial fresh start, complete with a victory dance and happy cry or two when your balance hits zero.
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🤝 Introducing local deals (just for you)
We’re launching a brand new segment to bring you exclusive local offers from trusted businesses right here in Bellingham. Think of it as your inside pass to the best local finds, discounts, and experiences.
The kind only available to Bellingham Brief readers.
Know a local business you love? Send ’em this newsletter and encourage them to get involved.
Own, manage, or market a local business? We’d love to feature you here for free. The only catch? Your deal has to be genuinely valuable and exclusive to our readers.
Email us 👉 [email protected] to get started.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →
Today
😈 Hellingham @ New Prospect Theatre | Friday (10/31) at 7:30pm – Skip the true crime podcast and let Hellingham scratch the itch. Upfront crew spins their fan-favorite improvised murder mystery from your suggestions, then Bowl of Fate decides who witnesses, kills, or bites it, and only the improviser knows their fate until it unravels onstage.
💃 The Haunted Ball; Presented by Three Sisters Weddings @ The Hotel Leo Crystal Ballroom | Friday (10/31) at 7:50pm – The Haunted Ball, from Three Sisters Weddings, is giving Halloween a glow-up, pairing mystery with a little grown-up luxury. Think masks, music, and cocktails without sticky floors. Perfect excuse to dress up, dodge the doorbell, and spend a night actually enjoying October, not surviving it.
This weekend
🧶 Small Looms @ Bellingham Public Library – Central Branch | Saturday (11/1) at 12:00pm – Nothing beats learning a new trick at the library, especially when the Whatcom Weavers Guild brings small looms, beautiful fibers, and patient know-how. Drop in, try a few rows, then brag to the grandkids, the neighbors, and your houseplants about your handmade masterpiece.
📚 Ren Cedar Fuller- Bigger: Essays @ Village Books and Paper Dreams | Saturday (11/1) at 6:00pm – Take a break from doomscrolling and slip into the Readings Gallery for Ren Cedar Fuller, a Pacific Northwest author and parent educator, reading from her debut essay collection, Bigger. Expect sharp wit, real-life mess, and that rare treat, grown-up conversation without interruptions.
🎶 Kulshan Chorus Presents “Beyond the Veil” @ Mount Baker Theatre | Saturday (11/1) at 7:00pm – Kulshan Chorus gets delightfully spooky at Mount Baker Theatre, teaming with the Salish Sea Orchestra for a choral tour through The Omen, Beetlejuice, and other cinematic haunts. Costumes encouraged, with a pre-show catwalk, $34 tickets, and just enough chills to pair with sensible shoes.
🎻 Sunday @ 3 Youth Performance @ Jansen Art Center | Sunday (11/2) at 3 pm – Watch young local musicians step into the spotlight and bring their hard-earned skills from the practice room to a live stage. This inspiring afternoon of performances celebrates emerging talent and the joy of sharing music with a supportive community. Admission is by donation, so come cheer them on!
🎨 Paint and Sip @ ROAM Coffee + Beer | Sunday (11/2) at 3 pm – Grab a drink, pick up a brush, and let your creativity flow! Join local artists Sierra James and Serena Norris for a relaxed afternoon of painting, sipping, and socializing at ROAM. No experience needed—just good vibes, great company, and plenty of color.
🏈 12th Man Menu: Seahawks vs. Commanders @ Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center | Sunday (11/2) at 5:20 pm – Game day just got tastier! Cheer on the Hawks while scoring big with unbeatable food and drink specials at Four Points. Bring your crew, claim your table, and get ready to raise a glass every time Seattle scores.
Next week
📖 Library Explorers @ Bellingham Public Library – Central Branch | Monday (11/3) at 3:30pm – Got a curious kiddo who thinks the library is just for shushing? Bring them to explore stories, simple experiments, crafts, and all the weird, wonderful corners of the stacks. Ages 6 to 10, families welcome, and yes, you get credit for quality time.
🏠 Home Emergency Preparedness: Shelter-In-Place @ Bellingham Public Library | Tuesday (11/4) at 5:00pm – Do your future self a favor and drop into this free, no registration monthly series from the Bellingham Fire Department covering local hazards, shelter in place basics, a two week kit, and a household plan. Because earthquakes, windstorms, and wildfire smoke do not RSVP.
🎸 R.O. Shapiro & Bad Posture Club @ The Orion | Tuesday (11/4) at 8 pm – Americana artist R.O. Shapiro brings his smooth blend of East Coast grit and Texas soul to Bellingham, joined by the harmonically rich Bad Posture Club. Expect storytelling lyrics, heartfelt vocals, and a sound that feels both rustic and electric.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 10/31 Bodhi Mojo and more @ The Blue Room – 8 pm
- 11/1 The Dream Syndicate @ The Shakedown – 8 pm
- 11/1 Fern Spores and more @ Bar Two Eleven – 8 pm
- 11/4 L’eclair @ The Shakedown – 8 pm
- 11/5 Twanguero: Six Strings, One Legend @ Mount Baker Theatre – 7:30 pm
- 11/5 Kadabra and more @ The Shakedown – 8 pm
- 11/6 Flamingosis @ Wild Buffalo House Of Music – 8 pm
- 11/7 Creative Resilience Art Show @ Make.Shift Art Space – 5 pm
- 11/8 Salon Bravissimo @ Hotel Leo – 4 pm
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🏠️ 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).
Listed by: Rachel Caldwell (NextHome 365 Realty)
This custom 3 bed, 2 bath in Sudden Valley hides in a wooded setting with soaring ceilings, cherry floors and beams, and sunlight in every corner. The chef inspired kitchen brings granite, a gas range, and double ovens. Two fireplaces set the mood, and AC keeps it crisp.
A five piece primary suite adds a jetted soaking tub, tiled walk in shower, and double sinks. A huge upstairs family room flips from movie nights to play space to hosting duty. Two covered decks sit among the trees. The attached garage tops 1,400 square feet. Minutes to Sudden Valley amenities.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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