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Hi Bellingham, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: The Moth Mainstage, Electric Avenue Bridge funding, and gold and silver are hot + plenty of reasons to put on real pants 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.
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📰 In the news
Where creativity becomes confidence: Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth is nurturing local kids through theater, music, and dance, with scholarships, workshops, and standout mainstage shows. Teens get advanced training and mentorship from industry professionals — read the full story.
Safety upgrades near approval: Bellingham has secured nearly $10.5 million in federal money to replace Electric Avenue Bridge, adding sidewalks and separated bike lanes. City Council will consider the funding at an upcoming meeting — see what’s planned next.
Bellingham business and travel updates: Old Navy will open in May in part of former Bed Bath and Beyond space, Portland flights begin March 19, Aslan eyes Seattle, and Pumped Goods closed at February’s end — get all the details.
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:
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🐾 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.
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🫶 We got your back
Burger night upgrade: When cravings hit, The Filling Station delivers juicy, no-nonsense burgers, crisp sides, and local taps that keep weeknights easy and happy. Think reliable comfort that turns Tuesday into almost-Friday, no dress code, just flavor and good vibes.
Swap couch for skates: Family-owned since 1976, Lynden Skateway keeps the wheels turning with public sessions, adults-only nights, and goofy glow themes that brighten any weekday. Expect to cruise a few laps, leave warmer, happier, and maybe a little too proud of your backward skating.
Art, history, and light: Whether you’re up for wandering the Lightcatcher galleries, geeking out on Pacific Northwest stories, or letting the kids roam the FIG, Whatcom Museum is an easy, feel-good reset this week. Low stress, high inspiration, and plenty of “oh wow, I didn’t know that” moments.
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.
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📆 Bellingham for grown ups
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.
🐾 Woof & Whiskers Awards Luncheon @ Bellingham Golf & Country Club | Friday (3/6) at 12:00 PM – Woof & Whiskers is serving a feel-good awards luncheon, celebrating locals and animals who keep Whatcom kind. Expect Barkley Haggen’s adoption cakes, TNR champs, and Davie, courthouse comfort pro, plus a veg lunch so you can feel virtuous twice; seats are limited, suggested $25, RSVP.
🎉 First Friday @ Downtown Bellingham | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – On First Friday, downtown swaps errands for art, live music, late-night browsing, and a proper pint. Shops, galleries, and cafes host artists, sling signature dishes, and turn corners into stages. Think neighborhood stroll, but with better lighting, fewer chores, and actual culture.
💃 Unity in Motion Dance Festival @ Cofywa | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – COF& turns into a two-day dance buffet, with 100% to DVSAS, and your two left feet count as a donation. Pay what you can, all ages and abilities welcome, sample Bollywood, West African, swing, and more, then leave smug and sweaty, in the best way.
🌱 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.
🎤 The Moth Mainstage @ Mount Baker Theatre | Saturday (3/7) at 7:30 PM – Whether you’ve been hooked since the radio days or just love a good overshare, The Moth Mainstage brings two acts of true, no-notes storytelling. Five voices, a host, and a musical breather. It’s group therapy you might enjoy, and members get first dibs.
🏠 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.
☀ Make a Suncatcher @ Chuckanut Bay Distillery | Wednesday (3/11) at 6:00 PM – Crafting with a cocktail just hits different at downtown Bellingham’s Chuckanut Bay Distillery. Paint a suncatcher with step-by-step guidance, then treat yourself to their legitimately great food, proper pours, and a little grown-up bragging rights. It’s $45, and your windows will thank you.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 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.
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📻 Bellingham report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 51°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 71%
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 49 in the afternoon. South southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 51°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 95%
Rain. Cloudy, with a high near 51. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Rain. Cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter 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 single-level 3-bed, 1.75-bath on a quiet cul-de-sac near Northern Heights, Squalicum, and Lake Whatcom packs perks. A 2-car garage pairs with an extra-large 15′ x 30′ outbuilding for an RV, boat, or shop. A fenced backyard, deck, and sunroom-studio with mountain views stand out. Hardi plank siding, 50-year roof, remodeled kitchen and baths, formal dining, and Barkley shopping nearby.
Take a peek inside →
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