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.

📰 In the news

Local happenings: Residents might catch northern lights after a solar storm, watch EV registrations double with new chargers, and pick a ready to permit ADU design — catch up here.

State-level stories: New portal tracks truck parking along I-5, WSU’s robot plucks hidden strawberries, and a 142 MW solar farm begins construction in Garfield County — see what else is brewing.

National headlines: Mortgage rates are trending down, investors catapult gold above 3500 an ounce, and a tropical wave eyes the Antilles — peruse the best of the rest.

Highlights this week

• Kids build with LEGOs at Builders Club
• Help shape Bellingham’s transportation future
• Get one-on-one library tech help
• Explore Bellingham Vet Center support for veterans
• Celebrate water with free family events
• Anxiety about debt? Get a free consultation

🫶 We got your back

Consignment: Ditch the sticker shock and discover nearly-new styles that look straight off the rack… Bellingham’s tidy shops serve up curated finds, friendly faces, and wallets that stay blissfully intact in these must-visit spots.

Sports: Hunting $8 Mariners tickets or eyeing Kraken glass seats? Our ticket tips make scoring seats feel like a breeze for every kind of fan.

Taqueria: From perfectly charred tortillas to fillings that demand a double order, Mi Rancho brings the kind of flavor that requires extra napkins and zero regrets.

Bargain shopping: The best finds aren’t always on store shelves. Amazon’s Deals Page is like a never-ending treasure hunt where the good stuff costs less, with new discounts dropping daily.

Save: The average driver pays $175 a month for car insurance, but most of us are paying way more than we should. If it’s been a while since you shopped around, you’re likely part of that “most of us.” This comparison tool may save you hundreds.

👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?

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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.

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Today

🌲 Whatcom Million Trees Project Sound Bath Benefit @ FireHouse Arts & Events Center | Friday (9/5) at 6:30pm – If your indoor plants aren’t cutting it in our perpetual drizzle, try a sound bath with Mystic Heart to soothe your nerves and support a million more outdoor trees in Whatcom County. Just don’t forget a yoga mat, cozy blanket, and an open mind.

🌿 Joint Creations Night Market @ Cheba Hut | Friday (9/5) at 7:00pm – Friday nights just got brighter with tents of local art, Cheba Hut eats, glowing lights, and cocktails. Smooth jazz by The Problem Collective eases you in, then Cozmic Sauce’s brass band dares you to dance or chill in one of those comfy Adirondack chairs.

This weekend

🌊 Nite Wave @ Downtown Lynden | Saturday (9/6) at 4:00pm – Seattle’s Nite Wave brings ’80s New Wave to life. This high-energy cover show makes you forget modern playlists exist. These veterans, who’ve shared stages with Billy Idol, The Go-Go’s, and Tiffany, will have you dusting off questionable neon purchases.

🗣️ Heather Durham in Conversation with Lyanda Lynn Haupt @ Village Books and Paper Dreams | Saturday (9/6) at 6:00pm – Whether you’re fresh off a book club binge or just curious about midlife, join Heather Durham and Lyanda Lynn Haupt for an evening diving into Durham’s new Sylvan Crone: A Midlife Quest. It’s part therapy, part celebration, and all local charm.

✊ Good Trouble 2 – More Protest Songs For These Times @ FireHouse Arts & Events Center | Saturday (9/6) at 7:00pm – Nothing beats a sing-along of social justice anthems in a cozy local joint, complete with slightly off-key camaraderie. A crew of homegrown songwriters will guide us through each uplifting refrain, while your door donations keep our immigrant rights champions in action.

🎷 Jazz Brunch @ Hotel Leo | Sunday (9/7) at 8:00am – If your idea of weekend therapy involves bacon, a Bloody Mary, and sax solos, head to Hotel Leo’s Jazz Brunch. This isn’t your average buffet; think elegant classics, indulgent treats, and mocktails if you’re feeling virtuous, all in a historic setting.

🚢 Tales of the Sea @ New Prospect Theatre | Sunday (9/7) at 2:00pm – September at New Prospect Theatre brings eleven salty one-acts, from haunted shipwrecks to Kraken cameos. You’ll root for Port Hadlock fishermen, cheer on selkies, and maybe question your life choices mid-play. It’s basically pirate karaoke with actual talent.

🎸 Full Color Dream, Wiseacre (Sea), Killmer @ The Shakedown | Sunday (9/7) at 9:00pm – Nothing cures Sunday night blues like three indie acts crammed onto The Shakedown’s sweaty little stage, featuring Wiseacre’s heartfelt y’alternative pickin’, Killmer’s punky psych grooves, and Full Color Dream’s cowboy-chord-fueled post-punk roar. It’s $10 advance, $15 door.

Next week

🧠 World’s Best Trivia @ Ono Kitchen & Bar | Monday (9/8) at 7:00pm – Think your useless facts finally have a purpose? Mosey down to Ono Kitchen and Bar under the Herald sign every Monday and pit your trivia prowess against Randall, Bellingham’s longest-running quizmaster. It’s free, full of raffles, prizes, and enough bragging rights to last until Tuesday.

🌱 Garden Together @ Deming Library | Tuesday (9/9) at 4:00pm – Nothing beats swapping plant-war stories over actual plants. Every second Tuesday, you and a rowdy bunch of green-thumb hopefuls dig, plant, and harvest the Deming Library Garden together. No experience necessary, gloves and tools provided, and bragging rights guaranteed.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 9/5 Jill Newman @ Skylark’s Hidden Cafe – 5 pm
• 9/5 Bluegrass First Fridays @ Stones Throw Brewery – 6 pm
• 9/5 Tales of the Sea @ New Prospect Theatre – 7 pm
• 9/6 JP Falcon Grady Band @ Skylark’s Hidden Cafe – 5 pm
• 9/6 Becky Robinson @ Mount Baker Theatre – 8 pm
• 9/7 Pacific Twang @ The Old Edison – 5:30 pm
• 9/8 Geof Morgan @ FireHouse Arts – 7 pm
• 9/9 WECU Board Social @ Stemma Brewing – 5 pm
• 9/9 Orca Trivia and Talk with Scientist @ Terramar – 6 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).

Listed by: Paulina Antczak (Windermere Real Estate Whatcom)

Lake views, soapstone counters, and a sport court—this place has range. The kitchen’s fully remodeled with custom cabinetry and a giant island that begs for pancake breakfasts or impromptu happy hours. Wide plank white oak floors keep things classy, while the main floor primary suite brings the spa vibes with a walk-in closet and sleek ensuite.

Downstairs, a rec room and three more bedrooms mean space for everyone, even the rowdy ones. Outside, there’s nearly half an acre to roam, a three-bay shop with a finished loft for secret projects, and a deck made for sunset-watching. Lake Whatcom and trails are just minutes away.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →