One solid way to bring attention to your small, local business is to become involved with events — as a sponsor, vendor or participant. There are many options to choose from, including small-town parades, street festivals, business tradeshows and educational conferences.
Below are some events around Whatcom County to research. We’ll continue to update this list as more events arise. Feel free to email us if you know of one that is missing from the list.
Bridal Inspirations Expo: (January) A great event for anyone in the food, photography, decor or event planning industries.
Recreation Northwest Expo: (February) Features local and regional recreation, health and stewardship resources and retailers.
Whatcom County Home and Garden Show: (February/March) Offers seminars on a variety of homemaking and gardening activities, from architecture to raising chickens. Wide range of exhibitors.
Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade: (March) A fun way to get exposure for your business.
Elder Service Providers Caregivers Conference: (March) Perfect for businesses in the elder care field.
Ski to Sea: (May) This annual Memorial Day event brings in thousands of participants and event-goers. It is among Bellingham’s largest events, and there are many sponsor, vendor and advertising opportunities.
Lynden Farmers Day Parade: (June) This event, which is more than 100 years old, is a tribute to farmers of the Pacific Northwest. A great family event put on by the Lynden Chamber of Commerce.
Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th Festival: (July) Day-long event that brings in thousands of people. Many vendor opportunities for the street fair.
Fourth of July at Zuanich: (July) Organized by Haggen, Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Bellingham. A day-long event with food vendors, music, play areas for the kids and more. Various sponsorship levels are available.
Everson Summer Festival: (July) Community- and family-oriented event that includes vendors, a barbecue, games and music.
Old Settler’s Picnic: (July) Annual event at Pioneer Park in Lynden. Great family event with plenty of vendor and sponsorship opportunities.
Dog Days of Summer: (August) Held at Lake Padden, the all-day festival is for dogs and dog owners. It includes a Fun Run/Walk, games, contest, vendors and food. Various sponsorship tiers are available.
Ferndale Street Festival: (August) Includes music and vendors. Great opportunity for local businesses of all types to showcase their specialties.
Northwest Washington Fair: (August) One of the largest events in the region, with thousands of attendees each year.
SeaFeast: (September) A waterfront and seafood festival that takes place the third weekend of September in Bellingham. The event celebrates the area’s rich maritime culture and heritage, thriving working waterfront, enjoyment and conservation of water resources, commercial fishing and seafood industries, and the culinary bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
Building Industry Association of Whatcom County offers a variety of events every year to support the local community.
Sustainable Connections works to create thriving communities through innovative ideas, collaboration and action. Offering many opportunities to get involved in community events through sponsorship.
Whatcom Family and Community Network offer assistance in building community so youth and families can thrive. WFCN offers sponsorship opportunities as well as various events throughout the year.
Downtown Bellingham Partnership hosts multiple events every month, including Downtown Sounds, a wine walk, an art walk and awards ceremonies for exceptional individuals who have contributed to the downtown Bellingham scene.
Mount Baker Theatre is a not-for-profit organization that hosts live music, art showings, comedy shows and much more. Varying prospects for sponsorship or donations presented.
