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 will continue to update this list as more events arise. Feel free to email us if you know one that may be missing from the list.
Arts and Culture:
Allied Arts of Whatcom County: Allied Arts has for decades been a leader in fostering and supporting the local arts scene for. From their exhibits to programs to annual festivals, find the option that best suits how you would like to lend support as a sponsor.
Bellingham Festival of Music: The Pacific Northwest’s premier summer orchestra festival offers event sponsorships throughout the year.
Bellingham Symphony Orchestra: As one of the premier arts institutions in Whatcom County, the BSO reaches thousands in our community who use their resources to support business sponsors.
Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival: You can help promote the artistry and vision of women filmmakers. Sponsor a festival, an upcoming educational event or one of their incredible films.
Mount Baker Theatre: MBT is a not-for-profit organization that hosts live music, art showings, comedy shows and much more. Varying opportunities for sponsorship or donations are available.
Whatcom READS: A countywide program encouraging everyone to read and discuss the same book. It is organized by all the public and academic libraries in Bellingham and Whatcom County and their community partner, Village Books. Sponsors make the program possible.
Business:
Barkley Village: Barkley Village is a 250-acre urban village with a dynamic mix of residential, retail, office and community spaces. The village offers various types of events all year long, including concerts, a farmer’s market, car shows and more.
Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber offers a variety of business events to meet the needs of members. Sponsors of these events have the exclusive opportunity to reach out to the business professionals who attend these events.
Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Parade: A nonprofit, communitywide event that honors local public safety personnel and provides exposure for your business.
Bellingham Veg Fest: Bellingham Veg Fest aims to educate about animal rights by organizing and executing a variety of outreach activities and events.
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce: Birch Bay is a great place to invest in your business’s future. Its popular community events receive a great deal of publicity and exposure.
Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th Festival: The festival is a daylong event that brings in thousands of people. There are many vendor opportunities to choose from.
Building Industry Association of Whatcom County: The BIAWC is a private, non-profit trade organization of builders, remodelers and other businesses related to the home building and construction industry. BIAWC offers a variety of events every year to support the local community.
Dog Days of Summer: Held at Lake Padden, the all-day festival is for dogs and dog owners. It includes a fun run/walk, games, contests, vendors and food. Various sponsorship tiers are available.
Downtown Bellingham Partnership: DBP hosts multiple events throughout the year including Downtown Sounds, wine walks, art walks and awards ceremonies for exceptional individuals who have contributed to the downtown Bellingham scene. Sponsorship opportunities are available for most.
Everson Summer Festival: This community and family-oriented event typically includes a parade, vendors, community barbecue, games and music.
Ferndale Summer of Fun: Featuring various events, this event can be a great opportunity for local businesses of all types to showcase their products and services.
4th of July Spectacular at Zuanich Park: The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce partners with local organizations to provide the community with its annual July 4th fireworks display. The daylong event offers food vendors, music, play areas for the kids and more. Various sponsorship levels are available.
Lynden Farmers Day Parade: This event, which is more than 100 years old, is a tribute to farmers of the Pacific Northwest. It is a classic family event put on by the Lynden Chamber of Commerce.
Northwest Washington Fair: Bringing in more than 200,000 people to the area during its 10 days, the fair is one of the largest events in the region. There are many opportunities for businesses to be represented at the event.
Old Settler’s Picnic: OSP is an annual family-friendly event at Pioneer Park in Ferndale that offers vendor and sponsorship opportunities.
SeaFeast: This waterfront and seafood festival in Bellingham celebrates the area’s rich maritime culture and heritage, a thriving working waterfront, enjoyment and conservation of water resources, commercial fishing and seafood industries, and the culinary bounty of the Pacific Northwest. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Ski to Sea: This annual Memorial Day event brings in thousands of participants and eventgoers. It is among Bellingham’s largest events, and there are many sponsor, vendor and advertising opportunities.
Sustainable Connections: This organization works to create thriving communities through innovative ideas, collaboration and action. Sustainable Connections offers many opportunities to get involved in community events via sponsorship.
Whatcom Business Alliance: WBA is a membership organization comprised of businesses and public entities across all business sectors. They host events that promote a positive business climate that facilitates business success and community prosperity. Sponsorships are available.
Whatcom County Association of Realtors: WCAR is a professional organization for those actively engaged in the real estate industry. There are opportunities for affiliate members to sponsor all year long.
Whatcom Humane Society: As the oldest nonprofit animal welfare organization in Whatcom County, WHS is committed to caring for any animal in need. Sponsoring a Whatcom Humane Society event can be a great way to publicize and advertise your business to thousands of animal lovers in the community.
Whatcom Memorial Day Parade: This community parade is a day for families to honor veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This is a favorite community tradition in downtown Bellingham.
Children and Families:
Bellingham Bells Baseball Club: The Bellingham Bells are a summer collegiate, wood-bat baseball team and a member of the West Coast League. Hosting an info booth at a game can be a great way to support a fun, family-oriented entertainment experience.
Boys & Girls Club of Whatcom County: Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County have been opening doors of opportunity and preparing young people for a great future. Community partners are essential for helping young people reach their full potential.
Whatcom Family and Community Network: WFCN helps in building a community so youth and families can thrive. WFCN offers sponsorship opportunities as well as various events throughout the year.
Whatcom Kid Insider: A resource for family-friendly events, activities and businesses in Whatcom County. Advertising with Whatcom Kid Insider means that your message will reach a targeted market of parents in Whatcom County.
Social Services:
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS): The mission of DVSAS is to support individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation and to lead the community toward ending these abuses of power. Opportunities to provide meaningful support to DVSAS throughout the year.
Elder Service Providers Caregivers Conference: ESP helps develop a collaborative consortium of professionals providing services to seniors in our region. Sponsorships can benefit businesses in the healthcare or eldercare field.
Lighthouse Mission: Lighthouse Mission Ministries aims to be a consistent friend to people in homelessness. By sponsoring an event, you will help provide shelter for those who need it most in our community.
Whatcom Council on Aging: The Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA) has served seniors in our community since 1964. WCOA offers nutritional, health, social, recreational and educational programs that promote lifelong independence. They host “Senior Day in the Park”, a festival for older adults and you can be a vendor or sponsor at that annual event.
Whatcom YMCA: The Whatcom Family YMCA is an association that enhances the community with programs for the spirit, mind and body. The YMCA relies on the generosity of a variety of partners to help maintain and expand services to everyone in our community.
