What to do on the Fouth of July

Hotel Bellwether is situated by Bellingham Bay and Zuanich Point Park. // Photo by Christa Yaranon

Christa Yaranon With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July just around the corner, Bellingham is packed full of festivities to offer. Students who find themselves spending the holiday in town should take advantage of those opportunities and experience how the city celebrates. Here are a few recommendations to kickstart your Independence Day. Haggen 4th of July Celebration: Bellingham’s biggest fireworks celebration takes place at Zuanich Point Park, located along Squalicum Harbor. The 4.4-acre park is surrounded by panoramic views of Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the Bellingham skyline. The park offers one of the most stunning views in town, so saving a seat well before it gets dark is recommended to take part in the city’s traditional fireworks show at 10:30 p.m. The celebration, hosted by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, Haggen Northwest Fresh and the Port of Bellingham, will start at 2 p.m. and last throughout the day. Activities will include live music, arts and crafts, vendor booths and a beer garden, concluding with the fireworks show. Blues, Brews and BBQ: Hotel Bellwether, located near Zuanich Point Park, hosts its weekly summer barbeque every Thursday. The hotel, situated alongside Bellingham Bay, is a great place to snag a spot to watch the fireworks. Take part in celebrating by joining the community to eat, dance and listen to live music from 5:30-10 p.m before the fireworks show on the waterfront terrace. Entry is $5 and music begins at 7 p.m.  Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration: If you want to go beyond Bellingham city limits for a change of scenery or are seeking another way to celebrate the holiday, head north to the scenic town of Blaine for its annual Fourth of July festivities. Centered on a more traditional approach, the city hosts a variety of events at Blaine’s Marina Park , including a car show, parade, a street fair and a fireworks show over Drayton Harbor by nightfall.  Bellingham provides many different activities to choose from for the holiday. If you’re eager to take part in more festivities, below are some additional links with information to help you celebrate Independence Day locally..

• Fourth of July with Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa
• July 4th Truck Show & BBQ Block Party
• Chuckanut Brewery 4th of July BBQ on the Patio

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