Bellingham events in May: parades, markets, live music

Looking for fun events to experience in May? Here is your monthly roundup of key Bellingham events, festivals, trivia nights and live music this month. For a complete list of Whatcom County events, visit bellinghamherald.com/events.

Bellingham events

• The CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival 10th Anniversary runs April 30 through May 3 at the Pickford Film Center, highlighting a variety of women made films featuring Bellingham and the Pacific Northwest. Ticket prices vary per event and are available online. Pickford Film Center is at 1318 Bay St.
• The Bellingham Farmers Market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through the third week of December at the Market Depot Square at 1100 Railroad Ave.
• The Community Boating Center Opening Day runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 2, celebrating the opening of the season with discounted boat rentals and more. During opening day, rentals will be half-off with code “FirstFloat” online or at the check-in desk. The event also includes free MegaSup rides, knot tying lessons and access to a beer garden and food trucks. The Community Boating Center is at 555 Harris Ave.
• The Bellingham Dockside Market features fresh fish from local fishermen and a variety of vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, May 16 at Squalicum Harbor, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive.
• Procession of the Species, an annual parade and festival celebrating nature and art is returning from 2-6 p.m. on May 2. Those wishing to participate can meet at 1 p.m. at Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Ave. The parade will end at Maritime Heritage Park, where from 2-6 p.m. the festival will include games, art and education stations and chalk art. Maritime Heritage Park is at 500 W Holly St.

• The Sunnyland Art Walk is from 5 to 8 p.m. May 8, highlighting local art studios, breweries and shops and artist pop ups. The event is free to attend, and at each stop, participants can collect stamps on a stamp card to be entered to win local art and gift cards. The full list of 21 stops is available online.
• The 2026 Whatcom Memorial Day Parade is returning for another year in downtown Bellingham on May 23. The parade will run from noon to 3 p.m. The parade will start at the corner of Alabama and Cornwall and run south on Cornwall in downtown Bellingham.

Trivia nights in Bellingham

These local restaurants and bars regularly hold trivia nights:

Live music in Bellingham

• Stone’s Throw Brewery has free live music for all ages from 6 to 8 p.m. throughout the month. For the lineup of artists, check the brewery’s website or Facebook page. Stone’s Throw Brewery is at 1009 Larrabee Ave.

• ​The Aslan Brewing Co. Depot welcomes local artists throughout the month. For the music lineup, check the schedule online. Aslan Brewing Co. Depot is at 1322 N. State St.
• Kulshan Brewing Company’s various breweries are hosting live music all month. For the music lineup and locations, check the schedule online.
• ​The Blue Room, a live music and event venue, regularly hosts live performers and performances, including jazz nights, local artists, and improv nights. Tickets are available online in advance. The Blue Room is at 202 E. Holly St.
• The Shakedown, a live music venue and bar, regularly hosts live music and performers. Tickets are available online in advance. The Shakedown is at 1212 N State St. Wild Buffalo House of Music, a live music and event venue, regularly hosts live music from a variety of bands and performers. Tickets are available online in advance. Wild Buffalo House of Music is at 208 W. Holly St.
• ​Bar Two Eleven, a bar and music venue, regularly hosts live music and concerts. Tickets are available online in advance. Bar Two Eleven is at 211 E Chestnut St.
• Admiralty Lounge, a restaurant and lounge, regularly has live music from a variety of musicians from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. Admiralty Lounge is at 100 N. Commercial St.

Did we miss anything? Let us know by sending an email to [email protected], with subject line “May events.”

This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:20 PM.

Alyse Smith

The Bellingham Herald

Alyse Smith is a reporter at The Bellingham Herald covering retail, restaurants, jobs and business. If you like stories like this, please consider supporting our work with a subscription to our newspaper.