I checked out Make.Shift during last week's Downtown Walk and was blown away by the sheer variety…read moreof art offered here. From modern and contemporary to upcycled to textiles to photography...it's all represented in this spot. Art Walk is a great night to go because you can meet the artists in person and hear about their work and what inspires them.

Every community should have a creative center like Make.Shift to support local arts and music. The…read morespace is non-profit, all -ages, drug-free, and Make.Shift offers practice space to bands passing through for a small fee. Make.Shift is also home to "The Magic Van" a resource for bands looking to tour the PNW who lack access to a band van. This weekend they hosted a local craft fair where there was a button trade, multiple floors of local crafts, and I even picked up some vinyl. Additionally down in the lower level I found an alternative lending library (with zines of course) and some indie publications for sale. There was even an artisan guitar maker who took a break from his craft to talk about what he does. The whole experience was straight up cool. I will make sure to stop back in the next time I am in Bellingham and drop a few bucks in the donation jar because creative spaces like this enrich communities and support the arts for us all.

There are both pros and cons: Pro:…read more The amount of preparation by the actors becomes obvious as their performances are usually excellent. Cons: The new seats are designed for small people. Seats are narrow with little to no leg room. During musical performances, song lyrics often tell the story, but the live orchestra is always so loud it usually drowns out the lyrics. So, while the actors are doing their best, unfortunately, their singing simply can't be heard.

The Bellingham Theatre Guild is celebrating their 90th year of showcasing talents to share with us…read moreto enjoy! This was my first time here and was a great experience. The theater is creaky and old, the seats are a bit stiff, but it is charming and is a piece of Bellingham history that is so wonderful to have. Great talent and shows and love that this theater is here to offer the arts to our community!

Maybe we were here on an off night but wow...this was NOT good. Especially if you're a fan of the…read moreog Upfront (starring Ryan Stiles and crew). This one just felt amateur, and not in a good way. There were also no concessions (not even water!), which made for a long, parched evening. The improv "games" they were playing were anything from hard-to-follow to completely over my head. And yes, I've been to a lot of improv. I know improv can be hit and miss, but this was just a big, disappointing miss.

Great little, cozy theatre space. There are snacks and drinks available for sale. Service was…read moregreat. Cast member checked to ask if we enjoyed ourselves.

Every 3rd Friday through summer (and a Holiday Market in December) Downtown Bellingham Partnership…read moresponsors these unique night markets. Commercial street is blocked off, and you are treated to a family- friendly and FREE evening with something for everyone. The market kicks off at 7:00pm with entertainment and ends at 11:00pm with dancing in the streets. The entertainment, vendors and food trucks are different each month so you get to experience varied local artists, musicians, dancers and food. I love the diversity of Bellingham! The bars on the street open their doors and patios, and...instant beer garden with no hassles or special permits. The mood is festive and carefree. Arrive early and take advantage of FREE PARKING at the Parkade, then sprint up the stairs and the market is right there. I loved the entertainment, strolling the vendors, people watching on a beautiful summer evening. You really feel a sense of community on nights like this.

This year was the inaugural FisherPoets event in Bellingham and I was pleasantly surprised at the…read moregreat attendance, as revelers young and old filled the giant Boundary Bay beer garden to drink suds, eat fish, and listen to fishers-of-the-sea recite their writings on the grand stage. The lucky ones got there early, as seating was limited, but this didn't stop the standing-room-only crowd from enjoying the festivities. Later in the evening the poets retreated to the Mountain Room and a lively band took over, as families celebrated the SeaFeast kickoff late into the evening. Pro tip: don't miss the curry mayo on your fish and/or fries. Ahhhhh-mazing!

Great outdoor event for late fall. Things started strong with lots of people showing up to listen…read moreto poetry and have a great Boundary Bay Beer. I loved the Fish and Chips (I chose onion rings). Super quick service and a fast moving beer line made for an easy and accessible meal and beer.

I love the idea of BAAY, and the opportunity for our youth to truly engage in creative, artistic…read moreexpression, make friends and wow us all with their talent and skill. The space could certainly use some more donations and funding to help make it more open and welcoming to the performers, the staff, and those of us coming in to support our entertainers! The recent production of Xanadu truly entertained us all - laughter, giggles, sentimental moments and fun. Consider giving! Consider supporting and keep this great endeavor well-funded.

I met David Post after I signed up the girls (ages 6 & 8) into an elective choir course after…read moreschool. He told me about BAAY and the girls joined in time to each do their own show of "The Little Mermaid." After I saw what it did for their self esteem (especially bringing the younger one out of her shell) I was crying at the end of the final performance. I couldn't thank him enough for all he did for the children. David truly believes in enriching the lives of our youth with arts, dance, song, and community. At BAAY it is not about being the next famous actor, it is about being an expressive and supportive human being in the world. The girls are now always involved in some activity at BAAY.org, whether it is a summer camp, or an after school production group. If you would like to support your child's development, social skills, growth, and yes even improve their acting/dancing/singing, then this is the place to enroll. Look forward to meeting you there.

Good and cheap. That's how I like my entertainment. On the…read more15th of every month, the Circus Guild offers two shows, one at 7 PM and another at 9 PM, in order to raise money to keep the Guild afloat. The first show is family friendly, for the most part. The late show is more adult oriented. Shows can include acts such as jugglers, dancers, comedians, and musicians. The show changes each month. This entertainment will cost you a recommended $5+ donation. Part way through, there's a short auction of items provided by sponsors to raise additional money.

If you've lived in Bellingham long enough, you've no doubt experienced a whimsical, fun, and…read morethrilling performance by the Bellingham Circus Guild! I first saw the Guild in action at Aslan Brewing's first anniversary party, where they set up a giant (and I mean GIANT) trapeze-like apparatus right inside the brewery! When the performance started, we were treated to breathtaking feats of acrobatic beauty. It was magical. The Guild is also known for Vaudevillingham, a monthly event featuring even more fun for local audiences. If you're interested in becoming your own juggler, clown, or other type of circus performer they even have classes! The BCG is one of those organizations that makes our eclectic, fabulous little city the unique gem that it is.

A giant stage with lively bands playing, people of all ages dancing, a beer garden, food, vendors,…read moredogs, amazing weather...yup, this is pretty much one of my favorite local events. In fact, I'd say Downtown Sounds is the quintessential Bellingham experience. Held on multiple Wednesdays during the summer months, this free concert/street festival brings together the best our sweet city has to offer. And this year it got even better as the layout of the festival was flipped on its access, creating a larger beer garden (no more long lines!) with full view of the action on stage, plus a great food truck area with local yumminess like tacos, tamales, and ice cream. If it's a warm summer night, there's simply no place better to be. Want to experience Bellingham for all it is? Check out Downtown Sounds!

After being washed out for two weeks in a row, Downtown Sounds finally got a break from the weather…read moreGods. Perfect summer weather, great Latin vibe and lots of food, kids activities and dancing!