WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Fall is officially here and that means Oktoberfest, fresh hops, holiday shopping and a whole lot more. We’ve got you covered in this week’s Lifestyle Lookout.
Kick off the weekend in Birch Bay on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the Blaine-Birch Bay Fall Festival. Get a head start on your holiday shopping with local craft vendors and artisan booths. There will be live music, kids’ games and activities, coffee and baked goods as well.
The Blaine-Birch Bay Fall Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Birch Bay Activity Center (7511 Gemini Street).
This weekend is also the first chance to check out the 2025 Whatcom Artist Studio Tour. Founded in 1994, the tour offers visitors the chance to tour local artists’ studios and buy local art.
This year’s tour features almost 50 local artists. Painting, sculpture, woodworking, photography, jewelry and ceramics will all be on display.
The 2025 Whatcom Artist Studio Tour runs this weekend (Oct. 4-5) and next weekend (Oct. 11-12).
Fall in Whatcom County means a chance to celebrate great local beer too.
Ferndale Oktoberfest 2025 is Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Pioneer Pavilion. The 21+ event will feature music, dancing, a costume contest, games, beer, food and more.
Dress up in your finest German attire and taste beer from FrinGe Brewing and District Brewing. There will also be cocktails from Doc Swinson’s and The Score. And a Ferndale favorite, WTF – Where’s the Food? foodtruck, will be on scene serving up delicious grub.
Fall also means it is fresh hop season in our neck of the woods. This Saturday from noon to 8 p.m., head down to Stones Throw Brewery in Fairhaven for the Fresh Hop Block Party.
Fresh hop beers celebrate PNW craft beer culture at the end of hop harvesting season. The beers created by local breweries highlight the unique flavors and aromas of the almighty hop. Bring your own hops or just show up and help pick them off the vines.
The Stones Throw Fresh Hop Block Party is a free all-ages event that will feature live music, food trucks and, of course, beer.
Our featured live show this week is at the Shakedown in Bellingham.
Sweater Weather String Band will keep you cozy on Friday night, Oct. 3 with their blend of traditional Celtic, bluegrass and indie rock.
Opening for Sweater Weather Band is Bete Grise. For tickets, go to shakedownbellingham.com.
Listen to this week’s Lifestyle Lookout below and every Friday on the KGMI Morning News:
