Good morning, Bellingham.

Bellingham Parks and Recreation released its Fall Playbook featuring local events such as a Salish Sea celebration at Whatcom Museum on Sept 5 and updates on the Padden Creek diesel spill cleanup, along with new improvements at Hundred Acre Wood and a Bakerview Neighborhood Park vision survey open until Sept 7 — all designed to boost local community engagement. City Council approved a new plan for Barkley Village with more housing and bike connections while Mayor Lund shadowed teams to better understand city projects.

A Lynden man, 35-year-old Joseph Drager, was arrested on Aug.

27th after tips and video linked him to a sexual assault and robbery at Little Squalicum Park on Aug. 20th—police recovered his knife, the victim’s wallet, and the clothes he wore during the attack while also finding evidence he tried to change his look.

A legal victory restored nearly $137 million for K-12 schools plus over $13 million for adult education, and the Department of Education will release the funds by Oct.

3.

A new free online map tracks tree canopy in neighborhoods and shows how having more trees lowers local temperatures and supports health—created by the Department of Natural Resources and American Forests, it found Bellingham’s average score is 85 with some areas at 100 and others below 70.

The Washington Department of Health data shows that since late July, ER visits for COVID symptoms have been rising in Whatcom and Skagit counties—though overall, Washington remains at low risk for an outbreak.

After blanking LA Galaxy 2 to 0 in the tournament semifinals, the Sounders will host soccer legend Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Lumen Field; meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Packers—making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history—and the Seahawks unveiled a new Rivalries alternate uniform for their Week 16 home game. The Mariners are taking a day off as they aim for a playoff spot and the Storm will tip off tonight at 5:00 p.m. from the Target Center as they battle for a postseason berth.

The Neighborhood Kids Live at Sh'Bang Festival 2025

12-6 p.m. — Lookout Arts Quarry — Free entry — Enjoy a lively performance by The Neighborhood Kids and local hip hop artists at the Sh'Bang Festival.

Mat Kearney Live Concert

7-9 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening with the acclaimed singer-songwriter Mat Kearney as he performs fan favorites.

Wilderness First Aid Training

9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. — Larrabee State Park — Pricing varies — Gain crucial wilderness medical skills while enjoying the scenic beauty of Bellingham.

Introduction to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free entry for members — Learn about laser cutting, vector graphics, and more with expert Jason Davies.

An Evening of Self-Compassion

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Discover how to cultivate kindness towards yourself and manage difficult emotions effectively.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — $Cost info available via inquiry — Master the art of vector graphics using Inkscape with expert guidance.

The Lone Bellow Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Mount Baker Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the transcendent harmonies and live energy of Brooklyn's rising band.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Explore laser cutting and ask questions during this informal Q&A session with expert Jason Davies.