Events in Fairhaven and on the Village Green

Bookmark this page so you can quickly check on events in Fairhaven. To participate or if a vendor, check the Annual events planner page.

Monday, March 29

Village Books Open Mic 1200 11th Street7pm Free: Advance signup +
Village Books invites the local community and visitors to enjoy local talents as they share their written words. Or sign up to share some of your own--published or unpublished. Sign up at the store's main counter.

For information on a variety of diverse book group meetings, book- and word-related events, as well at frequent author talks, click on the link to Village Books' website on the Fairhaven.com home page, visit Village Books, or stop in the store at 1200 11th Street.

Wednesday, March 31

Literature Live: MARTIN BURWASH 7pm Free +
At Village Books tonight, hear historian Martin Burwash with Vis Major: Railroad Men, An Act of God--White Death at Wellington. At 1:43 a.m., March 1, 1910, a wall of snow descended on two Great Northern Railway trains stalled in the town of Wellington, Washington, along Stevens Pass. Ninety-six people died in a single moment. To this day, the Wellington Slide remains North America's worst avalanche disaster. Although other accounts of this monumental event exist, none are told entirely from the perspective of the railroad men who battled the week-long blizzard leading up to the tragedy. Martin Burwash gives voice to those men. blending historical fact with railroad knowledge and delivering a fictional account of this incredible, but often overlooked true event.

This author event is just one of the many offered through Village Books' Literature Live program. For info on all Literature Live events--for kids and adults--and other book-related events, check out VillageBooks.com, or visit Village Books at 1200 11th St.

Thursday, April 1

Art at Village Books: CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT Daily, March-April Free +
Visit Village Books' Readings Gallery for their exhibit:A Certain Slant of Light, with works by Mary Gregg Byrne. In celebration of National Poetry Month, Byrne shows her work incorporating watercolor, calligraphy, and some of her favorite poems.

This art show is just one of the many happenings at Village Books, including a variety of monthly book group meetings and author visits. For info on all Village Books and Literature Live events--for kids and adults--go to VillageBooks.com, or visit the store at 1200 11th St.

Monday, April 12

Art at Village Books: CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT Daily, March-April Free +
Visit Village Books' Readings Gallery for their exhibit:A Certain Slant of Light, with works by Mary Gregg Byrne. In celebration of National Poetry Month, Byrne shows her work incorporating watercolor, calligraphy, and some of her favorite poems.

This art show is just one of the many happenings at Village Books, including a variety of monthly book group meetings and author visits. For info on all Village Books and Literature Live events--for kids and adults--go to VillageBooks.com, or visit the store at 1200 11th St.

Thursday, April 22

Core Connection 7pm Free +
The Bellingham Tennis Club & Fairhaven Fitness hosts a talk by professionals from Core Therapeutics about the anatomy of the core and how it works. By using an ultrasound display, you will actually see the positions and movements that activate your core abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis). Learn how gently and subtly the core works in normal everyday tasks and how to improve its strength through your fitness or rehabilitation practices.

Call 360-733-5050 with questions and to reserve space. Or visit Bellingham Tennis Club online, or at 800 McKenzie Avenue.

Saturday, April 24

Dirty Dan Days Seafood Festival! 10:30am-5pm Sat & Sun mostly free; $10 for chowder tastings +
Celebrate the unscrubbed founder of Fairhaven this event-packed weekend!
On Saturday, enjoy Seafood Booths, Live Music, Interactive Games, Friendliest Catch Kids Contest, Dan Harris History, Salmon Toss Contest, Pro Fish Fillet Contest, Dirty Dan Look-a-Like & 1800's Dress Contest, Cupcake Eating Contest, Toy Boat Building, felting, cooking demos by the Big Fat Fish Co and more maybe.

Sunday's schedule:.
Dan Harris Challenge Rowing Race .. 10 am (at nearby Boulevard Park)
Live Music .. 12 noon - 4 pm
Chuckanut Chowder Cook-Off .. 2 pm - 4 pm
Chowder Awards .. 4 pm
Piano Race (Harris Ave.) .. 4:15 pm

More details and a full schedule available at Dirty Dan Days! And if you're interested in being involved or volunteer for the event, get in touch with Doug Borneman, doug@epicevents.us. The festival (except the Dan Harris Challenge) is all at the Fairhaven Village Green.

Wednesday, April 28

Art at Village Books: CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT Daily, March-April Free +
Visit Village Books' Readings Gallery for their exhibit:A Certain Slant of Light, with works by Mary Gregg Byrne. In celebration of National Poetry Month, Byrne shows her work incorporating watercolor, calligraphy, and some of her favorite poems.

This art show is just one of the many happenings at Village Books, including a variety of monthly book group meetings and author visits. For info on all Village Books and Literature Live events--for kids and adults--go to VillageBooks.com, or visit the store at 1200 11th St.

Thursday, May 6

Girls’ Night Out in Fairhaven 4-10 pm $10 for a GNO Passport +
Dust off your tiaras, fluff up your pink boas, grab a sister, mother, daughter or friend and head to Fairhaven for the 5th Annual Girls' Night Out (GNO) Pink Party to benefit cancer research, through St. Joseph Cancer Center, while having a night out on the town enjoying a fashion show, shopping, dining, raffles, comedy hour, and more.

Each passport will include 5 raffle tickets (which you can deposit at any participating businesses), plus admission to the fashion show and comedy hour at The Fairhaven Pub.

Fairhaven businesses will treat you ladies right! Watch for detailed information and a full schedule of events on the special Girls' Night Out page! Happening all through Fairhaven.

Saturday, May 15

Miles for Memories 5K Walk/Run 8:30am Walker/Runner: $25 (includes T-Shirt); Canine: $10 (includes bandana). +
Get your teams together and help in the fight against Alzheimer Disease! Join the the Alzheimer Society of Washington and your friends and neighbors for a 5k walk or run on a beautiful trail along the edge of Bellingham Bay, beginning and ending at the splendid Fairhaven Village Green. Teams wanted, costumes encouraged, and dogs are definitely welcome. Lots of prizes for both humans and canines!

Team registration packets are available by calling 360-671-3316 or 800-493-3959 or by visiting the Alzheimer Society of Washington online. At the Fairhaven Village Green.

Saturday, May 22

Ski to Sea: Junior & Community Race start time varies by category +
While not in Fairhaven proper, Lake Padden is practically adjacent to our historic district. So before you go to the lake to watch your kids in the race (or race yourself)--or after-- plan on a visit to Fairhaven's many great businesses and restaurants.

If you're interested in putting together a team for the Junior Ski to Sea Race (elementary, middle school, and community (all ages) categories), visit the Ski to Sea website for info at Lake Padden Park.

Sunday, May 30

SKI TO SEA: It All Ends in Fairhaven 10 am-8 pm Free +
The finish for the annual and legendary Ski to Sea Race is celebrated in the heart of Fairhaven with an ALL-DAY party for all ages and tastes, featuring live music, children's fun, a beer garden, arts and craft vendors, ethnic foods and much more! You can also stop in at your favorite Fairhaven businesses to shop, and for lunch or dinner.

From downtown Fairhaven, you can walk down to Fairhaven's Marine Park to watch the kayakers come in off Bellingham Bay for the last leg of the race and the ringing of the bell. At the park you'll find race information, photos, and a number of exhibitors, including some great Fairhaven businesses

Parking can be a challenge at this event, so plan to come early to park and enjoy a full day of it. Or... to make things even easier, you can park at WWU and catch the frequent shuttle to the festivities. Starting at 11:30 am a bus leaves every 15 minutes from the 'C' parking lot (West College Way and Bill McDonald Parkway) on the south end of campus and returns from Fairhaven just as often up to 8:30 pm. Free parking at the campus and 75 cents fee for the 5 minute ride. The stop in Fairhaven is at 12th and McKenzie, within one block of the party. It really works. Go Green! Compliments of Old Fairhaven Association, Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce, WTA, and WWU

You can download an easy to print Park & Ride Map as a pdf file. Finish & Festivities in Fairhaven.

Saturday, June 5

Race Beneath the Sun 10am Modest fee +
An early summer Fairhaven tradition, Greater Bellingham Running Club's Race Beneath the Sun begins and ends at Fairhaven Park, just south of Fairhaven, on Chuckanut Drive. There's a a 5-mi race and a 1/2 mi kids fun run (starting 15 minutes earlier). The 5-mi course is mostly trail. Leaving Fairhaven Park the course turns west to the bay and loops around the off-leash dog-walking area and water treatment facility at the bay and returns east, gradually uphill, passing Fairhaven Park (approx 2.5 mi),and stays on the Interurban trail for an out-and-back segment that is mainly flat. Lots of awards for multiple age divisions and great treats after the race.

Registration is usually day-of only, 9-9:45am. At Fairhaven Park.

Saturday, June 12

Kids Beginning Tennis Clinic 12-1pm Free for kids 5-16 +
The Bellingham Tennis Club & Fairhaven Fitness is hosting a free Beginning Tennis Clinic for kids ages 5-16. Have fun learning basic strokes and racquet handling skills to give you a feel for the game. Call 360-733-5050 with questions and to reserve space. Or visit Bellingham Tennis Club online or at 800 McKenzie Avenue.
Kids Beginning Tennis Clinic 12-1pm Free for kids 5-16 +
The Bellingham Tennis Club & Fairhaven Fitness is hosting a free Beginning Tennis Clinic for kids ages 5-16. Have fun learning basic strokes and racquet handling skills to give you a feel for the game. Call 360-733-5050 with questions and to reserve space. Or visit Bellingham Tennis Club online or at 800 McKenzie Avenue.

Saturday, June 19

Anniversary 5K Walk/Run for Literacy 9:30am registration fee to come +
Enjoy a mostly-tail, friendly community walk/run sponsored by Village Books and Fairhaven Runners & Walkers in celebration of their respective anniversaries as Fairhaven businesses.
Age-group awards and prizes will follow the event. All proceeds go to help the efforts of the Whatcom Literacy Council! The run includes a free half-mile run/race for younger kids at 8:30am.
And if you don't want to run or walk, consider volunteering for this great community event!

Registration forms will be available at both stores, or through Village Books' website. At the Fairhaven Village Green.

Saturday, June 26

The Padden Triathlon 8:30 competitive; 1pm recreational Fee at trithecookie.com +
Not far from Fairhaven, take part in one of the most popular triathlons around. There are both competitive and recreational divisions to accomodate all skill levels, and you can race solo or on a team. This annual tri is hosted by the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department and draws competitors from all over the state and country.

Plan to visit and enjoy all of Fairhaven's offerings before you head up to Padden (if you're a rec racer), or after (if you're racing competitive), for some great community vibes and refreshment! The race is at Lake Padden Park.
First Week 8:30 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, July 3

Second Week 8:30 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, July 10

Third Week 8:30 pm +
Music: TBA
Village Green.

Saturday, July 17

Fourth Week 8:00 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, July 24

Padden Duathlon 1/3 Less Race 9am Register early for lowest price +
Near Fairhaven, just up from the interstate, is Lake Padden Park, where you can have all sorts of summer fun before or after visiting the Fairhaven district to shop or enjoy a meal. It's also a place for a number of Bellingham Parks & Rec events.

Today, athletes of all skill levels can enjoy a fun road bike duathlon--the Padden Duathlon 1/3 Less Race. Run 2.6 miles around the lake, bike 14.5 miles out, around and back from Lake Samish, then run 2.6 miles again--and no swimming. All participants are eligible for draw prizes; trophies to top 3 male and female overall.To register online or print out a registration form, go to www.trithecookie.com. Info also at 360-778-7665.

Be sure to include a visit to Fairhaven after the race! At Lake Padden Park.
Fifth Week 8:00 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, July 31

Tour de Whatcom 7:30am/10am/11:30am Pricing varies +
Be part of the Tour de Whatcom, a bike ride to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Choose the length of your ride, 25, 50 or 105 miles (start time depends on distance), perfect for a family outing and serious riders alike. Snacks and drinks will be available at rest stops along the routes.

Registration donation varies form $30-$50 depending on distance, including a family price. Go to the Tour de Whatcom web site for the details and links to on-line registration. The event begins and ends at the Fairhaven Village Green.
Sixth Week 8:00 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, August 7

Seventh Week 7:30 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Sunday, August 8

Lake Samish Triathlon Start times vary Check website for pricing +
At a lovely location, not very far south from Fairhaven (so you can plan to visit Fairhaven after the event), the Lake Samish Triathlon appeals to first timers and experienced triathletes alike, with a Sprint event or a Try-a-Tri. For more info, go to www.lakesamishtriathlon.com At Camp Lutherwood.
Lake Samish Open Water Swim check website for time & price +
Be part of a 1.5mi and a 3mi sanctioned open water/lake swim event with full support and no motorboat traffic. After, cool down and re-fuel in Fairhaven!
More info: www.lakesamishswim.com At Camp Lutherwood, Lake Samish.

Saturday, August 14

Eighth Week 7:30 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, August 21

Ninth Week 7:00 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, August 28

Tenth Week 7:00 pm +
Music: TBA Village Green.

Saturday, September 4

Lake Padden Relay 10am GBRC members free; nominal fee otherwise +
An annual early September tradition, Greater Bellingham Running Club's Lake Padden Relay is held just outside of Historic Fairhaven, "up" at Lake Padden. Race this with 4-person teams, each runner going once around the lake (2.6mi); or doing the whole 10.35 miles solo.
And be sure to visit Fairhaven after the event! At Lake Padden Park.

Saturday, September 11

Fairhaven Runners Waterfront 15K 8:30am start check website for pricing +
Plan to take part in one of the biggest events in Bellingham, and one with a huge post-race party at the Fairhaven Village Green!

This 9.3-mile loop run (walkers welcome), sponsored by Fairhaven Runners & Walkers and the City of Bellingham Parks & Recreation, features Bellingham Bay's beautiful waterfront trail, with views of the San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker, starting in the heart of Fairhaven (corner of 11th and Harris), and finishing in the 2nd heart of Fairhaven-- the Village Green.

More information and registration is at the Bellingham Parks event page or Fairhaven Runners and Walkers . This race usually reaches its cap early, so don't wait to preregister. And be one of the first 400 to get a race tech shirt!

To inspire community athletes and anyone seeking better physical health, Fairhaven Runners & Walkers (on 11th Street across from Village Books) also hosts free fitness forums each month at the store. For a schedule of forums, as well as other weekly drop-in runs and walks, call Fairhaven Runners at 676-4955 or visit Fairhaven Runners & Walkers. At the Fairhaven Village Green.

Saturday, September 18

Bellingham Traverse Time tbd Check website for registration fees +
This "northwest rite of passage" multisport solo or team event includes Bellingham and a lot of Fairhaven! It's a 5.5-mile run from downtown Bellingham to nearby Lake Padden, a challenging 6-mile mountain bike above the lake, a 17-mile road bike out and around Lake Samish, a 3-mile trail run from Fairhaven Park to Marine Park at the bottom of Harris Avenue, a 4mi open water paddle along Fairhaven and Bellingham bays from Marine Park, and a half-mile team "trek" to the finish. Racers are encouraged to raise funds for an environmental group of their choice, and spectators and volunteers are welcome! Info: www.bellinghamtraverse.com. Downtown B'ham & through Fairhaven.


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