Bellingham SeaFeast Celebrates 10 Years with Special Anniversary Festival September 26-27
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A decade of honoring Pacific Northwest maritime culture returns to Squalicum Harbor with new experiences, ticketed VIP upgrades, and the biggest lineup yet
BELLINGHAM, WA – Bellingham SeaFeast marks a major milestone in 2026: its 10th anniversary. The beloved free waterfront festival returns to Squalicum Harbor and Zuanich Point Park for two full days on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27, celebrating a decade of honoring maritime culture, commercial fishing heritage, and Pacific Northwest seafood.
Since its inaugural year in 2016, SeaFeast has grown into one of Whatcom County's signature community events, drawing over ten thousand visitors each year to celebrate the working waterfront that makes Bellingham unique. This year's anniversary edition brings together longtime festival favorites and a full slate of hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
A Decade of Celebrating the Working Waterfront
This year's festival features more than 25 food vendors, each bringing their own unique specialty to the waterfront, from classic seafood fare to creative culinary twists. The all-ages Beer, Wine & Cider Garden returns overlooking Bellingham Bay, giving festival-goers the perfect spot to pair a cold drink with fresh seafood and waterfront views.
A SeaFeast tradition since year one, the Lummi Nation Traditional Firepit Salmon offers visitors both a culinary experience and a meaningful connection to the Lummi Nation's deep and enduring relationship with the land and sea. Nearby, dockside seafood sales connect festival-goers directly with local fishermen, offering fresh seafood straight from Bellingham's working waterfront.
Families can dig into hands-on activities including Kids Boat Building with the Whatcom Maritime Museum, interactive maritime and Meet Your Fisherfolk activities, and education & outreach booths featuring a festival passport activity with prizes. Live musical entertainment fills the harbor throughout the weekend, alongside arts vendors with sea-loving themes and live art and chainsaw carving demonstrations.
Maritime enthusiasts won't want to miss the U.S. Coast Guard rescue-at-sea demonstration, the return of the popular oyster shucking competition, and Fish Tales & Ales storytelling sessions celebrating the characters and history of the working waterfront.
New and Ticketed Experiences
SeaFeast 2026 offers several ticketed experiences for festival-goers looking to go a little deeper into Bellingham's maritime world:
● Oyster Expo in the Squalicum Boathouse — sample Pacific Northwest oysters and meet the farmers behind them. Get Tickets >
● Industry Tours of All American Marine — get a behind-the-scenes look at modern boat construction. Get Tickets >
● Chuckanut Bay Cruises with Island Opportunity Charter — scenic boat rides around the bay. Get Tickets >
● Dock Tours — an up-close look at Bellingham's working waterfront. Get Tickets >
● Guided Tour of the Virginia V Steamship — step aboard the Virginia V, the last operational wooden-hulled steamship of Puget Sound's historic Mosquito Fleet. Get Tickets >
Environmental Leadership
Thanks to partnerships with Sustainable Connections and Perennial Zero Waste, Bellingham SeaFeast 2026 will once again implement 100% reusable dishware, demonstrating the event's commitment to environmental stewardship and ocean conservation—values that align perfectly with the festival's mission to promote the enjoyment and conservation of precious water resources.
Event Details
What: Bellingham SeaFeast — 10th Anniversary Celebration When: Saturday & Sunday, September 26-27, 2026 Where: Zuanich Point Park & Fisherman's Pavilion, Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, WA Admission: FREE (select experiences ticketed separately)
Festival activities span the Squalicum Boathouse, Fisherman's Pavilion, harbor docks, and park open spaces. The festival is located just 90 minutes from both Seattle and Vancouver, BC, making it easily accessible for regional visitors seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest maritime experience.
About Bellingham SeaFeast
Bellingham SeaFeast is dedicated to honoring the rich maritime culture of the Pacific Northwest while showcasing the thriving working waterfront of Bellingham. Now celebrating its 10th year, the festival continues to celebrate the vitality of commercial fishing and seafood industries while promoting conservation of water resources and indulging in the diverse culinary bounty that characterizes this corner of the Pacific Northwest.
For more information about Bellingham SeaFeast 2026, contact info@bellinghamseafeast.com or visit www.bellinghamseafeast.org.
Media Contact: Kevin Coleman Bellingham SeaFeast Email: info@bellinghamseafeast.com Phone: (206) 251-2611 Website: www.bellinghamseafeast.org
Media Photos & Logos available for download. High-resolution images and additional press materials available upon request.