Bellingham's biggest outdoor celebration of the year is just days away. The Port of Bellingham and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce are hosting the annual Peoples Bank Fourth of July Spectacular at Zuanich Point Park in Squalicum Harbor on Friday, July 4, 2026. Family-friendly activities begin at 4 p.m., and the fireworks display over Bellingham Bay kicks off at 10:30 p.m.
This year's event carries extra significance. July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and the celebration will open with a special kickoff performance by the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra. Local food vendors will line the waterfront, offering a wide variety of options throughout the evening. There will also be kids games, activities, and art projects throughout the afternoon and evening hours, making it a full-day outing for families.
The Zuanich Point Park venue sits at the edge of Squalicum Harbor, giving attendees a sweeping view of Bellingham Bay for the fireworks launch. The park has hosted this event for years and is one of the most popular viewing spots in the county, drawing thousands of residents from Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Birch Bay, and across Whatcom County. Parking fills up fast in the surrounding Squalicum Harbor area, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
Bellingham Parks and Recreation flagged an important heads-up for residents who use the Whatcom Waterway: a section of the ASB waterfront trail will be closed from July 2 through July 6 to accommodate setup and cleanup for the fireworks show. The closure covers the stretch near the fireworks launch zone. Cyclists and pedestrians should plan alternate routes along the waterfront during those days.
One thing to keep in mind heading into the holiday weekend: all consumer fireworks are prohibited within Bellingham city limits. That means no sparklers, fountains, or any device marketed as "safe and sane." The ban covers the entirety of city-owned property and extends into neighborhoods. Violations can result in fines. Bellingham Fire Department has been clear that the professional fireworks show at the Port is the city's designated celebration, not a green light for backyard displays.
For residents who prefer to watch from a distance, Bellingham Bay is visible from several vantage points across the city, including Boulevard Park and the South Bay Trail. However, the best unobstructed views of the water launch are directly from Zuanich Point Park and the surrounding Squalicum Harbor area.
The Port's July 4th celebration has been a cornerstone of Bellingham summers for decades. It typically draws some of the largest single-event crowds in Whatcom County outside of the Ski to Sea race. Local businesses around Squalicum Harbor often see their busiest nights of the year during the celebration.
For those heading to the festivities, the event schedule at the Port's official page includes vendor maps, activity descriptions, and parking information. The fireworks portion of the evening depends on clear skies and appropriate wind conditions, consistent with standard fire safety requirements for waterfront displays. Given this year's drought conditions and elevated fire danger noted in recent county briefings, organizers are expected to coordinate closely with local fire officials.
More details about the full event schedule and vendor lineup can be found at bellingham.com and through the Port of Bellingham's official event page. The Bellingham Scoop will also have coverage of this year's celebration in upcoming newsletters. For context on fireworks safety in Whatcom County this weekend, full details are available here.
