Birch Bay is gearing up for a pair of back-to-back community events on the first weekend of August 2026, giving families in Whatcom County two distinct reasons to head to the beach. A sand sculpture competition on Saturday, August 1 and a vintage car show on Sunday, August 2 make up a full weekend of free and low-cost outdoor fun at one of the region's most beloved coastal destinations.
Sand Sculpture Competition, August 1
The annual Sand Sculpture Competition takes place August 1 starting at 10 a.m. at Birch Bay Beach Park, located at 7930 Birch Bay Drive. The event is free and open to all ages and skill levels. Participants carve, stack, and shape the shoreline sand into everything from elaborate sea creatures to abstract forms, and the competition is divided by age division so younger kids compete alongside their peers rather than against experienced adult sculptors.
The competition has become a summertime tradition at Birch Bay, drawing visitors from across Whatcom County and beyond. Organizers describe it as an event that "transforms the shoreline into a gallery of creativity and imagination." No advance registration is required for most divisions. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to claim a section of beach before the prime spots fill up. The event is organized with support from the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates waterfront events throughout the summer season.
Rollback Weekend Car Show, August 2
The following day, Sunday August 2, Rollback Weekend brings classic and vintage vehicles to the Birch Bay area for a car show open to drivers and spectators alike. Car shows at Birch Bay have a loyal local following, drawing owners of restored American classics, muscle cars, hot rods, and European imports who appreciate the scenic waterfront backdrop. Spectators can browse the vehicles up close, talk to owners about restoration projects, and enjoy the bay views while they walk the show.
Birch Bay, located along Drayton Harbor about 15 miles north of Bellingham and roughly seven miles south of Blaine, is part of unincorporated Whatcom County. The area draws a significant summer crowd due to its sandy beach, calm shallow water, and family-friendly atmosphere. Unlike the rocky shorelines common elsewhere in the Salish Sea region, Birch Bay's gently sloping beach makes it particularly accessible for families with young children.
More to Do in Birch Bay This Summer
While you're in the area, organizers also recommend stopping at The C Shop, an iconic Birch Bay confectionery known for locally made candy, ice cream, and saltwater taffy that has operated near the bay for decades. It is the kind of stop that has become part of the Birch Bay experience for generations of Whatcom County families.
For a full calendar of events in and around Birch Bay and Bellingham through the rest of the summer, the Bellingham Experience events calendar lists festivals, outdoor activities, and community gatherings updated regularly through the season.
August 1 also brings additional events elsewhere in Whatcom County. The Hamster Endurance Runs return to Lake Padden Park in Bellingham, where runners take on 8-hour, 16-hour, and 32-hour loop challenges on the park's perimeter trail. Kids Fest runs simultaneously at Civic Stadium. For families looking to extend the weekend, there is no shortage of options across the county.
The Birch Bay area is accessible from Bellingham via Grandview Road or via Interstate 5 north to the Birch Bay-Lynden Road exit. Parking near the beach fills up quickly on summer weekends, so arriving before 10 a.m. is advisable for both the sand sculpture event and the car show. For the latest updates on both events, check the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce website or follow their social media pages closer to the dates.
More summer activity coverage from around Whatcom County is available in recent local events roundups on this site, including a guide to summer happenings in Bellingham and Whatcom County.
