Families across Whatcom County have a free day of activities waiting for them this Saturday at Civic Stadium, where Bellingham Parks and Recreation and WestEdge Credit Union are hosting the return of Bellingham Kids Fest. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, and is open to all ages at no charge.
Kids Fest features games, entertainment, workshops, and the opportunity to learn about children's programs and services available throughout Whatcom County. Dozens of community organizations, nonprofits, and city departments will have booths and activities set up across the stadium grounds, giving families a single destination to connect with local resources while the kids enjoy a full morning of activities.
Sensory-Friendly Station and Inclusive Programming
One of the highlights this year is a dedicated sensory-friendly station run by Bellingham Parks and Recreation, identifiable by the blue Parks and Recreation canopy. The station offers a quieter, lower-stimulation environment for children who may find large crowds or loud events overwhelming, including kids with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, or other needs that benefit from a calmer space.
The inclusion of a sensory-friendly station reflects a broader effort by Bellingham Parks and Recreation to make city events accessible to all families. Civic events with sensory accommodations remain relatively uncommon in smaller cities, and the department's commitment to providing this option at a large free event is notable for local families who have historically had to weigh the accessibility of outdoor festivals before attending.
Parents with strollers will find Civic Stadium's open layout manageable, and the venue's central Bellingham location near Sehome and downtown makes it accessible by foot, bike, or bus for families across the city.
About Civic Stadium and Bellingham Parks and Recreation
Civic Stadium is one of Bellingham's most recognizable civic spaces, situated in the Sehome neighborhood and long associated with school athletics and community events. The stadium's open field and grandstand area provide ample space for events like Kids Fest, with room for vendor booths, activity stations, and large crowds without feeling cramped.
Bellingham Parks and Recreation operates dozens of parks, recreational facilities, and programs across the city, serving residents from early childhood through senior years. The department's summer programming calendar is one of the busiest of the year, with free events at various parks supplementing paid programs at the Bellingham Aquatic Center and other facilities.
WestEdge Credit Union, the community sponsor of this year's Kids Fest, is a locally based financial institution serving Whatcom County residents. Community sponsorships of this kind help the city keep flagship events like Kids Fest free for all families regardless of income, which aligns with the Parks Department's long-standing goal of making recreation accessible across the community.
What Else Is Happening This Weekend in Whatcom County
The first weekend of August is shaping up to be one of the busiest of the summer across Whatcom County. In addition to Kids Fest at Civic Stadium, the Ferndale Block Party continues Saturday at FrinGe Brewing on 3rd Avenue from noon to 9 p.m., featuring live music, food trucks, a motorcycle show, and the Rock the Block Mural Project. The Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition also runs Saturday at Birch Bay State Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with its 43rd annual gathering of artists and spectators.
For families who want to plan their Saturday around multiple events, Kids Fest's 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. window leaves the afternoon open for a trip north to Birch Bay or Ferndale. Whatcom Transit Authority provides service between Bellingham and many north county communities, with schedules available at ridewta.com.
A full listing of upcoming city events and Parks and Recreation programs is available through the City of Bellingham's events calendar at cob.org. Parents looking for ongoing summer programs beyond Kids Fest can also stop by the Parks and Recreation booth at the event to pick up information about fall enrollment, which opens in August for many popular youth programs.
