It was writer and educator William Purkey who said, “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there nobody’s listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” Luckily, when you come to Bellingham and Whatcom County, it’s pretty easy to find a place to get your dance on.
Whether you see dance as exercise, a way to meet new people, or just a whole lot of fun, our area has several options that will have you gliding (or stomping) across the dance floor. Below are just a few suggestions for you to explore, whether you’re flying solo, in town for business, spending an evening with your sweetie or painting the town red with your gals. As always, it’s a great idea to check individual websites before you go.
The Shakedown is where to go for rock n’ roll, especially if you were ever a fan of 90’s grunge and other alt rock music. They also bring some big names to town while also being the go-to for local rock musicians. The dance floor is always open and it can often become a mosh pit on the weekends.
Downtown Bellingham’s Wild Buffalo offers the widest variety of live music in our area. You can dance to reggae, hip hop, funk, soul, Americana, and electronic to name just a few. The dance floor is large, the sound is good and loud and some big names visit Bellingham on their way between Seattle and Vancouver. You’ll also see plenty of local performers and it’s usually quite a party.
Dance like nobody's watching... and also like nobody's listening. Come to a Sunset Silent Disco and dance to music only you and the other dancers can hear! Groove out while watching the sun go down over the Bellingham Bay.
Bellingham and Whatcom County are home to a variety of annual festivals meant to get you grooving, like Downtown Sounds and NW Tune Up Festival. Find more at our annual events calendar.
Hotel Leo occasionally hosts dancing classes in its historic ballroom. Check their event calendar to see if any classes are coming up!
Rumors Cabaret is a fun, centrally located, and unpretentious cabaret-style club open until 2 a.m. every day of the week. Dance your heart out to a DJ, bathed in a dynamic light show. This club is especially LBGTQ+ friendly and usually has an affordable cover charge (if any).
This night club in Downtown Bellingham offers a few ways to have fun, including pool, karaoke, and regular dance parties downstairs. Check their Facebook page for information on drink specials and DJs!
This secretive bar and community gathering space, tucked away behind The Orion Bar in downtown Bellingham, frequently has a big band playing on its stage. Come for the unique atmosphere, stay for the dance party.
