Treat the mom or mother figure in your life to something special! Mother’s Day is on May 11, and if you are looking for a way to celebrate, we suggest a weekend trip to Bellingham! Here are some ideas for where to eat and what to do in Bellingham and Whatcom County with your mom.
May 11, 2025
Reserve your spot for our Mother's Day Bunch at Chuckanut Bay Distillery. This year promises to be extra special as we’ll be hosting in our absolutely stunning, newly refurbished Grand Ballroom - the very same space in which President Taft enjoyed brunch during his visit to Bellingham in 1911!
Our culinary team has created an amazing menu including plenty of delicious starters and a live carving station. And of course, we’ll also have a complete array of breakfast buffet items to choose from, and refreshing drink options, including a Bloody Mary bar, 'Momosas', and an array of non-alcoholic beverages. We'll also have a live quartet playing soothing jazz and ragtime as you celebrate Mom on this special day!
May 11, 2025
It is time for our annual Mother's day brunch! Spice it up with BYO Mimosa's or our locally famous Bloody Mary or Caesar cocktails.
Call 360-371-5745 to book your reservation or look for the Experience on Great Blue Heron's Open Table page.
May 11, 2025
Join us for no ordinary brunch! This Mother’s Day, treat her to a celebration that hits all the right notes. We’re serving up crave-worthy classics with seasonal twists, signature brunch cocktails, and a live set by Tenderpile’s De Dream—bringing smooth Sade covers and soulful Sunday jams. Because Mom deserves more than just flowers.
May 11, 2025
Treat mom to an amazing brunch on a classic 1920s sailing yacht. The Zodiac will depart its dock in historic Fairhaven village for a 3 hour excursion on Bellingham Bay. Work up an appetite assisting the crew in raising the Zodiac’s massive sails and take a turn at the ship’s wheel to steer (under the captain’s supervision of course). The Zodiac’s chef will serve a wonderful brunch buffet fresh from the ship’s galley.
May 11, 2025
Join us in the Lighthouse Grill on Sunday, May 11 from 8 am to 2 pm to celebrate Mother's Day and enjoy a delicious Brunch Buffet with breakfast & lunch specialties, as well as a dessert bar! Advance Reservations Required. Buffet will sell out – make your reservations today!
Celebrate Mom by celebrating women in film! The CASCADIA film festival is an annual event that showcases the films of women directors from around the world.
Films are screened at the Pickford Film Center; you can choose from different pass packages or purchase tickets to individual films of your choice. Rather have a cozy night in with Mom? Screen the films virtually May 1-11.
May 9, 2025
Explore shops in Downtown Bellingham as they host pop-up tasting rooms featuring a variety of regional wines. Attendees receive tasting tickets to redeem for the wines of their choice while retailers offer special deals.
May 9 & 10, 2025
Treat your mom to English tea in the peaceful and elegant ambiance of Willowbrook Manor. Tea sandwiches, salad, sweet cream scones and home-baked sweets are served with a pot of your favorite tea. Meander through the gardens and feel how time seems to go a little slower at Willowbrook. Reservations Required.
May 10, 2025
Start Mother's Day weekend off with fresh produce and locally made goods from over 100 vendors! The Bellingham Farmers Market is a local favorite and great way to start your Saturday and Mother’s Day Weekend.
May 10, 2025
Follow along with a professional Makeup Artist as you learn to apply a fresh face of makeup using our top-of-the-line mineral products by Jane Iredale. Class includes full size bottle of NEW Skintuition Radiance Boosting Foundation + spf 30 in your shade and NEW Multiuse Blending Brush plus free samples. Light snacks and a beverage of your choice will be provided. Add a fresh bouquet from local growers and florist Auntie M’s Flowers for $35. Must request a minimum of 48 hours ahead of time. Receive 20% off all product purchases at the Beauty Barn on the day of class.
Play with: Skintuition SPF 30 Radiance-Boosting Liquid Foundation - A medium, buildable liquid foundation with physical SPF 30 that naturally perfects for a healthy, skin-like finish. ColorLuxe High Impact Lip Glaze - Full-bodied, lip glaze delivers lustrous color, supreme shine and a cushiony, comfortable feel. Visually volumizes and smooths for a fuller-looking lip. Lash Fixation Length & Definition Tubing Mascara!
May 11, 2025
Pick up beach cleanup supplies, refreshments (including fresh Bagelry bagels), and join us on Bellingham’s waterfront to prevent trash from getting into Bellingham Bay!
May 11, 2025
The Friends of Big Rock Garden Park invite you to celebrate Mother’s Day with the whole family. Explore this beautiful garden with its meandering paths and wonderful sculptures while enjoying light refreshments. Other activities include live music and a children’s passport adventure.
All ages are welcome!
Head to Downtown Blaine with Mom for this farm & craft market overlooking beautiful Blaine Harbor!
Free admission for the public every Saturday from May to October.
Get out on the water with your mom and San Juan Cruises!
Departing from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, come aboard San Juan Cruises' 100 foot tour vessel and discover the history, geography and wildlife of Bellingham Bay and the Salish Sea. The San Juan Islands are home to Orca, Humpback, Gray and Minke Whales as well as all sorts of other marine life such as porpoises, seals, sea lions and otters.
Around here, whenever the sun shines it is a must to get out and explore! If the weather works out in your favor this Mother’s Day, try ordering a meal to go and enjoy a picnic while taking in the sights of Whatcom County’s many scenic parks.
Want something more breathtaking? Go on a scenic walk or hike.
Also consider spending the day in Fairhaven Village, Lynden, or checking out another nearby community in Whatcom County.
If the day includes rain, see it as an opportunity to take advantage of enriching and fun indoor activities. You can get some ideas of where to stay inside and experience the local arts and culture by signing up for the Whatcom County Culture Crawl. This self-guided tour is free and includes discounts for the Jansen Art Center, Pickford Film Center, Spark Museum, and more!
You can also check out our rainy day itinerary for more indoor ideas.
MegaZapper Show at SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention
Make your mother's day electric at the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. The MegaZapper show is sure to dazzle everyone in your family, but especially mom...and especially if she ends up in the "Cage of Doom."
Before or after the show, browse the museum itself, which offers compelling, interactive exhibits spanning four centuries of scientific achievement and cultural heritage. Discover the inventions and innovations that changed the course of human history, just as your mom changed the course of yours.