WWU Commencement Weekend Travel Guide
Celebrate commencement weekend in Bellingham, Washington! Make the most of your time in town by exploring the area's top trails, adventures, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more. Keep reading to discover what to do in Bellingham with your new graduate.
Experience the best of Bellingham. From the vibrant Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in spring to the stunning views at Larrabee State Park, Bellingham offers a diverse range of activities. *photo: Peter James Photography
In town for commencement? Check out our lodging page for a waterfront resort, mid-price hotels, or a bed & breakfast.
The world games are taking place all across North America during WWU's commencement weekend, and Bellingham is celebrating with watch parties and activations!
Check out the Bellingham fan zone page for details on where to enjoy the games, including a watch party at Kulshan's Trackside Beer Garden on June 12.
Outdoor Adventures
Here in the Peak of the Pacific Northwest, outdoor recreation is one of the top reasons folks choose to come to Whatcom County. Positioned between the Salish Sea and the North Cascades, Whatcom County is home to 100+ Miles of shoreline to kayak, the best Mountain Biking in the State of Washington, epic amounts of snow, and scenic Drives like Chuckanut Drive and Mount Baker Highway.
Explore Historic Fairhaven Village and Downtown Bellingham by way of Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock, one of Bellingham’s most popular trails. Taylor Dock is part of the South Bay Trail making it the best way to explore Bellingham Bay and the perfect walk to visit Fairhaven before heading to Downtown Bellingham.
Known for its namesake waterfall, there is something for everyone at Whatcom Falls Park. The park features 241 acres and miles of serene, forested trails.
Whatcom is full of water trails making it a true kayak paradise. From the Salish Sea and Bellingham Bay to rivers and lakes, we have it all. Check out the Port of Bellingham's Whatcom Water Trails map, which highlights 22 of our most popular water trails.
Want more guidance? Whatcom County is home to two companies that offer guided kayak excursions: Moondance Kayak and Dragonfly Kayak Tours. Both are women-owned companies and great for anyone looking to rent gear and take a guided tour!
Click here to find local shops that rent kayaks, paddle boards, wet suits, and more.
Discover everything you need to know about hiking in and around Bellingham on this page!
For something more mellow, explore our area's top walking trails.
Art, Culture, Music, & Entertainment
See a Live Show or Music Performance
If you love going to shows, you're in luck, because there's always something going on in Bellingham.
The historic Mount Baker Theatre features musicians (both local artists and nationally recognized acts), movies, comedians, the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra, and other events throughout the year.
There's also plenty of places to see live music, like The Wild Buffalo, The Shakedown, and The Blue Room. Find a full list of music venues here.
Get Electrified at the SPARK Museum
Discover the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention! Explore a world-class collection of artifacts and objects that highlight the history and development of electricity, radio, and early technology. On weekends, catch the hour-long MegaZapper Electrical Show, featuring one of the largest Tesla coils in the US.
Catch a Movie or Take a Walking Tour
Leave the planning to us! Use our Culture Crawl Quest Pass to discover the incredible arts and culture around Whatcom County. The pass includes The Pickford Film Center, history-themed tours with the Good Time Girls, and a variety of murals and other outdoor art.
Discover Bellingham, Washington
Explore Bellingham and Whatcom County with a Quest Pass:
Engage in authentic local arts and culture (without hours of research) when you follow along the Culture Crawl!
Discover favorite local businesses and restaurants--and score savings--with this interactive Think Local First pass!
Calling all foodies! Discover local restaurants, farms, markets, and hot spots for a taste of Whatcom County’s best foodie experiences.
Food & Drinks in Bellingham
Through rain and snow, or the occasional crisp weather sun break, a mug of coffee fuels the PNW. Whether you are hitting the books or slopes this winter, Bellingham has a variety of local coffee shops where you can pick up your favorite drink or dessert.
Did you know that Whatcom County is also home to nearly 20 breweries? You can find family-friendly options, happy hours, and tons of pet-friendly spots. Plus, a ton of breweries host trivia nights.
Restaurants in this area (some of which are award-winning) take pride in using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible from local farms. Plenty of places also offer delicious vegan and gluten-free options.
Getting around Bellingham is easy, especially if you're starting at or near the Western Washington University campus.
The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers unlimited and free transit for WWU students. WWU students can use their Student Bus Pass to ride anywhere within WTA's bus system, including to Mount Vernon.
Western's campus is on the BLUE Line, which means that every 15 minutes one bus departs toward Downtown and another departs down Bill McDonald Parkway. Routes on the BLUE Line have three-digit numbers (107, 190, etc.).
Bellingham is an extremely bike-friendly town. With lots of roomy bike lanes, established bike routes, and greenways that help you avoid road traffic, biking is a a great alternative to driving or taking the bus.
Upcoming Events
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