Bellingham Buzz: Marathon, Peace Drinks, and Campus Happenings

Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Sunday, September 21st, 2025. We hope you’re enjoying the first weekend of fall, with crisp air rolling in and a busy slate of local happenings stirring throughout the city. Let’s kick things off with a nod to runners across the region. Depot Market Square is bustling today as the Bellingham Bay Marathon takes over downtown from early morning through the afternoon. Whether you’re cheering on friends or looking for an energizing stroll, it’s a perfect day to catch the excitement, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe enjoy some post-race local treats at nearby cafes. If you’re out and about, expect some detours and crowds along Railroad Avenue and waterfront paths—all part of a day that’s become a highlight for Bellingham’s active community. On the arts and culture beat, today is the 22nd Annual International Day of Peace, where ten remarkable businesses are teaming up with the Whatcom Peace & Justice Center for their Drink and Dine for Peace initiative. The theme this year is We Keep Us Safe: Fostering a Culture of Care, urging us all to shift from fear toward relationships and mutual support. All month long, a portion of proceeds from meals and drinks at participating spots will directly bolster peace-building efforts in Whatcom County. So, treat yourself as you help create a more caring and just community. If you want to join the celebration, swing by the event at the WPJC or simply check online for a list of supporting venues. If you’re searching for community or creative inspiration tonight, Bellingham Queer Collective is offering a free info session on their Mindfulness-based Queer Resilience course at 5:30 PM. It’s a great chance to connect, reflect, and learn more about mental well-being tailored for our vibrant LGBTQ+ neighbors. And keep an eye out for Fun Fridays at the BQC Center, knitting and crafting nights at Northwest Yarns, and ongoing art shows spotlighting stories from local creators—all weaving new connections in every corner of the city. Western Washington University is popping with events as new and returning students get settled. You can catch a classic outdoor screening of Superman starting at 2 PM, perfect for families, students, and anyone wanting to unwind with a blockbuster under the September sky. The campus also hosts open houses for Disability Access Centers, offering a welcoming environment to learn and make new friends. Turning to local headlines, law enforcement is investigating a suspicious vehicle incident that led to a seizure of drugs, a firearm, and cash. Meanwhile, Ferndale City Hall is set to reopen Monday after water damage, and there’s no tsunami risk for our coast following the recent earthquake off Russia. Be aware, though—bear sightings are confirmed near Sumas, so hikers and residents should stay alert. Around Lynden and Everson, over 1,500 are without power as crews work to restore service. And for those traveling, southbound I-5 closures near This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.