Saturday in Bellingham: Festivals, Aquatics, and WWU Volleyball

Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Saturday, September 6, 2025. It’s shaping up to be a lively Saturday here in Bellingham and Whatcom County, packed with events, activities, and just a little bit of traffic to watch out for. Let’s kick things off with a heads-up for anyone driving near Ferndale. WSDOT crews are grinding and repaving the I-5 ramps at Portal Way, so expect the southbound on and off ramps to be closed until Sunday night. If you’re heading that way, leave some extra travel time, especially with those shifting right and left lane closures continuing into next week. Now, on to the fun stuff. If you’ve got kids up and bouncing with Saturday energy, the Whatcom Family YMCA pools are open all day, and the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center is ready for swimmers, offering family swim this afternoon and preschool swim later today. For an outdoor option, the spray parks around Whatcom County are open until 5, and Wild Whatcom’s “Wild Things” adventure gets going at 9:30 in the morning, perfect for little explorers hoping to spot some wildlife and learn a thing or two. Art lovers and indoor adventurers can swing by the Whatcom Museum’s Artists Corner for some hands-on creativity, or the Marine Life Center if you want to get up close with tidepool creatures—free admission for both today. Over at the Meloy Gallery, check out the Living & Outdoors pop-up for unique crafts and home finds running until 5. If you’re craving festival vibes, make a stop by Centennial Riverwalk Park in Ferndale for Jam on the River, a free music event from 5 to 8:30 tonight with performances, food vendors, and more, all set against the backdrop of the Nooksack River. For those drawn to the water, multiple kayak tours are launching out of Larrabee State Park and Lummi Island, with half-day and full-day options if you’re ready to paddle out and soak in those late-summer views. Sports fans, Western Washington University volleyball is coming off a thrilling win over No. 3 St. Cloud State at their home tournament in Carver Gym. That momentum carries into today’s match against San Francisco State at 4 pm. If you want to see high-energy volleyball and support local athletes, this is the place to be. For music, there’s no shortage of beats to suit every taste. Stones Throw Brewery has live music from 6 to 8, and FireHouse Arts & Events Center is hosting Good Trouble 2—a showcase of protest songs and community voices—starting at 7. Night owls and rock fans can head to Bar Two Eleven for a late show with Monstress, Disaster Queen, and Witch Agony, doors open at 8 with music into the night. And don’t forget about the Lynden Corn Maze, which is open late for anyone looking to get lost in a classic fall tradition before the sun sets too early. As always, before heading out, double-check event details just in case plans have changed, and keep an eye on those road closures if you’re traveling north or south of town. That’s your Saturday rundown. This has been This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.