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BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Mixing the vibrant culture of downtown Bellingham with the constantly evolving live music community, Downtown Sounds has become a mainstay summertime event over the last 20 years.
Downtown Sounds has returned to the Arts District with a lineup of musical acts that span genres of funk, soul, R&B and jam rock to bring a unique spin to one of Bellingham’s hottest community events. But as Downtown Sounds celebrates 20 years of summertime memories, the team behind it wanted to make this year bigger and better than ever before.
The Downtown Bellingham Partnership, who hosts the event, has doubled down this year by expanding the footprint of Downtown Sounds to a level that no one has seen before. The stage has been pushed back through the intersection of Bay and Holly Street, facing the band northeast towards local vendors and the beer garden. The stage and sound system were upgraded this year to cater to the larger space of the event.
Over the years, Downtown Sounds has changed immensely. The event started in the alley between Mindport and the Wild Buffalo House of Music on Holly Street, showcasing local bands to just a few hundred people every week. After a few years, the event expanded to become more and more similar to how many Bellingham locals know it as.
For the last decade, Downtown Sounds has taken place on Bay Street, with the stage rotating in location. After last year’s continued success, Downtown Bellingham Partnership Executive Director Lindsey Payne Johnstone decided that it was time to expand the event space even more.
“Experiencing the growth and evolution of this cherished event truly hugs my heart,” said Payne Johnstone. “We’re thrilled to celebrate 20 years of Downtown Sounds with our incredible community.”
As for the beer garden, it has doubled in size to accommodate the growing crowds. Serving local beer from some of Bellingham’s favorite breweries, the beer garden now takes up the majority of Bay Street.
Vendors line the street starting near the Wild Buffalo House of Music and are mixed in within the event space. Every week, Scott Less from 92.9 KISM is set up just to the right of the stage giving away KISM merchandise and taking signups for the 92 Days of Summer drawing. Less has been around Downtown Sounds for over a decade, watching the event evolve as more and more people flooded the streets of downtown Bellingham.
“Downtown Sounds connects the community with an amazing experience in downtown Bellingham,” said Less. “It’s like the true definition of a community block party.”
Downtown Sounds will continue to take place in the Arts District in downtown Bellingham every Wednesday through Aug. 7. Head to the Downtown Bellingham Partnership website for more information about the event.
