BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – It’s starting to feel a lot like fall in Whatcom County. Football is on the television, sweaters are coming off the hangers, and October is approaching fast. We have a bunch of fun events for you in this week’s Lifestyle Lookout.

Fans of Dungeons and Dragons, gaming, improv and just plain good old-fashioned fun are in luck. The Upfront Theatre and AEGIS Gaming present Improv and Dragons on Friday, Sept. 11.

Attendees will follow a band of unlikely heroes as they embark on a quest armed with nothing but dice, bravery and a sense of humor. Will these heroes survive to the end? There’s only one way to find out.

Improv and Dragons runs from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Oktoberfest 2026 officially runs from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, but it’s never too early to get a start on the celebration of all things German.

Oktoberfest at Trackside kicks off on Friday with live music, a stein-holding contest, delicious food and, of course, Kulshan’s lineup of classic German style beers. $15 gets attendees a ceramic stein, one free half liter pour and discounted refills all night long.

The weather should start to turn soon, so head down to enjoy Trackside and Bellingham’s waterfront while you can. Oktoberfest at Trackside runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity for the whole family, look no further than the 14th annual Run with the Chums event in Birch Bay on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The free event features a scenic 5K course, a kids’ Smolt Sprint, an obstacle course and more. In-person check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. and includes a free T-shirt. If you want to skip the line, attendees can also register online. Run with the Chums is held at BP Highlands on Point Whitehorn Rd.

Adults interested in tasting some local spirits don’t want to miss this year’s Lynden Whiskey Event.

The event runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and features fun all along Front St. This year’s event has partnered with 14 local whiskey distillers. Tickets to the event cost $35 and include five drink tokens.

For non-drinkers, tickets are available for $17.50 that get you access to the Fifth Street Concert, beer garden area and more. The Rewinders, a band that focuses on music from the 60s and 70s, will perform. Then Seattle new wave cover band Nite Wave will take the stage.

There will also be live music at businesses across downtown Lynden, vendors plus a whole lot more.

Our featured live show this week is at Shakedown on Friday night.

Arkansas doom metal legends Pallbearer will bring their brand of progressive sounds to the stage to celebrate the rerelease of their 2014 album Foundations of Burden. If you love heavy, beautiful music, you don’t want to miss this one.

Opening for Pallbearer are Ordh and Bellingham’s Melancholia. For tickets, go to shakedownbellingham.com.