TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Bellingham. This is your Friday update from The Hamster Wheel.

We may be nearing the end of garage sale season for 2025. I’ll keep an eye out each week, but the listings are getting pretty thin. On the bright side, holiday bazaar season is just around the corner! 🤶🔔🎅 

Also, don’t miss the Friends of the Wheel discounts at the end of the newsletter. 👇️ There’s a new deal from craniosacral and massage therapist Soleil Chappelle.

Have fun, and stay safe out there!

~ Evan

Nature, Community, Sasquatch, UAP

Photos From the Hoods

Tag @bellinghamsterwheel on Instagram or reply to this email to get your photos in The Hamster Wheel.

Weather Forecast

Friday: 59°F 🌡️ 44°F | 🌧️ Chance of Rain | 🌧️ 51% | 💨 SW 3 to 7 mph

Saturday: 55°F 🌡️ 48°F | 🌧️ Rain | 🌧️ 98% | 💨 ESE 3 to 10 mph

Sunday: 57°F 🌡️ 47°F | 🌧️ Rain Showers | 🌧️ 93% | 💨 S 10 to 15 mph

Moon Phases

Events, Updates & News Around Town

Get off the Hamster Wheel

Queue up for Cider then Line up to Dance

Bellingham’s original cider celebration is back and bigger than ever. Shifting Gears will host the 5th annual Sippin’ on Cider this Saturday, October 18, from 2 to 7 pm at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, marking the event’s first year in a larger venue.

The festival brings together cideries from across the Pacific Northwest, offering a wide range of local and regional pours alongside food trucks, yard games, music, and a raffle packed with community-donated prizes.

New this year, Moonshine Line Dancing will be hosting two line dancing sessions throughout the afternoon 💃, from 3 to 4 pm and 5 to 6 pm, or try your hand at pumpkin painting 🎃. All paints and brushes will be supplied by Shifting Gears.

“All proceeds from tickets, raffle and merch sales will support Shifting Gears programs focused on breaking down barriers that stand between all women and their outdoor aspirations.” Online tickets are available through today and may be available at the door if not sold out.

In other news…

🏔️ The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed the final 2.7 miles of State Route 542, the road to Artist Point, for the winter season. The highway remains open to Heather Meadows (milepost 54), with access to the Mt Baker Ski Area, and nearby recreation.

Our scenic access to Artist Point typically closes between mid-October and early November, depending on snowfall. Services beyond the closure, such as restrooms and trash disposal, are limited until spring. WSDOT will continue plowing up to Heather Meadows throughout the winter, while the upper section remains closed for traveler safety due to its sharp curves and steep terrain.

💧 Starting in January 2026, those of us on Bellingham city water will see a ~13.5% increase on our monthly bill as the City moves forward with upgrades to its water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The city warns of additional increases in the future.

“We know that affordability is a real concern for many in our community right now, and we didn’t make this decision lightly,” said Mayor Kim Lund. “We’ve reached a point where continuing to delay investments would lead to even higher costs and more disruption in the future. As stewards of public resources, we have a responsibility to act now and plan wisely.”

Many of the City’s underground systems date back more than a century, and officials say the investment will help prevent costlier repairs and service disruptions in the future.

⛏️ Volunteer Opportunities This Weekend: There are two outdoor work parties this weekend.

• Kenney Creek: Join the Whatcom Conservation District, and Whatcom Land Trust on Saturday, October 18, in restoring habitat along Kenney Creek, a tributary of the North Fork Nooksack River that provides spawning habitat for Chinook, chum, coho, and pink salmon, among other salmonids (steelhead, bull trout, and cutthroat trout). Register to participate.

• Big Rock Garden Park: Join the Bellingham Parks Department and Friends of Big Rock Garden Park to clean sculptures and tidy up. This work party runs from 9 am to noon on Saturday, October 18. All ages and abilities welcome. Register to attend.

Body Swells, Soleil Chappelle MA LMT

Craniosacral & Massage Therapy

Relax, Transform, and Heal

At Body Swells, licensed massage therapist Soleil Chappelle offers deeply restorative sessions that invite the body to unwind and heal at its own pace. Blending craniosacral therapy with modalities like Shiatsu, lymph drainage, and Swedish massage, Soleil’s approach works from both the inside out and the outside in, supporting balance in the nervous system and release throughout the body’s connective tissues. Each session is tailored to the individual, creating space for gentle transformation and relief from tension, pain, and stress.

Soleil’s trauma-informed practice honors the connection between physical and emotional wellbeing, helping clients find greater ease through safe, attuned touch. Whether easing headaches, supporting concussion recovery, or addressing the effects of anxiety and burnout, Soleil’s work centers on deep listening and care that restores the body’s natural rhythms.

Garage & Estate Sales

Your Source For Vintage Can Openers

1003 E. Toledo (Fri 10 am)
One day sale, with a Mission-style arts and crafts desk, vintage porcelain signs, military collectibles, and retro lamps. map

• 2824 Martin St., Sat, 9 am, map

• 911 Virginia, Sun, 8 am, map

• 4292 King Mt. Rd., Fri, Sat, 10 am, map

• 5780 Schickler Lane, Sat, 8 am, map

Bellingham Dockside Market

Seafood From The Salish Sea

The Bellingham Dockside Market is open tomorrow (Saturday), from 10 am to 2 pm at GATE 5 in Squalicum Harbor.

FRESH AT DOCKSIDE

Crab Bellingham
💙(Fresh) Live Dungeness crab

Slack Tide Fisheries
💙(Fresh) Live Dungeness crab

Drayton Harbor Oyster Co
💙(Fresh) Pacific oysters, 💙(Fresh) Taylor Shellfish clams and mussels

Lummi Seafood Market
💙(Fresh) Local coho salmon, 💙(Fresh) Local king salmon, 💙(Fresh) Live green urchins

Plus, dozens of frozen, smoked, and canned seafood options from many vendors.

Food & Drink

Hamsters Gotta Eat

Because it’s fun to be a lookie-loo

Crash an Open House

8731 Valley View Road, Custer (Open Sun 2-3:30 pm)
I picked a yellow theme today. Well, not intentionally. But with two darling yellow houses, I couldn’t pass it up. 😁 This first one is what I think of as a country-craftsman. Built in 1924, it has all the beautiful craftsman features, but with a lower profile and a fabulous wrap-around porch. On five acres, there’s room to spread out, build a hobby farm, or keep a few grazing pets. Listing.

1342 Franklin St (Open Sat 11-1 pm)
Yellow house number two! 💛 This one built in 1899, sits just north of Lakeway, and comes with an oversized lot and an alley access garage/workshop with a three vehicle carport attached. I never know quite how to classify these early Bellingham neighborhood homes. Late Victorian period, so there’s a hint of Queen Anne with the mix of steep roof lines, the bay window, and decorative shingling on the gables… architect readers let me know. 🙏 Gem of a home regardless. Listing.

Performance Arts This Week

Dance of The Hamsters

LIVE ARTS & FILM

iDiOM Theater
DRACÜL | Wed-Sun

BAAY Theatre
 Zombie Dance Showcase | Wed-Sun

WWU, College of Fine and Performing Arts
Tartuffe | Wed-Sun

FireHouse A&E Center
Bobby Peep's Lost Generation | Thurs

Larrabee Lager Co
Laughs at Larrabee | Thurs

New Prospect Theatre
OBSCURA | Fri, Sat

The Blue Room
Laughing Hamster Comedy Festival Finale | Sat

The Upfront Theatre
Various performances.

PARTICIPATORY DANCE

Dance Fusion - Senior Activity Center - Sat 10:30 am
Sunset Silent Disco - Zuanich - Sat 6:00 pm
Salsa Collective - The Majestic - Sun 5:30 pm
Open Floor Movement - Presence Studio - Sun 10:30 am

Events & Nightlife

Spinning Into The Night

FEATURED

Catch Bellingham’s own Salt Pine at Honey Moon tonight, October 17, for an evening of raw, rootsy Americana that blends heart-on-sleeve storytelling with the punch of rock, folk, and bluegrass. The band celebrates the release of their new single, “Ballad of Luigi Mangione.” Expect a night of Northwest charm in Honey Moon’s cozy space off the alleyway behind the now-closed Pepper Sisters.

Capture the colors of autumn in watercolor form at the Fall Foliage Beginner Watercolor Class, led by artist and instructor Kate Talcott of Splatter and Bloom. This three-hour, beginner-friendly workshop at the Whatcom Museum invites participants to explore techniques like blending, mixing, and layering while painting delicate leaves in vibrant seasonal hues.

Registration includes admission to the Whatcom Museum and a take-home watercolor kit complete with premium paper, paint palette, Da Vinci paints, and video tutorials for continued practice. Sunday, October 19, from 1 to 4 pm. Register to attend.

Sedro-Woolley’s Lilly Hobbs takes the stage at Bayou on Bay on Saturday, October 18, from 6 to 8 pm for a special live fundraiser ahead of her American Idol audition in Nashville. The 18-year-old self-taught singer will perform original songs and fan favorites. Donations are encouraged.

Experience an evening of kirtan (sacred chanting) at the Center for Spiritual Living tonight, October 17, from 7 to 9 pm. The duo Shantala (Heather and Benjy Wertheimer) will lead a night of sacred chanting, joined by Grammy-winning flutist Steve Gorn and multi-instrumentalist Sean Frenette.

FRIDAY

Until Midnight, Red Star Taco Bar – DJ Booty Cakes spins a high-energy mix of Latin, hip-hop, and reggaeton for a four-hour community dance party that will have you sweating and laughing. Shake off the fall chill and join the dance floor at 8:00 pm.

Neighborhood Songwriter Showcase, Stones Throw Brewery – This month’s showcase features local talents David Donohue, Maddy Sullivan, Nora Frances, and Bob Paltrow, each bringing their own voice to Bellingham’s storytelling tradition. Expect an evening of original songs, community, and craft brews. Music begins at 6 pm.

Friday Music & Trivia →

SATURDAY

Totally Rad 80s Costume Party, Bar Two Eleven – A full-throttle night of nostalgia featuring Maiden Voyage, an all-female Iron Maiden tribute band, joined by Skablins with their upbeat ska sound and Lunasphere’s witchy gypsy folk. Doors open at 8 pm, show at 9.

Sparkle & Shine Workshop, Whatcom Art Center – Local artist and instructor Carol Sheppard leads an afternoon class on creating handcrafted wire earrings, perfect for gifting or keeping. All tools and materials are provided, and participants will leave with four to five finished pairs. The session runs from 1 to 5 pm. Email [email protected] to register.

BRD Presents: The View From Here, The Hotel Leo – Bellingham Repertory Dance celebrates its 20th season with a fundraising evening of contemporary dance, honoring two decades of artistry and community. The event features live performances, a raffle, and reflections from current and former dancers, with drinks available from Amendment 21. Tickets and details.

Saturday Music & Trivia →

SUNDAY

Open Mic Night, Aslan Depot – Hosted by Pace Trumpet, this weekly Sunday open mic welcomes storytellers and musicians of all genres to share their work in a relaxed, community-driven setting. Sign-ups start at 6:30 pm, performances run 7 to 10 pm, and contributors receive $1 off draft pours.

Sunday Music & Trivia →

Advertise in the #1 Newsletter in the Ham 
Want to include a note in the Wheel? Learn more.

Hakuna matata

To All Our Readers

Thanks for reading today’s edition. If you found something helpful, please share it with a friend and encourage them to click here to subscribe. 🙏

Reply to this email if you have news to share, or if you’d like to send me a love note. 💘