News

Downtown Sounds unveils 2026 summer lineup

Downtown Sounds unveils 2026 summer lineup

Photo: Saga Communications/Sam Kristofferson


BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Live music will once again take over the streets of downtown Bellingham this summer.

The Downtown Bellingham Partnership announced the lineup for the 22nd season of Downtown Sounds Wednesday, May 27.

Starting on July 8, several blocks of Bay, Holly and Prospect streets will be blocked off every Wednesday evening for five weeks.

“Downtown Sounds has always been about more than concerts,” said Lindsey Payne Johnstone, Executive Director of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. “It’s a celebration of Bellingham’s creative spirit and the partnerships that help make Downtown welcoming and vibrant for everyone. From local musicians and small businesses to organizations like the YMCA, this event reflects the incredible community collaboration that defines Bellingham.”

This summer’s lineup kicks off with the Stapletones, a new Bellingham-based Chris Stapleton cover band.

Later on in the season, the Bellingham All-Star Super Jam will make its debut, which features more than 30 local performers in quickly-paced sets.

This year also includes some new additions, including “Parents Night Out” childcare services for kids ages 4 through 11 and a free bike valet.

July 8 – Boot Juice (Sacramento, Americana rock), Stapletones (Bellingham, country)
July 15 – Cytrus (Seattle, psychedelic funk), AEFECT (Bellingham, rock)
July 22 – Global Heat (Vancouver BC, hip-hop/R&B/World Beat), Wasabi Samba (Seattle, Latin rock)
July 29 – Bellingham All-Star Super Jam featuring over 30 Bellingham-based musicians
August 5 – MarchFourth (Seattle and New Orleans, marching band circus troupe), Silent Disco Club (Bellingham, funk and soul)

Recent Headlines

14 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Last call? States look to extend bar and restaurant hours during the World Cup

World Cup fans in a growing number of U.S. cities won't have an issue finding a well-poured pint to go with their late-night match. State leaders across the U.S. are signing off on extending bar and restaurant hours during the world's most-watched sporting event.

14 hours ago in Entertainment

Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are married

Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are married, local officials in London confirmed to The Associated Press. They tied the knot Sunday at Old Marylebone Town Hall.

14 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Serena Williams is returning to pro tennis at age 44 after nearly 4 years away from the sport

Serena Williams is returning to professional tennis at the age of 44 after nearly four years away from the sport. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wild-card invitation to play doubles at the upcoming Queen's Club grass-court tournament in London, the WTA Tour announced Monday.

20 hours ago in Entertainment

A guide to the bookstores owned by your favorite authors

Amazon remains the dominant force, but physical, brick-and-mortar stores have rebounded — and stores owned by authors such as Ann Patchett are now a niche unto themselves, found everywhere from Brooklyn to New Mexico.

20 hours ago in Entertainment

YouTuber box office boom: ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ draw Gen Z to theaters

Young audiences turned out in droves to movie theaters around the country this weekend. It wasn't for the big budget "Star Wars" movie, "The Mandalorian and Grogu, " which fell sharply in its second weekend, however, but for a small budget horror from a 20-year-old first-time filmmaker that began on the internet.