From Birch Bay’s berm to Bellingham’s downtown shops, these family celebrations spread the Halloween fun across two weekends.
The costume deserves more than one outing. Especially if someone spent three evenings making the wings.
Whatcom County families have several opportunities to put theirs to use this October, with a waterfront trick-or-treat walk, a citywide candy route in Lynden and celebrations around Bellingham.
Here are five options to help you choose a plan.
1. Take the candy buckets to Birch Bay’s berm
Saturday, October 24, 3–5 p.m.
Birch Bay Berm Pathway
Free
Halloween gets an early start by the water at Trick-or-Treat on the Berm.
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce describes an afternoon of decorated displays, treats and a festive walk along the berm. Businesses, organizations and community groups are invited to host decorated treat stops along the route.
For families, the format offers something pleasantly straightforward: put on a costume, take a walk and stop for goodies along the way.
It also gives children a chance to celebrate a full week before Halloween. That can be useful for families juggling other plans on October 31—or anyone living with a small superhero who has been ready to leave the house since the costume arrived.
This is an outdoor outing, so make room for a warm layer.
2. Follow the orange cones through Lynden
Friday, October 30, 2–5 p.m.
Participating businesses citywide, including Fairway Center and Front Street
For children ages 12 and younger
Lynden’s Great Lynden Trick or “Dutch” Treat turns participating businesses into afternoon candy stops.
The Lynden Chamber of Commerce asks families to look for pumpkin-orange cones outside participating locations. Stops include businesses at Fairway Center, along Front Street and elsewhere around town.
That detail matters: this is a citywide event rather than one continuous, closed-street route. Check the Chamber’s participating-business list, which it plans to post during Halloween week, and choose a manageable area to explore.
The Chamber recommends parking north of Grover Street and urges families to use caution at the Front and Grover street crosswalks.
The celebration is intended for children 12 and younger. Older siblings can still have the important supporting role of helping spot orange cones—though whether they consider that sufficient compensation is a family negotiation.
3. Make an afternoon of downtown Bellingham
Friday, October 30, 4–6 p.m.
Participating downtown businesses
Free
Downtown Bellingham’s annual trick-or-treat celebration invites costumed children and their grown-ups to collect goodies from participating businesses.
The tourism listing describes more than 100 participating businesses. That is a selection of stops, not a family assignment. Pick a section of downtown that suits your group, leave time to admire costumes and stop while everyone is still enjoying themselves.
One confirmed stop is the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher building at 250 Flora Street, where staff will hand out candy and goodies during the event. No registration or ticket is needed for the trick-or-treat stop.
The museum’s event page also directs families to the Downtown Bellingham Partnership for the participating-business list and updates. Check the route before leaving so you can decide where to park and where to begin.
4. Enjoy games and treats at First Congregational Church
Saturday, October 31, 2–4 p.m.
2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham
Free
For an outing centered on one address, First Congregational Church of Bellingham is hosting a family-friendly Trick or Treat gathering.
The published listing welcomes everyone and advertises Halloween stations, candy and games.
The earlier afternoon hours give families an option before other Halloween plans begin. It could be the main celebration for a younger child or a first stop before an evening with friends and neighbors.
The event description leaves the individual games and stations as a surprise. Families with questions about accessibility, decorations or sound should ask the organizer for those details ahead of time.
5. Head to Fairhaven for Brick or Treat
Saturday, October 31, 3–6 p.m.
Historic Fairhaven Village, Bellingham
Free
Fairhaven adopts its seasonal “Fearhaven” identity for Brick or Treat, an afternoon of costumes, treats and community festivities.
The Fairhaven Association’s listing welcomes children and their grown-ups and points visitors toward Finnegan’s Alley for a Halloween photo opportunity.
This is a good option for families who enjoy the sightseeing part of trick-or-treating: spotting an inventive costume, comparing candy discoveries and taking a photograph before somebody removes an essential piece of their outfit.
The organizer anticipates thousands of participants, so plan for a busy village rather than a quiet stroll. There’s a three-hour event window, which gives families some flexibility about when to arrive and how long to stay.
Pick a date, then pick your pace
For an outing the weekend before Halloween, Birch Bay offers the October 24 waterfront walk.
On Friday, October 30, families can choose Lynden’s business stops or downtown Bellingham. Halloween Saturday brings the church gathering and Fairhaven’s celebration.
Choose the outing that fits your children, check the latest organizer information and leave room for a snack break.
