Award-winning concert series returns to Bay and Prospect Streets
After taking to a virtual format in 2020, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) is excited to announce that Downtown Sounds will return to Bay and Prospect Streets this August for live musical performances. Now in its 17th year, the 2021 series includes several acts making their Downtown Sounds debut as well as some familiar local performers.
2021 Lineup:
Doors to the outdoor concert area and beer garden open at 5:30 p.m. and music begins at 6:00 p.m. with headlining acts taking the stage at 7:30pm. Each Downtown Sounds concert includes food options, a beer, wine, and cider garden featuring local favorites from Boundary Bay Brewery, and family-friendly activities in the WECU Game Zone and Family Alley. Downtown Sounds is free and open to the public. The beer & wine garden is restricted to those age 21 and over.
After June 30, 2021, physical distancing and capacity limitation restrictions were lifted for outdoor events. Face coverings are required for any concert attendees who are unvaccinated, and all attendees are asked to bring a mask as surrounding businesses may still be requiring masks.
“We are thrilled to have the green light from the state to have an in-person Downtown Sounds this summer,” said Lindsey Payne Johnstone, Program Director at the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. “We hope that Sounds can bring joy to the community, and the feeling of connection and celebration that’s unique to in-person events.”
The return to Bay and Prospect streets was done in partnership with Downtown Sounds’ Premiere Sponsor, WECU. This year, the Family Alley will feature the WECU Game Zone, including giant “WECU pong,” cornhole, and giant Jenga. WECU will also be encouraging concert goers to enter their “Summer to Remember Contest” where, at the end of the summer, 10 winners will receive $100 gift cards and one lucky winner will win a mountain bike from Lenny’s Bike Shop.
“We love supporting events that build community,” Keith Mader, WECU’s Program Manager for PR & Content, said. “Year after year, Downtown Sounds has done just that. We’re proud to partner with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership as the Premiere Sponsor for Downtown Sounds. Come dance with us!”
Downtown Sounds relies on community partners and volunteers. Additional support comes from Groove Merchant Northwest, Boundary Bay Brewery, Cascadia Weekly, SPARK Museum, the Hotel Leo, Wild Buffalo, Bayou on Bay, Sandwich Odyssey and the City of Bellingham.
“Community partnerships come together to make Downtown Sounds happen,” Payne Johnstone said, “and we really couldn’t have planned for Downtown Sounds this summer without them.”
“Support from our community is the cornerstone of this event,” Payne Johnstone said. "It may sound cliché, but we really couldn’t do it without them.”
For more information on artists or the event and for a complete lineup, please visit downtownbellingham.com/downtown-sounds. For promotional images, click here.
About the Downtown Bellingham Partnership: The Downtown Bellingham Partnership works to enhance, promote, and advocate for a vibrant city center in Downtown Bellingham. For more information on the Partnership and upcoming events please visit www.downtownbellingham.com or call 360-527-8710.
