Plus, new changes to the festival format include longer headliner sets, free music at Tunetown stages, new ticket options, more festival partners, and expanded public activities.
The Northwest Tune-Up festival (NWTU) returns for its third year, July 12–14, and promises another summer weekend filled with music, bikes, art, and PNW energy. As the largest event of its kind in Bellingham, NWTU has become a beloved tradition for attendees traveling from far and wide to share unique experiences that transcend the structure of a traditional festival.
According to festival music director Hunter Motto, "NWTU is known for music discovery, legendary performances, and most importantly, as a big, ol’ block party in Downtown Bellingham. The festival has evolved year-after-year in response to our community and will boast two big changes this year,” which include longer headliner sets and public stages at Tunetown, creating a more equitable experience for the community at large.
Introducing the 2024 Music Lineup
Each day of the festival will culminate with four incredible performances from widely diverse genres. From openers to headliners, the lineup speaks to the 2024 festival’s focus on spectacle. On Friday, festival goers can enjoy the sounds of Yonder Mountain String Band (bluegrass), followed Saturday by Lupe Fiasco (hip-hop), and RJD2 (electronica) on Sunday. Headlining performances have extended to 90 minutes, delivering full sets of rich sounds that will reverberate through Bellingham’s night sky.
Friday’s mainstage music opens with Indigo De Souza (bubblegrunge), Petty or Not (pop), and The Lil Smokies (Montana roots bluegrass). Saturday brings sounds from Emancipator (livetronica), Magic Sword (synthwave), and Protoje meets Tippy I (modern reggae). The festival closes out Sunday evening with Dengue Fever (Cambodian rock), Saxsquatch (filthstep with Bigfoot), and The Moondoggies (American rock).
Free Music at Tunetown, No Ticket Required
In addition to the main stage performances, NWTU is proud to introduce Tunetown: two stages with free afternoon music programming. Tunetown will showcase the creative local talent in Bellingham, providing an opportunity for music lovers to discover new artists and enjoy the area’s vibrant music scene from the free Exhibitor Village. This addition of free public music reflects NWTU's commitment to community-wide accessibility and engagement.
A Thirst for Bellingham’s Acclaimed Craft Beer Scene
No Bellingham festival is complete without great beer, and NWTU has curated an impressive lineup of 20 craft breweries and cideries to satisfy every taste. Adult attendees can look forward to enjoying local and award-winning brews at the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC) beer garden from PNW mainstays like Rainier, Kulshan Brewing, Aslan Brewing, Wander Brewing, and many more. All proceeds from the beer garden are donated to WMBC to further their efforts of preserving and enhancing bicycle access in Whatcom County.
All Bands, No Bikes with Music-Only Tickets
For those looking for a more traditional music festival experience, NWTU now offers single-day music-only tickets. These tickets grant access to see main stage artists starting in the late afternoon while still providing a sneak peek at the unique bike entertainment and spectator-friendly bike races throughout the festival grounds. Ticket holders can enter the gates at 5 PM on Friday and Saturday and 4 PM on Sunday. Music-only tickets are on sale beginning April 23 for $59 in advance. Tickets increase to $69 at the door the day-of.
Even More in Store for 2024
In addition to Motto’s musical leadership and the festival’s deep connection to mountain bike culture, the NWTU team is dedicated to crafting a one-of-a-kind experience that captivates musicians, vendors, and audiences alike—a moment for bands, brands, and fans to immerse themselves in a diverse festival atmosphere which offers adventure and discovery.
In 2023, NWTU welcomed nearly 10,000 cycling enthusiasts, music fans, and intrigued bystanders of all ages from across the globe over the weekend. Seeking to enhance its allure as a can’t-miss festival, the NWTU team actively engages with attendee feedback and community input to shape its evolution. In response to last year’s feedback, the festival’s large cycling component will undergo fresh updates and enhancements. This includes deeper brand partnerships and expanded activities within the publicly accessible Exhibitor Village. Additionally, on-site bike races will be streamlined to provide more efficient racer support, along with an increased prize purse for professional athletes participating in the Pump Track Drag Race.
Over 50 (and counting) cycling brands will pop up shop at the Waterfront Exhibitor Village for the weekend, inviting attendees—with or without festival tickets—to play games, win prizes, and shop for the latest cycling gear. Free bike demos—including mountain bikes, gravel bikes, dirt jump bikes, ebikes, adaptive bikes, and kids bikes—from dozens of top cycling brands are available to ticketed attendees.
Stoked mountain bikers and music fans will get the most value from a three-day festival pass, which includes unlimited bike demos, shuttles to select bike trailheads, spectator access to all cycling events, and general admission to all musical performances. Early bird tickets are only sale through April 30 for $135 adults (18+) , $50 youth (13–17 years old). Three-day tickets increase to $165 adults, $60 youth on May 1. Kids 12 and under are free with a ticketed adult.
About Northwest Tune-Up
Northwest Tune-Up is a three-day cycling, music and beer festival July 12–14, 2024 in Bellingham, Washington dedicated to improving cycling access, fostering recreational development and preserving Pacific Northwest heritage. As a premier North American mountain biking destination, Bellingham offers abundant trail opportunities set against the Cascade Mountains and San Juan Islands, and is a vibrant community on the forefront of craft brewing, music and art. Northwest Tune-Up is sponsored by Rainier, Shimano, Maxxis, Mtn. Dew, Transition, Superfeet, Evil, Freehub MTB Magazine, Port of Bellingham, and City of Bellingham.
For tickets and more festival information, visit www.nwtuneup.com and follow NWTU on Instagram or Facebook.
