Want to meet new people? These Whatcom County spots and events can help you break the ice
Making new friends as an adult can be extremely difficult. Thankfully for those in the area, Bellingham and Whatcom County are full of events, groups and activities that can help you break the ice and make new friends.
Here are some places you may find new friends, whether you are a parent, trivia enthusiast, avid runner, dancer or restaurant lover.
Line dancing in Birch Bay
For those looking for a fun, active way to meet new people, line dancing could be your next ice breaker.
Station 49 is the perfect spot for fun, with a variety of activities such as go-karts, miniature golf, a saloon, arcade and miniature train ride through the forest.
The entertainment center also hosts various events such as line dancing classes, comedy nights and live music.
The line dancing classes are for all experience levels, and allow you to branch out, learn something new, and meet new people who are also learning the steps. The next line dancing event is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 22.
Station 49 is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Blaine.
Trivia nights in Bellingham
Many bars and restaurants in Bellingham host trivia nights that could help you find friends who enjoy the same movies, shows, sports or books as you do.
Gruff Brewing has previously thrown themed trivia nights such as Everything ‘80s Trivia, “The Office” Trivia, Disney and Pixar Trivia, “Seinfeld” Trivia, and even Christmas Classic Movie Trivia nights. Trivia costs $2 per player, and each team can only have a maximum of six players. The top three teams will receive cash and prizes.
The next trivia night at Gruff Brewing will bring together all Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and even Slytherins to play “Harry Potter” Trivia, at 6 p.m. on July 25. Gruff Brewing is located at 104 E. Maple St., Suite 101.
Kulshan Brewing Co. also hosts trivia nights from 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday at the Roosevelt Production Brewery and Taproom location. Trivia costs $2 per player with a maximum of six people on a team.
Kulshan Brewing Company is located in Bellingham at 1538 Kentucky St.
Running and walking groups
Fairhaven Walkers and Runners could be a great way to make new friends while exploring areas of Bellingham and being active. Fairhaven Walkers and Runners is more than just an athletic store as it hosts running and walking events and connects individuals with local running clubs you can join.
On Tuesdays, runners and walkers of all paces can meet at Fairhaven Runners and follow a leader through a 40-minute route. The runs begin at 7 p.m. in Bellingham at 1209 11th St.
Whatcom Museum events
The Whatcom Museum in Bellingham hosts many events including tours, yoga classes, concerts, history sunset cruises and more that could help a history lover make new connections.
The next history sunset cruise will take place from 6:15-8:30 p.m. on July 26, where attendees can see beautiful scenery, hear about the area’s history, pack a picnic and enjoy wine and beer sold on board. Tickets can be purchased online and are $40 each. Attendees will meet at the Bellingham Ferry Terminal located at 355 Harris Ave.
The museum hosts about five different events a week in various locations including its Lightcatcher Building and Old City Hall. The Lightcatcher Building and gallery is open noon-5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at 250 Flora St. The Old City Hall location hosts rotating and historical exhibits noon-5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at 121 Prospect St.
The Bellingham Homebrewers Guild
The Bellingham Homebrewers Guild is a group perfect for home brewers to meet with one another, learn about brewing their own beer and swap techniques and stories.
The group has monthly meetings to socialize with one another, as well as club brewing competitions members can compete in.
Joining the guild only costs $30 a year and includes access to brewing equipment, events, and discounts at North Corner Brewing Supply.
Local parent Facebook groups
For parents looking to meet others in the area and attend events, there are several Facebook groups that could help you find community.
Here are a few we found:
▪ Support Group For Really Awesome Parents In Bellingham.
▪ Bellingham Parents of Children with Special Needs.
▪ Informed Parents of Washington - Bellingham.
Bellingham coed softball league
For softball lovers, joining Bellingham’s coed softball league can be a fun way to meet new people while playing a sport you love.
The city of Bellingham organizes the league that runs from Aug. 12 through Sept. 30, with sign-ups open now. Registration closes on July 29 or until all spots are filled. For those who do not have a team, contact the parks office to be placed on a pick-up player list. Games will be played on Friday evenings at the Geri Field complex, 1300 Fraser St.
The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department can be contacted by calling 360-778-7000 or by emailing parks@cob.org.
