Beats on the Bay
Four Tuesdays - August 11, 18, 25 + September 1
2026
Music from 6 - 7:30pm. Last call for rentals 5:45pm.
Come float with us for an evening of music, community, and fun on the Bay!
Beats on the Bay is presented by the Community Boating Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fostering small-watercraft education, access, safe recreation, and marine stewardship on Bellingham Bay. Every rental and donation keeps these concerts free.
In collaboration with the Schooner Zodiac.
WATER. MUSIC. COMMUNITY.
Beats on the Bay brings people together on the waters of Bellingham Bay through unforgettable live music experiences that celebrate community, recreation, and our connection to the Salish Sea.
Each concert helps support the Community Boating Center's mission to foster small-watercraft education, safe recreation, and marine stewardship. Your participation and donations provide scholarships, youth programs, adaptive recreation, and equitable access to the water so everyone has the opportunity to experience and care for our local marine environment.
The Lineup
〰️
The Lineup 〰️
August 11 · Corazones de Cedro
August 18 · Blessing "Bled" Chimanga and Band
August 25 · The Pazific
September 1 · Henry Mansfield
Concert from 6pm - 7:30pm. Last call for rentals 5:45pm.
Reserve your paddle craft with CBC!
Experience the concert from the water! Rent a kayak, paddleboard, rowboat, or sailboat from the Community Boating Center and paddle out to enjoy live music floating on Bellingham Bay. No prior paddling experience is required for many rental options.
Reserve your spot on the Schooner Zodiac!
Enjoy the concert aboard the historic Schooner Zodiac alongside the band. Your ticket includes complimentary snacks and alcoholic beverages, making this the ultimate waterfront concert experience.
Not getting on the water? You're still welcome to enjoy the evening from the Community Boating Center campus or Taylor Dock,
make a donation, and cheer on the paddlers as the music drifts across the bay.
EVENT MAP
Bad weather backup:
If the wind is above 14mph—we’re taking the groove to a safer harbor. Be sure you and your boat are ready for the conditions; and remember: cold water + high winds = serious business. If its blowin' we're still going, just in the lee of the CBC!
Parking Information for CBC Renters
The Community Boating Center is located at 555 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225. Parking can be found next to the railroad tracks in front of the Boating Center, or along Harris Avenue if no other spaces are available. Please do not park in the Port of Bellingham’s trailer parking lot, as this requires a paid launch permit.
Parking Information for Private Paddle Craft Launch
Please park and launch from Taylor Dock, Boulevard Park, or Marine Park. We thank you for following City of Bellingham and Port of Bellingham parking hours and regulations.
Biking or carpooling to the event is recommended!
〰️
Biking or carpooling to the event is recommended! 〰️
FAQs
-
Yes, we are always looking for bands to feature! Starting January 1st you can fill out our application here.
-
Yes! Launch from Taylor Dock. Rentals from CBC support our nonprofit programs, but your own craft is always welcome. Please consider donating to keep the Beats on the Bay for years to come!
-
Boats can be launched at the Fairhaven Boat Launch located next to the CBC. If you are bringing your own boat, please launch at Taylor Dock.
-
Yes, you are welcome to anchor your boat during the concert. Refer to the map for details.
-
Yes. Taylor Dock and the boardwalk have great sound. Boulevard Park is too far; come down to the dock.
-
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited by the CBC on the water for your safety and the safety of others. If you would like the option to have adult beverages please reserve a ticket through the Zodiac.
-
The band will start playing music at 6:00 until 7:30.
-
Parking near the CBC will be TIGHT. Biking or carpooling to the event is recommended (we have a bike rack behind our front office; there is also a bike rack next to the concrete blocks by the boat launch). Additional street parking will be available along Harris Avenue. If you are bringing your own boat please launch from Marine Park or Boulevard Park to reduce traffic on the ramp!
-
Sustained winds over 14 mph move the show to the lee of the CBC. Follow @communityboatingcenter for the day-of weather call by noon.
-
Don’t Miss an Update
