Fire & Story: A Gathering of Folk, Light & Lore
As winter wraps its cool embrace around Bellingham, a magical event is preparing to light up the season in the most unexpected ways. From January 23-25, 2025, the Fire & Story Festival will transform Bellingham's waterfront into a captivating winter wonderland where folk, light, and lore converge.
A Festival to Remember: Four Fire Pits, 50+ Performers, and Boundless Creativity
Fire & Story is no ordinary winter festival. It features four uniquely fabricated wood-burning fire pits, each serving as the heart of an independent performance stage. These intimate listening rooms provide the perfect setting for over 60 performances spanning music, storytelling, fire dancing, live metalsmithing, and much more.
You can expect the unexpected: interactive glassblowing, live stone carving, blacksmithing, and mesmerizing fire performances that will leave you in awe. This multi-sensory celebration of art, culture, and community is designed to appeal to all ages and interests. This family-friendly festival, presented by Paper Whale, brings together a diverse range of performers, artists, and community members to celebrate the richness of storytelling, the warmth of fire, and the creativity of the Pacific Northwest.
For All Ages: Family-Friendly and Fun for Everyone
Fire & Story isn’t just for adults—this is a festival that welcomes the whole family! With its family-friendly atmosphere, the event features a range of performances and activities that will captivate children and adults alike. From storytellers weaving magical tales to fire dancers spinning mesmerizing flames, there is something for every age group to enjoy. For those who want to immerse themselves in creativity, the festival also offers interactive art installations and opportunities to engage with performers in an intimate setting.
The event is designed to embrace the elements of winter—rain, snow, or clear skies—and encourages festivalgoers to bundle up in layers, rain gear, and muck boots to make the most of their experience. With food trucks offering delicious bites, hot cocoa and wassail for warming up, and plenty of cozy corners to relax in, Fire & Story will be the perfect winter escape for your entire family.
Sauna Grove: A Sanctuary for Relaxation
One of the most unique features of Fire & Story is the Sauna Grove. Tucked away in a private area of the festival, the Sauna Grove offers a chance to unwind and rejuvenate with three custom saunas and cold plunges. Whether you book a private session or join others, the Sauna Grove offers a space to unwind and relax.
The Fable Lounge, open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM each night, offers a cozy spot for adults to unwind with craft beverages, live performances, and good company. Aged whiskey, local brews, and creative cocktails will help warm you from the inside out.
Community and Connection at the Heart of the Festival
Fire & Story is more than just a festival; it’s a celebration of community. Through a series of dynamic and interactive performances, attendees are invited to share in the joy of creation and connection. Local storytellers, musicians, and artists from across the Pacific Northwest will gather to share their craft, weaving a collective narrative that celebrates the diversity and richness of our region.
The festival's emphasis on storytelling is especially close to the heart of Collectively Connected’s mission. By fostering environments where individuals can come together to share their stories—whether through spoken word, song, or performance—Fire & Story honors the power of lore to unite us all in a shared experience. As we gather around the fire, we are reminded that stories have the power to connect us to one another, our past, and the world around us.
A Chance to Support Local Arts and Culture
In addition to the unforgettable experiences, Fire & Story offers a unique opportunity to support the arts and culture of our local community. The festival is presented by Paper Whale, a Bellingham-based non-profit dedicated to cultivating a thriving cultural ecosystem through creative events. By purchasing a ticket, you’re not only gaining access to this incredible celebration of winter and creativity, but you’re also helping to sustain future events that nurture community connections and artistic expression.
A Winter Adventure Like No Other
So, if you’re looking for a way to embrace the winter chill with warmth, creativity, and connection, Fire & Story is the place to be. Join January 23-25, 2025, and be part of this immersive celebration of fire, story, and connection. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s a place for you at Fire & Story—where the fire of creativity burns bright and the story of our collective journey continues to unfold.
Fire & Story Festival Details:
When: January 23-25, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Where: Bellingham’s Waterfront
Tickets: Kids under 12 are free | Single Night Pass: $15 | Weekend Pass: $30
What to Expect: 60+ performances, illuminated art installations, wood-burning saunas, food trucks, 21+ lounge, and family-friendly activities.
Dress warmly and bring your sense of wonder—it’s going to be a winter adventure like no other!
To see a full schedule and list of performers, click here.
