Sunday, May 24th, 2026, marks the 53rd anniversary of Whatcom County’s favorite multisport relay race, Ski to Sea. Peoples Bank has been the title sponsor of this epic event for 21 years. We are here to make sure you and your friends have the best race-day experience possible. Whether you’re traveling from out of town or a Bellingham local, this guide to Ski to Sea weekend is an essential read.
In place of the Fairhaven Festival this year, there will be lots of events and sidewalk sales at local businesses throughout the village. Bellingham Makers Market will host a group of vendors next to EVIL Bikes and at Stones Throw Brewery. Need help navigating everything going on? Not to worry! We are here to help provide you with a seamless, diverse, and most of all, fun Ski to Sea weekend.
Friday, May 22
Café Blue
No Ski to Sea weekend is complete without a caffeinated beverage. Kick off your first day in Fairhaven at Cafe Blue. This acclaimed cafe was described by Forbes as “one of those coffee houses that feels like home even if you’re walking in for the first time. The vibe is welcoming, the house-made pastries are beyond the expected — yes, please to the cheddar-dill biscuit — the coffee drinks are pulled off with style”. Stop by and grab a coffee (we recommend the rosemary latte) and a fresh pastry in the morning (or afternoon, we don’t judge). You won’t be disappointed.
Peoples Bank
Our brand-new Fairhaven branch opened earlier this year. Our staff is always willing to chat and share recommendations for restaurants and shopping. The branch is open on Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm, and Fridays, 9 am – 5:30 pm. Need to get some cash for the festivities on the weekend? Our 24-hour ATM has you covered!
Ski to Sea Kick Off Party @ Kulshan Trackside
Kick off the Ski to Sea weekend at Trackside Beer Garden! Racers and spectators alike are invited to celebrate the release of Kulshan’s new beer, Kulshan to Coast Pilsner, brewed in collaboration with Ski to Sea. If you’re participating in the race, you’ll get $1 off pints all day. Come grab a beer and strategize with your team. Or, if you aren’t racing this year, scope out some potential talent for your 2027 team. Check out the famous Pump Track or Portal Putt while you’re there. Grab a bite at one of the many food options in the Portal Container Village. We highly recommend trying the lemon poppyseed ice cream at the Selkie Scoop.
Saturday, May 23
Colophon Café
Right next to Village Books, you’ll find one of the best brunch/lunch spots in the area. This cafe has been around since 1985 and has everything from creative, award-winning soups to fresh salads and sandwiches.
San Juan Cruises
Jealous of the racers who get to kayak across the bay but don’t have your own boating vessel? San Juan Cruises has you covered! Take a whale-watching lunch cruise or a Chuckanut Cracked Crab dinner cruise. Afterward, enjoy the feeling of freedom over the open seas. They have cruise options available each day for the whole weekend.
Shopping
There are SO many fun stores in Fairhaven. From flowers and plants at A Lot of Flowers to pottery at Good Earth Pottery. Olive oil and vinegar tasting at Drizzle, and clothing at Eleventh St. Goods. Fairhaven truly has it all. For a full list of businesses, look here.
Sunday, May 24
Village Books
Imagine: you wake up Sunday morning, the cross-country leg at Mt. Baker Ski area has already kicked off, and racers are making their way to the downhill ski/snowboard leg. And you? You’re ready for some coffee. We love a slow, relaxing morning, so we recommend checking out Village Books, a local community-based, independent bookstore and gift shop. Enjoy a coffee and a treat from the Next Chapter Cafe upstairs while you browse for books, souvenirs, and much more. On race day, the cafe will be out on the village green with cold beverages.
Peoples Bank Ski to Sea booth at Marine Park
Come say hi and win a prize at our booth down at Marine Park! Spin our prize wheel for a chance to win $10 or some sweet Peoples Bank branded gear (yes, we have light sabers and rubber ducks). There will be more sponsors and vendors to check out while you’re here. The first racers will start paddling in their kayaks after 1:30.
Peoples Pro Tip: If you’re cheering for a specific team, check out this link for live race tracking: https://skitosea.pacificmultisports.com/results/live
Grab a snack and hang out in the Kulshan Brewing Beer Garden
The finish line beer garden in Marine Park will be open from 1 to 7 pm. It will serve beer from Kulshan and Lost Giants Cider, as well as wine. In addition to the beer garden, here is a list of food vendors that will be at the finish line this year:
- Moe’s Gyros and Crab Cakes
- Bay City Ice Cream
- Bry’s Filipino Cuisine
- It’s the Sweet Things
- El Agave
- Tam Tam Pizza
- Grounded in Life Coffee
- Simmering Tava
Peoples Pro Tip: Dogs are allowed at the race finish as long as they are on leash, but they are not allowed in the beer garden.
Sirena Gelato
Watching those teams race to the finish line is hard work, right? Our motto: treat yourself! You’ll find some seriously delicious, authentic Italian gelato at Sirena Gelato just up the street, back towards the heart of Fairhaven. And get this: in keeping with tradition, Sirena makes their gelato with milk rather than heavy cream. This results in less fat and fewer calories than traditional ice cream. Score! Sirena also offers affogatos, gelato cookie sandwiches, and gelato treats for dogs.
Fairhaven Runners
Did watching the racers give you FOMO? Shop for some workout gear at Fairhaven Runners and start your journey to Ski to Sea 2027. This store has been a staple in Fairhaven for over 25 years and has an excellent collection of shoes, nutrition, and apparel to support your running and walking journey.
Peoples Pro Tip: If you actually would like to participate in next year’s Ski to Sea race, registration opens January 1st, 2027.
Live Music
Stones Throw Brewery is throwing a three-day-long block party for Memorial Day Weekend. They’ll have live music, food trucks, and on race day, a makers market. Stones Throw is a great, family-friendly place to check out while you’re waiting for your friends to finish the race. Or, if you want to keep the party going after the beer garden closes, visit their Instagram page for more information.
Skylark’s Cafe is also hosting live music all weekend long in their beer garden. Each evening, a new band plays from 5 pm to 8 pm while you enjoy a drink and some food. If you’re interested in seeing who is performing, take a look at their events page here.
Peoples Pro Tip: The awards ceremony begins promptly at 5 pm. While all the racers may not have finished by this time, you’ll want to be at the awards ceremony to find out who the winners are.
Fairhaven Village Inn
Thinking about extending your weekend? Nowhere is a more perfect place to stay than the Fairhaven Village Inn, located right in the heart of the Historic Fairhaven District. You’ll be just minutes from the action. Even better, you can spend your evenings at Galloway’s Cocktail Bar trying their award-winning cocktail menu.
So there you have it, a complete and definitive guide to all things Ski to Sea weekend 2026. We can’t wait to see you there!