If you approach the Northwest Tune-Up Festival as if it were a mullet, everything should go smoothly.
Those putting together the inaugural bike, music and beer festival July 8–10 at Bellingham’s waterfront district and on Galbraith Mountain say those who are questioning whether they should come to the event “to race or to party” should keep in mind the hairstyle.
“We’re operating with the mindset of business (race) in the front, party in the back” organizers say in the FAQ section of the event’s website. “We don’t all have mullets, but we intend to race and play hard, even if your version of play is to relax and take in all the region has to offer. This event is a conduit for good times, so it is up to you to design how that looks … we just ask you to do it responsibly.”
Other answers to frequently-asked questions include the fact that the three-day celebration of the culture of the Pacific Northwest is family-friendly, will take place rain or shine and will be operating with a Toward Zero Waste mindset — meaning you should bring your own cup or water bottle and find alternatives for single-use plastics.
Chastity Belt, a rock group hailing from Walla Walla, performs Sunday, July 10, at Waypoint Park during the NW Tune-Up Festival. (Photo courtesy of Northwest Tune-Up Festival)
Another note: Because purchased tickets are for the festival itself and not for a specific artist or performer, no refunds or exchanges will be provided.
But even if an act you were looking forward to seeing unexpectedly cancels their gig, you won’t be left in the lurch. With a number of local, regional and national artists in the mix, attendees can expect a smorgasbord of sound that will begin each afternoon and continue until after the sun sets on Bellingham Bay.
Eric Brown, the executive director of the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition and the co-creator of the festival, said he’s beyond excited about seeing the project finally come to fruition.
“I’m stoked to share our world-class trails and breweries that are so near and dear to our hearts,” Brown said, “but we feel like Bellingham is going to freak out when they come and listen to these artists with the San Juans and downtown posting as the backdrop.”
Northwest Tune-Up kicks off at 9 a.m. Friday, July 8 with bike demos at Galbraith Mountain and on the waterfront, brewery tastings starting at noon, a drag race taking place from 1–4 p.m. at Waypoint Park’s pump track, and music beginning at 3 p.m. on the main stage. Buffalo Nichols will be the first act, followed by döp, Low Hum, Vegyn, Skiitour, and The Dip.
Similar schedules continue Saturday and Sunday, with music starting earlier on the smaller beer garden stage. On Saturday, a local lineup will entertain the masses from 12:30–4 p.m., and include Munch Ink, Cat Valley, The Grizzled Mighty, and Mount Saturn. Main stage music begins at 4:20 p.m. with Black Belt Eagle Scout, followed by Skagit Valley favorites Kuinka, DeVotchKa, Cut Chemist with Chali 2na, and Wolf Parade.
Sunday’s sounds begin at 12:30 p.m. on the beer garden stage with Kian Dye and Forrest Gibson, Prom Queen, High Mountain String Band, and Subdued Stringband Jamboree founder Robert Blake. Almost immediately afterward, the main stage will plug in Adi Oasis, Quasi, Chastity Belt, Allah Jas and headliner PJ Morton.
Grammy award-winning musician, singer, songwriter and record producer PJ Morton closes out the Northwest Tune-Up Festival Sunday, July 10. (Photo courtesy of Northwest Tune-Up Festival)
And because nothing pairs better with summertime sun, live music and bike-related recreation, 24 local craft breweries have been selected to slake the thirst of festival-goers. Not to be left out of the zero waste ethos, beer will be served in custom 14-ounce reusable tumblers made from recycled bottle caps. Hold on to the vessel, and feel good about doing your part to reduce waste.
A quick look at the NW Tune-Up map points out added attractions such as Food Truck Alley, a beer tasting area, the Port of Bellingham-led Pop-Up Container Market — which will be hosting artists, makers and food and drink purveyors throughout the summer — a skills zone, bike valet (for storage of your ride) and additional vendors. In other words, those who attend the event will not be lacking for ways to keep busy.
Before heading to the waterfront or the mountain, take a look at the “rules” section on the Northwest Tune-Up website to avoid surprises, and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Ride your bike to the event if possible, and be aware free shuttles for festival-goers will be going back and forth from the waterfront to Fairhaven, Larrabee State Park and Galbraith all three days.
The Northwest Tune-Up Festival takes place July 8–10 at Bellingham’s Waypoint Park and Galbraith Mountain. Single-day tickets are $30–$75 (free for youth 10 and under). Three-day passes are $60–$150. VIP passes are also available. Info: nwtuneup.com.
