First Night Out

Western Wednesday First Night Out - A blue butterfly sits on the ST of First and behind the words are various flora.

Date: April 1, 2026

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Celebrate the start of spring quarter by strolling through Downtown Bellingham with fellow Vikings as the community welcomes WWU students back. Enjoy fresh flavors, live music, spring specials, blooming storefronts and Western Wednesday discounts to more than 70 businesses as downtown comes alive with the energy of a new quarter.

  •  First 200 participants receive a free 175 gram WWU disc to help you kick off spring quarter the right way.
  • All participants receive a free bag of popcorn from the Pickford Cinema to start off your night.
  • Enjoy live music from three local street buskers keeping the energy alive downtown as you stroll.

Event Details

Check in at the Pickford Film Center (1318 Bay St.)

5-7 p.m
  • Receive your free 175g WWU Ultimate flying disc (first 200 participants)
  • Enjoy a complimentary bag of popcorn to go, thanks to the Pickford Film Center
  • Grab your map of businesses offering discounts and special offers just for WWU students
  • Enjoy listening to three bands performing outdoors throughout downtown

Then, explore dozens of downtown businesses offering Western Wednesday specials all night long just for the WWU community. Welcome back, Vikings—and happy spring! 🌸🌿

Five musicians gathered in an airy feeling indoor space with tall windows.

The Fifth

The Fifth is a Jazz-Funk and Fusion quintet that blends their love for video game soundtracks and original composition with their study of quintessential jazz and funk music.

Location:

At the entrance to the Pickford Film Center.

Four band members playing on a stage. A circular logo with pine trees in the back and waves in the front has the word Bogart on it.

Bogart Music Collective

Bogart Music Collective brings the rhythm of the islands to the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Known for a high-energy stage presence and a knack for entertainment, the collective specializes in reimagining classic reggae tracks with a unique, soulful twist.

Location:

On the corner of Holly St. and Railroad Ave.

A musician plays keyboard in a dark room with a red light, a drummer and bass guitarist play behind the pianist..

The Sam Harris Band

The Sam Harris Band, led by multi-instrumentalist Samuel Harris, is a 4 piece high energy jazz-pop group focusing on jazz standards, original covers, and original genre-defying music. With ambitions of national/international touring and their first album “Bird Music” set to debut in 2027, the sky is the limit for the Sam Harris Band and their unique blend of genres.

Location:

Outside of Fringe Boutique.

Downtown Bellingham at night with hundreds of Western students walking the streets, strung up with sparkling blue lights for Wednesday First Night Out

What's Western Wednesday

Every Wednesday is Western Wednesday! WWU and the Downtown Bellingham Partnership together encourage students to wear their Viking blue and explore downtown every Wednesday where more than 70 businesses and community partners offer discounts to WWU students, faculty, and staff. Just show your WWU ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Just yourself, your WWU ID, and your friends. A water bottle might come in handy and comfy shoes wouldn’t hurt either.

This is Bellingham, baby! We play rain or shine.

Public Transit

WTA and WWU are like peas and carrots! Consider taking the bus! WTA (Whatcom Transportation Authority) busses depart for WWU from the Downtown Station every 15 minutes until 10:40 p.m. (ridewta.com)

Explore Downtown Bellingham

First Night Out Map - Description Follows
Promo flyer long description

  1. AB CREPES | 1311 RAILROAD AVE 15% off

  2. ALLIED ARTS OF WHATCOM COUNTY | 1213 CORNWALL AVE Upcycled Trinket Box Decorating & 50% off Thrift Store

  3. AMENDMENT 21 | 1224 CORNWALL AVE Happy Hour Specials All Night!

  4. ASLAN BREWPUB | 1330 N FOREST ST 15% off beverages

  5. ASLAN DEPOT | 1322 N STATE ST $2 Rainer's and Miller Highlife's

  6. BACKCOUNTRY ESSENTIALS | 1417 N STATE ST 10% off

  7. BLACK NOISE RECORDS | 1230 BAY ST 10% off

  8. CHOCOLATE NECESSITIES & GELATO | 1408 COMMERCIAL ST 25% off all espresso/steamed drinks, $2 off a medium or large gelato

  9. EL CAPITAN’S | 1201 CORNWALL AVE $5.00 special, any "Build-your-own" sausage is only $5, tax included. Incudes a trip to our world Famous condiment bar

  10. FIAMMA BURGER | 1309 RAILROAD AVE FREE Fiamma Drink (House made juices & slushies + classic soda pops!) with any burger or sandwich purchase!

  11. FRINGE BOUTIQUE | 201 W HOLLY ST 20% off one item, every Wednesday!

  12. GOAT MOUNTAIN PIZZA | 215 W HOLLY ST $9 pizza slice and drink combo

  13. HORSESHOE CAFE | 113 E HOLLY ST Study & Chill Special: $2 Coffee (or Soda) + $5 Cheesy Fries

  14. JUST POKE DOWNTOWN | 201 E CHESTNUT ST $10 Signature Poké Bowls 5-7pm with WWU ID

  15. LOVE FROM LONDON | 1301 COMMERCIAL ST 20% off each purchase

  16. MALLARD ICE CREAM | 1323 RAILROAD AVE 10% off

  17. NEKO CAT CAFE | 1130 CORNWALL AVE Free beanie (of a select style) to any students who enters the Cat Room, & free sticker for any student who just pops in to NEKO to say hi!

  18. OCHALICIOUS | 210 E CHESTNUT ST 10% off any product plus a free topping on any drink

  19. 'ONO KITCHEN & BAR | 210 E CHESTNUT ST Western Wednesday Karaoke for 21+ starting at 10PM & $2 off drinks & appetizers!

  20. PICKFORD FILM CENTER | 1318 BAY ST Free popcorn! Check-in location! PURE BLISS DESSERTS | 1424 CORNWALL AVE 20% off One Individual Desserts with Student ID

  21. PYE HOLE | 200 E CHESTNUT ST $1 off slices! Use code WWUWEDS (Limit 2)

  22. QUICKSILVER PHOTO LAB | 1417 CORNWALL AVE 10% off on our printing services


 

First Night Out Map 2. Description Follows.
Promo flyer page 2 long description

  1. RAMEN + BOWL | 105 E CHESTNUT ST 10% off

  2. RANCH ROOM | 113 E HOLLY ST $3 Tallboys & $2 Jell-O Shots

  3. RED STAR TACO BAR | 1327 N STATE ST Well drink for $4, or a well shot and a beer for $6, plus happy hour food all night - every Wednesday!

  4. RITUAL RECORDS | 115 E MAGNOLIA ST 10% off your purchase

  5. ROCK & RYE OYSTER HOUSE | 1145 N STATE ST Steak night! Enjoy a steak dinner for $17 with the purchase of any specialty beverage. Treat yourself!

  6. SCHWEINHAUS | 1330 N STATE ST $1 Jell-O shots and $5 well shots to all students with proof of student ID. Wednesday Night Trivia from 7 to 9 pm!

  7. SEÑOR LOPEZ | 1200 CORNWALL AVE 20% off your total bill

  8. SCREAMIN' EVE AND ADAM TOO | 207 E HOLLY ST Come and spin the wheel for a coupon off or free stuff.

  9. SHAKE & SHINE | 1501 N STATE ST $5 off a self-service wash or $3 off a nail trim, & a trivia game where you can win prizes (like a free wash).

  10. THE BLUE ROOM | 202 E HOLLY ST Open jam! Open Jam is a free form instrumental/vocal jam session with sign ups by instrument. If you don’t play an instrument simply sit back and enjoy the show! Gear provided by Bellingham Helps Access Music

  11. THE RACKET BAR AND PINBALL LOUNGE | 1220 N STATE ST $2 off any drink, 15% off food

  12. SWEET AS WAFFLES | 122 E MAGNOLIA ST 10% off a waffle, $1 off a shot

  13. THIRD PLANET BOUTIQUE | 200 W HOLLY ST 20% off!

  14. WELCOME ROAD | 300 W CHAMPION ST Enjoy a $3 coffee drinks and/or a $3 pastry!

Western Washington University
City of Bellingham, Washington
Downtown Bellingham Partnership Logo