Welcome to Western Wednesday: First Night Out!
Join thousands of Western Students in this annual tradition by walking the 20 minutes from WWU’s Red Square to Downtown Bellingham’s Depot Market Square. Once there, the downtown community will be ready to greet you with entertainment, music, food and more. Come play, watch, dance, eat, and explore!
Wednesday, Sept 25, 2024
4:30 p.m. Meet in Red Square
Live Music featuring WWU student band, Analog Brass.
Free giveaways from Viking Athletics and the Foundation for WWU & Alumni.
Welcome from A.S. President Malachi Phillips, WWU Athletics, and WWU President Sabah Randhawa.
5 p.m. Start the walk to downtown Bellingham
The walk departs Red Square toward Downtown Bellingham.
Free shuttle bus departs from the front of the Viking Union at 5:15 p.m. (priority to those with limited mobility).
5:30 p.m. Arrive at Depot Market Square, downtown Bellingham
Free games, entertainment and live music featuring Frog Rocket and Acrylic Angel.
Welcome from Bellingham Mayor, Kim Lund.
Free and/or discounted food from Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro, Horseshoe Café, Fiamma Pizza, Rumors, and more.
7 p.m. Explore Downtown Bellingham
Dozens of local businesses and community organizations are celebrating WWU by offering discounts, free merch and food.
Discover Downtown Bellingham.
9 p.m. Event ends
Make the night your own! Stroll downtown some more or head back home. WWU Starlight Shuttle runs until 9 p.m. or WTA until 10:40 p.m. (Learn more under the Frequently Asked Questions section, under Transportation.)
What's Western Wednesday
Every Wednesday is Western Wednesday! Although First Night Out is the biggest Western Wednesday of the Year as we celebrate the first day of classes and our new and returning Vikings, WWU and the Downtown Bellingham Partnership have partnered together to encourage the WWU community to get off campus and explore downtown every Wednesday where more than 70 businesses and community partners offer discounts to WWU students, faculty, and staff. Simply show your WWU ID card and get the discount.
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.
WWU Starlight Shuttle
Don’t care to walk between campus and downtown? No worries! The Starlight Shuttle will depart from campus at the Viking Union and downtown at the corner of Maple St. and Railroad Ave. every 30 minutes until 9 p.m.
- Departs for downtown from Viking Union on the :15 and :45 starting at 5:15 p.m. Last shuttle departs the Viking Union at 8:45 p.m.
- Departs for the Viking Union on the :00 and :30 starting at 5:30 p.m. Last shuttle departs the corner of Maple St. and Railroad Ave. at 9 p.m.
Public Transit
If your legs aren’t yet conditioned for Bellingham’s hills, consider taking the bus! WTA (Whatcom Transportation Authority) buses depart for WWU from the Downtown Station every 15 minutes until 10:40 p.m. WWU (ridewta.com)
Explore Downtown Bellingham
