THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
ABOUT FIRE & STORY
Fire & Story is a family-friendly outdoor winter festival in Bellingham, Washington, where illuminated art, sculptural fire pits and immersive performance transform three January nights into an experience of wonder and awe.
Across five covered stages, more than 150 performers bring music, storytelling, comedy, dance and fire arts to life, alongside hands-on creative experiences, metalsmithing and glass blowing demonstrations, wooden saunas and communal gathering spaces built around the fire.
With programming for all ages and plenty to explore between performances, Fire & Story offers a different way to experience winter in the Pacific Northwest.
THE EXPERIENCE
FIVE STAGES
Five individually designed, covered stages offer shelter from the elements and distinct settings for music, storytelling and performance. Each has its own visual character, with thoughtful details in the lighting, décor and surroundings that make the space as engaging as what's happening onstage. Take a closer look at the design, settle in for a performance and discover what makes each stage different.
HAND-FORGED FIRE PITS
More than a dozen large, wood-burning fire pits are installed throughout the festival grounds, providing places to gather and take a break between performances. Each is a one-of-a-kind sculpture created by local artists and metalworkers, with designs ranging from intricate metalwork to large-scale kinetic pieces.
Look for Virgil, an eight-foot-tall fire pit that spins as it burns, and Shipwreck, a returning crowd favorite. Select fire pits are even available for purchase.
150+PERFORMERS
Fire & Story brings together more than 150 individual performers across music, storytelling, comedy, dance, fire arts and more. The program spans live bands, solo artists, spoken-word performances, theatrical acts, fire performances and more, with local and visiting artists sharing the stages throughout the weekend.
2027 lineup announced in November.
WOODEN
SAUNAS
Our private Sauna Grove features three mobile wooden saunas in a quieter section of the festival grounds, with a shared fire and lounge area nearby. Book a private 50-minute session for your group or join an open session with other festivalgoers. It's a chance to use the saunas between performances or take a warm break from exploring the festival.
A Fire & Story festival ticket and separate sauna ticket are required. Sauna tickets go on sale soon.
Photo: Benjamin Benschneider
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Fire & Story is produced by Paper Whale, a Bellingham-based nonprofit placemaking agency that creates public art, cultural events and shared experiences that bring people together and transform the places we live. From Fire & Story to Noisy Waters Mural Festival and beyond, Paper Whale makes room for creativity, connection and new ways to experience our community.
Want to be part of what happens next? There are plenty of ways to get involved, including volunteering, sponsorship or making a donation.
