Guests at the 2025 Bellingham Festival of Music Charity Auction enthusiastically raise numbered paddles during a live auction. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by string lights and paper lanterns overhead, with elegantly decorated tables and a full crowd engaged in the spirited bidding.

2026 Benefit Auction

Rhapsody in Blue

Live Auction and Dinner

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Hotel Bellwether

1 Bellwether Way
Bellingham, WA 98225

More information coming soon!

Enjoy photos from last year's auction

Close-up of an elegant table setting at the 2025 Bellingham Festival of Music Charity Auction Gala. The centerpiece features rolled and fan-folded sheet music, pampas grass, and a glowing candle in a gold mesh lantern. A table card marked 'Table 13' with a hot air balloon graphic is displayed, surrounded by wine glasses, programs, and small decorative gift boxes on a peach-colored tablecloth.
Group photo of the Bellingham Festival of Music Auction Committee standing on a stage at a formal gala event. The backdrop features a vintage world map design with gold drapery and balloon decorations in white, gold, green, and blue. Round banquet tables with gold tablecloths and black chairs are visible in the foreground.
Group photo of the Bellingham Festival of Music Board of Directors standing on stage at the 2025 Charity Auction Gala. The group, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, poses in front of a decorative gold curtain and balloon arch in shades of gold, white, and green, with event lighting creating a festive atmosphere.
Two elderly women smiling and enjoying the Bellingham Festival of Music Charity Auction. One wears a black cardigan and striped top, while the other wears a red patterned shawl and holds a glass of champagne. They are standing indoors at a warmly lit, festive venue.
Two smiling women posing at the Bellingham Festival of Music Charity Auction; one wearing a white outfit with a maroon sash and cap, the other in a black and white abstract-patterned dress with glasses. Decorative string lights and desserts are visible in the background.
Guests mingling at a formal indoor gala event with drinks, corsages, and balloons. A man in a tan blazer receives a flower corsage from a woman in a colorful jacket, surrounded by smiling attendees. Event atmosphere is festive with visible signage and decor.
Gala guests taking a photo at a formal event using a ring light and tablet photo booth setup. Attendees are dressed in evening wear, seated at round banquet tables with wine bottles, centerpieces, and programs. The venue is filled with people enjoying the celebration.
Group of gala attendees engaged in cheerful conversation during a formal dinner event. A man in a suit and bow tie smiles warmly while speaking with elegantly dressed guests. The room is filled with seated attendees enjoying dinner and socializing.
Elderly woman wearing glasses and an Apple Watch engaged in conversation with an elderly man in a dark suit at a formal dinner event. The table is set with wine glasses, plates, and elegant decorations, with other attendees in the background in a warmly lit banquet setting.
Large group of well-dressed guests laughing and participating in an interactive game at a lively indoor gala event. The room is decorated with string lights and paper lanterns, and tables are set with elegant dinnerware and golden tablecloths. The atmosphere is joyful and festive.
Elderly woman with curly gray hair and red glasses holds up an auction paddle with the number 190 and makes a peace sign with her other hand. She is dressed in a black outfit with a red scarf and beads, smiling during a festive gala event.
Man in a dark suit speaks into a microphone while standing beside a smiling woman in a black, beaded evening gown on stage at the 2025 BFM Gala. Behind them is a vintage world map backdrop and a festive balloon arrangement with gold, white, and teal colors.
Man in a suit and polka dot bow tie smiling and looking up while seated at a round dinner table during the 2025 BFM Gala. The room is filled with elegantly dressed guests, dim lighting, and decorated tables with wine bottles and floral centerpieces, set against a rustic stone fireplace backdrop.
Elegant woman in a red dress laughing joyfully while holding a bidder paddle marked '107' during the 2025 BFM Gala. The lively fundraising event features guests seated at round tables with wine bottles and decorative centerpieces, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Executive Director, Erika Block dressed in an elegant royal blue evening gown speaks on stage at the 2025 BFM Gala, addressing a seated audience. Behind her, a vintage world map backdrop, festive balloon arrangements, and large illuminated 'BFM' marquee letters set a celebratory tone.
Marcelo Lehninger dressed in a tuxedo and Erika Block dressed in a royal blue evening gown pose together on stage at the 2025 BFM Gala. They stand in front of a vintage world map backdrop, surrounded by gold and teal balloon arrangements and illuminated 'BFM' marquee letters, creating an elegant and festive atmosphere.

Photos copyright Zachary C. Person

Season Events
2026 Season
Open Rehearsals
Pre-Concert Talks
Benefit Auction
Free Concerts
Welcome Home Concert
Conducting Institute