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

– New Location –

Hotel Bellwether

1 Bellwether Way
Bellingham, WA 98225

Do you have Auction items to pick up?

How to Pick up Items

Gift certificates will be mailed to winning bidders approximately two weeks following the auction. To pick up your other online auction purchases please contact Jan Vereen at janvereen@gmail.com. Winning bidders living outside the area should call the Festival at 360.201.6621 to make shipping arrangements at their personal expense.

Thank you to our sponsors

Gala Evening Sponsor

Auction Co-Sponsor

Auction Co-Sponsor

Enjoy photos from this year's auction

Four individuals are seated around a small, square black table in a lounge area with striped wallpaper. On the left, an older man in a tuxedo and name tag sits next to a woman in a black blazer and white lace blouse. To the right, another woman in a floral blouse sits across from a man in a light blue sweater and black blazer.

Three guests pose together, dressed in 1920s-inspired formal wear. The man on the left wears a black three-piece tuxedo. The man in the center wears a pinstriped vest, a black fedora, and a bowtie with a cigar tucked into his pocket. The woman on the right wears a black beaded flapper-style dress with a feathered headband and bright red lipstick.

A man with a white beard in a grey tweed suit and pearl necklace stands next to a man dressed in an elaborate 18th-century style costume, featuring a powdered-style brown wig, a ruffled cravat, and a cream-colored frock coat. The man in costume holds a champagne flute and a small appetizer.

A tall man in a striking, bright blue three-piece suit with a patterned teal shirt smiles broadly alongside a woman in a blue patterned blouse. Both are holding wine glasses and appear to be laughing. A server with a tray of drinks is visible in the background.

A wide view of a large ballroom prepared for a gala. The room features round tables with navy blue linens, gold napkins, and tall white feather centerpieces. A long blue carpet runner acts as a central aisle, and the ceiling is draped with elegant white fabric swags and crystal chandeliers.

A group of eight people stand on a stage with a black curtain backdrop, many with their arms raised in celebration or cheering. They are dressed in various formal and semi-formal styles. To the left, a man in a grey suit waves, while a woman in a black dress in the center cheers enthusiastically.

A close-up portrait of a woman with short brown hair and glasses, resting her chin on her hand and smiling at the camera. She is wearing a teal sleeveless dress and several strands of pearl bracelets. Other guests are visible in the soft-focus background at her dinner table.

A wide-angle shot from the back of the ballroom during the event. Guests are seated at tables facing a stage where a speaker is standing in front of large "BFM" light-up letters. The blue carpet runner leads the eye toward the stage under the white draped ceiling and glowing chandeliers.

Photos copyright Zachary C. Person