Firehouse Arts and Events Center with a “Hidden” Cafe

The Firehouse Arts and Events Center in winter 2026

“Eats, Arts, and Events” all under one roof! Fairhaven’s Firehouse Arts & Events Center is one of the best representations of creativity and community in Bellingham.

There are so many people who don’t know this renovated 1927 fire station hosts masterful plays, dances, and classes for the community. All put on inside this unsuspecting building on 1314 Harris Avenue. I have attended many plays here as an audience member and love how the seats come down from the ceiling and some production companies can transform the space into a 360-view performance stage.

But today, Chef and I visited to enjoy the Cafe. It’s small and delightful with a real wood burning fireplace. The cafe offers delicious coffee, treats from local makers like Lamination Station. Their menu is nothing short of amazing providing offerings like sandwiches, bagels, homestyle quiche, Soup du Jour and cookies and a rotating dessert case.

We usually go and get coffee and a treat.

The inside of the Firehouse Cafe. Cozy!

Today we picked a Berry Danish from Lamination Station, the holiday Peppermint Double Chocolate Cookie and a breakfast cookie for later with a white chocolate mocha of course.

Berry Danish from Lamination Station at the Firehouse

Plus our whipped up White Chocolate Mocha!

We were cozy, our cafe-mates were quiet. Some were studying, reading, on their phones. One pair was conducting an interview and we were just happily enjoying the space.

We thought back to the shows we’ve seen in the Firehouse event space. We’ve seen plays produced by Fairhaven Summer Repertory Theatre, moving dance pieces, boisterous cabarets. Yet during the day, that space is a beautiful wood floor which I have since learn regularly has T’ai Chi Classes, dance classes, exercise classes, and other kind of events that can all be learned about on the Firehouse’s website and their community board in the cafe.

I love that the Firehouse is this stunning building with a pocket garden in it’s backyard and it just sits at — what in my mind — is the “beginning” of Fairhaven.

View fullsize

Exterior of the Event Space of the Firehouse

View fullsize

The Pocket Park behind the Firehouse

View fullsize

The coolest tree ever behind the Firehouse Arts and Events Center

Even in late fall, it has this mystic about it to me. It’s just this magical unassuming place. Like most things in Fairhaven it’s just this quiet gem that is a staple. Opens regularly at 7AM and closes up around 5:30PM unless there is a show happening.

Venue? Cafe? Get to know the Firehouse for both!

I love how many people in Bellingham only know the Firehouse for a third of what it does. I hihghly encourage you to make a stop to enjoy the cafe, plan a night to attend one a performance they host — There are no bad seats in this arts space or enjoy one of the many classes!