Pacific Arts Association (PAA) had a vibrant and productive year, highlighted by the 24th annual Blaine Harbor Music Festival and the return of a wonderful holiday event: the Night Market and Luminary Walk over Thanksgiving weekend.
The Blaine Harbor Music Festival (July 6-12) welcomed students and audiences with renewed traditions, including the return of the VIP opening night and Mongolian grill, as well as a new opening-night student party on the Semiahmoo Spit. These events brought together sponsors, volunteers, faculty and students while setting a joyful and collaborative tone for the week ahead.
The festival supported a full week of free live concerts downtown for the community and students, along with a music camp for ages 12-20, and a standout Big Band Night at Barnstar in Ferndale. This ticketed event featured swing dancing, dinner and a hoppin’ big band made up of mostly the faculty from the festival.
PAA was also proud to host the second annual Night Market and Luminary Walk in Blaine, its largest fundraiser supporting the Blaine Harbor Music Festival. The evening featured live music – much of it performed by student musicians and local community members – alongside more than 30 craft vendors, fire pits with s’mores, a yule garden with mulled wine, carolers, food vendors and a festive luminary walk that filled downtown with holiday spirit.
All of the PAA-sponsored events are done by volunteers, with a long-standing commitment to bringing music, creativity and connection to the community. PAA looks ahead to 2026 with excitement. The community is invited to watch for the Blaine Harbor Music Festival this summer (July 12-18, 2026) and learn more at blaineharbormusicfestival.org.
