Whether you're new to our area or have lived here for years, we hope this event guide is helpful Many of these events support wonderful small businesses and nonprofit organizations that enrich our community
In addition to local events, Kitsap offers an abundance of activities that include water sports, golf courses, museums, hiking trails, theaters, award-winning breweries and restaurants, and much more We're lifelong locals, and we're proud to call the Kitsap Peninsula home
Sincerely,
Tori and Carter Dotson
Owners of Windermere Real Estate/West Sound
@WindermereSoundLiving
@windermeresoundliving
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Start your new year off with a plunge in Puget Sound! If you’re not into swimming in January, you can still head to Lytle Beach to cheer on those brave enough to take the plunge at noon.
Cost: Free
For over a millennium, making and eating the sweet rice treat mochi has been a celebrated New Year’s tradition in Japan. For over 30 years, Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community (BIJAC) has celebrated this tradition with more than 2,000 participants.
Cost: Free
Late
Celebrate love with a Norse Valentine’s Day, complete with a bonfire at Muriel Iverson Waterfront Park in Poulsbo, hosted by the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings.
Cost: Free to Attend
Every year more than 2,000 people participate in this bike event that encompasses 33 miles of Bainbridge Island. Starting at the Ferry Terminal, the Chilly Hilly gets its name from the cold February temperatures, accompanied by 2,173ft of elevation change over the course of the ride. The event is organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club and the race entry fee goes to support local nonprofits
Cost: $40 - $64 per rider
Kitsap County is full of talented artists, and these free art walks allow you to peruse their creations while chatting with friends and neighbors.
First Friday
Bainbridge
First Friday
Bremerton Moonlight Market
Port
Location
Historic Downtown Winslow
Bremerton and Manette
Bainbridge Island Town Square
Port Orchard Waterfront Park
Historic Downtown Poulsbo
Friday and Saturday before Easter at Battle Point Park
The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District hosts two egg hunts for local children of all ages. One of them is a Flashlight Egg Hunt for teens. The other is a daytime mEGGa hunt for younger children. It has been canceled for the last two years due to the pandemic, but check their Facebook page for updates.
Cost: Free
March in downtown Poulsbo
Twice a year, craft beer enthusiasts participate in the Poulsbo Beer Run, a 4-mile “run” with stops in downtown Poulsbo. Costumes are encouraged with the March run being St. Patrick’s Day themed. Proceeds benefit the Blue Star Banner Program, which honors local, active duty military with street banners.
Cost: Registration $45+
Saturday prior to Easter at the Kitsap Tennis & Athletic Center
A multi-faceted Easter egg hunt, this fun event in Bremerton combines both land and water. Members and non-members can enjoy the athletic center and pool after hunting for eggs, both in and out of the water. Here is info from the 2022 event. Check back for updated info.
Cost: TBA
Two weeks prior to Easter at the Kitsap Mall
A favorite photo-op, kids can get their pictures with the Easter Bunny at the Kitsap Mall. Dates vary based on when Easter occurs but check back for a full schedule in the spring.
Cost: TBA
Kitsap has many wonderful farmers' markets featuring produce and goods from local farms and talented artisans
Market
Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
Bremerton Community Farmers Market
Kingston Public Market
Port Orchard Farmers Market
Poulsbo Farmers Market
Silverdale Farmers Market
When
Saturdays, April - Nov 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursdays, April - Sept 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Sundays, May - Oct 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturdays, April - Oct 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturdays, April - Dec 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesdays, April - Sept 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
Winslow Green
Evergreen Rotary Park
Mike Wallace Park
Port Orchard
Waterfront
Gateway Fellowship
Silverdale Antiques
Parking Lot
First Wednesday in May in downtown Poulsbo Shop and dine in downtown Poulsbo with your gal pals. Stores and boutiques stay open late and offer discounts, promotions, and giveaways. There’s even a “golden ticket” awarding a $100 shopping spree. Enjoy food and drink specials, and snap a photo with the famous Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings.
Cost: Free to attend
2nd weekend in May at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds
Known as the “Biggest and Best Home Show West of Seattle®”, this is your one-stop shop for all things home and garden. Remodeling, home gadgets, gardening, and outdoor living -- this annual event, presented by the Kitsap Building Association, has it all.
Cost: $8+
3rd weekend in May in downtown Poulsbo
Perhaps one of the most well-known events in Poulsbo, Viking Fest is a weekend-long event featuring a carnival, Viking village, parade, live music, vendor marketplace, a road race, and many other family-friendly activities. With a city slogan of “The Viking City”, this signature event is one you don’t want to miss.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Various dates in May at Bainbridge Arts & Crafts
This annual art event showcases the work of local junior high and high school artists. Hosted by Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, there is an opening reception for each age group. Bainbridge Island has a strong arts community and we love that this event encourages young artists.
Cost: Free
You'll find live music all over Kitsap From casinos to city parks, there's no shortage of places to enjoy some tunes on a warm summer evening
Series
Concerts By The Bay
Kingston Concerts on the Cove
Performances at the Passage
When
Thursdays, July - Aug
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Summer Nights at the Bay
Summer Sounds
Saturdays, Mid-July to Mid-Aug
Thursdays, July - Aug
Wednesdays, July - Aug
Tuesdays, July - Aug
Fridays & Saturdays, Memorial Day to Labor Day
Location
Port of Bremerton
Marina Park in Port Orchard
Mike Wallace Park Kingston
Suquamish Clearwater Casino & Resort
Battle Point Park Bainbridge Island
Waterfront Park Poulsbo
The Point Casino Kingston
Mid-May at various Bainbridge wineries
Presented by the Winery Alliance of Bainbridge Island, this event features a tasting flight from each of the seven member wineries, paired with wine’s best friend: cheese. You will also get a wine tote and a special event-specific wine glass. When you purchase your ticket online, you can customize your itinerary and select times and days for each tasting.
Cost: $75
Saturday closest to May 21st in downtown Bremerton
This annual parade was started by the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce in 1948 to celebrate a local WWII hero. It’s been going strong for decades, celebrating the Armed Forces and Kitsap’s rich military history. 2022 was the 75th anniversary and it was a huge hit.
Cost: Free
1st Saturday in June, Bainbridge Island’s hiking trails
Celebrate National Trails Day with the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation and Bainbridge Island Metro Parks Department. There are so many wonderful hikes on the Island to choose from. If you visit Gazzam Lake Preserve, Fort Ward Park, or Grand Forest West you can receive a new BI Trails map, stickers, or snacks to celebrate.
Cost: Free
1st weekend in June at Kingston's Mike Wallace Park
Food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, five breweries, and one cidery make this annual event a great way to enjoy warmer weather.
Cost: $20 for 7 beer tastings; food and activities separate
This annual endurance run takes participants on a 12.5-mile loop through the Port Gamble Heritage Trail and surrounding areas. There are three distances: 100M, 100K and 50M options. Register online or attend to cheer on these excellent athletes. Cost: $75+ Registration closes late May.
Early June at Kingston's White Horse Golf Club
Now in its 15th year, this annual tournament hosted by Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary, is a great community fundraising event and a perfect way to network or meet other golf enthusiasts. Held at the beautiful White Horse Golf Club, this event showcases the natural beauty that surrounds Kingston. Our office is a proud sponsor.
Cost: Registration starts from $99 for a single player.
Early June at the Port Orchard Airport
Olympic Peninsula Antique Tractor and Engine Association's annual event that features events like tractor pull, lawnmower pull, swap meet, food vendors, as well as farm equipment and tractor displays.
Cost:$2 per person, $5 for a family pass
Mid-June at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds
Put on your best Medieval attire and enjoy a day of historical recreation. Journey through the wonders of the Middle Ages hosted by the Kitsap County local Society of Creative Anachronisms. An artisan village, war reenactment demonstrations, kid-zone, archery range, and equestrian shows are all part of the fun.
Cost: Pre-sale $10, at event $15, children 17 and under are free
3rd Saturday in June at Poulsbo's Waterfront Park
Paying homage to mid-summer festivals popular in Nordic countries, this event at Poulsbo's Waterfront Park features the raising of a maypole, traditional Nordic dancing, flower crowns, music, and a Viking Bonfire at dusk. This cultural event is hosted by the Sons of Norway. Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Last weekend in June in downtown Port Orchard Fathoms O’ Fun was founded in 1968 as Port Orchard's annual celebration of summer. It's a two-day vendor fair with live music, food, and lots to explore. The popular Grande Parade is on Saturday. Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
End of June in downtown Bremerton
A public arts festival celebrating a tradition dating back to the 1600s, Wayzgoose Kitsap celebrates Central Kitsap’s vibrant art scene. Each summer, local artists create giant art pieces using hand-carved linoleum blocks and full-size steamrollers in downtown Bremerton.
Cost: Free to attend
1st Saturday in July at Woodward Middle School, Bainbridge Island
For over 60 years, this epic community event, sponsored by the Bainbridge Rotary, attracts vintage lovers and deal-seekers from near and far. Woodward Middle School is packed to the brim with each classroom holding a different type of treasure. If you are interested in showing your support, read their donation info. Cost: Free to attend, purchases vary
July 4th in downtown Kingston
Fun Fact: Kingston’s parade is “the longest-running 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi!” There's a parade, live music, and a fireworks show. Kiwanis Tiny Town is also a fun part of the festivities. A music festival will be held at Mike Wallace Park in the Port of Kingston and a beer garden for those 21+.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
July 4th at various Bainbridge Island locations
A longstanding Bainbridge Island tradition, this celebration of Independence Day includes a hometown parade, fun run, live music, car show, street fair, wine & beer garden, and a kid zone with games.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Early to mid-July at multiple gardens in Hansville Garden enthusiasts unite for this self-guided driving tour of various Hansville gardens. It is an annual fundraiser for Hansville Helping Hands. Pre-purchased tickets are required, and limited quantities are available. For ticket information, please call 360-328-8170.
Cost: $20
Mid-July at multiple locations, including Kingston
The Salish 100 is the largest small-boat cruise in North America, spanning 100 nautical miles, which is the length of Puget Sound. One of the stops on this voyage is the Port of Kingston, and it’s a great chance to see some of the boats!
Cost: Free to watch
Mid-July in downtown Port Orchard
During the annual Chris Craft Rendezvous at the waterfront, you'll see downtown come alive with vintage treasures and an artist marketplace. Take-and-make crafts will be available, as well as a scavenger hunt for prizes. Enter the cornhole tournament for $20.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Running for 25+ years, this is the premier LGBTQ+ Pride event in Kitsap County. This year’s event is expected to have 50+ booths, a beer garden, food trucks, vendors, and wonderful live entertainment from DJs to drag performances. Check their Facebook event for more details as the event nears.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Last weekend in July at The Point Casino & Hotel & downtown Kingston Celebrate local breweries and wineries while enjoying delicious food vendors, craft vendors, live music, and an all-around good time. There’s now a VIP event on Friday that includes a wine and brew-pairing at The Point Casino & Hotel. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, and a swag bag. On Saturday, downtown Kingston hosts a full festival with tastings, live music, and more.
Cost: $45 for Saturday only; $125 for Saturday & Sunday
Last weekend in July in downtown Indianola
This three-day festival typically includes a salmon bake, a pet parade, a talent show, a street fair, a sandcastle contest, and more. Stay tuned for specifics about upcoming festivities by following the Indianola Facebook page
Cost: Free to attend
Last weekend in July at Silverdale Waterfront Park
Since 1974, Whaling Days has been a family favorite event in Silverdale. This community event has something for everyone: live music, kids’ activities, fireworks, a beer garden, food vendors, and the closing activity: the Rotary Duck Race.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Last weekend in July at Silverdale Waterfront Park
This event closes out Whaling Days each year. It's a community staple with fantastic prizes and it gives back to locals in need. The event has raised over $1.7M for local nonprofits since its inception. Our Windermere Silverdale office is a proud sponsor.
Cost: $5 per ticket or 5 for $20
Early August in downtown Port Gamble
This afternoon event of family fun showcases some of Port Gamble’s history. Visitors can enjoy live music, vendors, food, a Birds of Prey show by the West Sound Wildlife Shelter, and pony rides by Merry Meadows Farm.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Fridays in August at Battle Point Park
This is a favorite Battle Point Park summer tradition presented by the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation Department. Seating is near the observatory and opens at 8:00 PM. The show starts 30 minutes after sunset. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your favorite movie snacks. From classics to newer favorites, each week features a different film.
Cost: Free
3rd Weekend in August at Poulsbo's Waterfront Park
For 35 years, this festival has been art lovers’ favorite. The waterfront park is a wonderful backdrop for all types of art, live music, food, raffles, and family fun.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Mid to End of August at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds
A long-standing tradition, the first fair in Kitsap was held in 1923 in Port Orchard. The Fair showcases animals and homemade goods. This event includes a rodeo, a demolition derby, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The rodeo runs nightly Wednesday to Friday with multiple events each night with the Demolition Derby on Sunday.
Cost: Varies by activity
3rd Weekend in August at Poulsbo's Waterfront Park
For 35 years, this festival has been art lovers’ favorite. The waterfront park is a wonderful backdrop for all types of art, live music, food, raffles, and family fun.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Early September at the Bremerton Boardwalk
Presented by the Bremerton Rotary, this weekend event is a celebration of all things blackberry and includes 100+ vendors. It is the longest-running festival in Bremerton, attracting approx. 25,000 visitors over Labor Day weekend. Live music and a beer garden are part of the festivities. All food vendors are required to sell one blackberry-themed item for a tasting fee of $5 or less.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
September on Bainbridge Island - Location TBA
See the beautiful work of the Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild on display. Running for a decade, this talented group's quilts will be in the spotlight. Here’s an article about the 2021 festival with some background on the event.
Cost: Free, purchases separate
September at Heronswood Garden in Kingston Nurseries from all over the Pacific Northwest come together for this epic plant sale at Kingston's incredible botanical garden. Food vendors will be on-site as well. Admission to the garden is free during the plant sale.
Cost: Free to attend, plant sales & food separate
3rd Weekend in September at Poulsbo Village Shopping Center
Celebrating beer and cider made in Western Washington, Poulsbrew is a lively one-day festival. Of course, Poulsbo’s own breweries are part of the celebration too. Come for the beer and stay for the live music, food, and friendly community atmosphere.
Cost: Varies, approx. $30 Each
Month of October at Pheasant Fields Farm
One of the largest corn mazes in the West, this family activity is perfect for fall. Make your way through the corn maze, select a pumpkin from the many varieties available, and enjoy photo ops, fresh produce, treats, and more.
Cost: Free to visit the farm, purchases and maze separate
Early October in Poulsbo
This Oktoberfest-themed, 4-mile “run” has stops in downtown Poulsbo as well as the Viking Way corridor. Costumes are encouraged and proceeds benefit the Blue Star Banner Program, which honors locals currently serving in the military by installing street banners for them throughout Washington state.
Cost: Registration $45+
Mid-October in downtown Poulsbo
A three-day festival celebrating filmmakers from all around the country that will include parties, filmmaker panels, networking, and emphasize Poulsbo's charm. 2022 was the inaugural year for what will become an annual event.
Cost: $15+ check event website for more details
Oct. 1 – 31 at Bainbridge Gardens
This family favorite tradition has been running for almost three decades. The Bainbridge Gardens’ historic nature trail is lined with hundreds of handpainted and carved pumpkins as well as themed vignettes. Pumpkin submissions are requested from the community to add to the pathway, and it’s an integral part of the experience. Live music and food trucks are usually present on weekends.
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Mid-Sept. to Late Oct. at Fat Turnip Farms & Suyematsu Farms
Our area offers many great places to pick your own pumpkin right from the patch. Two great places are Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston and Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island. Both have u-pick pumpkin patches and offer other produce and flowers for sale throughout the year.
Cost: Purchases vary
Mid to Late Oct. at Battle Point Park, Bainbridge Island
This spooky event is fun for the whole family. Ghosts and ghouls descend on Battle Point Park for some family-friendly frights and sights. Here is some info on the 2021 event. Check the BI Parks website for more information near the end of summer.
Cost: Approx. $10
October 31 in downtown Bremerton
Little ones will love this fun opportunity to trick-or-treat in downtown Bremerton. On Halloween night, there will be family-friendly activities, and participating businesses will be giving out treats.
Cost: Free
Oct. 31 in downtown Winslow, Bainbridge Island
Downtown Winslow is transformed into a trick-or-treat paradise. Hosted by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, this annual event closes down Winslow Way to offer families a chance to get candy from local shops and restaurants. Vote for your favorite merchant costume, and enjoy free cider at the Downtown Association booth.
Cost: Free
October 31 in downtown Poulsbo
A fun, safe evening for families, this is one of Poulsbo’s busiest annual events. Kids of all ages can celebrate Halloween and parade down the street in their costumes. A section of Front Street in downtown Poulsbo is closed off and all businesses hand out candy and treats.
Cost: Free
Early November, Various Locations in Kitsap
Learn about all things salmon with biologists, local environmental organizations, and trained docents. Plus, enjoy activities by Kitsap Regional Library, and others. Use special glasses to help view the salmon as they swim upstream. Follow WSU Kitsap on Facebook for more info.
Cost: Free
Early November in downtown Port Gamble
Did you know that Port Gamble is home to one of the most haunted places in Washington? This year will be the 12th annual conference which has three days of speakers, paranormal investigations, and lots of history.
Cost: $10 – $45 (depending on event)
Mid-November at the Hansville Community Center
Another fundraiser for Hansville Helping Hands, this annual market at the Greater Hansville Community Center features 30 independent vendors as well as baked goods, a gift basket raffle, and a toy drive for local children in need.
Cost: Free to attend, product prices vary
Mid-November at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds
This holiday shopping and craft event is the largest indoor holiday market on the Kitsap Peninsula. There are projected to be 180+ booths this year with various types of handmade goods.
Cost: $5+ ($1 off with food donation; free with Toys For Tots donation)
Thanksgiving Day, Bainbridge location TBA
Start your turkey day with a run! This annual event has a 1-mile or 5k option. Benefiting the Helpline House, this event has been running for 14+ years. Check their website for registration information.
Cost: $20+
Friday after Thanksgiving in downtown Poulsbo
Join Santa and the Vikings to kick off the holiday season in Little Norway. Enjoy the tree lighting, cookies, holiday crafts, and lots of festive photo opportunities. Muriel Williams Waterfront Park.
Cost: Free
Saturday after Thanksgiving at Winslow Green, Downtown Bainbridge
Kick off the Christmas season with Bainbridge’s annual tree lighting. Enjoy the nutcracker ballet, live music, and Santa’s arrival via firetruck.
Cost: Free
Late Nov. through Dec. in Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
From photos with Santa to gingerbread house parties, live music, and more, this annual tradition at Pleasant Beach Village has something for everyone. Make your holidays a little merrier by booking a staycation at The Inn to extend your festivities.
Cost: Varies by activity
Mid-December at Winslow Green, Bainbridge Island
In partnership with local Jewish communities and the Chabad of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association will be celebrating the Festival of Lights with the community menorah lighting. All are welcome to attend.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season in Kitsap County Here are three fun winter festivals that many locals and tourists love
Early Dec. to early Jan. at the Port of Kingston
This event includes a tree lighting the first Saturday in December with live music, food vendors, and more. Enjoy incredible light sculptures all season, from an octopus to a dragon. The Port of Kingston reportedly uses over 500,000 lights to build it each year.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
First Saturday in December in downtown Poulsbo
Start the day at the Nordic Marketplace at the Sons of Norway to kick off your holiday shopping, and grab some Scandinavian food. In the evening, the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Vikings will escort the Lucia Bride from a Viking ship on Liberty Bay to a winter proclamation and Bonfire to celebrate the winter solstice.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Early December in downtown Port Orchard
An all day event, this fun festival includes crafts, a tree lighting, a pet parade and costume contest, Santa's arrival, live music, food, treats, and much more.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Mid-December in downtown Port Gamble
On Saturday enjoy House-drawn carriage rides, crafts in Santa’s Workshop, food trucks, and over 100,000 twinkling lights are topped off by Western Washington’s only holiday season fireworks show at 5 PM. Sunday Visit Santa's workshop or see the vendors at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. Donations are encouraged to benefit Kingston’s Sharenet Food Bank
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Mid-December at Poulsbo's Waterfront Park & Liberty Bay
A Poulsbo Yacht Club tradition for over 50 years, this annual parade of boats decked out in lights and holiday cheer is a fun family event. Contact the Yacht Club in advance to have a special shout-out by Santa himself as he cruises by. Bonfire by Crossroads Rotary at 5 PM.
Cost: Free
December 31 at Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu), Bainbridge Island
This special kids' event celebrates New Year's Eve at noon. Little ones get to count down to noon and enjoy activities from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, including firework art, wrist watch crafts, and party hats
Cost: $15/member family, $30/non-member family (up to 6 people)
December 31 at the Roxy Theater in Bremerton
Say farewell to the year at the Historic Roxy Theater. Live music, food, vendors, and more. The annual event features a new headlining band each year, and is one of Kitsap’s favorite ways to ring in the new year. Check their website for more information as NYE nears.
Cost: $50 - $250 per ticket
Many places here are known for having great live music. Some examples include Kingston's Hood Canal Brewery, Poulsbo's Slippery Pig Brewery, Sully's Bistro in Suquamish, and Bremerton's Manette Saloon and Admiral Theatre. You can also watch wonderful performances at venues like Port Gamble Theatre, Bainbridge Performing Arts, Bremerton Community Theatre, Jewelbox Theatre, as well as children's theater at KCMT.
From local history to artwork, our museums are an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Check out the Suquamish Museum, Bainbridge's KiDiMu (Kids Discovery Museum), Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and Bremerton's U.S. Naval Undersea Museum.
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Kitsap is the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, and there are many amazing places: historic towns, lavender fields, Olympic National Park, and much more Enjoy beautiful hiking trails, coastal views, rainforests, and great weekend getaways
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Dungeness Line Shuttle
"Good To Go!" Toll Pass Account Info
Kitsap Transit's Buses and Passenger-Only Fast Ferries
Paine Field Airport - Everett
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
SoundTransit Trains and Buses - Everett to Seattle WA State Ferries
Macaroni Kid Kitsap: kid-friendly events & more
Visit Kitsap: tourist information
Kitsap Regional Library: locations, classes, events, resources
Windermere Sound Living - Facebook page: local events, stories & more
