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Bainbridge Island may seem small, but we have a variety of annual and recurring events for locals and visitors to enjoy. Some of these events showcase our small-town charm while others draw audiences from all over. There are so many fun things to do, so here’s a list to get started.
Annual Events in Spring and Summer
Easter Egg Hunts
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 for 2023.
Cost: Free
Student Art Exhibition
Various Dates in May 2022 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
Wine on the Rock
May 20 – 22, 2022 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
National Trails Day
June 4th, 9:00 AM – Noon, 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
Summer Strolls For Well-Being Program
Fridays or Saturdays from June to September at Bloedel Reserve and Online
This 12-week program is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Bloedel Reserve’s 150 acres while getting your steps in. Past participants have said the program was exceptional and helped them get in touch with nature as well as themselves. The program is free thanks to generous donors. You can choose the in-person program that meets weekly on Fridays, or the virtual option which is on Saturdays.
Cost: Free, donations gladly accepted
Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale
July 2, 2022 at Woodward Middle School
Now in its 62nd year, this epic community event sponsored by the Bainbridge Rotary brings 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 information.
Cost: Free to attend, purchases vary
Grand Old 4th of July
July 4, 2022, 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, a kid zone with games, and more. The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce is hard at work planning this year’s event. Check back as the event nears for more details. Registration is now open for vendors.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Wednesday Nights from July – August 6:00-8:00 PM at Battle Point Park
Enjoy tunes from Pacific Northwest artists at Battle Point Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a picnic dinner from home, a to-go meal from a local restaurant, or purchase a meal from a participating food truck.
Cost: Free to attend, purchases separate
Movies in the Park
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
For more summer fun, check out our article about water sports and yacht clubs on Bainbridge Island.
Annual Fall & Winter Events
Bainbridge Island Quilt Festival
September 10, 2022, location TBA
See the beautiful work of the Bainbridge Island Modern Quilt Guild on display. This year will be the 9th year the many quilts of this talented group will be showcased. Here’s an article about the 2021 festival and some background on the event.
Cost: Free, purchases separate
U-Pick Pumpkins at Suyematsu Farms
Mid-September through October at Suyematsu Farms
One of the oldest farms on Bainbridge, Suyematsu grows many different types of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. Celebrate autumn by taking festive photos and finding beautiful, delicious fall decor. Check their Facebook page for updated information.
Cost: Free, purchases separate
Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk
October 1st – 31st 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 hand-painted 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
Haunted Hayride
Mid to Late October at Battle Point Park
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
Halloween Walk
October 31st in Downtown Winslow
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 to participate
For more autumn activities, check out our article on fall fun in North Kitsap.
Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day, location TBA
Start your turkey day with a run! This annual event has a 1-mile or 5k option. In 2020 and 2021 the race was a virtual race with participants uploading their times. Check their event website for more information on the 2022 event as fall nears.
Cost: $20+
Community Tree Lighting
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 to attend
Menorah on the Green
First Day of Hanukkah at Winslow Green, Downtown Bainbridge
Join the Chabad of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap to celebrate the Festival of Lights nightly as the candles of the Menorah are lit. Latkes and donuts are available and attendees can enjoy live music and arts and crafts.
Cost: Free to attend, activities vary
Holidays at the Village
Late November through December in Pleasant Beach Village
From skating to photos with Santa, 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
Polar Bear Plunge
January 1st at Lytle Beach Public Park
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
Mochi Tsuki Celebration
Early January, location TBA
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. Due to the pandemic, this was a virtual event in 2021 & 2022, but check their website and the BIJAC Facebook page to see if the in-person version will be back in 2023.
Cost: Free
Chilly Hilly Bike Ride
Late February, starting at the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal
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 for the 2,173 feet of elevation change during the ride, plus the usual cold temperatures in late February. The race entry fee goes to support local nonprofits, and the event is organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club. Check back closer to the event date for more details.
Cost: $40-$60 per rider
Recurring Events
Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
Saturdays, April through November 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM at Winslow Green
Established in 1990, the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market now features 40 vendors selling a variety of produce, flowers, ready-to-eat food, condiments, beverages, and crafts. The market is located at Town Square by City Hall and happens rain or shine.
Cost: Free to attend, purchases vary
First Friday Art Walk
First Friday of Each Month, 6:00- 8:00 PM, Downtown Bainbridge
Each month, art galleries, restaurants, local shops, and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art showcase incredible artwork from local artists, and it’s organized by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association. See Downtown BI come to life as art lovers mill about, enjoying refreshments and the talent of local artists. Please stop by our office since we’re proud participants and love featuring local artwork, hosting local musicians, and providing tasty morsels and drinks.
Cost: Free to attend, purchases vary
Afternoon on the Trails
Sundays, Once a Month, 1:00 – 5:00 PM at Islandwood
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Islandwood campus. Usually closed to the public except for special events, these walks give visitors a peek into the breathtaking grounds of this environmental education nonprofit.
Check their Facebook page for dates.
Cost: Free to attend, registration required
Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
August & December at Various Art Studios
This twice-annual event is a free, self-guided tour of Bainbridge art studios and crafters’ spaces. Participating artists jury into the tour and sell their handmade goods. At studios, you will see in-progress pieces, and you can get to know the artists and their stories.
Cost: Free to attend, purchases separate
