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Fun Volunteer Activities on Bainbridge Island
Looking for ways to easily volunteer on Bainbridge Island? Here are five fun opportunities. And who knows, you might make a new friend or learn something new. We enjoy giving back to our community and there are many local nonprofits that work so hard to make a difference. We hope this list serves as an inspiring starting point.
Assist and Enjoy Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art exhibits the art of both masters and emerging artists. If you love BIMA like we do, consider volunteering there. BIMA needs volunteers and will work with your schedule and interests to find a tailored role. In particular, volunteer opportunities can include docents, administrative volunteers, event support, and exhibition installation crew.
Serve as an Assistant Instructor with BI Parks and Recreation
While there are many ways to help out with Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District, one interesting way is to serve as an assistant instructor during an outdoor program or trip. You can see new sights, learn new skills, help with youth backpacking trips, adult kayaking classes, and more. To volunteer, simply fill out an application on their website.
Greet or Garden at Bloedel Reserve
Bloedel Reserve‘s gorgeous forests, gardens, and trails are enjoyed by people from all over the world, and the Reserve is often looking for different types of volunteers. From greeters to event volunteers, docents to gardeners, there are many volunteer options to choose from.
Support Furry Friends at PAWS of Bainbridge Island & North Kitsap
PAWS aims to reduce pet overpopulation and the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals. They do an incredible job and are looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles. In particular, they’re seeking adoption counselors, event volunteers, feline enrichment team members, foster homes, and people to work in the pet food bank.
Volunteer at West Sound Wildlife Shelter
Caring for more than 1,600 wildlife patients a year, West Sound Wildlife Shelter greatly appreciates volunteers. No previous experience is required and all volunteers receive training. There are many volunteer options such as feeding orphaned wild songbirds, lending a hand in their garden, and assisting with one of their fundraising events.
Great Eco-Friendly Products in North Kitsap
Celebrate Earth Day all year by making some of these swaps for reusable, natural, local, or waste-free options. These eco-friendly products help mother nature and are available across North Kitsap. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, we hope it will introduce you to some interesting options to help you get started.
Eco-Friendly Items for Your Home
Cloth napkins are the perfect alternative to single-use paper napkins. The Berry Patch, a kitchen store here on Bainbridge Island, has an array of cloth napkins and many other wonderful products.
Swedish dishcloths are gaining popularity as an alternative to sponges and paper towels. They’re reusable, easy to wash in the dishwasher or washing machine, and are compostable. You can find them in places like Nordiska in Poulsbo, which also has some other eco-friendly items for your home.
Keep your home smelling sweet with candles by Particle Goods, available at Danger in downtown Bainbridge. Particle Goods uses renewable soy, coconut wax, and essential oils. Ethically sourced and produced in Seattle, a portion of each Particle Goods sale goes to local charities working to empower social and economic equality and environmental sustainability.
Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home also has soy candles, as well as locally-made, natural bath salts, stunning flower arrangements, succulent centerpieces, and more.
Delicious Options
Kitsap Fresh is your one-stop shop for local produce, eggs, meat, dairy, baked goods, and more. Selecting local, seasonal produce instead of long-haul shipped goods lowers the carbon footprint of your meal and keeps dollars in our local economy. This online farmers market co-op connects you to over 40 local farms and food producers. Some local brands and farms include CB’s Nuts, Oxalis Kitchen, and HeyDay Farm. Every weekend, you can easily order online and then pick up your order on Wednesdays at one of their many pick-up locations. Additionally, they offer home delivery in most Kitsap communities.
Farmers’ markets are another great way to shop locally and sustainably. Fill up your reusable bags with fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and more. Watch our video to get a glimpse of what they offer.
Buying dry goods and other foods in bulk can reduce packaging if you use reusable jars and bags. We recommend Town & Country Markets in Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.
Environmentally-Friendly Products for Babies and Kids
If you’re looking for eco-friendly products for little ones, check out Poulsbo’s Toys Etc. You’ll find a fun selection of toys made from recycled materials, as well as cute wooden animals. Another great local option is Bainbridge’s Calico Toy Shoppe. Some of their environmentally-friendly products include Piggy Paint nail polish, which is vegan, non-toxic, and water-based, and BubbleTree, the first eco-friendly, non-toxic sustainable bubble system, which uses aluminum, reusable bottles.
Whichever eco-friendly products you choose to try, we hope you’ll try to shop small. Our community has many excellent local businesses, and we love that they’re often thinking about ways to live a greener life.
Enjoy Bainbridge’s Water Sports, Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Surrounded by amazing water-based activities, Bainbridge Island has no shortage of fun ways to enjoy island life. With convenient places to moor boats of all sizes and options for chartering tours, kayak rentals, scuba diving lessons, and Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), there is something here for everyone. Below you’ll find a great list to get you started.
Water Adventures
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Exotic Aquatics
A great shop for water enthusiasts, Exotic Aquatics offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, and scuba classes and certification. For kayak and SUP, they offer rentals, guided tours, and purchases. For scuba diving, their offerings include classes, tours, and rentals. Additionally, they are a PADI 5-Star Training Facility. Their current kayak tour options include excursions to Blake Island and a full-moon paddle.
Kayak and SUP Rentals: $23.50+ | Scuba Classes $79.95+
Sail Bainbridge
From two-hour excursions to multi-day overnight trips, Sail Bainbridge has been chartering tours for six years and offers private bookings for one to six people. These trips are a wonderful way to explore Bainbridge and beyond. Whether you’re new to the area or you have visitors to entertain, Sail Bainbridge is a fun way to experience our beautiful corner of the Pacific Northwest. Climb aboard the 44’ Pearson Countess Yacht named TRUE, and let their team do the rest.
2-hour sail for 6: $395 | All-day sail for 6: $985
Waterfront Park and City Dock
Launch your next adventure from Waterfront Park, one of the most popular spots for recreation on Bainbridge. There is a boat launch and a trailer parking lot as well as a hand-launch for smaller vessels like kayaks and paddleboards. The 900-foot city dock is directly south of the park. The dock provides first-come-first-serve moorage for boats up to 70 feet. Open year-round, they also provide electricity and pump-out services.
Launch and Trailer Parking $8/day or $80/year | Moorage $0.50/foot for 24 hours
Marinas and Yacht Clubs
Photo by Leo Phillips.
Eagle Harbor Marina
Located directly across from the Winslow Ferry Dock, the Eagle Harbor Marina is a convenient home base for your boat and you can easily explore the north or south parts of the Sound. They offer laundry and shower facilities, state-of-the-art pump out at each slip, free WiFi, and have a clubhouse you can rent for small events.
Boat accommodations 25’ to 200’ | 12-month contract | No Liveaboards
Eagle Harbor Yacht Club
Established in 1978, the EHYC describes its club as “informal, casual, and above all, fun.” They plan group cruises and excursions, social outings, and have reciprocal privileges at over 40 other clubs in the Northwest. Their home location is Winslow Wharf Marina.
Membership $75+ | Located at Winslow Wharf
The Harbour Marina
The Harbour Marina is located just below Harbour Public House, an island favorite. You can enjoy free moorage while you dine! This marina offers a variety of options from hourly or daily rates to monthly rates. Contact them if you wish to arrange a more permanent stay. They have showers, laundry, cable TV, power, and water. Also, they have a pump-out station. The Harbour Marina also connects to the waterfront trail, which stretches from the ferry to just beyond the pub.
Boat accommodations 48’ and under | Monthly and Daily Rates | Liveaboards Welcome
Port Madison Yacht Club
Port Madison Yacht Club is located on the north end of the Island in Hidden Cove. The facilities include a modest clubhouse, extensive docks, deep-water buoys, lovely natural grounds, and storage for members’ dinghies and tender boats. To join, membership must be approved by a current club member. Multiple sailing races are sponsored each year, and youth sailing camps are also offered.
Limited Availability | Membership $150+ | Residency Requirement for Moorage
Winslow Wharf Marina
Winslow Wharf Marina is described as a water-based version of a condominium called a dockominium. All slips are privately owned and owner-occupied or used for long-term moorage at monthly rates. They also offer reciprocal moorage for Eagle Harbor Yacht Club members. Short-term moorage is available when owners are gone for extended periods of time. Power is metered, water is provided, and there is a laundromat on site. Free pump-out is available at the City Dock.
Privately Owned Slips | Guest Moorage from $1.65/foot | Liveaboards Welcome
Yacht Sales
Olympic View Yachts
A yacht Broker with an office on Bainbridge Island, Olympic View Yachts offers yachts for sale and locations at three other local marinas. They also offer advice on different sized vessels and can assist with listing your boat for sale. They are a helpful resource, especially if you have questions about equipping a vessel for safe travel in the Pacific Northwest, or yachting in general.
More Island Information
For more local information, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, housing prices by city, local home buying resources, and much more.
Which Bainbridge Island Neighborhood Suits You?
Bainbridge Island’s stunning views and small-town charm attract tourists and buyers alike. It’s also just a quick 35-minute ferry ride away from Seattle. If you are thinking of moving here, it’s best to get an idea of what distinguishes one part of the island from another. Across the island, you’ll find wonderful parks, beaches, hiking trails, and top-tier schools, but there are many different neighborhoods and types of homes. From downtown condos to family-owned farms, wooded retreats to waterfront estates, Bainbridge has an eclectic mix. Here’s an overview of the northern, central, and southern parts of the island.
1. North Bainbridge Island
Above Fay Bainbridge Park. Photo by Leo Phillips.
The Agate Point area is near Agate Pass Bridge, which connects Bainbridge to the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula. There are many homes in the woods and there are others that have water views. It’s also close to the Bloedel Reserve. A 150-acre island gem, the Bloedel Reserve was named one of North America’s Top 10 Botanical Gardens in 2020.
Another notable neighborhood is Port Madison. Homes typically have waterfront views and a New England feel. They’re also conveniently close to the Port Madison Yacht Club, and Fay Bainbridge Park, which has over 1,400 feet of shoreline. This area is also home to the newer Hidden Cove Estates, which has acres of open space and a waterfront park.
If you’re looking for a home with a view of the Olympic Mountains that’s also a waterfront property, consider Manzanita Bay. It has sandy beaches and it is near Meadowmeer Golf & Country Club and 90-acre Battle Point Park.
For a more rural take on island life, Rolling Bay is a quaint community with many homes on acreage. It’s a historic farming area and it’s near the central part of the island. So, you can easily get away from it all yet still be just a ten-minute drive from downtown Winslow.
2. Central Bainbridge Island
Winslow Way and Eagle Harbor. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Central Bainbridge is where to go if you prefer a more urban lifestyle since it’s the economic center of the island, and where the ferry to Seattle is located. Manitou Beach and Murden Cove are perfect places to find a waterfront property with a view of the Seattle skyline.
Wing Point is another popular neighborhood with a variety of homes. Many houses are near Wing Point Golf & Country Club, and some have views of Eagle Harbor.
The cultural center of Bainbridge Island is downtown Winslow. It has interesting boutiques, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, and museums. Thanks to the highly engaged Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, there is never a dull moment. There are many local events including outdoor summer concerts, a great farmers market, and much more. Many properties are within walking distance of Winslow Way, including single-family homes and contemporary condos.
3. South Bainbridge Island
Lynwood Center. Photo by Leo Phillips.
This area has excellent sun exposure and many homes in these neighborhoods have water and/or mountain views. This includes homes in Crystal Springs and Point White. Rockaway Beach and Port Blakely are also popular neighborhoods and there are many low bank waterfront homes there. Additionally, Port Blakely has newer homes built in the early 2000s.
Lynwood Center provides islanders on the south side with their own little downtown, and it’s home to the historic Lynwood Theatre. The surrounding area has grown in recent years with new developments and the renovation of Pleasant Beach Village. You’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants and it is unlike any other area, thanks to its Tudor-style architecture and unique history.
Near the southern tip of the island lies Fort Ward State Park, a 137-acre marine park with over 4,000 feet of shoreline on Rich Passage. The large Fort Ward neighborhood connects to part of Pleasant Beach Drive, which is often referred to as the Gold Coast of Bainbridge since it has many gorgeous, low bank waterfront homes on expansive lots.
After learning more about our island’s neighborhoods, you might be drawn to many of them for different reasons. Can you really go wrong when it comes to living on Bainbridge Island? We don’t think so. Each neighborhood is beautiful in its own way. It’s simply a matter of finding which one fits your wants and needs – and then finding the perfect home to match.
For more information about our area, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, housing prices by city, local home buying resources, and much more.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge Island Saddle Club
The volunteers of Bainbridge Island Saddle Club (BISC) make equestrianism accessible to locals. Powered by the efforts of community members, BISC provides a family-family environment for beginners and experienced riders to come together.
Take it from one of Windermere‘s Brokers Ashley Mathews. “Bainbridge Island Saddle Club is such a hidden gem in this community. Riders come from barns all over Kitsap to compete in the safe and fun schooling shows. Many participate in Pony Club and even learn archery while on horseback. I have had some of the best times riding in Saddle Club shows and enjoy peaceful walks with friends on the trails. We are so lucky!”
Ashley Mathews riding Nektonia in Manzanita Park.
Bainbridge Island Saddle Club’s Mission
Bainbridge Island Saddle Club is a non-profit whose mission is to promote good horsemanship and foster new equestrians. They frequently host a variety of educational activities such as schooling shows and clinics for children and adults.
The schooling show series includes hunter-jump and dressage. Their offerings run from spring to fall. Then the community comes together with an annual awards banquet to celebrate and honor the members’ achievements. Additionally, families from all over Kitsap County participate in their educational clinics to gain experience with their horses.
“It’s a great local horse club for beginners to experienced riders. Volunteers do everything from setting up for the shows, flipping hamburgers and tallying scores. They own acreage, a nice arena, and a snack shack and do monthly horse shows from spring until October. It is located next to Manzanita Park, which has 200 acres with groomed trails,” says Maureen Buckley, Managing Broker.
Maureen Buckley riding Houston at a Dressage Show.
Get Involved
Bainbridge Island Saddle Club is funded through membership fees, event fees, and community members’ donations of time, money, and expertise. An annual membership at BISC comes with multiple benefits such as discounted rates for shows and clinics, invitations to special events, and the chance to win points toward year-end awards and prizes.
Unfortunately, the effects of the pandemic pushed back many facility improvements. Thankfully, last year Bainbridge Island Saddle Club joined One Call For All’s non-profit network. One Call For All supports over 100 non-profits on Bainbridge Island through their annual Red Envelope Campaign. The campaign decreases the direct mail solicitation and cuts down on every non-profits fundraising costs. If you’d like to support Bainbridge Island Saddle Club, you can make a donation online.
Community Spotlight: Bainbridge Youth Services
Since 1970, Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS) has focused on young adults’ social and emotional wellbeing. As a proud community partner, we strongly support the vital work that their staff and volunteers do. From their youth outreach events to the services they provide, they are impacting many lives.
History of Bainbridge Youth Services
In 1962, youth counseling was only available in Bremerton, making it difficult for young adults on Bainbridge Island to find mental health services. Bainbridge residents created Bainbridge Youth Services to provide a safe space for the community’s youth. BYS was monumental in supporting young adults on their mental health journey. Taking inspiration from Bremerton’s Child Guidance Center, BYS started a confidential counseling program, and their programs and events grew over time. Their offerings include Summer Work Internships in partnership with the Rotary Club of Bainbridge and the Peer Tutoring Program.
Our Windermere Bainbridge Island colleagues greatly appreciate these important programs. “I’ve worked with BYS in the past through Raising Resilience, and I’ve supported BYS’s programs and events. I see tremendous value in their on-site, free counseling services and their student empowerment events. Students have shared very moving testimonials at fundraising breakfasts,” says Broker Julie Miller, M.Ed.
Community Impact
2020 was a challenging year for many organizations across Kitsap County, but that didn’t stop BYS. In 2020, BYS shifted focus to virtual events in order to continue supporting youth on Bainbridge Island. “We have been so impressed by how the youth in Kitsap County are so resilient during the pandemic. BYS’s counseling services have given youth a safe place to explore their feelings around the pandemic, grieve over missing events, friendships, and in-person learning,” says Courtney Oliver, Executive Director of Bainbridge Youth Services. “Our youth have persevered through creative outlets like the creation of a Pandemic Bucket List and Pen Pal letters.”
In 2020, Bainbridge Youth Services provided 414 youth with counseling services and skill-building programs, served 161 students of all ages through Peer Tutoring, recognized 16 youth through the Compassionate Act Celebration, connected 118 students to Career Exploration Services, and worked with 342 parents in Parent Education programs.
On Feb. 5, 2021, over 600 community members’ decorated luminaria bags were on display in downtown Winslow for BYS’s “Hope Glows”, a free event to celebrate hope in action. Photo courtesy of BYS. View decorated luminarias.
How You Can Get Involved
Bainbridge Youth Services welcomes community members’ support. To get connected, visit their Get Involved page, where you can volunteer, share ideas, and nominate youth. “Consistently offering free counseling, employment help, tutoring and so much more has proven to literally save lives on Bainbridge Island,” says Broker Shannon Dierickx, who is a former BYS board member. “BYS believes in our youth and being a small part of this organization is one of my proudest endeavors.” Bainbridge Youth Services is part of the fabric of our strong community, and we thank all those involved for their continued efforts to support and empower future generations.
Start the New Year Off Right With These Fun Activities
Each new year brings hope and the chance to start fresh. Here are some activities to help you feel rejuvenated and more connected to this incredible place we call home.
New Year, New View
We all get caught up in our daily lives and sometimes we take this gorgeous area for granted. Grab your coat and visit a trail you haven’t been to in months or ever. There are many great trails here on Bainbridge like Grand Forest, which is made up of 240 acres with approximately eight miles of trails. Kitsap Peninsula offers many wonderful places to enjoy. Another peaceful spot is Point No Point Park and Lighthouse in Hansville. There’s a short nature trail, a beautiful beach, and the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. While you’re taking it all in, try to remember what it felt like to experience this place for the first time. Or, if you grew up here, remember the joy of sharing this place with a visitor. Tapping into that can help you see your surroundings with fresh eyes.
Unplug For One Day
If your routine involves a lot of time in front of a computer or on your phone, take a day to fully unplug. Turn off all of your electronics. Yes, even your phone. It can be challenging yet rewarding. Play a board game with your family, write good ol’ fashioned letters or thank you cards, bake cookies for a neighbor. You may be surprised how often you automatically reach for your phone. In just one day, you can see where you really are on the usage spectrum. And, you may decide you want to limit your screen time as a new year’s resolution. Even if you are fine with how much time you spend in front of screens, a day off from electronics can help you appreciate them more.
Share Your Love of Books, New and Old
Whether you’re a voracious reader or have fond childhood memories of reading some of the classics, start the new year off by sharing your love of books. Donate a few of your books to your nearest Little Free Library so that others can enjoy them. If there isn’t a Little Free Library near you, start your own! Either way, it’s a great way to connect with neighbors, friends, and family over beloved books.
After you add to or start your own Little Free Library, you’ll have the perfect excuse to visit your local bookstore. After all, you’ll have gaps on your bookshelf that you’ll need to fill. You can find an array of excellent books at Eagle Harbor Book Co. here on Bainbridge Island and Poulsbo’s Liberty Bay Books.
If you never seem to have the time to sit down with a good book, try downloading a free app called Libby. You can borrow audiobooks by connecting the app to your Kitsap Regional Library card. It’s user-friendly and offers tons of bestsellers and classics for free.
Create a Gratitude Jar
Want a simple yet meaningful activity that gets the whole family involved? Get a large jar and decorate it with the word “gratitude” on it or purchase a gratitude jar like this one. Every week, your family members can put little notes in it, describing what you’re thankful for and memorable moments. To establish this new habit, pick a day that you’ll each add one note to the jar, like on Sundays after dinner. That way, it quickly becomes part of your routine. Also, make sure your gratitude jar is in a prominent place so anyone can jot down a note whenever they want. At the end of the year, you’ll get to go through all of these little notes together. It’s an easy way to regularly practice gratitude and an enjoyable way to reflect on the year’s highlights.
We wish you a happy, healthy 2021!
The Suquamish Museum: Honoring Traditions
Images courtesy of the Suquamish Museum.
In honor of Native American Heritage Month and in recognition of the Suquamish Tribe today and every day, we’re highlighting an incredible local attraction and resource: Suquamish Museum.
The Suquamish Tribe has lived here for centuries, long before settlers arrived. Their history is scattered across this region, and locals and visitors have the unique opportunity to visit Suquamish Museum to learn more about their history, traditions, upcoming events, local artisans, and more.
An Immersive Learning Experience
This museum is a cornerstone attraction that sits in the heart of Suquamish Village on the Port Madison Reservation. Opened in 2012, the museum features two exhibit galleries, an educational classroom space, a research space, a museum store, and beautiful grounds with a storytelling area. The Suquamish Museum staff often plan and host various educational workshops that are all free with general admission.
The first gallery houses a permanent exhibit, Ancient Shores – Changing Tides. Upon entering the gallery, visitors can experience an interactive exhibition. It engages the senses to provide a window into Suquamish culture and traditions. The display integrates Lushootseed, the language of the Suquamish tribe. This helps visitors gain a better understanding of the Suquamish’s way of life.
Current Featured Exhibit and Museum Guidelines
The second gallery rotates through different exhibits to feature specific historical events, customs and traditions, and pieces from Native artists. Their latest exhibit features art from Joes Ives. Ives is from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe in Kingston. His mask carvings and designs have been used by his family and neighbors to illustrate traditional S’Klallam stories that have been passed down for centuries.
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- Portrait Courtesy of the Suquamish Museum
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- Graphic courtesy of the Suquamish Museum
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- Portrait Courtesy of the Suquamish Museum
Due to COVID-19, the museum hours are now Friday – Sunday from 10 AM – 4 PM and are by appointment only with a maximum of 5 people per group. To further protect the community, the museum requires visitors to complete a non-invasive temperature check and questionnaire on arrival.
Info courtesy of Suquamish Museum.
Leota Anthony Museum Store & Current Sale
The museum’s gift shop, the Leota Anthony Museum Store, has a Black Friday sale going on until November 30, 2020. Suquamish Tribal households and Museum Friends get 30% off of their purchase. You can virtually walk through the store and find wonderful holiday gifts. If you aren’t part of the Museum Friends Program, there are different membership packages ranging from $15 for individuals to $40 for couples. They all include free membership, a 10% store discount, special invitations, and more. For more information, contact Casey Lewis: clewis@suquamish.nsn.us or 360-394-8499.
Nearby Historical Sites
There are a variety of historical attractions steps away from the museum, including Chief Seattle’s gravesite, Suquamish Veterans Memorial, House of Awakened Culture, and Old Man House Park. Walking through this beautiful, historic area is an inspiring privilege that locals and tourists will benefit from. As their neighbors, we are grateful for the museum, their traditions, and celebrations.
Local Holiday Events You Can Safely Enjoy This Year
While the holidays will look different this year due to the pandemic, there are still many ways to safely enjoy them. We’ve compiled a list of local holiday events. Please note that at the time of publication, all of these events were scheduled to occur. But due to the situation with COVID-19, it’s important to check event websites and state guidelines in order to get the most up-to-date information.
Outdoor Celebrations
Bloedel Reserve’s Winter in the Woods
With over 150 acres to enjoy, the Reserve is always a treat. Through most of December and into the beginning of 2021, you can stroll across their beautiful grounds and spot cleverly crafted snow people. They also have a Wishing Tree with individually wrapped wooden ornaments and pencils that you can use to add your wishes for the new year.
When: Dec. 5, 2020 – Jan. 3, 2021, open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Where: Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island
Cost: Included with Admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance online via timed tickets. Canned food donations are requested, which support YWCA Kitsap County.
Lighted Ships Parade
Every year, Rudolph leads Santa across the Puget Sound, greeting people along the parade route. Although there won’t be the typical festivities due to social distancing requirements, this is still a fun way to mark the holidays. This will be the 51st year of this tradition, put on by the Poulsbo Yacht Club. Bring some hot chocolate and enjoy the beautiful parade of festively lit boats. Or, register your lighted ship to “be the light”.
When: December 12, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Starts at Poulsbo Yacht Club Marina with a schedule/route
Cost: Free
Holiday at Fay – Drive-Through Event
Enjoy an illuminated, festive holiday show from the comfort of your car. Play your favorite holiday songs with your family and drive through their dazzling display. For info and updates, follow their Facebook event here.
When: 2nd and 3rd weekends in December, Friday-Sunday, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Fay Bainbridge Park, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $20 per vehicle. Register here using Activity #541006
Gingerbread House Parties
Delicious fun for everyone, build a gingerbread house in the covered Wintergarden with a table of up to 5 guests. Take-and-Make-at-Home Kits are also available.
When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 20, Thurs. – Sun. with time slots to register for in advance
Where: The Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village, Bainbridge Island
Cost: $48 + tax for one 1 house up to 5 people; Take-and-Make-at-Home Kit $38 + tax. Space is limited so reserve your spot early.
Creative Indoor Holiday Fun
A Chanukah Celebration (Music of John Zorn’s Masada)
Watch this live, 2-part Chanukah celebration while cozied up at home. Seattle musicians James Falzone, Wayne Horvitz, Darren Loucas, Keith Lowe, and Evan Woodle will be playing John Zorn’s music live on the Royal Room Stage. Ben Sisario of The New York Times says, “Masada, which [John Zorn] began in the early 1990s, was an attempt to explore his own roots and expand the idea of Jewish music through a ‘songbook’ that linked the language of klezmer and jazz.”
When: Dec. 11 and 17 at 7:30 PM
Where: Online at LiveConcertStream.com. More info here.
Cost: Free but donations to the artists encouraged.
Emerald Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet, Online
If you missed last year’s production of this holiday classic, you can now watch it at home. Emerald Ballet Theatre will be streaming their 2019 recording so you can enjoy this incredible production, which performed to sold-out audiences.
When: Digital premiere on Dec. 11 at 7:00 PM and it will remain online for viewing through the weekend.
Where: Online
Cost: Free but donations encouraged.
If you know of other safe, local holiday events happening on Bainbridge Island or around the Kitsap Peninsula that aren’t included here, please let us know on our new Facebook page, Windermere Sound Living. It’s where we’re celebrating the communities we serve with uplifting stories, helpful resources, and interesting local events.
We wish you and your family a safe, healthy holiday season!
The Windermere Difference on Bainbridge Island
Our Agents are Proud, Knowledgeable Locals
Windermere Bainbridge is so much more than a real estate company. Our 36 agents and 5 staff members are all active community members. We share a love of the Pacific Northwest and are proud of Bainbridge Island’s excellent schools and vibrant downtown with its eclectic mix of small businesses. Whether we are helping you buy your dream house or sell your island home, we are here to support you. We have a global marketing network, high quality, local vendors, and vast knowledge of the area that spans generations.
The Pearl of the Puget Sound
Bainbridge Island is a very unique place to call home. It’s nestled between the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound. Ideal for retirees, parents, Seattle professionals who enjoy a beautiful commute by ferry. Fill your need for adventure by exploring the Olympic National Park, kayaking or stand up paddling on the Sound, and taking advantage of nature trails that wrap around the island.
Not only is our location incredible, but the people are as well. We support our community organizations and take care of one another. If volunteering, taking care of the planet, or shopping small are activities you enjoy, Bainbridge is your place. Our Windermere Bainbridge team is highly involved in the community. You will often find our agents strolling the farmers market, enjoying Friday art walks, or participating in community events and programs.
Windermere Bainbridge: All in, for you!
We provide a range of real estate services. If you are a first-time homebuyer checking out homes for sale, we will listen to your wants and needs and help you find a home in the neighborhood that best suits you. Thinking of moving? We have agents who are relocation specialists who will support you through this transition. Perhaps you’d like to downsize, sell, or purchase an investment property. We are here for you. Many of our agents are luxury home experts who specialize in the unique needs of our premier clientele and the distinctive marketing tactics required to sell premier properties.
Our team possesses a range of 4 – 37 years in the industry with an office average of 16 years. We know the ins and outs of the island’s housing market, the current mortgage rates, and more. “All in, for you” isn’t something we simply say. We really do go above and beyond for our clients.
Learn More about Bainbridge Island
If you’d like to learn more about our wonderful island community, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, local home buying resources, and much more.
