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Fun Annual and Recurring Events on Bainbridge Island
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
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.
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 Island Parks Foundation
If great schools top the list of what draws new homebuyers to Bainbridge Island, great parks aren’t far behind. With more than 1,500 acres of public park land and a trails system that stretches 40 miles in all directions, exploring and enjoying Bainbridge parks goes to the very heart of island living.
Just ask Windermere Bainbridge Island Broker Jason Shutt. Serving on the board of the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, Jason sees firsthand the payback that comes from the community’s investment in parks and trails.
“I grew up across the street from a large urban park and spent vacations going to national parks. So recreation is in my blood,” says Jason. He lives near Winslow town center with his wife Mairead and their three children. “I joined the Parks Foundation to ensure I live in a place that gives these same opportunities to others.”
An Island Rich in Parks
The island’s sprawling park system is managed by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District, a municipal agency. But islanders consistently ask for amenities above and beyond what general tax funding affords. That’s where the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation comes in.
Closely aligned with, but independent from the Park District, the nonprofit Parks Foundation has raised more than $1,000,000 in private funds over the past five years. All funds raised have been for parks and trails projects, which benefit young and old alike. The Foundation led the development of Owen’s Playground, the island’s first accessible playground for kids of all abilities, at Rotary Park.
Photos of Owen’s Playground by Leo Phillips.
The new Pickleball Founders Courts at Battle Point Park opened last summer, built by Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District with support from the Parks Foundation. The six dedicated courts and plaza are pickleball’s first-ever permanent home on Bainbridge, honoring the game that was invented on Bainbridge Island in 1965.
Founders Courts. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Various Initiatives and Programs
The Foundation’s Community Grants program has supported countless smaller projects, from the high school sailing team’s fleet to diving boards and water stations at the Aquatic Center. Joe Richards, a Windermere Bainbridge Island Managing Broker and 22-year resident, has been involved with the Aquatic Center for over nine years and knows first-hand how beneficial it is. “The Masters swimming program, under the leadership of our world-class coach April Cheadle, has exceeded anything I could have hoped for. Thank you BI Parks for providing this person, this program, and this place for our community.”
The Foundation’s support also extends to environmental stewardship and restoration year-round, from Blakely Harbor Park to the Grand Forest, to smaller neighborhood parks islandwide. This is done through the Summer Trails Crew, Nonprofits Helping Parks, and other programs.
The Foundation’s current initiative, KidsUp! The Next Generation of Play at Battle Point Park is rebuilding the original KidsUp! as another inclusive, accessible playground. The centerpiece will be a giant, one-of-a-kind ferry boat play structure with climbable Orca whales. They will be “swimming” nearby to delight and educate kids about the natural environment of the Salish Sea.
“The more you learn about the Parks Foundation, the more you have to be impressed with its impact. Serving on the Foundation board has certainly opened my eyes,” Jason says. “I’m glad to share it with my clients, colleagues in the real estate community, and anyone else who asks. We have world-class parks here, and the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation is a big reason why.”
The Leader in Trails
When it comes to Bainbridge’s trails, you can quickly see Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation’s impact. The Foundation works with the Park District, the City of Bainbridge Island, and other stakeholders to plan and fund new trails connecting parks and neighborhoods. Soon you’ll be able to hike from Winslow all the way to Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve – an unprecedented cross-island route. It’s sure to be a real draw for visitors. And, it’s already drawing people to the island. Online guides like TripAdvisor are full of testimonials from around the country, including hikers wowed by our trails.
Current and Future Benefits
The Foundation is about to launch a major Trails Campaign. This will fund the development of 10 miles of new trails over the next five years. With museums, restaurants, and other cultural spaces largely closed down and/or limited due to the pandemic, many of us have turned to the outdoors for connection and health. No matter where you live on Bainbridge Island, there’s a park or trail near you. The Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation has probably done something to make it better.
“COVID has really brought the importance of our Bainbridge parks into focus,” says Jason, who co-chaired the Sakai Park bond campaign, to create the 23-acre park five years ago. “The lockdown and social distancing have kept us all pretty close to home for the past year. But we have our parks and trails as an outlet to stay active and healthy and grounded. Our community is extremely fortunate, and it shows what a great investment our parks have been and continue to be.”
You can find out more about the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation on their website, and you can support a park project that’s important to you.
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.
Best Day Trips From Bainbridge Island
Feeling cooped up and wanting to get away? Take a day trip! You’ll feel far away yet you’ll still be able to make it home for the night. While we know there are many incredible places to explore in our area, here are a few great day trip ideas to get you started. Travel times listed below are from Bainbridge Island to the destination.
Note: Due to the unpredictability of the pandemic, please call ahead or check online to make sure you’re able to visit. Don’t forget about COVID-19 precautions.
Cape Flattery – Makah Trail
Photo by Makah Tribal Council
Escape to the northwestern most point of the contiguous United States for the epic weathered bluffs and spectacular vistas of Cape Flattery. A true seaside bluff experience! Traverse the cliffside trails and find your perfect picnic spot. Be sure to respect the environment and pack out all your waste; there aren’t any garbage cans along the trail.
Drive Time: 3 Hours, 20 Minutes
Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center – Olympic National Park
Photo by Bittina Erickson
Hurricane Ridge Road leads you up the peak of the majestic Olympic Mountains for epic panoramic views. Once you get up the mountain road (be sure to drive cautiously), you’ll see the Visitor Center lodge devoted to the preservation of the park with ample parking and outdoor seating to enjoy the vista. The best time to go is summertime, but the park is open year-round if you bring chains and plan ahead!
Drive Time: 2 Hours
Finnriver Farm & Cidery on the Way to Port Townsend
Photo by Finnriver
On your drive to the seaside town of Port Townsend (a wonderful day drip of its own), you’ll find the rustic Finnriver Farm & Cidery, serving organic farm to table cider since 2004! They also offer delicious food options like Dented Buoy‘s wood-fired pizza and they have touchless ordering and Covid protocols in place. Enjoy Finnriver’s beautiful outdoor seating area and take a walk through the orchard. From there, Port Townsend is only 20 minutes away!
Finnriver Drive Time: 40 Minutes; Port Townsend Drive Time: 1 Hour
Tree of Life (aka The Root Cave)
Photo by Kalaloch Lodge
Nestled on the Kalaloch seashore sits the magnificent Tree of Life. Despite its exposed roots, this massive undying Sitka Spruce stands strong and verdant. If you’re feeling daring, take a walk under the Tree of Life’s root cave at low tide for a truly enchanting Washington experience. For a longer adventure, the Kalaloch Lodge and Campground are just up the shore!
Drive Time: 3 Hours, 10 Minutes
Olympic Sculpture Park – Seattle Art Museum
Photo by Weiss/Manfredi
Outdoor art abounds at the Sculpture Park on the Seattle Waterfront – just a 30-minute ferry ride away! The multiple award-winning Sculpture Park is a hallmark of the Seattle Art Museum, with nine acres of “monumental” artworks. Along with the art, the adjoining Myrtle Edwards Park provides miles of walking trails and beaches to enjoy. If you have time on your way back, there’s always something fun to do at the Seattle Waterfront.
Ferry Time: 30 Minutes
If you have another great idea for a day trip from Bainbridge Island, let us know on our Windermere Sound Living Facebook page.
Learn More about Bainbridge Island
If you’re new to the area and would like to learn more about Bainbridge Island, check out our Newcomer’s Guide. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, arts and culture, local home buying resources, and more.
