Autumn in Kitsap

EAT, EXPLORE & SHOP YOUR WAY ACROSS THE KITSAP PENINSULA. Here’s your guide to endless autumn fun on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Autumn on the Kitsap Peninsula is where the Pacific Northwest truly comes alive. As the air turns crisp and leaves shift to fiery hues of amber, gold, and crimson, Kitsap transforms into a cozy, soul-stirring escape. Morning mists rise over the water, farm stands overflow with fresh apples and pumpkins, and forest trails crunch underfoot with every step. Whether you're sipping cider at a local harvest festival, exploring the vibrant art scenes in small waterfront towns, or watching salmon run in the clear, rushing streams, fall in Kitsap offers a uniquely intimate and magical Northwest experience. It’s a season that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and fall in love—with nature, with community, and with the quieter rhythm of peninsula life.

state parks          

Port Orchard
Manchester State Park
Blake Island State Park

Bremerton
Illahee State Park

Seabeck
Scenic Beach State Park

Poulsbo
Kitsap Memorial State Park

Kitsap comfort EATS

Kitsap’s independent eateries—whether tucked into historic downtowns or perched on scenic waterfronts—serve up more than just comfort food. They offer a taste of community, rooted in local ingredients, family traditions, and Northwest hospitality. With each bite, you’re not just nourishing your body—you’re savoring the stories, care, and heart that make Kitsap feel like home.

Kitsap’s Annual Autumn Events

STAY in Kitsap

KID-FRIENDLY ADVENtURES

Endless autumn adventures are everywhere you turn around the Kitsap Peninsula. Here are some that are a bit more enjoyable for our younger adventure buddies. This list is geared towards shorter trails, playgrounds, splish-splashing, and might even be a bit educational.

PUMPKIN PATCHES

AUTUMN AT THE FARMER’S MARKETS

The days are longer, the dahlias are blooming and the weekends welcome local farmers, vendors and artisans. Each Farmer’s Market around the Kitsap Peninsula has its own notable flair, no two are alike. That’s why we’ve created this handy round-up so you can plan to experience them all! Some of our local markets brave the potential elements and continue to thrive well into the autumn season. Below is a list of our longest-running markets in Kitsap.

Poulsbo

Poulsbo’s waterfront sits along Liberty Bay in the northern part of Kitsap County. Liberty Bay is a protected arm of the Puget Sound and is thus calmer and more placid than other places. This makes Poulsbo a haven for boaters, especially in the beautiful autumn months. Its picturesque downtown core features a Little Norway vibe, paying homage to its roots, with rosemaled storefronts and shopping areas. Poulsbo’s locally crafted beer scene comes alive at the end of summer, hosting a beer run, brew fest, along with several micro Oktoberfest celebrations.

PORT ORCHARD

A walk down Bay Street on the Port Orchard’s waterfront reveals a cluster of shops, restaurants and experiences that are perfect for a few hours with the family, friends or flying solo. Port Orchard isn’t glitzy or ostentatious but it does have great locals and tons of heart.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

The opposite end of the island is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Winslow Way is the waterfront shopping mecca of the island with plenty of restaurants, bars, and wineries to give you reprieve from your shopping adventures. You’ll find all your pickleball needs here in the land of Pickleball’s founding town. Test your escape room skills on a cloudy day or cozy up inside Cafe Hitchcock and enjoy farm-to-table eats and drinks. Year-round, the first Friday of the month is devoted to art and you’ll encounter various musicians performing in outdoor alcoves, stages, and lobbies while artists live paint. The wine is poured freely and dancing is highly encouraged. A First Friday on Bainbridge Island is at the top of our list of must-do Kitsap experiences.