Summer starts here, and it’s going to be the best summer ever!
EAT, EXPLORE, HIKE, SWIM, paddle & SHOP YOUR WAY ACROSS THE KITSAP PENINSULA. HERE’S A WHOLE LIST OF WAYS TO THRIVE THIS SUMMER! This is your guide to mixing and matching endless summer fun on the Kitsap Peninsula.
We live for summer - the long days, the trips to the tidepools, the BBQs, and community gatherings…we love these few glorious months. Everything is green, and the weather is great!
Love Kitsap is your resource for outdoor adventures, patio happy hours, and the best summer experiences on the Kitsap Peninsula.
summer events we love!
Explore Kitsap Itinieraries
Keep reading for a list of fun, family-friendly activities & things to do in Port Orchard, Washington, rain or shine!
Sometimes it seems like Kitsap experiences all 4 seasons on the same day. Especially in Spring, the Kitsap Peninsula can go from sunshine to drizzle to a double rainbow and back to blue skies all in the same day.
October on the Kitsap Peninsula - the days grow shorter, darker, and as we approach Halloween, the family festivities and fun go into full swing. Kingston,Bremerton, Poulsbo, and beyond host a variety of pumpkin patches and Halloween events for families.
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Poulsbo waterfront with Walter, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
Your guide to the Bremerton National Airport, Kitsap’s largest and most well appointed airport!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!
Things to do on Bainbridge Island in any weather - rain or shine! Let’s explore indoor activities for day when you want to avoid the rain and outdoor adventures when you want to be outside!
A walk down Bay Street on the Port Orchard’s waterfront with business owner Sam Smith, reveals a cluster of shops, restaurants and experiences that are perfect for a few hours with the family, friends or flying solo.
Molly Brahmer, local muralist and owner of Molly Brahmer Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Brittany Hess, owner of Dos Casas Thrift, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Danielle Rimbert, local artist, community leader, and owner of Rimbert Illustration, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
How to spend 2 hours exploring downtown Bremerton. Discover shops, food, drink, activities and things to do on the Bremerton waterfront including restaurants, shops, bars & movie theaters.
We love exploring our state parks, no matter the season…but summer is a truly special time to get outside and appreciate all that the Kitsap Peninsula has to offer.
If you only have a few hours on the bremerton waterfront and want explore public parks on foot, here’s a great walkable itinerary that takes you to easy accessible parks and public spaces to relax and play.
Coreen Haydock, Port Orchard’s Citizen of the Year and co-owner of Waterman Mitigation Partners, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Step aboard the new Suquamish Heritage Bus Tour - a small group guided experience created by the Suquamish Museum to some of the most culturally and historically significant sites of the Suquamish people.
Korum Bischoff, Deputy Director of Bainbridge Island Museum Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Jake + Jackie are local veterans, teachers and authors from the South Kitsap community. They’re sharing their favorite local adventures, swimming holes, tours and eateries in this episode of Secret Summer.
Ready, set…SNAP! Who doesn’t love to take a selfie in front of something beautiful, unique, extraordinary and hashtag worthy? Finding yourself in front of a colorful mural or a giant wooden gnome is a PERFECT excuse to memorialize the moment with a selfie for Facebook and Insta. Here is a round up of just a few of the amazing places on the Kitsap Peninsula to take photos in front of!
Explore with local Port Gamble Town Manager, Pete Orbea, or as he’s known in the paranormal realms - Paranormal Pete! Port Gamble is a small historic town in North Kitsap known for its beautiful views, small town charm and paranormal activities.
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Port Orchard waterfront with Moby, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
Spring on the Kitsap Peninsula means the start of FARMER'S MARKET SEASON and we couldn't be happier! 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!
Spring blooms are blossoming across Kitsap and there are many wonderful gardens, greenhouses and nurseries to visit to experience the very best of Spring!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Illahee Preserve with Autumn, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
This historic state park sits on the eastern shores of Port Orchard and offers camping, beach exploration, event facilities, and hours of fun. Watch Seattle/Bremerton ferries chug past as juvenile bald eagles roost overhead among the thick pine boughs.
75 acres of perfect park and 1785 feet of saltwater shoreline, Illahee (ill-uh-hee!) State Park is a local favorite for diving, beach combing, hiking, boating and waterfront adventures.
Tucked into the folds of the Seabeck shoreline, the nature reserve takes some driving to get to, but trust us, it’s worth every moment.
Summer Markets + events
Farmers Markets
(see next section)
Bainbridge Island
First Friday Art Walk
Year-Round | 5-8p
First Friday BIMA Afterparty
Year-Round | 8p
Moonlight Market
1st Friday
Opening day: TBD | 5-9p
Bremerton
First Friday Art Walk
Year-Round | 5-8p
Boardwalk Night Market
First Friday
Opening Day: May 2nd
May 2, June 6, July 11 + Oct 3 | 5-9p
Kingston
Sunset Market
1st Sat | 5-8p
June-Oct
Opening Day: TBD
Storie Vintage Market
April-Nov | 10a-5p
One weekend per month
Opening Date: TBD
Port Gamble
Ghost Walks and Special Paranormal Investigations
Year-Round | 7-10p | 16+
Port Gamble Cruise Nights
Thursdays | 4-7p
April-Sept
Port Orchard
Port Orchard Night Market
One Saturday per month
June-Sept
Opening Day: TBD
Poulsbo
2nd Saturday Art Walk
Year-Round | 5-8p
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!
Bainbridge Farmers Market
Town Square @ City Hall
Saturdays, 10a-2p
2026 Opening Day: TBD
Bremerton Community Farmers Market
Evergreen Park
Thursdays, 5-8p
2026 Opening Day: TBD
Kingston Waterfront Market
Mike Wallace Park / Ferry Terminal
Sundays, 10a-3p
2026 Opening Day: TBD
Port Orchard Farmers Market
Bay Street/Waterfront Marina
Saturdays, 9a-2p
2026 Opening Day: TBD
Poulsbo Farmers Market
Gateway Fellowship Parking Lot
Saturdays, 10a-2p
2026 Opening Day: TBD
Outdoor concerts
SUMMER EVENINGS AND LIVE MUSIC ARE HEATING UP ON THE KITSAP PENINSULA.
Summer is when the true beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula is on full display, and the long, warm days are perfect for spending as much time outside as possible. You’ll find a wide variety of magnificent backdrops for live music and events from Olalla all the way to Kingston. We’ve compiled all the information into one place, allowing you to easily experience your favorite bands amongst stunning views and tasty foods. It really can’t get any better than a beautiful location paired with live music.
Peruse the concert calendar to search by date or click the button below to search by concert location.
**The concert calendar is updated once the organizing groups have announced their concert schedules.
ice cream
July is National Ice Cream Month
The average American consumes about 4 gallons of ice cream per year...have you met your quota yet?
Since JULY is National Ice Cream month, it’s only fitting to shout out a few great spots up and down the Peninsula to grab a scoop, or two...or three...
Island Cool
Kingston, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo
Enjoy ice cream the old-fashioned way, in small batches with fresh milk, cane sugar, ripe fruit, and imported chocolate.
Scoops & Bites
Bremerton Ferry Terminal
This friendly shop specializes in yummy snacks, ice cream, loads of toppings, and of course their SUPER SHAKES!
Sapling Gelato
Bremerton's Evergreen Park
Serving legit gelato right next to Evergreen Park. Sit next to the fire pit outside.
Carter and Co.
Port Orchard Waterfront
Bay Street is a much sweeter place thanks to its ice cream, chocolate, and bakery goods.
state parks
Port Orchard
Manchester State Park
Blake Island State Park
Bremerton
Seabeck
Scenic Beach State Park
Poulsbo
Kitsap Memorial State Park
KID-FRIENDLY aDVENtURES
Endless summer 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. *wink*
waterfront EATS
With hundreds and hundreds of shoreline miles, there are endless options for water view dining. Eat, drink, and be merry all summer long at these favorite local foodie hangouts with incredible views and outdoor seating options.
OUTDOOR EXPLORATION
Although there will never be enough summer days to experience EVERY adventure the Kitsap Peninsula offers, we can - and will - TRY! Summer months on the Kitsap Peninsula enhance the already perfect trails, beaches, gardens, swimming holes, and unique outdoor experiences. Here is a round-up of some of our favorite spots to hit up when the sun is shining its warmest.
Pet-Friendly adventures map
explore even more Kitsap adventures!
Explore with Kitsap with a local botanical garden director, Baqi Kopelman of Vista Gardens, as he shares his love for Kitsap restaurants, local businesses, and his favorite Kitsap experiences.
Keep reading for a list of fun, family-friendly activities & things to do in Port Orchard, Washington, rain or shine!
Sometimes it seems like Kitsap experiences all 4 seasons on the same day. Especially in Spring, the Kitsap Peninsula can go from sunshine to drizzle to a double rainbow and back to blue skies all in the same day.
October on the Kitsap Peninsula - the days grow shorter, darker, and as we approach Halloween, the family festivities and fun go into full swing. Kingston,Bremerton, Poulsbo, and beyond host a variety of pumpkin patches and Halloween events for families.
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Poulsbo waterfront with Walter, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
Your guide to the Bremerton National Airport, Kitsap’s largest and most well appointed airport!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet friendly place to travel, adventure and explore. Here’s our list of 20 dog friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup!
Things to do on Bainbridge Island in any weather - rain or shine! Let’s explore indoor activities for day when you want to avoid the rain and outdoor adventures when you want to be outside!
A walk down Bay Street on the Port Orchard’s waterfront with business owner Sam Smith, reveals a cluster of shops, restaurants and experiences that are perfect for a few hours with the family, friends or flying solo.
Molly Brahmer, local muralist and owner of Molly Brahmer Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Brittany Hess, owner of Dos Casas Thrift, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Danielle Rimbert, local artist, community leader, and owner of Rimbert Illustration, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
How to spend 2 hours exploring downtown Bremerton. Discover shops, food, drink, activities and things to do on the Bremerton waterfront including restaurants, shops, bars & movie theaters.
We love exploring our state parks, no matter the season…but summer is a truly special time to get outside and appreciate all that the Kitsap Peninsula has to offer.
If you only have a few hours on the bremerton waterfront and want explore public parks on foot, here’s a great walkable itinerary that takes you to easy accessible parks and public spaces to relax and play.
Coreen Haydock, Port Orchard’s Citizen of the Year and co-owner of Waterman Mitigation Partners, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Step aboard the new Suquamish Heritage Bus Tour - a small group guided experience created by the Suquamish Museum to some of the most culturally and historically significant sites of the Suquamish people.
Korum Bischoff, Deputy Director of Bainbridge Island Museum Art, gives you the ‘Secret Summer’ scoop on the restaurants, shops, parks, and places to explore during the sunny months in Kitsap.
Jake + Jackie are local veterans, teachers and authors from the South Kitsap community. They’re sharing their favorite local adventures, swimming holes, tours and eateries in this episode of Secret Summer.
Ready, set…SNAP! Who doesn’t love to take a selfie in front of something beautiful, unique, extraordinary and hashtag worthy? Finding yourself in front of a colorful mural or a giant wooden gnome is a PERFECT excuse to memorialize the moment with a selfie for Facebook and Insta. Here is a round up of just a few of the amazing places on the Kitsap Peninsula to take photos in front of!
Explore with local Port Gamble Town Manager, Pete Orbea, or as he’s known in the paranormal realms - Paranormal Pete! Port Gamble is a small historic town in North Kitsap known for its beautiful views, small town charm and paranormal activities.
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Port Orchard waterfront with Moby, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
Spring on the Kitsap Peninsula means the start of FARMER'S MARKET SEASON and we couldn't be happier! 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!
Spring blooms are blossoming across Kitsap and there are many wonderful gardens, greenhouses and nurseries to visit to experience the very best of Spring!
The Kitsap Peninsula is a very pet-friendly place to travel, adventure, and explore. Explore the Illahee Preserve with Autumn, plus check out our list of 20 dog-friendly trails and off-leash parks to have fun with your pup in Kitsap!
This historic state park sits on the eastern shores of Port Orchard and offers camping, beach exploration, event facilities, and hours of fun. Watch Seattle/Bremerton ferries chug past as juvenile bald eagles roost overhead among the thick pine boughs.
75 acres of perfect park and 1785 feet of saltwater shoreline, Illahee (ill-uh-hee!) State Park is a local favorite for diving, beach combing, hiking, boating and waterfront adventures.
Tucked into the folds of the Seabeck shoreline, the nature reserve takes some driving to get to, but trust us, it’s worth every moment.
GREAT SWIMMING HOLES
Kitsap Lake, Bremerton
Jump in and cool off in one of Kitsap’s biggest and most popular lakes.
Wildcat Lake, Bremerton
Grab the floaty and some friends for a day on the water on this CK lake.
Illahee State Park, Bremerton
In the summer, the chilly waters of the Puget Sound are perfect for cooling off.
Long Lake, Port Orchard
Perennial Port Orchard local favorite for wakeboarding, fishing and swimming.
Horseshoe Lake, Port Orchard
A small lakeside park in SK that has picnic areas, a boat launch and a nearby golf course and summer camp.
Olalla Bay, Olalla
Home to the local polar plunge. But you can plunge in the summer too!
waterfront shopping
In the summer months, the Kitsap Peninsula’s waterfront areas are home to a variety of live music, festivals, and markets in addition to constant picturesque outdoor dining and shopping.
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 summer months. Its picturesque downtown core features a Little Norway vibe, paying homage to its roots, with rosemaled storefronts and shopping areas.
PORT ORCHARD
A walk down Bay Street on 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.
MANETTE
Easy pedestrian access to many area shops, restaurants, and parks is great - but we especially appreciate the ease with which one can walk from Manette to Downtown Port Orchard.
Explore with Kitsap with a local botanical garden director, Baqi Kopelman of Vista Gardens, as he shares his love for Kitsap restaurants, local businesses, and his favorite Kitsap experiences.