GUIDE: Annual Kitsap Events Guide
Mark your calendar, here’s an overview of the major events happening in Kitsap this year.
The communities of Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Port Gamble, Silverdale, Bremerton & Port Orchard host a variety of unique and fun events throughout the year. We’ve rounded up the major events for 2026 so travelers and locals can plan their Kitsap adventures accordingly. From Poulsbo’s Viking Fest to the iconic Bremerton Bridge Blast, there’s plenty to do every month of the year…
Find all these events and add them to your calendar app using the button below! 👇👇👇
FEBRUARY
Valisblot Bonfire
February 7th
Grab your sweetheart and gather on the Poulsbo waterfront for a Nordic Valentine's celebration bonfire. Enjoy a friendly gathering, feasting, imbibing, and sweets, all around the raucous (but family-friendly) bonfire celebration. Make it a date night by dining at one of Poulsbo’s many amazing restaurants.
Location: Poulsbo Waterfront
Kitsap Wedding Expo 2025
February 7th
The largest wedding show in the West Sound features over 70 vendors and a full schedule of tips, demonstrations, and services. This is your chance to meet with the best wedding professionals in the area to gather information & ideas throughout the venue. Kitsap provides a magical PNW backdrop for your big day and there is no shortage of venues, caterers, stylists, boutiques, florists, and planners to make sure your nuptials are unforgettable.
Location: Kitsap County Fairgrounds & Events Center
Chilly Hilly
February 23rd
This annual bicycle event allows riders to traverse beautiful Bainbridge Island in the middle of winter (hence, chilly!). The 33-mile loop around the island takes riders along the shore to soak in Seattle’s skyline, through forested rural roads, and (true to name) up and down some memorable hills.
This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy, education, and community rides.
The Found Market
February 27+28th
Presented by Josephine's Mercantile and Valley Vintage Market, the annual event features a collection of vintage, gathered, and repurposed furniture, home decor, handmade items by local artisans & industrial design. Friday ‘early bird’ tickets are available.
Location: Kitsap County Fairgrounds & Events Center
MARCH
Poulsbo Beer Run
March 14th
This fun Poulsbo tradition is a great way to celebrate your love of beer and community, and also get moving with friends. Visit all locations on a 4-mile route, then head back to your starting point to receive your finisher’s prize!
Participating breweries include Valhöll, Rainy Daze, Western Red, Echoes, Ty’s Wine & Brew, and Bushel and Barrel Ciderhouse (at the Viking Statue)
Location: various downtown Poulsbo breweries
Bushel & Barrel Holi Festival
March 14th
Come celebrate the Hindu holiday of Holi, the festival of colors, at Kitsap’s favorite Ciderhouse! No need to travel to India or Nepal, just head to central Kitsap and join the fun! Colorful powder can be purchased, and this is where we enjoy the casting of all the colors of the rainbow in the heavens and adorning our bodies and clothing with the hues to bring levity to a normal Wednesday afternoon. We will have a Nepalese prayer wheel, and you can choose to write your wishes, prayers, resolutions, or just happy thoughts, and cast them into the world.
Location: Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse
Saint Patrick's Day Parade
March 14th
Gather in downtown Bremerton, clad in green, for this super fun annual community event celebrating Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day from 2-5pm.
Location: Downtown Bremerton / 4th + Pacific Ave
Farmers’ Market Opening Dates!
March 28: Poulsbo
April 4: Bainbridge Island
April 12: Port Orchard
May 3: Seabeck
May 7: Bremerton
May 10: Kingston
TBD: Silverdale
may
Night Market Opening Dates!
May 1: Bremerton
May 2: Kingston
June 20: Port Orchard
TBD: Bainbridge
Viking Fest
May 15-17th
Viking Fest takes place the 3rd weekend of May, coinciding with the Norwegian Independence Celebration “Syttende Mai”. Poulsbo can be reached by car, by driving across the Tacoma Narrows, or by ferry from Seattle or Edmonds. Poulsbo can also be reached by boat or seaplane.
Location: Poulsbo Waterfront
Armed Forces Day Parade
May 16th
In I948, the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce organized a parade honoring Bremertonian John “Bud” Hawk after he was presented with the Medal of Honor for his heroism in World War II. The next year, in 1949, Armed Forces Day became a national holiday honoring all branches of service. Since then, the Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade has become the largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day Parade in the nation.
Location: Downtown Bremerton
Mosquito Fleet Fest
May 23 + 24th
A waterfront celebration of Kitsap’s maritime culture and the iconic Mosquito Fleet of ferries that once was the sole mode of transportation on the Kitsap Peninsula. The Mosquito Fleet Fest is your opportunity to set foot on and sail aboard the last remaining historic vessels, the Virginia V & Carlisle II.
Location: Port Orchard Waterfront
june
Wayzgoose Kitsap
June 6th
At Wayzgoose Kitsap, over a dozen local artists will print hand-carved linoleum blocks, then roll them with full-size stream rollers amidst a crowd of onlookers in Bremerton. This unique celebration of local artists and creativity is great for families and those who value amazing original art.
Location: Marvin Williams Recreation Center
Kingston Pirate Festival
June 6th
A day of pirates, plundering, food, live music, and FUN! This family-friendly event is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, with a ton of vendors, activities, costumed pirates, and opportunities to eat, drin,k and be merry on the Kingston waterfront.
Location: Mike Wallace Park
Highland Games
June 6th
An iconic Bushel & Barrel annual event, the Highland Games pay homage to the traditional Scottish feats of strength right here in Central Kitsap. Don your kilt and grab a cider, it’s going to be a blast!
Location: Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse
Midsommar Fest
June 13th
A Viking Summer Solstice Celebration on the Poulsbo waterfront! An annual event with a Nordic market, May Pole raising, folk dancing, Viking parade, Summer Solstice Proclamation, and a huge bonfire at the Waterfront - this is another famous Viking-themed annual event in Kitsap’s ‘Little Norway’.
Location: Poulsbo waterfront
BIMA Treasure Trek
Starts June 13th!
A month-long treasure hunt across parks and public spaces in Kitsap, the BIMA Treasure Trek invites folks to search for unique blown glass spheres and claim them once found. A wonderful way to get outside and explore, and maybe come home with a unique piece of art.
Location: Parks across Kitsap County
Poulsbo Makers Faire
June 26-28th
Pushing the boundaries between art, crafts, and manufacturing, the Maker Faire brings local makers and artisans together.
Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Foundation of the Northwest, this event takes place at the Poulsbo Waterfront Park.
Bridge Blast
June 27 + 28th
June 27, 2025 - 11 AM to 10 PM *Fireworks at 10:15 PM
June 28, 2025 - 11 AM to 5 PM
Don’t miss the largest Bridge Fireworks Show on the West Coast! The Bremerton Bridge Blast is a one-of-a-kind event, like nothing else on the West Coast. The downtown areas of Bremerton + Port Orchard (Fathoms O’ Fun) host celebratory family-friendly festivals with parades, live music, vendors, and more, all day long until the fireworks show over the Manette Bridge kicks off late in the evening.
Location: Bremerton Waterfront Boardwalk + Evergreen Park
july
Celebrate Bainbridge Island
July 2-5th
This 4-day Independence Day festival on Winslow Way is an incredible way to connect to the Bainbridge community during the 4th of July celebrations with dancing, street food fair, beer and wine garden, pancake breakfast, parade, live music, and more!
July 2nd: Softball game, street dance + fair with beer garden and kid zone
July 3rd: Pancake breakfast, fun run, car show, parade, street fair, live music, kid zone, beer garden, photo exhibit
July 4th: First Friday art walk, Moonlight Market, Rotary auction preview
July 5th: Farmers Market, Rotary Auction (a MASSIVE 6-acre garage sale)
Location: Bainbridge Island Waterfront + Woodward Middle School
Kingston 4th of July Celebration
July 4th
Kingston shines on the 4th of July with an early morning pancake breakfast, kids’ activities, parade, food trucks, 21+ area, live music, and ends with an incredible fireworks show!
Location: Mike Wallace Park
Bremerton Airshow
July 11-12th
A celebration of classic military aircraft and world-class aerobatic performers.
Location: Bremerton National Airport
Kitsap Pride Festival
July 18th
Everyone is invited to celebrate unity and community at Kitsap Pride, a festival that embraces diversity, shares joy, and affirms that we are stronger together.
Location: Kitsap County Fairgrounds and Event Center
Whaling Days
July 24-26th
Whaling Days is a free, family-oriented, community festival held annually in “Old Town” Silverdale over the last weekend in July. Enjoy fireworks, live music, vendors, a beer garden and activities in the heart of Summer in Central Kitsap.
Location: Silverdale waterfront
august
Bushel & Barrel's Kitsapplefest
August 1st
Delicious food and ciders, paired up with classic cars, pinup models, and live music, make this annual festival a great time!
Location: Bushell & Barrel Ciderhouse
West Sound Film Festival + Bremerton Zine Fest!
August 7th-9th
Bremerton Zine Fest x West Sound Film Festival: Two amazing events coming together for a weekend of art, film, and community!
Downtown Bremerton will come alive for a weekend at Quincy Square, right outside the historic Roxy Theatre, with local makers, artists, zinemakers and local independent films. The West Sound Film Festival hosts an array of films, including experimental, documentaries, comedies, horror, music videos, dramas, animated, feature-length films, and more from both local and international talents. Aiming to encourage networking, growth, and the sharing of stories from all walks of life. The West Sound Film Festival is hosted at the historic Roxy Theatre, an independent theater, bringing together local businesses and filmmakers for a fresh, contemporary celebration of film.
Location: Roxy Theatre + Quincy Square (indoor/outdoor)
Taste of Kitsap
August 7-8th
Taste the flavors of Kitsap with food trucks, food booths, crafts, a beer garden, makers market, and more! Come hungry and explore the savory & sweet treats that make Kitsap an amazing place to eat.
Bonus: A killer line-up of all female-fronted bands, “Ladies That Rock” will be playing on the main stage.
Location: Bremerton waterfront boardwalk
Kitsap Wine Festival
August 8th
The Kitsap Wine Festival has featured music, delicious food, and of course, great wines. The festival brings opportunities to explore and discover a wide variety of wines by sampling bottles featured by an ever-expanding slate of participating wineries. Complement your delightful sipping by noshing delectables offered by amazing food vendors, then round out your day with games like cornhole and ladder golf on the gorgeous waterfront.
Location: Harborside Fountain Park
Maritime Music Festival
August 8th
Come enjoy a day of maritime music set in a natural amphitheatre overlooking picturesque Gamble Bay. Join the best of the Northwest maritime music community, plus some more far-flung guests, in the historic town of Port Gamble. The festival promotes the living legacy of maritime music from all corners of the globe, as played by the many local and national artists who live here in the Puget Sound area and across the country.
Location: Port Gamble
Chief Seattle Days
mid August tbd
Chief Seattle Days began in 1911 to honor Chief Seattle and the Suquamish people. As the celebration grew in size, a gravesite ceremony was added and continues to this day. Featuring canoe races, cultural demonstrations, music, a salmon bake, sport tournaments, and much more - all open to the public and presented by the Suquamish Tribe.
Location: Suquamish
Kitsap Fair and Stampede
August 19-23rd
Fun for the whole family - rodeos, demolition derby, fair food, animal barn, and free concert series.
Location: Kitsap County Fairgrounds
september
Manette Fest
September 5th
Live music, the world’s tiniest parade, vendors, and yummy food make celebrating the unique Bremerton community of Manette a quirky and fun annual event.
Location: Manette, Bremerton
Blackberry Festival
September 5-7th
Blackberry Festival is the longest-running festival in the City of Bremerton. This popular community event that celebrates all things "Blackberry" is a fundraiser for the Bremerton Rotary Foundation. The event includes vendors, entertainment, a beer garden, and more, bringing more than 25,000 people to the Bremerton waterfront over Labor Day weekend.
Location: Bremerton waterfront boardwalk
Poulsbrew Fest
September 19th
With the highest concentration of breweries on the Kitsap Peninsula, it's no surprise that Poulsbrewfest is also one of the best beer-related events around! Gather on the Poulsbo waterfront and sip suds from a curated collection of local brews!
Location: Poulsbo Waterfront Park
october
Oktoberfest Beer Run
October 3rd
This fun Poulsbo tradition is a great way to celebrate your love of beer and community and also get moving with friends. Visit all 6 locations on a 4 mile route then head back to your starting point to receive your finishers prize!
Participating breweries include Valhöll, Rainy Daze, Western Red, Echoes, Ty’s Wine & Brew, and Bushel and Barrel Ciderhouse (at the Viking Statue)
Location: various downtown Poulsbo breweries
Poulsbo Film Festival
October 9-11th
This three-day festival will include 40+ films, film discussions, networking, and good times in Kitsap’s ‘Little Norway’. The mission of the Poulsbo Film Festival is to bring independent film and filmmakers to the city of Poulsbo, Washington for a weekend of celebrating diverse stories produced from all across the United States.
Location: Downtown Poulsbo locations
Soggy Sasquatch
October 11th
The Soggy Sasquatch features music, food, cider, and multiple **Pacific Northwest chainsaw carvers** showcasing one-of-a-kind pieces for sale. Gather your friends and family and come enjoy a day full of PNW charm and excitement!
Location: Bushell & Barrel Ciderhouse
november
Bainbridge Island Film Festival
November 5-8th
The Bainbridge Island Film Festival is an annual 4-day celebration of contemporary films and filmmakers. A community-focused, filmmaker-friendly festival, BIFF is about bringing together the robust audiences of the region in support of diverse stories and artists with screenings and events at the historic Lynwood Theatre, Bainbridge Cinemas, and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.
Location: Bainbridge Island venues
Ghost Conference
November 6-8th
Explore Kitsap’s spooky side with this popular 3-day conference with speakers, classes, and investigations of the paranormal in Port Gamble.
Location: Port Gamble
Winter Fest
November 28th
Annual tree lighting event downtown Bremerton in front of the Puget Sound Naval Museum.
Location: Puget Sound Navy Museum
Illuminate!
November 28th
Annual tree lighting event downtown Bainbridge Island at Town Square in front of City Hall.
Location: BI Town Square
Poulsbo’s tree lighting
November 28th
Annual tree lighting event in downtown Poulsbo at the waterfront park.
Location: Downtown Poulsbo waterfront
Bloody Mary krawl
November 29th
Enjoy the magic of tomato juice + vodka in this super fun Poulsbo event where participants visit multiple Poulsbo bars + restaurants. The PBMK is limited to the first 700 Krawlers registered, so register early.
Location: Various Poulsbo businesses
december
magic in Manette
December 4th
Annual tree lighting event in the fun and funky Bremerton neighborhood of Manette.
Location: Manette, Bremerton
Holiday on the Bay
December 5th
Annual tree lighting event, parade in downtown Port Orchard in front of City Hall featuring food and market vendors, Santa Claus, pet parade, karaoke with the Grinch, and more.
Location: Port Orchard waterfront
Cove Christmas
December 5th
Kingston’s Cove Christmas is one of North Kitsap’s biggest holiday events with music, Santa, food, a scavenger hunt, and more!
Location: Mike Wallace Park, Kingston Yacht Club, Village Green Community Center
A Country Christmas
December 5th
A special Port Gamble holiday tradition with a tree lighting, FIREWORKS, Santa's workshop, shopping, food, and more!
Location: Port Gamble
Julefest
December 5th
Annual Viking celebration to welcome the changing of the season.
Explore the Nordic Market and ‘Taste of Norway’ inside the Sons of Norway. In the evening, a majestic torchlight march honoring the Miracle of Santa Lucia. The arrival of the Lucia Bride will lead the Solstice bonfire at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, and a Skald will bellow a seasonal proclamation.
This is a fun, family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss! Bring the whole family down to enjoy the magic of the season.
KRAMPUSNACHT
December 5th
Celebrating the Bavarian tradition, Krampus Bremerton brings Yuletide fun to the Kitsap Peninsula and the surrounding Puget Sound area. Kick off the holiday season with Bremerton's annual event...Krampusnacht! See costumed performers, visit participating businesses, and join in the fun!
year round art walks
first friday
Bremerton Art Walk
When: Year Round, 1st Friday of each month, 5-8p
Where: Callow Ave, 4th Street, Manette
Presented by the Downtown Bremerton Association, First Friday is a free community event that showcases the thriving art scene in Bremerton. Dozens of local businesses and galleries come together to showcase a wide variety of local talent in true community fashion.
first friday
Bainbridge Island Art Walk
When: Year-Round, 1st Friday of the month, 6–8pm
Where: Downtown Bainbridge along Winslow Way
Discover the vibrant heart of creativity at the First Fridays Art Walk on beautiful Bainbridge Island. Immerse yourself in a captivating blend of art, food, and drinks as you meander through charming streets and indulge in a feast for the senses. Browse a diverse array of galleries, showcasing the works of talented local artists, and be inspired by their masterpieces. Savor delectable culinary delights from our eclectic eateries, accompanied by refreshing drinks that perfectly complement the lively atmosphere. Explore unique shops offering handcrafted treasures and embrace the spirit of community that thrives in this artistic haven.
Second Saturday
Poulsbo art walk
When: Year-round, 2nd Saturday of the month, 5–8pm
Where: Front Street, Downtown Poulsbo
Join many local businesses in historic downtown Poulsbo for an evening of gallery hopping, shopping, and dining on the Second Saturday of each month from 5-8 pm. Front Street Gallery opens a new show every month with the featured artist's opening reception as part of the Art Walk. Come in and meet local artists, mingle and enjoy refreshments.
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Kitsap Annual Events Calendar - Mark your Calendar with this Kitsap County community events overview! Featuring events on Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Poulsbo, Bremerton, Silverdale, and Port Orchard, this guide will help you plan your Kitsap Peninsula travels, road trip, weekend, or staycation. Farmers markets, summer festivities, holiday fun, and so much more!