2024 Calendar of Events
Bainbridge Island is the kind of town where there's always something going on. From bike races to theater openings, outdoor concerts to our weekly farmer's market, you're certain to find lots of opportunities to fill your social calendar. Here is a selection of some of the island's best community events, by month:
January: New Year's Day Polar Plunge
Each year, on January 1st, at exactly 12 noon, Bainbridge Islanders gather at Lytle Beach to take the plunge. These folks aren't insane, they are people just like you and me: moms, dads and kids, artists and attorneys, hi-tech developers and baristas. They join together in the frigid air to take part in the very special annual tradition of jumping into the chilly Puget Sound. Trust me, it's a sight to see and you're welcome to join them next New Year's Day, even if you just want to watch.
February: Chilly Hilly
This annual bicycle race is held on Bainbridge Island every February, kicking off the Pacific Northwest's annual riding season. This year it will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Named "one of four classic rides" in the nation by Bicycling Magazine, the race starts on the Seattle side with literally thousands of bikers taking the ferry to the island where they are joined by scores more participants. They don't call it the Chilly Hilly for nothing - if you're planning to participate, dress warmly and be sure to train. Visit the Cascade Bicycle Club for more info.
April: Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market
The much anticipated opening of the Bainbridge Island Farmers' Market is April 1, 2024. Join everyone you know at City Hall's Town Square from 10AM to 2PM for an incredible selection of locally grown produce, flowers, baked goodies, fresh eggs from happy hens, canned jams, and handmade artisan products made by local artists. There is almost always live music and there's always a tempting selection of ready-to-eat hot foods to choose from. Come and spend your morning at the market - you won't be bored or hungry!
April: mEGGa Hunt
This egg hunt goes beyond the ordinary with live entertainment, crafts, games, balloon clowns, face painting and of course egg hunts! Over 7,000 eggs and 80 prize eggs! Please enter Battle Point Park from the west side, off Battle Point Road. This fun event happens rain or shine. No dogs allowed. More info at Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Rec.
Currently cancelled
Battle Point Park
July: Grand Old 4th
Since 1967, join locals and thousands of other folks who can’t pass up a patriotic celebration for the island’s Grand Old 4th parade and street fair. Rated one of the top four small-town Fourth of July celebrations in the US, the parade starts promptly at 1pm but be sure to claim your spot on the one-mile parade route early if you want to have a seat. Pancake Breakfast at Town and Country Market begins bright and early at 7am! The Grand Old 4th is produced and presented by the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, with the help of dozens of island volunteers and the generous support of local business sponsors.
July: Rotary Auction and Rummage Sale
The best garage sale you've ever attended! Usually held annually in late June, this year it will actually happen on July 6, 2024. The 2022 event broke a record, raising over $729,000 in revenue. Yep, you read that correctly. With the proceeds going directly to local and international communities, this is an event that is not only fun but also good for the island and beyond. Visit their informative website to learn more about the Rotary Auction or to volunteer your time to a worthy cause. Volunteer Open House is June 4th, 5pm - 7:30pm.
Summer: Sounds of Summer Concerts in the Park
Grab a picnic, a blanket, and a folding chair and enjoy a free concert in the park. Live bands perform everything from folk and country to jazz standards on the bandstand at Battlepoint Park every Wednesday evening in the summer during July and August (6PM - 8PM), and there's plenty of lawn to go around. No time to pack a picnic? Grab an easy and delicious dinner from the pizza truck, or brat stand. For dessert, you won't want to miss the hot beignets, made to order. Sit back, kick your shoes off, and relax. You'll be so glad you came. Sponsored by Bainbridge Island Parks and Recreation.
Battle Point Park
11299 Arrow Point Dr NE
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
September: Harvest Fair
Sponsored by Friends of the Farm who "works to preserve and enhance local farming", this family-friendly event brings the island together to celebrate local farming on Bainbridge Island. This annual appreciation of farming is held the last Saturday in September on beautiful Johnson Farm and includes fun activities such as hay rides, pie contests, face painting, a giant slide, horse-drawn carriage rides, a zucchini contest, beer and wine garden and more. There is also live music, ready-to-eat food vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations and a live turkey raffle.
Dates to be announced (usually the last Sunday in September), 11 AM - 5 PM
Johnson Farm
Fletcher Bay Road at Johnsonville Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
October: Pumpkin Patch
Grab the whole family on a sunny October day and head to Bainbridge Island’s beloved Pumpkin Patch at Suyematsu Farm. Acres of pumpkins to choose from as well as a hay maze, tractor rides, edible squash by the bushel, and tons of decorative gourds and corn. A perfect autumn day in the country...
Suyematsu Farm
9229 Day Road
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-1429
October: Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk
A real treat for pumpkin carvers everywhere, this beloved island tradition takes place on Friday and Saturday night, in mid-October at Bainbridge Gardens. The nightime walk (6pm - 8pm) leads visitors through the historic Nature Trail, lined on both sides by some of the most spectacular carved pumpkins you will ever see. Kids love to come in Halloween costumes and there is hot cider, baked goodies, and festive music to enjoy. The entire event benefits the Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club.
Bainbridge Gardens
9415 Miller Road
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-5888
November: Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting
Bainbridge Island kicks off the holiday season with a weekend of downtown festivities. With creatively decorated shop windows, you're sure to get into the holiday spirit by "shopping local" in support of our unique, local stores. Complete with a hot chocolate and cookies booth and free horse-drawn carriage rides, the day culminates with the community tree lighting and Santa's arrival on the fire truck, a local tradition. This event is organized by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association and usually occurs on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
For a more comprehensive calendar of all the events happening on Bainbridge Island throughout the year, please visit Bainbridge Island Downtown Association Events.
