Late July-August 2015 eNews                                                                        Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter   Find us on Pinterest

The Kitsap Peninsula has the perfect lodging options for the night, weekend or week! 

 

Click here for lodging options 

Our local Bed & Breakfasts offer a Perfectly Relaxing Getaway. 

grandview b&b
The Kitsap Peninsula is fortunate to have an exceptional variety of Bed & Breakfasts, ready to treat you or your guests to a very special stay. Come enjoy! Click for selections.
Kitsap Peninsula Loves Farmers Markets  
Kitsap Peninsula farmer's markets are filled with local produce and products, artisan foods, hand-crafted products, gifts and live music. A great destination for families and rest stop for cyclists. 
 
Sat. 9 am -1 pm Town Sq. City Hall
Thurs. 4-7 pm Evergreen Park
Sat. 9 am -3 pm - Peninsula Gardens 
Sun. 11 am -4 pm - Uptown Center 
Thurs. 4-7 pm Opens 6-4  
 Kingston
Sat. 9 am -2 pm
Mike Wallace Park - WA Ferry Terminal
 Port Orchard
Sat. 9 am -3 pm Waterfront Park 
 Poulsbo
Sat. 9 am -2 pm 7th & Iverson 
Tues. 10 am - 4 pm Old Navy  
parking lot (next to Best Buy) 
Wed. 3-7 pm Open June 3 Masi Shop 
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Annapolis Sunday Market
This community market celebrates it's 2nd anniversary featuring colorful art by local artists, designers, and craftsmen. Located along Bay St. just a couple miles east of downtown Port Orchard near the Annapolis Foot Ferry and Arts & Antique District. A great stop for a weekend bike tour or to launch a water craft on the beach. Info at Annapolis Sunday Market.
Golf Kitsap

The Kitsap Peninsula is home to award winning golf courses including Gold Mt. Golf Course in Bremerton and  Whitehorse Golf Course located in Kingston and accessible via the Edmonds-Kingston ferry.

Visit our Golf page for other options.   

Carilisle2  

Hop Aboard the Historic
Mosquito Fleet Boat Carlisle II   

This cultural treasure is part of the original Mosquito Fleet Foot Ferry that was the primary means of transportation in the 1900's. The Carlisle II sails between
Port Orchard and Bremerton daily and on weekends. Just $2. Click for schedule.  

carlisle 11
Learn more about the history of the
Mosquito Fleet at the Kitsap Historical Society and Museum in Bremerton

and the Sidney Museum in Port Orchard. 

Military Museums & Memorials

Puget Sound Naval Museum 

USS Turner Joy & Museum 

 

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Eat Your Way through Kitsap
Visit historic sites and enjoy great food! Hosted by Kitsap Historical Society. 
Click here for a PDF of all the different menu courses and venues you will experience along the way, including the famous Heronswood in Kingston.
Discover pass
Order Your WA State Park Pass Today!
Host Your Next Meeting, Retreat or Event on the Kitsap Peninsula!
 
Let us help you plan your next annual meeting, conference, business expo, corporate retreat or private event.
More information at
VisitKitsap.com. 
The Kitsap Conference Center is the region's official conference center and one of many venues that offer meeting options. Click for details.
The Gallery
1st Friday 5 - 8 PM
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1st Friday 5 - 8 PM
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1st Saturday - 2 to 5 PM  

2nd Saturday - 5 to 8 PM 

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Silverdale 1st Thursday Artwalk

Lisa Stirrett Glass Gallery 5:30 - 8 PM  

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Gig Harbor Artwalk

2nd Thursday - 5 - 8 PM

water trails coverKitsap Peninsula  Water  Trails 
Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails has received wide recognition and attention, especially now that it is part of the National Water Trails System, the WA Water Trails, and the 2300 mile Cascadia Marine Trail. To learn more visit our Water Trails page.

KP Water Trails featured in Alaska Airlines-Horizon inflight magazine. 
Celebrate Your Special Day or Event on the Kitsap Peninsula  
The Kitsap Peninsula offers breath-taking backdrops, venues and services including the Farm Kitchen & Guest House between Poulsbo and Kingston, Dragonfly Gardens & Dream Events in Hansville, Red Cedar Farm in Poulsbo, Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel,  Kiana Lodge and Yang's Botanical Garden in Port Orchard.

Visit our new Plan Your Event
page for more ideas, venues and services.
kiana lodge interior

The expansion is now complete with 98 new hotel rooms, conference center and water view restaurants.   

Clearwater casino w fountain 
The Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
Try your hand at lady luck and enjoy FREE Live Music featured every Friday
& Saturday at Beach Rock Lounge
 
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Great year-round entertainment venue and fine and casual dining choices. 

Click for schedule of events. 

Kitsap County Fairground Lobe Field
Great fun for family and visitors!
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Peninsula BMX Racing
The largest indoor BMX track in the region. Host of state and regional qualifying races. Great entertainment
for the whole family!
SAVE THE DATE FOR STATE FINALS August 29-30
. Click here for info.
 
boating marina 
Sail on Over and Drop Anchor!
The Kitsap Peninsula has many marinas and ports offer a wide range of services and amenities; from full-service long-term moorage to overnight and day moorage. For all the details sail on over to VisitKitsap.com/Boating 

Visit Kitsap Peninsula is proud to present its newly redesigned website that is user friendly on any device; desktop PC, laptops, tablets, iPad, cell phones and all other mobile devices. The site includes new search filters for visitors and database and search tools for event planners. The site features more links and information about things to do in and visitor services including links to Other Visitor Information resources. Visit today and see what's new.
For a Quick, Cool Summer Getway...Visit Kitsap. 
With miles of sandy public beaches, land, and water trails, to family friendly dining and award-winning craft-beverages, its easy to see why the Kitsap Peninsula is one of Puget Sound's favorite getaway. And when the temperatures hit 90-plus degrees, our shady forests and cool breezes make us the perfect destination to cool down. The Kitsap Peninsula has space for the whole gang and all of the comforts of home. Use our new website to Plan Your Visit.

Our late Summertime eNewsletter includes lots of activities for the entire family. Find even more things to do and where to stay at our new website at VisitKitsap.com

   
July 24, 25, 26 
43rd Silverdale Whaling Days
Whaling Days starts off with a bang on Friday night with fireworks over Dyes Inlet. The weekend is packed with activities including the largest music festival in Kitsap County! Join the annual Whale of a Run, grand parade, famous Silverdale Rotary Duck, Outrigger Canoe Dash Race, carnival rides, food booths and beer garden. Learn More. 
 

July 25 - Silverdale/Kitsap Region 

23nd Tour de Kitsap Bike Ride! 

Hometown cycling club hosts this popular annual event that showcases some of the most scenic bike routes in Kitsap. Multiple routes available, most family friendly. Strawberry shortcake for everyone that finishes! Learn more.

For an overnight or long weekend getaway check into the Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel or Oxford Suites, both located on the waterfront overlooking Dyes Inlet.     
____________________________________   July 24, 25, 26 - Kingston 
56th Kitsap Arts & Craft Festival 
This annual festival is the second longest-running festival in Washington State and features dozens of artisan craft booths, local food vendors, and Juried and Student Art Shows. The festival has relocated to the beautiful Kingston Village Greens, just a short 10-minute walk from the Kingston ferry. If you drive, there is plenty of free parking at the event. Learn More    
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July 23, 24, 25
 
Gig Harbor 2015
Wine & Food Festival
Celebraterd the region's wine, spirits, brews and food. Sip & Stroll through downtown on the 23, enjoy a Winemaker Dinner on the 24th, and do a round of Grand Tastings on the 25th.
Click to learn more.

Make it a weekend and check into the at the Best Western Plus Wesley Inn & Suites of Gig Harbor. 
  
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July 25 - Kingston
 
Heronswood Plant Sale & Garden Open 
Tour this internationally acclaimed garden designed by the famous Dan Hinckley while they are at the height of the season's bloom and color. Nurseries from around the Pacific Northwest participate to provide a rare shopping experience for the garden enthusiast. Lectures by seasoned professionals provide the opportunity to learn more about the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe culture and heritage from tribal artisans. Click here for details.

Visit our new Gardens & Nurseries page for information about other location to visit around the Kitsap Peninsula region.
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July 31 - Indianola Days 
Indianola Days  
Annual Salmon Bake, Sand Castle Contest, Studio Tours...very popular community event. 11 am - 4 pm. Learn more. 
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August 1 - Historic Downtown Poulsbo 
PAWSbo's Dog Days of August 
Throughout August, the co-op art gallery, Verksted, celebrates all-things-canine with dog themed artwork hand-crafted by our regional artists. Sign-up for the famous dog photo contest open to the public. It's free. Wuff da! Learn more.
Visit this and other galleries and shops on August 13th at Poulsbo's 2nd Saturday Artwalk. ______________________________________ 
 
August 14-16 - Suquamish  
Experience Tribal Traditions at the Annual Chief Seattle Days!
Held in downtwon Suquamish on the waterfront and at the House of Awakened Culture. Includes a memorial service for Chief Seattle, canoe races, parade, vendor and food booths, salmon bake, traditional Pow-wow dancing, 5k run, and golf tournament. Open to the public. Stop by the Suquamish Museum. Click for details.
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 poulsbo arts festivalAugust 14-16 - Poulsbo 
Poulsbo Arts Festival 
Visit Poulsbo's picturesque waterfront and enjoy arts and crafts displays during this three-day festival. The Poulsbo Arts Festival is over a 21 year tradition with lots of handmade works by many local artists, art demonstrations, food booths, music and dance as well as activities for children. Extend your stay at one of Poulsbo's family friendly lodging establishments such as the Poulsbo Inn or Guesthouse International.
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August 7, 8, 9 - Bainbridge Island 
Bainbridge Island Studio Tours 
The 14th annual Summer Studio Tour on Bainbridge Island features forty-eight artists showcasing their work in five local artists' studios. Also feature local and regional musicians. Free, self-guided studio tour. More infoLooking for lodging that offers something special lodging? Try The Eagle Harbor Inn on the waterfront, Best Western Plus Bainbridge Island, conveniently located right downtown.

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August 8 - Bremerton   

Kitsap Wine Festival at Harborside Fountain Park  

Sample wines from Northwest wineries and delicious cuisine provided by local chefs and restaurants. Enjoy live music and an expanded retail wine shop. Click here for more info. 
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August 9 - Port Orchard
Festival By The Bay at The Cruz Auto Show 
Join in the fun with the thousands of folks who come to this annual event. The Cruz-West Sound's premier Auto Show and Fathoms' Festival By The Bay. Includes street fair, crafts, vendors, food, music and kid's fun. More info.
For a special treat, head to Amy's on the Bay and chill out on the outdoor deck overlooking Sinclair Inlet.   
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Every Thursday through September 
Cruise Port Gamble
Every Thursday you can get up close with new, classic, and unique cars. Free family event Click for details.  
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olalla blue grass festival August 15 - Olalla 
Annual Olalla Bluegrass
& Beyond Festival
 
Considered by many to be the finest one-day bluegrass festival in Washington State! Featuring local and national bluegrass, folk, and jam bands. Perfect weekend getaway event for music lovers. Great food, handmade arts, craft demos, lots of activities for children, and the legendary Berry Pie Contest. Learn more.
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August 26-30 - Kitsap County Fairgrounds  
Kitsap County Fair & Stampede & 4H Exhibits 
It's time again to kick up some fun! This big five-day event is the largest county fair in west Puget Sound and one of the most popular traditional county fairs in the state. Children love the farm animal and hands on FFA and 4-H exhibits. There is plenty of free family entertainment, classic county fair food and exhibits. Bring the family and make it a long, fun summer weekend getaway. Click for More info. Find family friendly lodging at VisitKitsap.com/Lodging
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September 5,6, 7th 
25th Annual Bremerton Blackberry Festival 
The Blackberry Festival draws nearly 50,000 visitors to this popular FREE Labor Day weekend held on the waterfront boardwalk in Bremerton's Harborside District. Includes music concerts, car show, kids shows, chalk art contests, cycling race, and Berry Fun Run. For some high-flying fun for kids, catch a ride at the Fly-In held at the Bremerton National Airport.
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September 6   
6th Annual Taste of Port Orchard
It's a foodie feast with taste created by Port Orchard restaurants, chefs and carterers cooking up specialty dishes. Beer garden featuring local brews and live music courtesy of
Fathoms O' Fun. Learn more. Check into the Comfort Inn on Bay, just a short walk to all of the fun and activities.
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September 5-6  - Belfair
State Park 
4th Annual Hood Canal Celtic Highland Festival
Spectate traditional Celtic athletic events and competition up close. Enjoy the sounds and music of this age old culture. With food and dining as well as cultural arts and jewelry booths there is fun for the whole family! Click here for more details.
Kitsap Loves Kids!
Little SteamersThere are lots of family fun activities to capture their imagination. One of the most popular is the Kitsap Live Steamers located in South Kitsap in the middle of a family park. Open 10 am to 4 pm the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month thru October. All rides are free. Other popular kid attractions include the Poulsbo Marine Science Center, Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, and the Bug Museum outside of Bremerton.
 
We Have Space to Let Your Kids & Pets Run Wild!  
The Kitsap Peninsula offers plenty of space where children and pets can enjoy miles of trails, beaches and open space to run wild without tipping over one table!
A family favorite is the beach at Point-No-Point Beach in Hansville, Manchester State Park and beach in South Kitsap, the Port Orchard Marina & Waterfront Park, and Dog Fish Park in Poulsbo. 
 
SPECIAL NEEDS PLAY AREA: The Evergreen Rotary Park in Bremerton recently opened a wonderful new playground created to provide safe play areas for children with special needs. Click to learn more about this and other accessible locations.

For more ideas, visit our new Kitsap Loves Kids page.  
A Taste of Kitsap Peninsula

Kitsap Peninsula Is A Mecca for Award-Wining Micro Brewers!   

If you love local micro-brews and pubs, head to the Kitsap Peninsula and we'll keep you in good spirits. Brews & Bite logoThe population of award-winning local brewers continues to expand. The folks at Peninsula Brewery Tours take care of the driving so you can safely enjoy our great local brews like Sound Brewery and Valholl Brewery in Poulsbo, Slaughter County Brewing in Port Orchard, Hood Canal Brewery and Downpour in Kingston, Silver City Brewing, Rainy Daze and CASH Brewing in Silverdale. The Marina Market in Poulsbo has a big selection of local brews to-go. For more locations in info go to: VisitKitsap.com/BrewsBites.
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Kitsap Peninsula Wines & Spirits:
The Kitsap region is home to estate vineyards including Perennial Vineyards, Bainbridge Vineyards and Olalla Valley Vineyard in the south region and Mosquito Fleet Winery in Belfair. All offer an excellent selections of wines grown and fermented in the Kitsap region. Members of the Winery Alliance of Bainbridge offer tastings throughout the summer so check their website for schedule of events and locations.

The Kitsap region is also a popular destination for local distilleries including Tuckers in Silverdale, Seabeck Spirits, Bainbridge Organic Distillers, and Heritage Distilling Co., Gig Harbor. Visit their websites  for info about tasting events.
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August 8 - Belfair 

Taste of Hood Canal 

Bring the entire family and join the celebration for a day of fun, food, music and cars. This year "The Taste" will feature a larger and expanded custom and classic car show, beer, and wine tasting, featuring specialties from local restaurants, vendor booths including arts and crafts. Click here for details.
Looking for a urban getaway? Check out the charming cabins at Robin Hood Village Resort located right on Hood Canal.  

 Outdoor Summer Music Concerts & Festivals
outdoor music concerts
Enjoy the warm summer evenings with family and friends at a variety of outdoor concerts throughout the summer. All of the concerts listed below are free, so grab a blanket or chair and enjoy the last few weeks and sounds of summer!

Port Orchard Concerts on the Bay
Kingston Concerts on the Cove
Maritime Music Festival-Port Gamble
 
Olalla House Concerts
Following in the tradition of the Olalla Bluegrass Festival, the OCC Concert Series is establishing itself as one of the best music venues in the South Sound and the Kitsap Peninsula. Click here for current schedule and directions. While in Olalla plan to visit the estate vineyard,Olalla Valley Vineyard and Winery
overlooking Olalla Bay and Puget Sound. If you're cycling around the scenic Kitsap Peninsula, stop by  Al's Market, a community favorite offering local brews, fresh pizza and a great stop for cyclist touring the area. 
ARTS, CULTURE & HISTORY!
ILiberty Bay Booksndie Book Store Events 
Local indie-bookstores offer a wide variety of guest speakers. For a current schedule of events on the Kitsap Peninsula click these links: Mostly Books in Gig Harbor, Liberty Bay Books, and  the Book Stop in Poulsbo. Also check out upcoming events hosted by West Sound Reads,  a consortium of Kitsap Regional Libraries and independent book stores. _____________________________________  
 
July 23 - Silverdale 
Silverdale First Thursday Art Event  
Hosted by Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Gallery the "art walk" features local artists, authors, food, music and a working studio where you can make your own glass object. Located in front of Oxford Suites and next to Silverdale Antiques. Click to learn more.
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Theatre, Dance & Music Performances & Events

The Kitsap Peninsula is home to hundreds of talented actors, singers and performers. 


Click links below for details about these shows and others.    
 

West Sound Repertory Theatre - Poulsbo 

For more venues and info, please VisitKitsap.com/Arts.
Places to Run & Play
The Kitsap Peninsula region offers miles of land and waterfront trails!

Bird lovers, beach walkers, lovers of wildlife and nature will find plenty to explore and enjoy on the Kitsap Peninsula. Below are just a few ideas! For more places, visit our "Things to Do" Nature section.  

 

The lush, wooded trails of the Hansville Greenway and North Kitsap Heritage Park between Kingston and Indianola are wonderful urban retreats and enjoyed by hikers and canine pets alike.  A few "in town" favorites include Poulsbo's Fish Park and Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale--both provide pathways and boardwalks to stroll easily with family and friends. The Illahee Preserve in Central Kitsap features nearly 700 acres of open space and habitat. 
Outdoor Recreation
August 8-10 - Kitsap Peninsula
OBLITERIDE
Annual region-wide event to support Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Sign-up for the ride through the Kitsap Peninsula with stops in Poulsbo, Silverdale, Port Orchard, and Olalla. Click to learn more.

save the date
September 19 - Ride Around Puget Sound WA. Lung Associations hosts this scenic, leisure ride for experienced cyclists ends with a party at the Kitsap Conference Center Harborside Fountain Park!  Visit our  CYCLING page for info about this and other cycling events
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Aug 8 - Port Orchard 
4th Annual Miracle Run  
Grab your running shoes and join the fun for this annual fundraising event for Children's Miracle Network & Seattle Children's Hospital. Sponsored by Route16 Running and Walking - Gig Harbor Click here for details. 
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group kayakers
August 15 - Silverdale
Paddle Kitsap
For a more family friendly paddle, sign up for the Annual Paddle Kitsap from the Port Orchard waterfront to the Silverdale Waterfront Park.Click here for details.  

Check out other water trail adventures!
Peninsula Sailing Club at Brownsville Marina
Welcome to the KPVCB




T
he mission of Visit Kitsap Peninsula is to create positive economic growth and development on the Kitsap Peninsula by marketing the area as a world-class destination and providing economic support and development for the region.

 

Visitor and administrative offices are located in Silverdale, WA. Contact: 800-3377-0580 or at [email protected].  Check out out visitor brochures and map.   

  

The VKP is a proud member of: Washington Tourism Alliance, VisitSeatlle, Washington Destination Marketing Association (WSDMO), local Chambers and many other local and regional organizations.   


  WSDMO