Bainbridge Island
Life on Bainbridge | April 2023
Spring has officially arrived! Celebrate the changing season and enjoy the longer days by connecting with the community at upcoming events! This month you can browse the farmers market, listen to live music while sipping wine, put your book knowledge to the test with trivia, and more!
Saturdays, 10am – 2pm | Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
The farmers market has returned for the 2023 season! With more than 40 local vendors, including farmers, food vendors, and crafters with artisan-made goods, there is something for everyone. Check out a full list of current market vendors here. Visit our open-air market every Saturday from 10am – 2pm, April through November (rain or shine!) in the Town Square by City Hall.
Sundays, 2-5pm | Live Music at Eleven Winery
Stop by the winery to sip some wine and listen to live music each Sunday. April’s lineup includes Deadwood Revival, The Pontunes, DAIN, and Kareem Kandi.
New Musem Exhibit at Bainbridge Island Historical Museum: Trees
“Trees” is a year-long exhibit celebrating an important Island resource. Trees have always played a central role in the life and culture of Island residents, from the Suquamish people to immigrant homesteaders to residents today.
April 5, 7pm | Books on Tap Trivia
On the first Wednesday of the month, Kitsap Regional Library presents a friendly trivia competition hosted at Treehouse Cafe. The topics of trivia include books, movies, local history, and current events. Great fun and fabulous prizes, everyone is a winner!
April 7, 6 – 8pm | First Friday Art Walk
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy art, film, food, and community on the first Friday of every month. Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk features galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants showcasing the creative talent of PNW artists.
April 15, 3pm | Voices from the Salish Sea: A Suquamish History of Bainbridge Island at BIMA
BIMA welcomes storytellers and historians from the Suquamish Nation as they relate tales of Bainbridge Island.
April 22, 10am – 2pm | Earth Day Expo
Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District is hosting an Earth Day Expo! Take part in any of the dozens of nature-focused activities. Visit with local businesses and organizations to learn what eco-friendly offerings each has. Plus, there will be local food vendors, live music, and even a real-live owl to meet!
April 23, 12 – 8pm | Sunday FUNDday: Kitsap Pride
On April 23rd, Eleven Winery will donate 100% of tasting fees and glass pours and 10% of all bottle purchases to the nonprofit Kitsap Pride.
April 28, 4pm – 6pm | Bubbles & Brie
Join BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network) for a happy hour fundraiser full of wine, cheese, and glass art. There is no charge to attend, but donations are welcome. The money raised from this event will support BARN’s general operations, which include the wonderful Glass Arts studio
Life on Bainbridge | March 2023
Spring is in the air on Bainbridge Island! Although we still have chilly days, flowers are beginning to bud, and spring is on the horizon as 7pm sunsets will be here next week! With the turning of the season, we see more events return, check out this month’s list of events happening around Bainbridge.
Sundays, 2-5pm | Live Music at Eleven Winery
Stop by the winery to sip some wine and listen to live music each Sunday. March’s line up includes Sarah Brunner, GO Two, and Larry Murante.
Thursdays, 9:25am | Mindfulness Meditation
Join BIAM for a weekly group mindfulness meditation practice led by Steve Parsons. Mindfulness Meditation focuses on calming your body and mind through present moment awareness and deep breathing. Join remotely over zoom or in person in the BIMA Auditorium.
First and Third Thursday, 6:30-9pm | Open Mic Night
On the first and third Thursday of every month, Marketplace will be hosting an Open mic night for all of the musicians to come and show off their skills! Sign-ups start at 6pm, pick your favorite song, grab a drink and get ready to sing or listen to our local talent.
March 16 – 18, 7pm | St. Patricks Day Festival
Pleasant Beach Village and the Historic Lynwood Theatre are pleased to announce the Bainbridge Island Saint Patricks Festival, a three day celebration of music, drink, and food! The festival features the world class talent of the dynamic celtic group, the Gothard Sisters performing at the iconic Lynwood Theatre, the rocking tones of Seastar, and the stellar stylings of Nashville songstress Kara Hesse who will be playing at the Manor House. Whiskey flights, Gin sampling, and specialty cocktails will be provided over the course of the festival by Southern Glazers and American Northwest Beverage Distributors.
March 17, 8 – 10:30pm | BI Recreation Center Teen Night
The Bainbridge Island Recreation Center will host a 2.5-hour event for local high school-age teens only! The gym will be open for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, ping-pong, and tennis. Other activities may include laser tag, giant human soccer games, and cornhole. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy a snack while creating some art in the Teen Night studio, and play cards or board games with friends, old and new!
March 24, 6pm | Spring Harvest Wine Dinner at BIMA
Joining forces with Vintage Wine Bar at Harbor Square for an evening with a guest winemaker at the Bistro.
March 24, 4-7pm | Salish Sea Greens Oyster Bar Pop-Up
Grab a glass of wine at Eleven Winery and join Salish Sea Greens as they shuck some of the finest oysters the Puget Sound has to offer. Their oyster bar is complete with all the fixings, including kelp mignonette, lemon, and Tabasco.
March 28, 6pm | Paint & Sip at Fletcher Bay
Complete a “Red Bike” painting with step-by-step instructions at Fletcher Bay Winery. All paint supplies and aprons are provided. Wine and pairings will be available for purchase.
Life on Bainbridge Island | Local Holiday Shopping
Shop Small on Bainbridge Island
The sun may be setting by 6pm now, but Bainbridge Island will soon be glistening with holiday spirit! Illuminated by twinkling lights on Winslow Way and the sparkle of the Seattle skyline across the sound, nothing compares. The real magic of the island comes from the local shops that make up the heart of our community. This holiday season, shop local on Bainbridge Island. To help you get inspired, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite local shops, restaurants, and clutter-free gift ideas!
Local Favorites in Downtown
Right off the ferry, you find yourself in downtown Winslow. Running about ten city blocks, the streets are lined with local businesses, including restaurants, bakeries, galleries, toy stores, and more. Below is a list of some of the local stores you will find while walking the streets.
- Eagle Harbor Book Co.
- Island Life Artisan Gifts
- Salt House Mercantile
- Relic
- The Berry Patch Kitchen Store
- Dana’s On Bainbridge
- Bainbridge Apothecary Tea Shop
- Wildernest
- Calico Toy Shoppe
- Little Island Crafts
- Plum
- Pelindaba Lavender
- Petit & Olsen
- Bon Bon Candies
The Gift of Good Food
Food has a way to bring people together, this holiday season, support one of the fantastic locally owned restaurants on the island by gifting a gift card. You can guarantee this gift will be used and loved by anyone!
- Ba Sa Restaurant
- Bainbridge Thai Cuisine
- Bene Pizza
- Bruciato
- Casa Rojas Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
- Doc’s Marina Grill
- Emmy’s Vege House
- Harbor Public House
- Hi Life
- Hitchcock
- Isla Bonita
- Nirvana
- Pegasus Coffee House
- Proper Fish
- Sweet Dahlia Baking
Clutter-Free Gifts
Shopping for something for the person who already has everything? Consider gifting an experience instead!
- Membership to the incredible Reserve on Bainbridge Island
- Membership to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Swim passes to Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center
- A Discovery Passto enjoy State Parks year-round
- Gift a Sailing Package from Sail Bainbridge
For the Pets
We can’t leave our furry friends and family off the list this holiday season! Visit these pet stores for the best baked goods, toys, and accessories.
- B.I Barkery
- Z-Bones
- Make a donation on behalf of your pet to PAWS
The Gift of Relaxation
Give the gift of relaxation with a gift card to a local spa!
Host Gifts
If you need a host gift this holiday season, consider supporting one of our local wineries, distilleries, or breweries!
Wine
Beer
Spirits
Life on Bainbridge | September 2022
Long summer days are beginning to shorten, but events on the island have not slowed. From live music to hiking, and stand-up comedy, check out what Bainbridge Island has going on this September!
Thursdays | Live Music at Eleven Winery
Enjoy a summer afternoon with wine and live local music every Thursday. September artists include Carly Ann Calbero, Alana Davis, Jean Lenke Duo, and Kurt Lindsay.
Sep 1, 6-8pm | Open Mic Poetry at Fletcher Bay Winery – Coppertop Tasting Room
Bring your own work, a poem you love, or just come to listen to the poetry and support the artists.
Sep 2, 6-8pm | First Friday Art Walk
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy art, film, food, and community on the first Friday of every month. Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk features galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants showcasing the creative talent of PNW artists.
Sep 2, 5-9pm | Moonlight Market at Bainbridge Island Town Square
Take advantage of these warm nights by grabbing a cold beer and some delicious gourmet food while enjoying the music and perusing the dozens of booths that unfold around you. As a family-friendly event, everyone will have a great time!
Saturdays, 10am-2pm | Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
Every Saturday, rain or shine, enjoy over 40 local vendors, including farmers, food vendors, live music, and crafters with artisan-made goods.
September 10, 11am – 10pm| The Bridge Festival
The event’s purpose is to showcase Bainbridge Island’s creativity as a designated creative district by Washington Arts Commission (ArtsWa). This all-day festival will feature multiple stages with live music, performing arts, dance, and artisan craft booths. There will be food vendors, a wine bar, a beer garden, interactive art activities for kids, and more!
September 17, 7:30pm | Stand-Up Comedy with Dean Edwards
Join Dean Edwards from Saturday Night Live and Dan Rosenberg for a night of stand-up comedy.
Edwards is a stand-up comedian, actor, singer, writer, musician and voice artist. His work as a voice actor includes Scottie Pippen and Spike Lee in Celebrity Deathmatch, a robot in Robotomy, and Donkey in Scared Shrekless after Eddie Murphy was unable to reprise the role (Edwards had impersonated Murphy on stage). He also appeared in Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Halftime Special as Savion Glover and Don Cheadle, in Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding as Father Mark, and The Sopranos.
September 18, 7am | Love & Hiking Date for Couples
Looking for a new date activity? Enjoy a hike at your own pace, with fun digital activities along the way! Recommended to hike at The Bloedel Reserve, but you can take the activities to a trail of your choice.
September 24, 4- 8pm | 10th Annual Whiskies for Wildlife
Bainbridge Organic Distillers presents the 10th Annual Whiskies for Wildlife, all proceeds benefit Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF). Featuring more than 225 Scottish single malt whiskies and world-class single malt, grain, blended and antique whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, Japan, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Taiwan, the United States of America, and more. Sumptuous small plates devised especially for this event by the Manor House’s Executive Chef, Joe Benish, to complement the whiskey offerings, will be served at several stations throughout the hall and patio overlooking beautiful Rich Passage. There will, of course, also be a raw oyster bar with fresh, local Port Madison Petites harvested that morning. It will be an afternoon to remember!
Life on Bainbridge | August 2022
Summer is halfway over, but the fun keeps on coming! Enjoy the long days and warm nights with friends and family all over this beautiful island.
Wine Down Wednesday, every week from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Fletcher Bay Winery, Coppertop location
Feel free to bring your own food and take advantage of our drink specials (as low as $5!) while enjoying the live music and beautiful scenery. Each week we feature a new artist, so come every week to hear something new!
August 3rd, 6:00-8:00 PM | The Sounds of Summer at Battle Point Park
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is back! As a free event with food vendors, music, and activities for kids, there is something for everyone to have a great time while enjoying the infamous music of LeRoy Bell. Bring your friends, your kids, and your appetite! Guaranteed to be a great night for all!
August 5th, 5:00-9:00 PM | Moonlight Market at Bainbridge Island Town Square
Take advantage of these warm nights by grabbing a cold beer and some delicious, gourmet food while enjoying the music and perusing the dozens of booths that unfold around you. As a family-friendly event, everyone will have a great time!
August 5th, 8:00-10:30 PM | Movies in the Park-Luca-at Battlepoint Park
The perfect (and free!) family event and happening every night in August! Pack up the kids and have a blast under the stars. Check back each week to see if you want to see this Friday’s movie!
August 7th, 2:00-4:00 PM | Summer Skills of a Naturalist: Family Explorations at IslandWood
Looking for something fun to do with the whole family? This outdoor class is guaranteed to inspire curiosity about our beautiful landscape across all generations! Rain or shine, these naturalists are ready to give you a first-hand look into what a naturalist is, how they are helping our planet, and how you can help too!
August 12th, 6:00-8:00 PM | “Blue Boat” at Eleven Winery
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two, a night out with the girls, or exploring a new hobby, this paint-and-sip evening is guaranteed to be a great time. Feel free to bring your own food, everything else you’ll need is included!
August 14th, 1:00-4:40 PM | Beautiful Designs Trunk Show at Eleven Winery
Join Hayley of Fruitful Designs for an afternoon of sipping wine and perusing through unique, handcrafted designs. Find the perfect gift that your friends have never seen before, or maybe something just for you! No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find something one-of-a-kind while supporting a local artist.
August 20th, 12:00-3:00 PM | Back to School Adoption Event at Z Bones
Thinking about getting a furry new friend? This is the perfect event to adopt an animal who is looking for a permanent home. Hosted by a local, active company that cares about giving back to their community, you can feel good about where you got your pet! Feel free to use the link below to check out their current selection of pets to see if one looks right for you!
Market Trends From Around The Sound: Q2-2022
Just like newspaper headlines, the story of the second quarter of 2022 is focused largely on the economy–and in particular, rising interest rates. Up significantly from the conclusion of the first quarter, the pace of buying and selling homes had anecdotally slowed, but the numbers in our quarterly reporting inform us that across Western Washington, the time on the market is still swift and the median sold price is still climbing, but now, buyers have more to choose to from. This may be the place in the Venn diagram where the optimal time to be a buyer and a seller are overlapping. Explore the individual area reports below, and when you’re ready to take the next step in your real estate journey, contact a Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty advisor for local expertise and global reach.
Bainbridge Island | Single-Family Homes
The market is squarely in the seller’s court, with 1 month of inventory available. And with it, climbing prices, including the price per square foot, which was up nearly 30 percent, and the median sales price up nearly 22 percent, year over year.
View report>>
Kitsap County | Single-Family Homes
(Excluding Bainbridge Island) The number of homes for sale is also up, but despite that, it is still a seller’s market with only a single month of inventory. Buyers here have more options than they did even just a year ago, the number of homes for sale has more than doubling since the second quarter of 2021.
View report>>
Seattle | Single-Family Homes
The median sales price for a home in Seattle crossed into the seven figures in the second quarter of 2022 for the first time, a 12 percent increase from the same time last year. Median sales prices have been steadily creeping to this million-dollar mark since 2020.
View report>>
Eastside | Single-Family Homes
On average, homes were on the market for only a week—the same average length of time as a year before. Still the number of homes for sale now, amid climbing interest rates is up 276.95 percent compared to this time last year.
View report>>
Mercer Island | Single-Family Homes
The pace of cut-throat real estate is slowing down on Mercer Island. There were fewer homes sold and more homes for sale year over year in this coveted location. Still, the median sales price saw an increase of nearly 25 percent year-over-year.
View report>>
Seattle | Condominiums
With appreciating median sales prices, and fewer days on the market—16 down from 37 in Q2 of 2021—it’s a good time to be a condo seller.
View report>>
King County | Single-Family Homes
The supply issue many faced just a few months ago is becoming a distant memory—the number of homes for sale in the county is up more than 400 percent year over year.
View report>>
Pierce County | Single-Family Homes
While the second quarter of 2022 offered less than a month of inventory for sale, there are many more options for buyers than there were just a year ago. The number of homes for sale doubled year over year, while the homes sold fell by 8 percent.
View report>>
Life on Bainbridge | June 2022
The official first day of summer is just days away! Celebrate with sunshine and local Bainbridge Island events all month long!
June 3, 5 – 9pm | Moonlight Market
Live music, great food and drinks, and over 30 market booths to peruse, what more could you ask for? Stop by the Bainbridge Island Town Square to take in some of the best local offerings!
June 3, 6-8pm | First Friday Art Walk
Stroll the streets of downtown and enjoy art, film, food, and community on the first Friday of every month. Bainbridge Island’s Art Walk features galleries, studios, museums, shops, and restaurants showcasing the creative talent of PNW artists.
June 3 – 5 | Bainbridge Ballet Presents: Cinderella
A modern telling of a classic story! Watch as this brave young woman sets aside the judgments and expectations of other people, take fate into her own hands, and dance her way into her very own Happily Ever After.
Saturdays, 10am-2pm | Bainbridge Island Farmers Market
Visit the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, Open 10-2pm every Saturday, April-November (rain or shine!) in the Town Square at City Hall! Explore over 40 local vendors, including farmers, food vendors, live music, and crafters with artisan-made goods.
June 12 11am-3pm | Children’s Day Tea Party
Celebrate Children’s Day with BIMA’s Alice in Wonderland-themed Tea Party! A selection of teas, petite pastries, cookies, and other marvelous tea-time goodies prepared by BIMA’s own chef, Stephanie Knutson. Dress up.Tickets must be purchased for each attendee and all adults must be accompanied by a child (12 and under).
June 17, 4-7pm | Salish Sea Greens Oyster Bar Pop-Up
Grab a glass of wine and join Salish Sea Greens as they shuck some of the finest oysters the Puget Sound has to offer at Eleven Winery. Their oyster bar is complete with all the fixings including kelp mignonette, lemon and tabasco.
June 19, 4-6pm | The Bainbridge 3 at The Fletcher Bay Winery Rooftop
Great music and delicious wine! Spend the afternoon on the rooftop patio at Fletcher Bay and enjoy live music from The Bainbridge 3!
2022 Forecast Report
2022 has started out with record record-low inventory, but what’s to come?
In the Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty’s Forecast Report 2022, we attempt to answer that complex and multifaceted question for you, with the help of experts in their fields who are navigating inflation, 1031 exchanges, supply chain issues, and more.
To take advantage of this historic year in residential real estate, start by reading the 2022 Forecast Report.
Shop Small on Bainbridge Island
Shop Small on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island glistens with holiday spirit in the winter! Illuminated by twinkling lights on Winslow Way and the sparkle of the Seattle skyline across the sound, nothing compares.. But the real magic of the island comes from the local shops that make up the heart of our community. This holiday season, shop local on Bainbridge Island. I’ve gathered a few of my favorite gift ideas to help you get inspired.
Right off the ferry you find yourself in downtown Winslow. Running about ten city blocks, the streets are lined with local businesses including restaurants, bakeries, galleries, toy stores and more. Below is a list of some of the local stores you will find while walking the streets.
- Eagle Harbor Book Co.
- Danger& Dana’s Showhouse
- Sweet Deal Clothing
- Wildernest
- Calico Toy Shoppe
- Plum
- Pelindaba Lavender
- Petit & Olsen
- Churchmouse Yarns & Teas
- Bon Bon Candies
- Millstream
Made on Bainbridge
If you’re looking for something that is Bainbridge specific, check out Bainbridge Trading Company, offering handmade fresh soaps, candles, and bath bombs, as well as Bainbridge Island apparel.
Another unique gift supporting artists in the PNW can be found inside the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Gift Shop. From art to scarfs, cards, books, and jewelry, BIMA offers many unique gifts from $3 to over $3,000.
You can also find many local Bainbridge Island Artisans online using Etsy! Explore the nearly 2,000 items created by your neighbors here.
Clutter-Free Gifts
Shopping for something for the person who already has everything? Consider gifting an experience instead!
- Membership to the incredible Bloedel Reserveon Bainbridge Island
- Membership to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Swim passes to Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center
- A Discovery Pass to enjoy State Parks year-round
- Gift Card to one of the many local restaurants
Host Gifts
If you need a host gift this holiday season, consider supporting one of our local Wineries or Breweries!
Wine
Beer
Bainbridge Island Schools
The back-to-school season is upon us. There is so much excitement and nerves around starting a new school year for the whole family. One thing you don’t have to worry about with back to school on Bainbridge Island is the quality of education. Bainbridge Island Public Schools are continually recognized in the top five in the state of Washington and very highly ranked nationally. In addition to excellent public schools, there are outstanding private and non-traditional school options. Bainbridge Island Schools have something for every child!
If you’re considering making a move to the island, or a lifelong islander, here are resources to help you start the school year!
Elementary schools
Intermediate school
Middle school
High school
Alternative schools within the public school system
- Mosaic Home Education
- Odyssey Multiage Program
- Eagle Harbor High School
- Wilkes Multiage Program (Grades 1-4)
- Spanish Immersion at Ordway
Private Schools
- Madrona School
- Carden Country School
- Saint Cecilia Catholic School
- The Island School
- Hyla Middle School
Montessori Schools
- Montessori Country School
- Hazel Creek Montessori
- Bainbridge Island Montessori
- Island Children’s Montessori School
Additional Resources
Bainbridge Island School District >>
Bainbridge Island Schools Foundation >>
Donate to Families in Need of School Resources >>
Washington State Scholarships >>
Helpline House – Child Services >>
COVID-19 Guidelines & Resources from the Superintendent of Public Instruction >>