Community Newsletter
November 2026
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IN THIS ISSUE
With Halloween approaching and Election Day just around the corner, we’ve got a busy month ahead of us here on Bainbridge and a lot to share with our readers. This issue features special sections dedicated to things from “Hallo-weekend” activities and voting resources, along with our regular segments on local business and community news, community events, and updates at the Chamber. Make sure to click “READ MORE” at the top of this newsletter to see everything we’ve included in this special issue!
In this issue…
- Chamber Updates
- Chamber News, Events, & Programs
- At the Chamber Office
- Chamber Member Spotlights: Friday Fieldtrips
- Local Business & Nonprofit News
- Community & Government News
- Voting Resources
- Halloweekend on Bainbridge Island
- November Community Events
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Chamber News,
Events, & Programs
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LAST CALL FOR RESPONSES!
Bainbridge Island Resident Survey
Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce
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The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce is gathering resident input to better understand how the local economy affects daily life and what economic development priorities the community supports. Results will help local leaders, businesses, and community organizations make informed decisions about local services, employment, transportation, tourism, and future investments.
The survey takes about 5-7 minutes to complete.
Please share this survey with your friends, family, and customers who reside on Bainbridge Island! We want to hear from you! The more responses we get, the better we can help guide decisions for the community.
| | Survey closes 11:59pm on Friday, October 30th | | |
Entrepreneur Meet Up
Bainbridge Chamber & Matchstick Lab
Sponsored by BECU
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Join us for our
October Entrepreneur Meetup!
Meet fellow entrepreneurs in a relaxed and welcoming environment with a glass of Sisters' Cider. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just beginning your entrepreneurial journey, this meetup is a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, share ideas, and grow your network with like-minded professionals. We can't wait to see you there and help you build connections that can inspire your next opportunity! Let's raise a glass and support one another!
This event is open to everyone, no Chamber membership required! Drop by any time. Registration also isn't required, but signing up in advance will help us reserve enough table space! Thank you to our series sponsor BECU!
When: TODAY! Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Sisters' Cider House
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The Chamber Office & Licensing Desk will be closed
Wednesday, November 11th
and
Thursday, November 26th & Friday, November 27th
for Observation of Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Holidays
The Licensing Desk will be closed
the entire week of Thanksgiving Holiday
November 24th through November 27th
for Staff Holiday
The Licensing Office at the Bainbridge Chamber will be closed for in-person services on the dates above, but online renewals (for mail or pick up) will remain open during this time. Please give 24 hours to process your online renewal as we have limited staff available to print and process renewals once each day. The Chamber office for business and visitor support will remain fully open during this time.
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Vehicle Licensing Desk
Tuesday - Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Closed Mondays*
- Vehicle Registration & Renewals (also an online service)
- Pick up your online renewals (available next business day)
- Title Transfers
- Replacement Titles
- Name Changes & other administrative updates
- New Vehicle Registration
- Specialty License Plates
- Disabled Placards and License Plates
When renewing online, make sure to choose "Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce" Online renewals can be picked up next business day
from the Bainbridge Chamber office or mailed directly to your home.
*Note* Monday pick up is available for renewals completed by 4:00pm the previous Friday.
Visit DOL.WA.gov to get started.
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On a Friday each month, the Chamber team hits the road to visit one of our members. We take a peek behind the scenes and ask business leaders to discuss their experiences owning and operating a business on Bainbridge Island. These Friday Field Trips offer the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our business ecosystem while gathering data about how we can best support our members.
Last month’s Friday Field Trip took us to Pleasant Beach Village, where we explored their stunning event venue, exquisite hotel rooms, and sunny pool deck. A true community endeavor, Pleasant Beach is at once a draw for locals and a destination for visitors, perfectly capturing the casual elegance Bainbridge Island has become known for.
Read our interview with Lydia Dobson, Director of Operation and Marketing at Pleasant Beach Village at the button link!
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Local Business &
Nonprofit News
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Pickleball Life Bainbridge
Winslow Way Welcomes
New Store Dedicated to Pickleball
Pickleball Life Bainbridge Opens October 29!
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Pickleball was born on Bainbridge Island in 1965, and now the island is getting its first dedicated pickleball shop!
Pickleball Life Bainbridge, a new sister shop to downtown Winslow's Island Life Artisan Gifts, will celebrate the game, its history, and the community that has grown around it. Created by Island Life founder and designer Alex Sanso, the shop grew out of years of customer enthusiasm for her original pickleball-themed merchandise, inspired by the sport's Bainbridge Island roots. Located just two doors down from Island Life Artisan Gifts in downtown Winslow, Pickleball Life invites the community to come celebrate the game that was Born Here • Played Everywhere™.
The shop opens to the public Thursday (TOMORROW!) October 29 at 10:30 am. Grand Opening festivities will happen throughout the day, including a raffle for a Bainbridge Pickleball Co. carbon fiber paddle and paddle cover (no need to be present to win). The Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce will host an official ribbon cutting at approximately 4 p.m., followed by celebratory libations.
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Local Community &
Government News
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City of Bainbridge Island (COBI)
City of Bainbridge Island Seeks Community Feedback on Potential
Speed Safety Camera Program
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The City of Bainbridge Island is inviting community members to share their perspectives on a potential automated traffic safety enforcement camera program through an online survey open until Tomorrow, October 29, 2026. City Council is expected to receive an update on survey results and community feedback on December 1, 2026. Check the City's website for meeting details and updates.
Read more on program updates, open house summary information, and what the speed safety Camera Program entails at the button link.
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Bainbridge Island Senior & Community Center
BISCC Offers Free Shuttle to Ballot Box Drop-Off Ahead of Election Day
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On select dates from October 15th to November 3rd, BISCC will offer a Free Shuttle service to anyone who needs to access a ballot box to drop off their ballots. This service is open to all Bainbridge residents. The shuttle will pick you up from your home or your designated location to the ballot box at 8489 Madison Ave NE and drop you back off at home/your designated location.
Shuttle Schedule Remaining Dates (pickup begins at noon)
Wednesday, October 28th
Friday, October 30th
Monday, November 3rd
Call (206)842-1616 or email info@biseniorcenter.org to sign up
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Kitsap County Government
Ballot Drop Boxes and Voting Location Near Me
| | If you plan to vote in person on Election Day, remember that there are no in-person voting locations on Bainbridge Island. The closest polling location is in Poulsbo. | | |
In-Person Voting Locations
in Kitsap County
Poulsbo Fire Station
911 NE Liberty Road
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Marvin Williams Recreation Center
725 Park Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98337
Kitsap County Administration Building
619 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
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Ballot Dropbox Locations
in Kitsap County
There is 1 ballot drop box location on Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island School District
8489 Madison Avenue North
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(drive-up)
Click on the button below to find more ballot boxes in Kitsap County
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Kitsap County Government
Voting Guides & Resource
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In the Pamphlet
Ballot Measures
- No. IP26-645, state & local taxes, pages 9-14
- No. IL26-001, parental rights relating to children in public school, pages 15-19
- No. IL26-638, participation in athletics at k-12 based on sex, pages 20-22
State Candidates
- U.S. Representative, pages 23-25
- State Legislative Offices, pages 26-36
- State Judicial Offices, pages 37-43
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In the Pamphlet
- Kitsap County Candidate Statements, pages 12-22
Ballot Measures
- Capital Levy for Safety, Technology and Facility Improvements, page 24 & 25
- KPUD No. 1: Authorizing the Construction or Acquisition of Electric Facilities, page 26 & 27
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Halloweekend on Bainbridge
Things to do on Bainbridge this Halloween Weekend
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Kitsap Transit & City of Bainbridge Island (COBI)
Trick-or-Treat on transit: How to get to Halloween events on Bainbridge without driving
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Winslow Way will be closed to cars between Ericksen Avenue and Madison Avenue and transformed into a pedestrian-friendly trick-or-treat haven.
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 – 6 PM
Where: Winslow Way, Bainbridge
How: Take the free Route 385 shuttle (a pilot service funded by the City of Bainbridge). If coming from the Ferry Terminal, tell the driver you want to get off on Winslow Way before the bus turns on Ericksen Avenue. You can also get off at the Madison Avenue at Wyatt Way stop and walk five minutes south to Winslow Way. If you are boarding from Winslow Way, you can flag down the bus driver to let you board on Winslow Way between Highway 305 and Ericksen Avenue.
A special surprise awaits those who hop on board!
BI Ride will also operate until 7:00 PM, but you must book any trips after 4 PM through the Ride Pingo app.
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Bainbridge Senior Living
Madison House Fall Art Stroll
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Join Bainbridge Senior Living for the Madison House Fall Art Stroll.
When: Thursday, October 29th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Senior Living Madison House, 285 Madison Ave. S.
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Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA)
Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra Presents:
Demons & Destiny
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The Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra opens its 2026–2027 season with a program of Russian masterworks. Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain opens the concert, and pianist Yoon-Wha Roh joins the orchestra for Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor. The program concludes with Shostakovich's Symphony No. 1 in F minor.
When: Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 1st
Where: The Buxton Center for BPA, 200 Madison Ave N
Bainbridge Island, 98110
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Bainbridge Gardens
Pumpkin Walk
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The Pumpkin Walk is a family-oriented event hosted by Bainbridge Gardens. People of all ages go to walk along Bainbridge Gardens' historic nature trail to view hundreds of hand designed pumpkins, take pictures, and of course, get candy. Over one hundred pumpkins are decorated by staff members at Bainbridge Gardens and the kids at the Boys and Girls Club. Over the month, customers, neighbors, and community members add their own creations.
When: Everyday in October
Where: Bainbridge Gardens
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Bainbridge Play Cafe (BPC)
Halloween Hideaway at Bainbridge Play Cafe
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Step into BPC’s Halloween Hideaway, where the play space has been transformed into a whimsical Halloween world made just for little ones. Explore, play, and discover festive surprises around every corner - think pumpkins, friendly ghosts, twinkling lights, bats, and plenty of Halloween magic. No scares, no frights - just Halloween fun! Join and let your little monsters play the day away.
When: Saturday, October 31st from 7:30am to 4:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Play Cafe
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Eagle Harbor Book Co.
Storytime with Rachel Michelle Wilson
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Join Eagle Harbor Book Co. for a special Halloween storytime with local author Rachel Michelle Wilson! She is the author of the exciting new picture book How to Escape a Playdate!
About the book:
This book will guide you through a few creative escape options. All you'll need is your wits, a dashing disguise, and a roof-crushing robot. Along the way, you might even discover that you and your playdate have more in common
than you think.
When: Saturday, October 31st from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Eagle Harbor Book Co.
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Bainbridge Island Downtown Association (BIDA) & City of Bainbridge Island (COBI)
Hometown Halloween
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Downtown merchants welcome all ghosts and goblins, witches and warlocks to ramble Winslow Way in search of tasty treats, spooky tunes and more!
On Halloween, Winslow Way between Ericksen and Madison will be closed to through traffic from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. (Pedestrians have right of way from 4:00 – 6:00)
The Bainbridge Island Downtown Association’s mission is to build and sustain community through a vibrant downtown. This year’s Hometown Halloween appreciates the generosity of co-sponsors, the City of Bainbridge Island and Eagle Harbor Church.
When: Saturday, October 31st from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Winslow Way, Downtown Bainbridge
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Winslow Green
Halloween on the Green
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Halloween on the Green is back this year! Visit Winslow Green for some carnival style games & activities as you trick or treat and enjoy Winslow Way! Plus, fortune teller, spooky music sing along & interactive games with Beau Rocks Karaoke, costume contests for all ages & more!
When: Saturday, October 31st starting at 4:00pm (Costume Contest at 5:00pm)
Where: Winslow Green
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Bainbridge Brewing
Halloween Party with The Georgetown Orbits at Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse
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Saturday, October 31, 2026, Bainbridge Brewing is throwing a Halloween Party at the Alehouse! The Georgetown Orbits will be performing, the taps will be flowing, there will be a costume contest and prizes! Dress up, get down to good tunes, and liven up this spooky season! This is a 21+ only event.
When: Saturday, October 31st music begins at 7:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse on Winslow Way
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In the Community...
Local Artist creates ‘Jim Reaper, Dark Lord and Father of Jimothy’ Halloween Display
open for public viewing
| | Remember: this piece is on someone’s personal property and in a quiet, residential area. Make sure you are respectful of noise, traffic laws, and the community around this display. | | |
Bainbridge residents and local artists, Matthew and Bryce Inman created an incredible spectacle on Bainbridge Island for locals to view throughout Halloween. Matthew Inman is known globally for his comic blog, The Oatmeal and his co-creation of the Exploding Kittens games. On the island, he is also known by locals for his elaborate Halloween costumes and front yard displays. This year, his display is gaining attention all across the Puget Sound and beyond!
Named ‘Grimothy’ by the brothers, this display features a massive, larger than life animatronic short-spined raccoon with glowing red eyes. This creature is a spooky tip-of-the-hat to Jimothy, the short-spined raccoon living in the Ballard neighborhood that gained viral attention earlier this summer. This display is definitely worth checking out!
Read more about Grimothy and an interview with the Inman brothers, conducted by Seattle’s The Stranger at the button link.
| | November Community Events | | |
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
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Gather together as a community for Día de los Muertos, a celebration that is memorable, beautiful, and deeply rooted in cultural significance. The day begins with a joyful procession to BIMA made up of children dressed as butterflies, leading guests along a flower-lined path into a museum vibrant with music, art, and activity.
Bring the kids to create and decorate wearable butterfly wings and join in the mariposa (butterfly) processions before each daytime Día de los Muertos Community Celebrations! All supplies will be provided and kids of all ages are welcome! Join BIMA as early at 9 AM to make your butterfly wings to then be part of the processions at 11 AM and 2 PM! Three remembrance ceremonies, presented by Alice Mendoza and Araceli Cruz, will be held at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM.
All are welcome for this traditional celebration! The free ceremonies will be live-streamed at the BIMA Auditorium, though seating is limited.
When: Saturday, November 7th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
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Dia de los Muertos Evening Celebration
Wander the candle-filled Museum as live music and performers will set the atmosphere. Visit the traditional ofrenda, created by artist Araceli Cruz, to add your own mementos and stories. Enjoy food and drink available for purchase throughout the night and experience the beauty and depth of this tradition after dark.
All are welcome to join, but tickets are required.
When: Saturday, November 7th from 5:00pm to 7:30pm
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Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda
At the heart of the celebration is a traditional ofrenda: a colorful, multi-paneled shrine created by artist Araceli Cruz where visitors are invited to add mementos and stories honoring loved ones who have passed on. Between and after the daytime ceremonies, anyone can visit the ofrenda and explore the art in the galleries, including the student art inspired by Día de los Muertos, no ticket needed!
All are welcome to participate!
When: November 7th through November 15th during museum hours
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Puget Sound Tech Support & WAFd Bank
Scam Protection for Seniors
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Puget Sound Tech Support is partnering with WaFd Bank to give a free scam protection presentation in their branch! Intended for seniors, this presentation will give you the tools to use the internet safely. Puget Sound Tech Support and WAFd hope to give seniors the confidence they need to pick out real from fake in today's digital environment.
When: Monday, November 9th at 12:00pm
Where: WAFd Bank, 208 High School Rd NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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Bainbridge Youth Services (BYS)
BYS Fall Fundraiser
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Purchase your tickets and join for a special evening supporting Bainbridge Youth Services. Your participation helps BYS continue providing free mental health counseling, resources, and programs for youth across our community.
When: Friday, November 13th from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Island Rowing Center
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HYLA School
Hyla Hosts! Story Slam
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Modeled after The Moth, Hyla Hosts: Story Slam invites our island and beyond to gather for an evening of heartfelt, funny, and courageous stories—told live. Whether you come to tell or to listen, you'll be part of something timeless: the stories that connect us and community built through sharing them. We would love for you to join us on November 13th at 6 PM.
When: Friday, November 13th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Hyla Community Hall
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Battle Point Astronomical Association
Sponsor the Spark: An Afternoon Fundraiser for an inside look into the Battle Point Observatory
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You're invited to Sponsor the Spark: an afternoon fundraiser with an inside look at Battle Point Observatory! Experience the sparks of discovery happening inside this unique island resource, and how your support makes all the difference. Enjoy nibbles & beverages, get an insider's tour of science programs happening in our community, and meet others who support astronomy and local science.
Tickets $100 per person, reserved limited seating at two sessions.
When: Saturday, November 14th at 3:00pm and 4:30pm
Where: 10800 Battle Point Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA
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Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
BIMA Mercado: A BIMA PRISM PROGRAM
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¡Bienvenidos al segundo BIMA Mercado!
Back for its second year, the BIMA Mercado continues our Día de los Muertos celebrations! Shop the market filled with art, craft, and goods from Latine makers from across the Puget Sound region. Connect with artists, find a gift for a friend, discover your new favorite piece of art for your home, and support local artists! This market is free to attend, all are welcome.
When: Saturday, November 14th from 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
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Sustainable Bainbridge
ReFashion Clothing Swap
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Shop for free at the semi-annual ReFashion Bainbridge clothing swap! Quick mending fixes are available at the swap for $5. If you have clean, gently used kids' or adult shoes or clothing (no stains or holes), drop off the day before from 12-4pm. Please do not bring underwear, sleepwear, bathing suits, hats, or socks.
When: Sunday, November 15th from 12:00 to 2:30pm
Where: Bainbridge Island Filipino American Hall
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Bainbridge Brewing & Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
Drink & Draw
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Come for a drink and stay to draw during this fun, free, clothed-model life drawing session hosted by BIMA at Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse. These monthly meet ups are open to anyone 21+ that is interested in working from the model, regardless of experience level. All materials provided and no registration is required, so drop in any time! This month, the event will be held on Tuesday, November 17th!
When: Every Third Tuesday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, September 15th 2027 through May 18th 2027
Where: Bainbridge Brewing Alehouse (Winslow Location)
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Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN)
BARN Holiday Bazaar
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A seasonal tradition returns! Buy directly from the maker at this annual celebration of the creativity that happens at BARN. From jewelry to wood arts, basketry to weaving, you’ll find an unmatched selection of original hand-crafted items. Kick off the holidays in homegrown style. Join BARN for a day of shopping, food, and community!
When: Saturday, November 21st from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: BARN
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Helpline House
Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot
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The Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot is a beloved Thanksgiving morning tradition that brings our community together in support of Helpline House. Each year, runners and walkers of all ages gather at Battle Point Park for a family-friendly 1-mile walk/run and 5K fun run.
Proceeds from Turkey Trot support Helpline House by providing additional funds for food, housing and utility assistance, counseling, and other essential support to our neighbors. More than just a race, Turkey Trot is a wonderful example of Helpline House's "Neighbor Helping Neighbor" mission in action: our community having fun together while making sure help is available for those who need it.
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When: Thursday, November 26th
1 Mile Fun Run starts at 8:30am
5k Run/Walk starts at 9:00am
Where: Battle Point Park
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Bainbridge Island Friends of the Library
November Friends of the Library Sales
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Sale of thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines. Sales are at the Bainbridge Public Library and all proceeds support the library. All sales are 12:00pm - 4:00 pm. Cash or check only.
Sunday, November 1st
Thursday, November 12th
Sunday, November 22nd
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Eagle Harbor Congregational Church
Community Dinners & Super Suppers
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Join your fellow community members for a warm and tasty meal! No matter what you’re looking for, everyone is welcome at the table. These meals are offered at no charge and are prepared with care by local volunteers.
FREE/Pay What You Can
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Super Suppers
(5:00pm to 7:00pm)
Eagle Harbor Congregational Church
- Tuesday, November 24th
- Wednesday, November 25th
- Thursday, November 26th
- Friday, November 27th
- Sunday, November 29th
- Monday, November 30th
Community Dinners
(6:00pm to 8:00pm)
Eagle Harbor Congregational Church
| | Looking For More events on Bainbridge? | | |
Want to see a full calendar of upcoming events on Bainbridge Island?
Check out CURRENTS by Arts & Humanities Bainbridge
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Want to be a part of our newsletters? Want to get to know your local business and non-profit community better? Join our membership organization of 375+ local businesses, organizations, individuals, and municipal services to gain access to an exclusive network of local peers, partners, and leaders along with a variety of benefits including:
- Business Advocacy at the city, county and state levels
- Access to free local business resources
- Two free networking events each month
- Promotion of your work through our many channels, which include:
- Opportunities hosting monthly networking events
- Community & member newsletters
- Social media cross promotion
- In-office displays & digital advertising space
- Visitor information centers in Winslow and at the ferry terminal
- sponsorship and event hosting opportunities
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