Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | |
WSDOT to Increase Ferry Prices
Trips becoming more expensive this fall
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Published in The Seattle Times, August 7, 2025
Image courtesy of FerryRiders.com
A trip on a Washington state ferry will get more expensive this fall.
The Washington State Transportation Commission on Wednesday approved fare increases of 3% on Oct. 1 and another 3% on May 1. It also increased the summer season surcharge to 35% on all routes next year and, on a trial basis, extended the life of multi-ride passes to 120 days starting next May. Those passes now expire after 90 days.
“It is never a fun job to raise rates,” said Commissioner Debbie Young. The final product, she said, is the best they could devise “to keep the impact minimized on the regular rider who feels it most.”
Also Wednesday, commissioners acted to require operators of public and private bus services, as well as van pool and public rideshare services, to pay tolls on the Highway 520 floating bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge starting Oct. 1.
Commissioners repealed a longstanding exemption for those transit services. A new law signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson earlier this year called for that change. School buses will continue to be exempt.
Redoing ferry fares drew most of the panel’s focus Wednesday.
Under the state transportation budget, Washington State Ferries is required to generate $408.8 million from fares in the next two years to help cover the agency’s day-to-day operating costs. State ferry officials estimated with the hike, the fare will bring in $412.3 million in revenue, commissioners were told.
The hike will come on top of a 50-cent increase to the vessel replacement surcharge that state lawmakers and Ferguson approved this year. When that change takes effect Oct. 1, the surcharge will be $1 per ticket.
Washington State Ferries was also directed to impose a new 3% fee on credit card transactions beginning March 1.
Ferry officials estimate the vessel surcharge hike will net $23.9 million and the credit card fee another $7.4 million in the 2025-27 budget cycle. But those dollars cannot be applied toward the fare revenue requirement, said Aaron Halbert, a financial analyst for the commission.
Fares differ by route as well as vehicle size, number of passengers and the time of year one travels. A surcharge is assessed on the base fare of a single vehicle between May 1 and Sept. 30, which is the peak season for ridership.
Under the new rates, the standard passenger fare on the Mukilteo-Clinton route will climb 70 cents in October and an additional 15 cents in May. For a standard-sized vehicle, the cost will go up 85 cents in October, and another 30 cents in May.
Read the article here
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Silverdale @ Sunset:
Victims of Love
Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 6:30pm
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Chamber: Off the Clock
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 5:05pm
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August Luncheon: The Power of Networking
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
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Bring your business cards and get ready to network - you won't want to miss!
Paid parking is available on the Green Level underneath the Kitsap Conference Center.
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Port to Port Pop-Up @ Blackberry Festival
August 30 & 31, 2025
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Join us for a sail during Bremerton's Blackberry Festival! Catch the pop-up in Silverdale or Bremerton for a 1-hour sail along Dyes Inlet. Grab a bite to eat at one of Old Town Silverdale's amazing restaurants or check out the musical lineup and all things blackberry at the annual Blackberry Festival on the Bremerton Boardwalk. Free parking available in Silverdale at the Kitsap Mall, with a courtesy shuttle running from the mall to the Silverdale Waterfront.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help this event sail smoothly! Sign up to volunteer here. Thank you for helping us make this a memorable experience for our community and visitors to our region.
| | Highlight Your Business with Tabling Opportunity at Chamber Luncheon | | |
Accessible Healthcare with NICE
Business Health Trust Has You Covered
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Business Health Trust and Nice Healthcare are making it easier for businesses in Washington to offer high-quality, low-cost health care.
No more waiting rooms, no more long commutes. Nice Healthcare® is now available for eligible Business Health Trust members.
Easily book same-day care with the NICE app and access virtual primary care, mental health support, physical therapy and more at no cost to you or your employees. In-home visits are available in many areas starting in July.
Learn more about benefits and eligibility from our partner, Business Health Trust.
🔗 Webpage Link: https://businesshealthtrust.com/products/nice-healthcare/
Questions? Contact BHT!
(425) 201-1972
nice@businesshealthtrust.com
Not a BHT member? Are you ready to build a better benefits package? Visit bhtquote.com to learn more and get a free quote.
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Renew your membership today to ensure your benefits as a member of the Greater Kitsap Chamber! Questions about when to renew or how to upgrade your membership? Need a new membership window cling or digital badge? Contact David now!
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Missed a previous edition of the Chamber's Community Connections?
View all the past issues on our website HERE.
| | New Members - Welcome to the Chamber! | |
B & B Auto Customer Appreciation Day
Friday, August 22, 2025, 11:00am
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Admiral Theatre Presents: Kitsap Blues Festival
August 29 - 31, 2025
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Latin American Jazz Experience @ Roxy
Saturday, August 30, 2025, 7:30pm
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Facility Maintenance Trades Training
September 15 - November 26, 2025, 2:00pm
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You're Invited!
Kitsap Humane Society Open House
Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 5:00pm
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If you haven’t seen us lately, you haven’t seen us at all. Kitsap Humane Society is more than a shelter, and you’re invited to learn about all we do for yourself. On September 23rd from 5:00pm to 7:30 pm, attend this first-of-its-kind, family-friendly event where you’ll have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes guided tour of our campus, meet some of our animal care professionals, and a whole lot more!
| | Register Now: LKPI Fall Seminars | | Leadership Kitsap's Premier Institute is thrilled to announce the fall seminar schedule with registration now open. These hands-on workshops are built for leaders across Kitsap and their teams to learn and grow together. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now! | | |
You're Invited!
Tessera's Annual Speaker Series
Thursday, October 9th, 2025, 10:00am
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Tessera (Formerly Skookum) is excited to welcome you to our second annual Speaker Series event! This year, we’re honored to welcome Melissa Stockwell as our keynote speaker.
In 2004, Melissa became the first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat. Her journey didn’t stop there. Melissa went on to become a Paralympic medalist, author, mother, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker—inspiring countless people with her resilience and determination.
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Changing Faces, Changing Places
Share your business news today
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Has your team recently welcomed a new hire, celebrated a promotion, or marked a retirement? Kitsap Business magazine's Changing Faces, Changing Places section highlights the people powering our local business community. Chamber members are invited to share their staff updates for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
Send your announcements to news@kitsapbusiness.com and let us help you recognize the faces behind your success.
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber is honored to announce Dana’s Heating & Cooling as our August 2025 Member of the Month. Members since 2010, Dana’s Heating & Cooling has been a pillar of service and reliability in Kitsap County. Family-owned and operated, the team at Dana’s is deeply committed to both their customers and the community.
Where Comfort Meets Community
Based in Bremerton, Dana’s Heating & Cooling has spent nearly three decades keeping homes and businesses across Kitsap County safe, warm, and energy efficient. From heat pump installations to air purification systems, their services are designed to meet the unique needs of our region’s climate and residents.
But Dana’s is more than just a heating and cooling company—they’re a community partner. Their team actively supports local events, provides educational resources on energy savings, and offers programs like the Ultimate Savings Agreement, which helps families maintain their HVAC systems with ease and affordability.
Local Expertise, Lasting Impact
Led by a team of skilled technicians and customer service professionals, Dana’s Heating & Cooling combines technical excellence with a genuine care for people. Their approach is simple: treat every customer like a neighbor, and every job like it matters—because it does.
Whether it’s responding quickly to emergency repairs or helping a homeowner choose the right system for their space, Dana’s brings integrity, professionalism, and heart to everything they do.
A Legacy of Service
Dana’s Heating & Cooling has grown alongside Kitsap County, and their commitment to the region remains stronger than ever. As proud members of the Greater Kitsap Chamber, they continue to invest in the well-being of our community—one home, one business, and one relationship at a time.
| | Business & Professional Development Committee | | Member Education & Training Resources | | |
SBDC: Small Business
Cybersecurity Webinar Series
August 7, 2025, - August 28, 2025, 11:00am
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This webinar will introduce the cyber security maturity model, a nationally recognized cyber security framework, and discuss the first two domains: Physical Protection and Media Protection. These domains cover the cyber security standards and practices small businesses can implement to physically secure their business and equipment, and the proper disposal of digital media. Tonya Zimmerer, Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Sales Director of Banner Bank, will present on tips for securely banking online.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Taxes on WA Businesses
Monday, August 18, 2025, 10:00am
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Running a business in Washington means navigating a complex tax landscape. This workshop will guide you through federal, state, and local taxes that impact your business and personal income. Learn how to properly report and pay taxes, avoid common pitfalls, and implement best practices for record keeping. Gain confidence in managing your business finances and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
Registration Fee: FREE
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SCORE: Unlocking Growth for Your Business
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 2:00pm
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Is your business generating enough leads to meet your revenue requirements? Do you have an organized, and automated way to capture leads? If not, then join us for a workshop on generating leads for your business.
Using marketing techniques centuries old, and tools of today, you can generate leads, track them, and monitor your success cost effectively. Leads are the lifeblood of every business, profit or otherwise. You can even integrate traditional media with digital methods for a highly effective lead generation process. You will also learn highly effective long term customer or client sustainment processes as well.
Registration Fee: FREE
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Evergreen Goodwill
Kitsap County Job Training and Education
August 11 - October 2, 2025
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Business Education Support & Training
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
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WTIA Founder Cohort 13
Application deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025
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WTIA Founder Cohort program helps approximately 20 venture-scale, seed-stage startups
grow and scale over the course of 6 months. The program blends virtual and in-person
elements and is open to early stage tech startups based in Washington. WTIA and their partners will provide founders with a roadmap that will help guide them through their next
milestones as they navigate increasing revenue, securing investment, and growing the team. The program kicks off on Friday, November 10, 2025. Apply here
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Biz Fair is Coming to Puyallup
Saturday, September 20, 2025
| | Business News & Resources | | |
Washington State
Tariff Information and Resource Guide
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Published in WA State Department of Commerce
International trade policies can shift rapidly, creating both challenges and opportunities for Washington State businesses. The Washington State Department of Commerce is committed to helping local companies be nimble and competitive in domestic and global markets.
This guide outlines recent and proposed tariff actions, resources for mitigating or minimizing tariff exposure, and relevant state and federal resources that can assist businesses as they adapt their operations.
Read the guide here
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Childcare Provider Listening Session
Thursday, August 14, 2025, 6:30pm
| The Kitsap Childcare Business Development Taskforce is hosting a listening session to hear directly from current and future childcare providers about the challenges of starting or growing services in Kitsap County. Your input is vital—especially if you operate in unincorporated areas where unique barriers exist. Whether you're a current provider, former operator, or just exploring the idea, your voice can help shape real solutions for our community. | | |
The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE), in partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, is proud to announce the launch of its newest certification category: LGBTQ Business Enterprises. This important milestone expands Washington’s commitment to inclusion by formally recognizing businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
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Quick and interesting reads for employers, employees,
local leaders, and everyone in between!
| | The Greater Kitsap Chamber is proud to serve as a resource partner with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Stay tuned to this section quarterly for education, resources and more from L&I. | | |
Seasonal Safety
High Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke May Trigger Protections for Workers
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Be Prepared
Hot temperatures and wildfire smoke are making for hazardous conditions for outdoor workers in our state.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is reminding employers and workers of the rules to protect workers and what weather conditions trigger extra precautions.
The state heat rules include protections for outdoor workers that kick in at 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with additional requirements in the kind of high heat that much of the state is currently experiencing.
State rules require employers to prepare in advance to protect workers from wildfire smoke by putting together a response plan. They must plan for how they’ll communicate with workers, train employees to report smoke, and coordinate medical treatment for employees who say they’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, chest pain and dizziness. They also must inform their employees of their right to medical care without retribution.
Employers can use indexes like the NowCast Air Quality Index (AQI) to track air quality. As air quality gets worse, employers must provide increasing protections.
Go online to learn more about L&I’s heat rules and wildfire smoke rules.
Ergonomics Ideas Bank
A withdrawal from the Ergonomics Ideas Bank won’t cost you a thing. In fact, with sprains and strains being a frequent and costly source of workplace injury claims, the idea bank is likely to save you money!
- Search by industry or hazard type to find all sorts of resources on ergonomic safety.
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And, don’t forget you can always schedule a free consultation!
Visit L&I's Safety & Health page for a wealth of information and resources!
| | Nonprofit News & Resources | |
5 Tips to Create Accurate and Insightful Reports for Your Nonprofit
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Published in Nonprofit Pro, August 7, 2025
Photo: Getty Images/Luis Alvarez
Reporting might not be the most exciting part of your job. But if you optimize your reports, they can help you take everything you do to new levels.
For example, strong reports allow you to:
- Monitor key performance metrics for an accurate overview of your nonprofit’s health.
- View detailed information about your organization’s functions and campaigns to know how well they’re tracking against goals and change direction when needed.
- Track trends — everything from donations to volunteering — to uncover opportunities for improvement.
With these benefits in mind, let’s look at some ways you can use technology for more accurate and insightful reports for your nonprofit.
Read the article here
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Kitsap Community Foundation:
Grant Cycle Opening Soon
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The Kitsap Community Foundation annual Community Grant Cycle will open on Monday, August 18, and close at 5pm on Monday, September 15. If your nonprofit serves Kitsap or North Mason Counties, now’s the time to dust off your grant-writing skills, rally your budget spreadsheets, and get ready to apply.
This cycle includes funding opportunities through:
- KCF Community Impact Grants – up to $5,000 for programs and operations that strengthen our communities
- Foster Care & Family Reconciliation – up to $7,500/year for two years for programs supporting youth transitions or family healing
- Youth Mentoring – up to $1,400 for programs pairing young people with supportive mentors
- Kitsap County Association of Realtors Foundation (KCAR) – New this year! Details coming soon
- Women’s Giving Circle of the Kitsap Peninsula – up to $10,000 for large orgs, $2,500 for small orgs serving women and/or children
| | August is Make-a-Will Month! | | |
August is Make-A-Will Month! Don’t miss this golden opportunity to promote planned giving to your donors and volunteers.
KCF recently hosted a webinar to provide specific language your organization can use in your social media, emails, and newsletters. In case helpful, we are sharing resources from the session. We hope you find them valuable as you work to promote planned giving to those who hold your organization dear—your current donors and volunteers.
The slide deck from the training with links to the Canva toolkit is included below. Additionally, here is the link to the webinar recording for your reference. Please feel free to share with colleagues who were unable to attend.
Know that the experienced team at Kitsap Community Foundation stands ready to help should you need assistance with:
- Acceptance of complex asset types, including stock transfers, IRA distributions, and real estate
- Setting up and Managing Agency Funds – endowment, reserves, campaign/project funds
- Donor-designated endowment funds for your agency (KCF manages funds in perpetuity; agency gets annual check)
- Provide philanthropic counseling and talk with individual donors/volunteers about the tax advantages of different types of philanthropic funds (Charitable Trusts, Donor Advised Funds, etc.) for current and planned gifts.
| | Coughlin and Wheeler Move Forward in the Race for the Mayor of Bremerton | | |
Published in The Kitsap Sun, August 5, 2025
Image: Provided by Kitsap County Auditor's Office
Jeff Coughlin and Greg Wheeler will meet on the ballot for Bremerton mayor during the fall general election after Tuesday's primary decided the two candidates to advance.
Preliminary results from the Kitsap County Auditor's Office showed that Wheeler led at 51.71%, receiving 2,317 votes of the 4,481 total, with Coughlin next after drawing 33.63%, or 1,507 votes.
"We have worked hard over the last seven years, and our community recognizes that. I've run a positive campaign focused on meeting and talking with constituents, and I look forward to continuing that and reaching even more voters before November," Wheeler said.
Coughlin, a current city councilmember and former NASA scientist, said that he and his team were "thrilled" with the results: "I think tonight we saw that -- especially as all the votes are carried over the next few days -- I think we'll see that the majority of Bremerton is ready for some positive change."
Marwan Cameron, former OC instructor and non-profit director, will not advance. Cameron, who ran unsuccessfully for city council in 2023, finished with 14.66%, or 657 votes.
"Tonight is about the people of the city. It'd be great to come in second or first, but the big thing was to bring attention to the issues, and we've definitely done that, and we're going to continue to do so," Cameron said Tuesday night. "We'll see what happens in four years."
Read the article here
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Quincy Square's Pilot Weekend
Car Ban Going into Effect
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Press Release, Downton Bremerton Association, August 8, 2025
Bremerton, WA – Beginning the weekend of August 8, 2025, Quincy Square will become car-free every weekend, transforming into a fully pedestrian-friendly public space on weekends from Fridays at 3:00 PM through Mondays at 8:00 AM through December as part of a City of Bremerton pilot program.
This new weekend street closure program is being launched through the end of 2025, following the resounding community feedback received after the grand opening of Quincy Square last month. Residents and visitors alike voiced a strong desire for a walkable, vibrant downtown space, prompting swift action by local leadership.
Jessica Combs, Director of the Downtown Bremerton Association, met with Mayor Greg Wheeler, as well as representatives from Public Works and the city’s emergency management team to explore options for increasing pedestrian accessibility. The result is a new weekend closure policy that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and the overall experience of everyone who visits Quincy Square.
“We heard our community loud and clear,” said Combs. “Quincy Square was always envisioned as a dynamic public space for people. By going car-free on weekends, we’re allowing families, artists, musicians, and small businesses to thrive in a safer, more engaging environment.”
“The City’s pilot program comes from feedback on the heels of the successful launch of Quincy Square in July combined with years of input from the community to the City on the project,” said Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. “Quincy Square is fast becoming an in-demand location for arts, entertainment and other events, and this is an important next step to realizing the full potential of Quincy Square.”
To support the transition:
- Temporary signage will be placed around Quincy Square starting three days before each weekend closure.
- Street bollards located at the East and West ends of Quincy Square will be erected during non-parking hours to prevent vehicle access.
- Permanent street and parking signage updates are currently underway to reflect the new schedule.
Quincy Square’s weekend closure is part of a broader initiative to enhance livability and downtown activation in Bremerton. Events, pop-up markets, performances, and outdoor dining are already being planned to make full use of this pedestrian-first space. The closure would also create a consistent pedestrian-friendly environment that remains vibrant with buskers and passive programming, even when formal events aren’t scheduled. Additionally, it would eliminate confusion over traffic access as the public becomes accustomed to the street being closed on weekends.
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CK Performing Arts Center Presents: Cats
August 7-10 & 14-17, 2025
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Bremerton Bites
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 5:00pm
| | Kitsap’s tastiest new food truck showdown is here! Join us at Bremerton Bites, a four-part summer series where local food trucks battle it out for the title of Best Bite each month. Vote for your favorites, enjoy shopping with local vendors, groove to live music, and bring the whole family for a flavorful night out at The Village! | | |
Summer Skills of a Naturalist: Wetland Ecology
Sunday, August 17, 2025, 1:00pm
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Head down to beautiful Mac’s Pond to explore the biodiversity of a freshwater pond ecosystem with IslandWood, an environmental education nonprofit serving the Puget Sound region. You’ll dip into the still waters to identify, classify, and marvel at the teeming nursery of macroinvertebrates and other species hiding down in the deep. There be dragons in those calm waters – Odonata larvae that is, and you will be amazed at their adaptations!
IslandWood has built in extra time for this special program so you can head into the beautiful and mysterious sphagnum bog on their property. The bog is drier, safer, and full of carnivorous plants at this time of year, making it fun and memorable to compare this wetland to the pond ecosystem.
As ecologists, IslandWood asks: what are our ‘look fors’ in this unique habitat, to ensure it’s health and vitality for all of the species that depend upon it? Come with your questions and curiosity, and you’ll leave with bigger questions.
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Kitsap County Cornhole
Saturday, August 16, 2025
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Port Orchard Night Market
Saturday, August 16, 2025,
| | Port Orchard's waterfront outdoor market featuring local artisans, music, food, games and more! Family-friendly fun August 16 from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm. | | |
Bremerton Creative District
Networking and Conversation
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 5:30pm
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Bridging Bremerton
Saturday, September 13, 2025
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Masks Still Available
Free at the Greater Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
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The Greater Kitsap Chamber still has some supplies available if your local business is in need of KN95 masks. Pick up your supply at both GKC locations today. Available while supplies last.
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Poulsbo Inn & Suites
Scenic Comfort and Norwegian Charm
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The Poulsbo Inn & Suites has 83 guest rooms featuring the rich colors of the Northwest that is reminiscent of a mountain lodge. A room with a view will afford you a breathtaking panorama of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
All of our guest rooms include a 25" color television with cable, complimentary WI-FI, complimentary local calls, and Keurig coffee makers. All the amenities you need at a price you want.
We also have a selection of pet friendly rooms. We require that you call us directly to book a pet friendly room or to modify a non-pet friendly reservation.
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Clearwater Casino Presents:
Cherry Cherry: Neil Diamond Tribute
Friday, August 15, 2025, 8:30pm
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Abbagraphs: ABBA Tribute
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 8:30pm
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Explore Kitsap Trails
Green Mountain - Gold Creek Trail
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Green Mountain is the Kitsap Peninsula's go-to after work destination. Whether you're mountain biking, trail running, or hiking, you can get a quick workout by hiking the Gold Creek Trail up to the summit of Green Mountain!
Location: From Bremerton, head south on Highway 3 for about 2 miles, then exit onto Belfair Valley Road. Stay on this for 6.6 miles, then turn right onto NE Bearcreek Dewatto Road for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Gold Creek Road for 2.3 miles, then turn right into the parking area.
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GKCVC: Presents Silverdale @ Sunset
Summer concert series returns to Waterfront Park
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Music in Manette
Thursdays, July 10 - August 21, 2025, 6:30pm
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Rock the Dock
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 3:00pm
| You're invited to enjoy an afternoon of live music, local craft beer, food trucks, and more! We’re turning up the Yacht Rock vibes and creating an atmosphere designed for those who love life on the water. Bring your favorite lawn chair, sail into one of our Marina's guest boat slips, and rock the summer afternoon away! Free and open to all! | |
Kitsap Fair and Stampede
August 20-24, 2025
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The Summer Social
Bloedel Reserve
Friday, August 29, 2025, 2:00pm
| Whether you come for the art, the music, or just to savor a late-summer day surrounded by nature, The Summer Social is a celebration of connection, creativity, and community. Join us for a fun-filled, relaxing sunny afternoon of food, art and games! | |
Immersive Tour Offering Visits to
Historic & Cultural Suquamish Sites
June - Sept 2025
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Stay in the know with what's happening for events
in Central Kitsap by checking out and liking the
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Have something to share? CLICK HERE to submit stories and
events for our weekly Community Connections!
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Office (360) 479-3579 | 705 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Bremerton
Silverdale Office (360) 692-6800 | Kitsap Mall
PO Box 1218 Silverdale WA 98383
If you need assistance, please contact us directly.
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