Community Newsletter
August 2026
| | Chamber Events & Programs | | |
Free Saturday Shuttle Updates
City of Bainbridge Island & Kitsap Transit
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The Route 385 - BI Downtown, aka The Loop, resets on Saturday, Aug.1, to operate in a clockwise-only direction, with departures from the ferry terminal about every 20 minutes. The Loop has attracted hundreds of riders on Saturdays since Kitsap Transit launched the demonstration project on June 13 with funding from the City of Bainbridge Island.
The free downtown shuttle operates from 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays through Sept. 12, though Kitsap Transit and the City will be listening for community support as they weigh whether to extend the pilot.
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What a fantastic morning July Community Bike Ride with COBI! Thank you to our community members for showing up and enjoying the fresh morning air with us. And a special thank you to Bainbridge Play Cafe for opening your doors to our beautiful biking community!
Join us for the August Community Bike Ride!
When: Thursday, August 20th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Starting Location: Bainbridge City Hall
Ending Location: Eleven Winery (Day Road location)
Contact Hannah Boettcher for more info!
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The Licensing Office will be CLOSED
Monday, August 3rd - Monday, August 6th
and
Monday, September 7th - Monday, September 14th
for Licensing Staff vacation
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 or nonprofit 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 Helpline House’s brand new headquarters on Knechtel Way. Our Chamber team took a tour of the new facility before the grand opening and had a chance to learn about the beautiful new food bank and program offices. Click the link at the button below to read more about our time at Helpline House and to hear from Executive Director Maria Metzler about operating a social services organization on the island.
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A big Chamber welcome to Lunamira at The Cove in Winslow! If you haven’t already, make sure to swing by for a visit and shop all of their beautiful products! Lunamira provides carefully curated items designed specifically to lead your life’s journey with intentionality. From clean beauty and skincare products to paper goods and accessories, Lunamira has it all!
Stop by today and give the staff at Lunamira a warm welcome!
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Expats Coworking Space
OfficeXpats
| | | | The Bainbridge Chamber gives a warm welcome to Expats Coworking Space (Previously OfficeXpats) brand new facility. Expats Coworking space offers everything from private and meeting rooms, memberships, professional development opportunities, Business Addresses, and more! Do you work from home? Are you a small business owner in need of an office space? Expats Coworking Space may have just what you need! | |
Local Business &
Nonprofit News
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Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
BIMA Welcomes New Executive Director
| | Photo source: “BIMA Names Andy Maus as New Executive Director,” biartmusem.org | | |
BIMA Board of Directors has announced the official appointment of Andrew Maus as the new Executive Director of BIMA, his role starting on September 14th, 2026. Andrew Maus is the current Executive Director of the Tacoma Art Museum, and has an extensive background in executive leadership roles across the United States.
Learn more about Andrew Maus and BIMA’s selection process at the link below!
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Matchstick Labs
Are You An Entrepreneur or Business Owner?
Matchstick Labs Wants to Hear from You!
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What Are Your Biggest Barriers to Funding?
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur in Kitsap County?
Matchstick Lab wants to hear from you!
Matchstick Lab is conducting a brief survey to better understand how entrepreneurs access funding, the challenges they face, and what resources would help businesses start, grow, and thrive locally. The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete, and your responses will help inform recommendations to strengthen access to funding for entrepreneurs across Kitsap County.
Thank you for helping strengthen our local entrepreneurial ecosystem!
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JeepPeep Doodles LLC
Sir Bean’s Postcard Adventure
Comes to Kitsap County
| | | | Meet Sir Bean the Sloth: a sloth-themed educational and art movement created by Chamber Communications Coordinator JP through their business, JeepPeep Doodles, LLC. For the past two years, JP has engaged communities across Europe and North America through the Sir Bean’s Postcard Adventure project, leaving hidden decorated postcards with notes of hope and encouragement far and wide. Now, Sir Bean is bringing the project home to Kitsap County–with a fun twist! | | Starting on August 1st until September 30th, JP will be hiding 100 hand-written and hand-drawn postcards around Kitsap County for locals and visitors to find. If you find one, it’s yours to keep. If you bring your postcard and show it to our front desk at the Winslow Chamber Office, you can also score a free PNW-Themed Sir Bean sticker! | | | Sir Bean recycles old, unused postcards for this project. Have unused postcards collecting dust around the house? Repurpose them by donating them to the project! Reach out to jeeppeepdoodles@gmail.com for more information! | | |
Bainbridge Museum of Art (BIMA)
New Studio Art Program:
Daisy Lane Print & Book Artist Residency
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BIMA introduces a brand new, multi-use printmaking and artists’ books program only minutes from the museum itself! Daisy Lane is an expansive and newly imagined studio space where artists can focus and collaborate with fellow printmakers and book artists while working on their projects. Daisy Lane will provide a year-round artist residency program for artists working in printmaking, letterpress, book arts, screenprinting, risograph, and other related mediums.
Learn more about the Daisy Lane Print & Book Artist Residency at the button below the photo!
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| Photo Source: “Daisy Lane: Print & Book Artist Residency at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art,” biartmusuem.org | | |
Bainbridge Arts & Crafts
New Exhibit: Fotokids
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Starting on August 7th, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts will introduce a new exhibit of photos by children from Fotokids, a Guatemalan nonprofit serving at-risk children affected by poverty and violence. The exhibition will include an opening reception during the First Friday Art walk on August 7th as well as two additional events. The Exhibit will go until August 23rd, 2026.
Opening Reception
When: Friday, August 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Arts & Crafts
Informational Program with Fotokids Graduates & Directors
When: Saturday, August 8th at 11:00am
Where: Bainbridge Arts & Crafts
After-Hours Reception with Fotokids Directors
When: Sunday, August 9th at 5:00pm
Where: Bainbridge Arts & Crafts
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McCabe By Design
McCabe By Design Receives
National Chrysalis Award for
Best Basement Renovation
| | A huge congratulations to McCabe By Design for the business’ achievement of the National Chrysalis Award for Best Basement Renovation. The project, which was also featured on Houzz, Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine, as well as Flooring Magazine, started as an 800-square-foot basement of a 1930’s Brick Tudor Home. By the end of the project, McCabe by Design recreated the space to not only be a spacious ADU, but was entirely wheelchair accessible with features that prioritized both style and safety. The ADU includes a fully functioning kitchen, a roll-up shower and bathroom sink, a bedroom and office/closet that is separated from the living room/dining area/kitchen by a pocket door and three storage closets. | | |
Housing Resources Bainbridge
HRB Completes Brand New
Ericksen Community Housing Project
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Through Housing Resources Bainbridge, several community organizations, artists and businesses came together to build a new, 18-unit affordable housing building on Ericksen Avenue NE. After the original owner sold the land to HRB for half the market value in 2019, HRB was able to lay the groundwork for a community effort to build these beautiful new homes. Thanks to Kitsap Staging, Wenzalu Architects, and volunteers from BARN Woodworking Studio for their incredible contributions to the project. HRB also received 7-project vouchers to assist low-income families with rent payments, as well as a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Trust Fund and Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program.
Bainbridge Chamber members had the incredible opportunity to tour the new community at the July After Hours event. Thank you to Phaedra Elliott, the HRB team, and all of the community members who came together to bring this impactful project together!
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Local Community &
Government News
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City of Bainbridge Island (COBI)
COBI Appoints John Mauro as Next City Manager
| | At the meeting on July 14th, Bainbridge City Council approved the employment of former city manager of Port Townsend, John Mauro, as Bainbridge’s next city manager. Mauro signed the contract on July 17 and will begin serving the Bainbridge Island community on September 8, 2026. | | | Greater Kitsap & Beyond... | | |
Washington State Primary Elections
are Around the Corner!
August 4th, 2026
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Molly Brahmer Art & Bainbridge Roper Romp
Bainbridge Island Roper Romp
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That’s right, the 2nd annual Mrs. Roper Romp is returning to Winslow on August 1st! Last year was an absolute blast and this year the Mrs. Roper Romp team is making it even better. The event will start at 3pm with a Rooftop Takeover at Fletcher Bay Winery and then will work its way down Winslow Way! Come dressed as everyone’s favorite free-spirited neighbor and spend the evening laughing with your community. All are welcome!
When: Saturday, August 1st at 3:00pm
Where: Rooftop Wine Garden at Fletcher Bay Winery & Winslow Way
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City of Bainbridge Island (COBI), Bainbridge Island Police Department (BIPD), Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD), & Bainbridge Prepares
National Night Out
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National Night Out is a fun-filled community celebration where you can meet your local and regional first responders, City staff, and several community partners while enjoying an evening packed with activities including inflatable slide and maze, games, music, food trucks, first responder vehicles, and so much more! Come connect with your community, meet the people who serve it, and enjoy a memorable summer evening together. We can't wait to see you there!
Sensory-Friendly Time: 4:00–4:30 p.m.
We'll have reduced noise, lights, and sirens to create a more relaxed experience. Noise-canceling headphones will be available thanks to Neurodiverse Connections, and a Cooling Center and quiet space will be open throughout the event at the Bainbridge Island Senior Center & Community Center.
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COBI wishes an incredible thank-you to their amazing partners, including the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Washington State Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, Kitsap 911, Bainbridge Prepares, and many, many more community organizations and food vendors who make this evening possible.
When: Tuesday, August 4th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Where: Waterfront Park, 380 Brien Dr SE, Bainbridge Island
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Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
BIMA Block Party
| | (Photo Source: BIMA Block Party Page, biartmuseum.org) | | |
The BIMA Block Party is back to celebrate the peak of summer sunshine! This FREE event expands between 5 separate music stages from The Ravine to the Buxton Auditorium with live music, tasty treats, local vendors, beer and wine, and more! Bring your friends and family out and enjoy a day of creativity and community connection.
When: Saturday, August 8th from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: BIMA Galleries, Plaza, Auditorium, Bistro, & Classroom
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Kitsap Agritourism Coalition (KAC), Visit Kitsap Peninsula, WSU Extension: Kitsap County, Kitsap Community Agricultural Alliance (KCAA)
Kitsap Farm Tour
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Featuring Chamber Member Farms:
Bainbridge Vineyards and Bluetree Farm & Forest
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Explore local farms, meet the growers, and enjoy a self-paced adventure full of fresh flavors, fun, and unique experiences. No two stops are the same!
When: Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Where: Select Farms Throughout Kitsap.
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Bainbridge Performing Arts (BPA) & Bloedel Reserve
Shakespeare at the Reserve!
BPA Presents Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’
at Bloedel Reserve
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Shakespeare at the Reserve is back, this time exploring one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, Twelfth Night. Join BPA and Bloedel Reserve for a show to remember–among the incredible gardens Bloedel has to offer and drenched in Shakepearian lyrics made for devoted fans and newcomers alike!
Learn more about the show at the links below!
When: August 8th - 23rd at 7:00pm
Where: Bloedel Reserve
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Suyematsu & Bainbridge Farms
Dahlia Farm Music Festival
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Join Rolling Bay Music Club in celebrating the inaugural Dahlia Farm Music Festival at the beloved Bainbridge Island/Suyematsu Farms. The festival will include a day of live music, local makers, and delicious food amongst stunning flower fields and sunshine galore! This event centers LGBTQIA+ community members, allies, and families and emphasizes community safety and inclusion.
Music Line up: Rae Isla, Mary Lambert, Amelia Day, Lo Pony, Brittany Davis, Thistle Band
When: August 15th from 11:00am to 9:30pm, Music begins at 1:00pm
Where: Suyematsu Farms
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Suyematsu & Bainbridge Farms
Art in the Dahlias
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Art in the Dahlias is a vibrant art market nestled in the heart of Bainbridge Island Farm’s Dahlia Fields and the historic Suyematsu Farm. The event will highlight 34 artists and makers with handmade goods inspired by nature and the changing seasons. There will be live music, flowers, refreshments, food, art and more!
When: August 29th & 30th, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Suyematsu/Bainbridge Island Farm
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Bainbridge Island Friends of the Library
August 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.
Thursday, August 6th
Sunday, August 16th
Thursday, August 27th
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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
- Thursday, July 30th
- Friday, July 31st
- Tuesday, August 25th
- Wednesday, August 26th
- Thursday, August 27th
- Friday, August 28th
- Sunday, August 30th
- Monday, August 31st
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
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- Visitor information centers in Winslow and at the ferry terminal
- sponsorship and event hosting opportunities
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