 June 2026
Hello Central Kitsap,
The warmer weather and summer brings extra excitement to Central Kitsap! It's a great time of year to enjoy the outdoors, community festivals, and even Christmas! Yes, there will be Christmas in July in Silverdale - this year's theme for Whaling Days.
As we welcome in summer, we continue marking America’s 250th anniversary and preparing for the FIFA World Cup™ in Seattle. Community events in the Bremerton Fan Zone will run from June to July. Join your local neighbors for a free Fix-It Fair, attend the Bremerton Bridge Blast, or bake an apple pie for the Apple Pie Contest at this year's Kitsap County Fair & Stampede. We look forward to celebrating summer with you!
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Bremerton Fan Zone Kick Off Celebration is June 12
Bremerton is ready to welcome locals, visitors, and world travelers to the Official Fan Zone launch at Quincy Square.
Kick off SeattleFWC26 in Downtown Bremerton with the Official Fan Zone launch at Quincy Square on June 12 from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Watch USA vs. Paraguay on the big screen and celebrate the start of a summer filled with soccer, community, and global energy.
What is an official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone?
It's a miniature festival built around the rhythm of the matches. It is free, open to all ages, and designed to feel like a shared living room for an entire community. But these are not casual watch parties. They are fully coordinated events curated by the Downtown Bremerton Association and community partners.
The Bremerton Fan Zone will be in Quincy Square and will feature food vendors, beer gardens, soccer-themed activities, and of course, broadcasting the soccer matches on a giant 20-foot LED screen! Select events will be themed and produced in collaboration with community partners, ensuring each Fan Zone experience feels distinct while highlighting local creativity, culture, and businesses.
Visit Bremerton Fan Zones & Soccer Watch Parties | Downtown Bremerton for a full list of events.
Have visitors coming to town? Visit staykitsap26.com for tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to see and do in and around Kitsap between the matches.
Getting Around - Tap to Pay for Transit
If you're using Kitsap Transit to get to the Bremerton Fan Zone, or Seattle, you can now use Tap to Pay, which allows riders to use credit, debit, and digital wallets to pay for fares. To use a physical card, look for the contactless payment symbol on your Visa, Mastercard, Discover Network, or American Express credit or debit card. Tap your credit or debit card on an ORCA card reader – that’s it! ORCA cards will still be issued and accepted across the region on buses, trains, and ferries.
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 The "SEA Beacon" statue unveiled on May 20 marks the location of the Bremerton Fan Zone.
FIFA World Cup 2026™: Be Prepared and Stay Safe
This summer, the United States is hosting the largest and most complex sporting event in U.S. history which will attract millions of fans from across the country and world.
FEMA and its federal interagency partners have worked to ensure state and local partners have the resources they need to protect visitors, communities and event spaces.
If you are attending matches in Seattle, or any other large event, you can take simple steps to stay safe:
- Have an emergency plan.
- Follow local guidance during an emergency.
- Know how to get emergency notifications.
- Stay hydrated and prepare for weather.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
To learn more ways to stay safe during matches and events, visit Ready.gov/fifa-world-cup-2026.
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Washington State Ferries sails into 75th anniversary
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Events are planned across Puget Sound throughout the month of June.
Starting June 1, riders can receive anniversary giveaways, including stickers. These items will be available as long as supplies last.
Customers also are invited to follow WSF on social media for ways to win ferry swag throughout June. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, X and Bluesky for chances to win.
“Celebrating this milestone is a testament to everyone who has supported Washington State Ferries,” said Steve Nevey, Washington State Department of Transportation deputy secretary for WSF. “The effort put in by our deck and engine room crews, terminal staff, the warehouse, Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and headquarters to serve communities every day is incredible."
For the latest WSF service updates, sign up for rider alerts and track each ferry using the real-time map online.
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Kick Off Your Summer on June 13 and Pop on the Foot Ferry Between Silverdale and Bremerton!
You're invited to a special event celebrating maritime travel here in Kitsap with a port-to-port cruise from the Silverdale Waterfront to the Bremerton Marina. Cruises aboard the Carlisle II, Kitsap County’s last operating mosquito fleet ferry, will depart from either Silverdale or Bremerton at the top of each hour. This special 1-hour cruise will take riders through Dyes Inlet and the Port Washington Narrows, underneath both the Warren Avenue Bridge and the Manette Bridge. Once in Silverdale, enjoy the Pre-Father’s Day by the Bay Car Show in Old Town Silverdale or take a free shuttle to the Kitsap Mall for some shopping and dining. In Bremerton, a quick walk to Evergreen Park will lead you the annual Kitsap Juneteenth Freedom Festival. There’s so much to explore in Kitsap!
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Moments That Made US
On July 4, 2026, the nation will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Moments That Made US is an exhibition exploring the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence through moments in our history that have defined their meaning.
This commemoration is a chance for every community, large or small, to come together with a shared purpose in reflecting on the past and building stronger, more connected communities in the future. We're excited to announce that you can see this exhibit in two places in Kitsap County. Visit the Kitsap History Museum (280 4th Avenue, Bremerton), or stop by the Kitsap County Commissioners Chambers (Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard).
While visiting the exhibit, you can scan a QR code to share your own story. Record your story, reflection or memory here. Your voice will become part of Washington State's documentation of how Americans commemorated and celebrated our nation's semiquincentennial.
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The Moments That Made US exhibit is on display in the Kitsap County Commissioners Chambers
Local Kitsap Celebrations for America's 250th
Bremerton Bridge Blast
Independence Day celebrations kick off in a big way with the Bremerton Bridge Blast on June 27. In addition to a wonderful lineup of vendors including crafts, food trucks, and live music, the festivities conclude with an impressive fireworks display over the Manette Bridge.
A message from the Kitsap County Fire Chief's Association…The Kitsap County Fire Chiefs wish everyone a safe and happy July 4th. We encourage everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one of the public fireworks shows this season. If you choose to use fireworks, please be good neighbors and remember that fireworks may only be discharged throughout the County on the 4th of July. The July 4th holiday is a busy time for firefighters and EMS responders – so let's be safe and give them a break.
Pie Baking Contest at the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede
Don your aprons, roll up your sleeves, and get baking! The Kitsap County Fair & Stampede hosts a pie baking contest (rules here). Here’s a link to a commemorative apple pie recipe, courtesy of the Washington Apple Commission to get you started.
Find out about other 250th anniversary events around Washington State.
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 Photo courtesy of Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
BIMA's Treasure Trek - A Glass Float Seek & Keep
Starting June 1, 2026, art lovers can get outdoors and seek art in the least expected places with BIMA's Treasure Trek.
This summer, 200 hand-blown glass orbs will be hidden on public lands across Kitsap County including in our own Kitsap County Parks. The rules are simple: you find it, you keep it! (Please only take one per person so more people can enjoy the hunt.)
Explore the following locations below in Central Kitsap or another Kitsap location and hunt for your own glass treasure, courtesy of Bainbridge Island Museum of Art!
Anderson Landing Park
Open dawn-dusk | Learn more
Getting there: 10955 Warren Rd NW, Silverdale, WA 98383
Erlands Point Preserve
Open dawn-dusk | Learn more
Getting there: Erlands Point Rd NW, Bremerton, WA 98312
Guillemot Cove Trailhead
Open dawn-dusk | No animals allowed | Learn more
Getting there: 19484 NW Stavis Bay Rd, Seabeck, WA 98380
Illahee Preserve Heritage Park
Open dawn-dusk | Learn more
Getting there: 3200 NE Riddell Rd, Bremerton, WA 98310
Olympic College Launches New Emergency Medical Technician Program for Fall 2026
The new EMT program is designed to help meet growing local workforce needs and expand access to healthcare training opportunities in Kitsap and Mason Counties.
"We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community partners, whose support made the launch of this EMT program possible," expressed Olympic College Interim President Joan Hanten. "These investments not only expand access to critical healthcare training, but also strengthen the pipeline of skilled emergency responders serving Kitsap County and beyond."
Students who complete the one-quarter EMT program will gain the foundational knowledge and hands-on training needed to pursue certification and careers in emergency medical services, healthcare and public safety.
 Upcoming Central Kitsap Fix-it Fairs this Summer!
Kitsap County Public Works Solid Waste Division is hosting several free community repair events this summer. Fix-it Fairs are free community events where you can get your broken belongings repaired by handy local volunteers, meet your neighbors, and learn some repair skills.
To date, our volunteers have repaired 381 items, saving over 2,000 pounds of waste from being sent to the landfill. Join the movement: repair instead of replacing!
Saturday, June 13, 2026
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.*
Silverdale Kitsap Regional Library
3650 NW Anderson Hill Road, Suite 101, Silverdale, WA 98383
Saturday, July 11, 2026
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.*
Bremerton - Sylvan Kitsap Regional Library
1301 Sylvan Way Bremerton, WA 98310
*Participants must arrive and check in 30 minutes before event end time.
Can't make these events? Check out the Fix-it Fair webpage for other upcoming opportunities and more information.
Public Safety Funding Budget Community Meetings
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners invite you to an upcoming Community Meeting on the County Budget and Public Safety funding. The Commissioners from the North, Central, and South Districts, Kitsap County Sheriff, and Prosecutor will share information about County budget shortfalls and funding options. There will also be time to answer questions about potential impacts to law enforcement, public safety, and other County services.
Doors open at 6 PM for all events. Learn more about the County budget at kcowa.us/budget.
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Perry-Stone to Sheridan Non-Motorized Improvements Project
Kitsap County Public Works began construction on the Perry-Stone to Sheridan Non-Motorized Improvements Project last month. The project is located on Perry Avenue NE between NE Stone Way and NE Sheridan Road in Central Kitsap. This project will improve safety and accessibility for students walking and biking to nearby schools, while also benefiting the general public through the addition of sidewalks, bike lanes, and other pedestrian improvements. The project also includes stormwater system enhancements to improve drainage and support long-term roadway infrastructure improvements along the corridor.
Construction work hours are scheduled for Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The project is anticipated to be completed by November 2026.
Travelers should expect delays in the project area during construction work hours. For project updates and additional information, visit kcowa.us/perry.
Upcoming Closure: Gordon Field 1 Turf Replacement
Kitsap County Parks is temporarily closing Gordon Field 1 (adjacent to the Kitsap County Fairgrounds & Events Center 1400 Fairgrounds Rd NW, Bremerton, WA 98311) beginning mid-June for a turf replacement project. This work is part of ongoing maintenance to improve field conditions and ensure the space remains safe and playable for the community. The field is expected to reopen early August. For questions, contact parks@kitsap.gov.
Upcoming Workshops on Reasonable Alternatives to Outdoor Burning (RAOB)
 Based on state law, new regulations for residential yard waste burning are being proposed in King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties. These regulations will reduce fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that harms public health especially heart and lung impacts and reduce the risk of wildfire.
Please join an upcoming online public workshop on Reasonable Alternatives to Outdoor Burning (RAOB) to learn about the proposed rulemaking, explore alternatives such as composting, ask questions, and provide input. Registration, additional information on the proposed rule, a survey, and FAQs are available at pscleanair.gov.
Register for one of the community workshops HERE.
• June 11 (6 – 7:30 PM)
• June 17 (10 – 11:30 AM)
• June 24 (1 – 2:30 PM)
If you cannot make it to one of our workshops, we’d still love to hear from you. Please take the Residential Yard Waste Survey to provide your input and share feedback.
If you have questions, please email the Agency’s RAOB inbox at RAOB@pscleanair.gov.
Stay informed on the process by signing up for our email listserv HERE.
Learn more at our Central Kitsap Community Council August 5 meeting. Representatives from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency will be presenting and available to take your questions and comments.
Whaling Days will be held on July 24, 25 and 26 on the Silverdale Waterfront
The Central Kitsap Community Council (CKCC) meets on the first Wednesday of the month, from 5 to 6:30 PM, at the Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters, located at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road in Silverdale.
Join us and connect with local leaders, stay informed about County projects, and share your thoughts on issues that matter to you. The meeting is open to all community members, and public comment is encouraged.
Future CKCC meeting agendas:
- July 2 - No Meeting
- August 5 - Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
For more details about meeting agendas and notes visit the Central Kitsap Community Council home page.
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