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Greater Kingston Area Events to Enjoy Every Year
The greater Kingston area, which includes Port Gamble, Suquamish, Indianola, Hansville, and Kingston, is home to many fun annual and recurring events. Here is a list to give you an idea of what this vibrant community offers in terms of festivals, live music, outdoor activities, and more.
Annual Events in Spring and Summer
Story Walk: The Kingston Curiosity Tour
Village Green Community Center on May 14, 2022
This Saturday, May 14 will mark the first annual Kingston Curiosity Tour. Go on a scavenger hunt through Kingston, collecting stories and artifacts from the town’s past and present. This unique event is hosted by the Kitsap Sun’s Josh Farley and is open to kids and adults. It will start at 10:00 AM at the Village Green Community Center. You’ll get a free map and will walk a total of about two miles, so wear comfortable shoes. If you complete the scavenger hunt, you’ll be eligible for a raffle with prizes from local businesses and organizations.
Cost: Free
Kiwanis Brew Fest & Benefit Concert
Kingston Marina Park on June 4, 2022
Food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, five breweries, and one cidery make this 7th annual event a great way to enjoy warmer weather in Kingston.
Cost: $20 for 7 beer tastings; food and activities separate
Summer Sounds
Live Music at The Point Casino in Kingston
Weekends, Memorial Day to Labor Day: view full schedule
A summer favorite since 2016, these outdoor concerts are held in the courtyard of the Point Casino with first-come-first-served, BYO lawn chair seating. Located behind the main casino and hotel, the Spindle Whorl Courtyard is dedicated to the late Tribal Chairman for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, Ronald G. Charles. Dance or sing along to music from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. There’s also a bar & BBQ from 5:00 – 9:00 PM.
Cost: Free to Attend; Food & Beverage Costs Vary
Swing For Rotary Golf Tournament
White Horse Golf Club on June 10, 2022
Now in its 15th year, this annual tournament hosted by Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary, is a great community fundraising event and a perfect way to network or meet other golf enthusiasts. Held at the beautiful White Horse Golf Club, this event showcases the natural beauty that surrounds Kingston. Our office is a proud sponsor.
Cost: Registration starts from $99 for a single player
Lumberjack Endurance Run
Port Gamble Trails on June 11, 2022
This annual endurance run takes participants on a 12.5-mile loop through the Port Gamble Heritage Trail and surrounding areas. There are three distances: 100M, 100K and 50M options. Register online or attend to cheer on these excellent athletes.
Cost: $75+ Registration closes May 31st
Kingston 4th of July Celebration
Downtown Kingston on July 4, 2022
Fun Fact: Kingston’s parade is “the longest-running 4th of July celebration west of the Mississippi”! There will be a parade, live music, and a fireworks show. Kiwanis Tiny Town is also a fun part of the festivities. There’s a music festival at Mike Wallace Park in the Port of Kingston and a beer garden for those 21+. The Kingston 4th of July committee is working hard to create a wonderful, safe celebration. Visit the event’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
Cost: Free to Attend, Activities Vary
Hansville Garden Tour
Multiple Gardens in Hansville on July 9, 2022
Garden enthusiasts unite for this self-guided driving tour of various Hansville gardens. It is an annual fundraiser for Hansville Helping Hands. Pre-purchased tickets are required, and limited quantities are available. For ticket information, please call 360-328-8170.
Cost: $20
Salish 100
Multiple locations, Kingston included, on July 15 – 21, 2022
The Salish 100 is the largest small-boat cruise in North America, spanning 100 nautical miles, which is the length of Puget Sound. One of the stops on this voyage is the Port of Kingston, and it’s a great chance to see some of the boats!
Cost: Free to Watch
Performances At The Passage
Suquamish Clearwater Casino & Resort on Thursdays in July and August
These popular outdoor concerts are back after a hiatus. Each week features a different musical act including tributes to ABBA, Bruno Mars, Fleetwood Mac, Phil Collins, and more. All attendees must purchase a ticket. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcomed, but no outside food or beverages are allowed. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Cost: $15 (ages 5 and under free)
Kingston Concerts on the Cove
Mike Wallace Park on Saturdays from Mid July – Mid August, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Presented by the Greater Kingston Community Chamber of Commerce, this concert series at Mike Wallace Park is a summer favorite. Invite friends and family and be sure to bring lawn chairs or a blanket. Have a picnic or enjoy the food vendors on site. Beer garden available on select dates.
Cost: Free to Attend, Purchases Separate
Kingston Wine & Brew Fest
The Point Casino Hotel and downtown Kingston on July 29 & 30, 2022
Celebrate local breweries and wineries while enjoying delicious food vendors, craft vendors, live music, and an all-around good time. This year, there’s a special VIP event on Friday night that includes a wine and brew-pairing. It’s coordinated by the event vendors and the chefs at The Point Casino Hotel. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, a hand-painted wine glass, and a swag bag. On Saturday, head to downtown Kingston to enjoy the full festival with various beer and wine tastings, food, and more. A ticket for Saturday includes a designer-printed glass, 10 tasting tickets, and more. You can buy your tickets on Eventbrite. Follow Kingston, WA on Facebook for the latest event information.
Cost: $45 for Saturday only; $125 for Saturday and Sunday
Indianola Days
Downtown Indianola on July 29, 30 & 31, 2022
This three-day festival typically includes a salmon bake, a pet parade, a talent show, a street fair, a sandcastle contest, and more. Check out this article on Indianola Days from a few years ago and stay tuned for specifics about this year’s festivities by following the Indianola Facebook page.
Port Gamble Summer Faire
Downtown Port Gamble on August 7, 2022
This afternoon event of family fun showcases some of Port Gamble’s history. Visitors can enjoy live music, vendors, food, a Birds of Prey show by the West Sound Wildlife Shelter, and pony rides by Merry Meadows Farm.
Cost: Free to Attend, Activities Separate
Annual Fall and Winter Events
Fall Garden Sale at Heronswood
Heronswood in Kingston on September 10 & 11, 2022
Nurseries from all over the Pacific Northwest come together for this epic plant sale that is back after a two-year break due to the pandemic. Food vendors will be on-site as well. Admission to the garden is free during the plant sale, so shoppers can enjoy the beauty of Heronswood, including two new additions: the Traveler’s Garden and the S’Klallam Connections Garden. For a glimpse of Heronswood, watch our video below.
Cost: Free to attend, Plant sales and food separate
Pumpkin Patch at Fat Turnip Farms
Fat Turnip Farms in Eglon from Mid-September to Late October
Out in the little community of Eglon, Fat Turnip Farms sells certified organic produce at their farm stand and has a u-pick pumpkin patch with tons of different options as well as late-season, u-pick flowers. Their setup offers many great places to take photos with friends or little ones, and they periodically host events. Be sure to check their Facebook page for details.
Port Gamble Ghost Conference
Downtown Port Gamble the Weekend after Halloween
Did you know that Port Gamble is home to one of the most haunted places in Washington? This year will be the 12th annual conference which has three days of speakers, paranormal investigations, and lots of history.
Cost: $10 – $45 (depending on event)
Hansville Arts & Crafts Market
Hansville Community Center on November 13 and 14, 2022
Another fundraiser for Hansville Helping Hands, this annual market at the Greater Hansville Community Center features 30 independent vendors as well as baked goods, a gift basket raffle, and a toy drive for local children in need.
Cost: Free to Attend; Product Prices Vary
Kingston Cove Christmas
Kingston Marina from December to Early January
This event kicks off in early December with a tree lighting ceremony and an appearance by Santa. There’s also live music and food vendors. The incredible display includes light sculptures of everything from an octopus to a dragon, and the Port of Kingston reportedly uses over 500,000 lights to build it each year. You can stroll through the Kingston Marina to marvel at it throughout the holiday season and into early January.
Cost: Free to Attend, Activities Vary
Port Gamble Country Christmas
Downtown Port Gamble on the 2nd Weekend in December
House-drawn carriage rides, crafts in Santa’s Workshop, special appearances by characters, and over 100,000 twinkling lights are topped off by Western Washington’s only holiday season fireworks show. Donations are encouraged to benefit Kingston’s Sharenet Food Bank.
Cost: Free to Attend, Activities Vary
Recurring Events
Kingston Public Market
Mike Wallace Park on Sundays from May through October
Just steps from the Kingston Ferry Terminal, this open-air market features local produce and flowers as well as locally-made crafts and goods. You can often listen to live music and it’s a fun way to connect to the community.
Cost: Free to Attend; Products Vary
Port Gamble Paranormal Tours
Downtown Port Gamble with Various Dates/Times Throughout the Year
Grab your flashlight and a camera and head to Port Gamble for a ghostly, fun night out. Head into town early and grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants in town. Resident expert Paranormal Pete is a great resource for local paranormal activity.
Cost: $25
Live Music and Karaoke
You can often find live music events at small local spots like Hood Canal Brewery, Downpour Brewing, D’Vine Wines, and Sully’s Bistro & Bar. Recently, an Oldies Piano Bar & Cafe opened in Kingston, offering live tunes, tapas, and drinks from Wednesdays to Sundays (must be 21+). Additionally, The Kingston Ale House hosts fun karaoke sessions every Friday and Saturday night.
The Unique Charm of Kingston and Beyond
The quaint community of Kingston sits just a ferry ride away from Seattle and Edmonds, yet it retains the easygoing energy of the Kitsap Peninsula.
A Scenic Home for a Connected Life
Whether you’re starting a family or looking to live near a big city but not in one, Kingston is a wonderful place to put down roots. Kingston’s history as a town dates back to 1890. That’s when the Kingston Land and Improvement Company was established by Seattle investors. They wanted the area to become a “resort and hideaway for Seattle folk”.
Stepping off the ferry, the charm of Kingston’s downtown surrounds, starting with a greeting from the lovely welcome mural. A five-minute stroll through the tree-lined street reveals the lovely little Paris feel of J’aime les Crêpes Crêperie and the robust food and drink options at places like Kingston Alehouse and d’Vine Wines. Venture up the hill to the rustic, century-old farmhouse of the Mossback Cafe for locally-sourced, eclectic meals.
Though Kingston is small, there are many options for a good cup of coffee as well as a range of delicious treats, thanks to places like The Coffee Oasis, The Cup & Muffin, Sweet Life Cakery, and Borrowed Kitchen Bakery. You could literally eat your way through town and then enjoy a movie at the now nationally known Firehouse Theater. Then stroll down Saltair Beach or go play some golf at the beautiful White Horse Golf Club.
“Kingston is still a small friendly town that is full of people that greet one another when you run into each other in the store or about town,” says Windermere Kingston’s Managing Broker, Jet Woelke. “Locals will pitch in and help neighbors in need or pull together if the community needs something. It’s amazing the community involvement!”
Saltair Beach Park, Kingston, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips
Kingston is connected to exciting, culturally rich areas to explore. Just a short drive away are the towns of Indianola, Suquamish, Hansville, and Port Gamble. Each has its own distinct feel, with unique activities for all ages.
Adventure Surrounds
Indianola
What is now a quaint seaside community and friendly artists’ haven, Indianola was founded in 1916 as a summer/weekend community only reached by steamboat. Since those humble beginnings, even big names such as Martha Stewart have discovered its serenity. Stewart knows the Director Emeritus of Heronswood Garden, Dan Hinkley. In 2013, Stewart visited Indianola and Heronswood Garden in nearby Kingston. An incredible botanical garden, Heronswood is maintained by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation and the garden’s management team. There’s lush beauty all around North Kitsap, and Indianola is one picturesque place to enjoy it.
Indianola Pier. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Suquamish
Fishing has long been a focal point here. For thousands of years, the Suquamish and their ancestors inhabited this region, and fishing was traditionally their most important source of food. It still remains important for many Tribes today. Visit the reservation town of Suquamish to tour the beautiful Suquamish Museum and pay your respects at the gravesite of Chief Seattle.
Suquamish also offers parks and some popular places like Sully’s Bistro & Bar, which often serves locally sourced seafood. Realtor Christine Todd loves the beautiful views there. “Grab a seat on one of the beach logs at Old Man House and watch the marine traffic go by.”
Chief Seattle’s Gravesite in Suquamish, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Hansville
Spend a day at the famous Point No Point Beach in Hansville, featuring the oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound. It just so happens to also be one of the best Chinook Salmon fishing holes in all of Puget Sound. You can join the growing trend of kayak salmon fishing. The quiet, friendly town of Hansville also has some nice places to stop in for a bite like North Point Market. This deli offers fresh food, coffee, local produce, and gifts.
Point No Point Lighthouse. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Port Gamble
Visit nearby Port Gamble, an old company town, for a foray into cute, turn-of-the-century culture. Growing from a bustling logging town to a popular tourist destination, it’s now famous for its New England style homes, its hiking and biking trails, and paranormal activity legends. It’s also a popular wedding venue and has even served as a backdrop for Hollywood films.
Port Gamble, WA. Photo by Leo Phillips.
Welcome Home
Gorgeous vistas, rich areas to explore, thriving small businesses, and great schools – what’s not to love? The Kingston area offers a range of sights, activities, and much more. If you’re looking to buy in the area, our local experts would be happy to show you around.
