Summer 2026 Round-up!

Howdy everyone - we hope your summer is off to a great start! We’d like to share a roundup of announcements, upcoming events, and opportunities from across Kitsap’s agricultural community for the Summer of 2026.

Take a look below to see what’s happening. Mark your calendars and we hope to see you at one of these great events!

23rd Legislative District Candidate Eco-Forum Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM This Sunday, the Kitsap Environmental Coalition (KEC) will host a candidate forum featuring those running for Washington's 23rd Legislative District State Representative positions. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will include kids' crafts and refreshments. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear candidates discuss environmental issues and ask questions. Community members may also submit questions in advance. More info here.

Washington State Agritourism Report Now Available! The Washington State Department of Commerce has released the 2026 Washington State Agritourism Report, providing valuable insights into the current state of agritourism across the state. The report highlights the growing importance of agritourism as a tool for supporting agricultural producers, preserving working lands, strengthening rural communities, and fostering economic resilience throughout the state.  Read the full report here.

Garden Work Party at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Join the WSU Extension Master Gardeners for a volunteer work party at the Heritage Learning Garden, located behind the President's Hall at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton. Help care for this educational demonstration garden, which showcases vegetable garden techniques, container gardening, and organic growing practices. All produce harvested is donated to the South Kitsap Food Bank. Whether you're looking to lend a hand or pick up gardening tips, everyone is welcome! Bring your favorite hand tools and check the whiteboard when you arrive for a list of projects the team hopes to accomplish during the work party. More info here.

Youth Members Appointed to Agriculture Advisory Council On June 8, 2026, the Kitsap County Board of County Commissioners appointed Miles Paden and Kylie Denton as the first youth representatives to the newly formed Agriculture Advisory Council. Miles and Kylie join the Council's nine adult members representing all three commissioner districts. The Council advises County leaders on issues affecting local agriculture and helps support a strong future for farming in Kitsap County. The Council's next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Island Lake Community Building in Poulsbo. Meetings are open to the public. Read more here.

Opening Day at the NEW Port Orchard Wednesday Farmers Market Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Come celebrate the opening of the brand new Port Orchard Wednesday Farmers Market! Browse fresh local produce, delicious treats, handcrafted goods, and a mix of your favorite Saturday Market vendors alongside new local businesses. The celebration begins with a ribbon cutting at 2:50 p.m., followed by the market opening at 3:00 p.m. Enjoy live music from KC & The Sound, and be among the first 50 visitors to the Market Information Booth to receive a commemorative market bag featuring the 2026 Market Art Contest winning design. More info here.

Community Open House: Rural Lands Analysis & Salmon Recovery Wednesday, July 8, 2026 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM Kitsap County Community Development invites the public to learn about the Rural Lands Analysis and Salmon Recovery in Local Planning projects at an upcoming community open house.  The open house will explore rural lands use, agriculture and forestry, housing and development trends, salmon recovery, and future planning priorities. Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and provide input to help shape the future of rural Kitsap County. More info here.

Youth Summer Camps at One Heart Wild Animal Sanctuary July & August 2026 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Looking for a fun and meaningful summer experience for your child? One Heart Wild's Youth Summer Camp offers hands-on adventures with sanctuary animals, arts and crafts, outdoor games, and new friendships. Campers will help care for animals - from bunnies to horses - while building confidence, compassion and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment. Founded in 2015, One Heart Wild is a nonprofit sanctuary and behavioral health organization that combines licensed mental health services with animal-assisted therapy to promote healing, growth, and connection. They also provide lifelong, compassionate care for their sanctuary animals while fostering a more caring and resilient community. More info here.

WSU Regional Small Farms - Learn the Basics of Backyard Chickens  July 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM - Online! Thinking about raising chickens? Join WSU Regional Small Farms for a free online class covering the essentials of keeping a healthy, happy flock. Topics include raising chicks, when to move them outdoors, feeding and nutrition, common health issues, common misconceptions, and helpful resources for new chicken keepers. WSU Regional Small Farms offers a variety of educational workshops throughout the year, both online and in person, on topics relevant to small farms and rural living. Be sure to keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming classes and learning opportunities. More info here.

2026 Olalla Lavender Festival July 18 & 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Celebrate the beauty of summer at the Olalla Lavender Festival! Spend the weekend exploring fragrant lavender farms, shopping from local artisans, enjoying delicious food and live music, and taking part in hands-on activities for all ages. Rooted in the heart of Olalla, this annual festival is the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect with the community, and savor the season. More info here.

Kitsap County's NEW Community Planning Monthly Newsletter Stay informed with the County's new Community Planning newsletter - sent directly to your email inbox each month. Inside, you'll find updates on current planning projects, a spotlight on key initiatives, opportunities to get involved, and helpful explanations about how planning decisions shape our community. It's an easy way to stay connected and engaged with what's happening now - and what might affect the future - of Kitsap County. More info here. 

Summer Farm Camp for Kids on Bainbridge Island Weekly | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Looking for an outdoor summer adventure for your kids? Vireo Farm on Bainbridge Island is offering hands-on farm experiences for children all summer long.  Farm Camp (Agest 4-8), runs from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, with weekly sessions through the summer. Campers will enjoy fresh air, farm exploration, nature-based activities, and plenty of outdoor play. If you're looking for a more flexible option, Friday Farm Hangs (Agest 3-10) are offered on select Fridays from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Farm hangs feature farm exploration, nature crafts, silly games, and lots of sunshine. More info here.

Summer Pruning and Propagation at Heronswood Garden July 25, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Join Heronswood staff for a hands-on summer pruning class, where the clippings become cuttings for you to take home! Summer is a bountiful season and an ideal opportunity to propagate many shrubs and perennials. Participants are encouraged to bring their own pruners. This is an in-person class and is limited to 25 attendees. A significant portion of this class is held outside, so please dress appropriately. More info here.

4th Annual Kitsap Farm Tour August 8 & 9, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM  Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Kitsap Farm Tour. This year's free, self-guided tour expands to two full days, giving visitors even more time to explore local farms throughout Kitsap County. While most farms will be open both days, some will participate for only one day, so be sure to check individual farm hours before you go. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $10 per family to help support future Farm Tours. You can also support the event by volunteering at one of the welcome booths or by following the Kitsap Farm Tour Facebook page for updates. The Farm Tour is organized by the Kitsap Agritourism Coalition with support from WSU Kitsap Extension, Visit Kitsap Peninsula, and fiscal sponsorship through the Kitsap Community & Agricultural Alliance. More info here.

Goats & Floats Annual Fundraiser at One Heart Wild Animal Sanctuary August 9, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Treat yourself to a sweet summer afternoon at the Goats & Floats Annual Art Festival & Fundraiser! Meet more than 70 rescued farm animals, enjoy delicious root beer and creamsicle floats (including vegan options), browse local artists and vendors, and relax with live music, food trucks, raffles, and activities for all ages. Hosted by One Heart Wild, this family-friendly fundraiser supports the sanctuary's resident animals and the animal-assisted therapeutic services they provide to the community. Every ticket helps provide the hay and care these animals need year-round. Tickets go on sale July 6. Military discounts and scholarships are available. More info here.

Friends of the Farms' Farm-to-Table Annual Dinner Celebration Friday, August 14, 2026 | 5:00 PM Join Friends of the Farms for its annual Farm-to-Table Dinner on Bainbridge Island. This is set to be an evening of great food, community, and celebration. For years, Friends of the Farms has helped protect local farmland, support farmers, connect neighbors to healthy food, and preserve the rural character of our region.  Come celebrate the lasting impact of Friends of the Farms and help ensure local farms and fresh food continue to thrive for generations to come. More info here.

Dahlia Farm Music Festival at Bainbridge Island / Suyematsu Farms August 15, 2026 | 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM Spend the day enjoying live music, local food, artisan vendors, and a vibrant community atmosphere at the inaugural Dahlia Farm Music Festival. Set against the scenic backdrop of Bainbridge Island/ Suyematsu Farms, this all-ages outdoor event brings together an incredible lineup of regional artists for a full day of entertainment and celebration. Bring a blanket, gather your friends and family, and enjoy an unforgettable summer day filled with great music, local flavors, and community. More info here.

2026 Kitsap Fair & Stampede August 26-30, 2026 The 2026 Kitsap Fair & Stampede returns to Bremerton August 26–30 for five days of family fun, featuring livestock exhibits, carnival rides, rodeo action, live entertainment, delicious fair food, and more. Mark your calendars and join the celebration of Kitsap's agricultural heritage! More info and purchase tickets at kitsapfair.org 

Kitsap Farmers Markets There's no better way to support local agriculture than by shopping at your neighborhood farmers market. Poulsbo Farmers Market - Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays thru December, located in the parking lot of the Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo. More at poulsbofarmersmarket.org Bainbridge Island Farmers Market - Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays thru November, located in Town Square at City Hall on Bainbridge. More at bainbridgeislandfarmersmarket.com Port Orchard Farmers Market - Open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays thru October, located on the Port Orchard Waterfront Park. More at pofarmersmarket.com NEW! Port Orchard Wednesday Market - Open July 1st from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays thru September, located at South Kitsap Helpline on Mile Hill. More at pofarmersmarket.com Bremerton Community Farmers Market - Open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays thru October, located at Evergreen Park in Bremerton. More at bremertoncommunityfarmersmarket.com Kingston Public Market - Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays thru October, located next to the ferry terminal in Kingston. More at kingstonpublicmarket.com Kitsap Fresh - Online farmers market dedicated to offering Kitsap grown goods. Every Saturday & Sunday, login and select items to purchase from local farmers. Then pick up your order from one of our local distribution locations on Wednesdays, or select Home Delivery on Thursdays. More at kitsapfresh.org

Did we miss an event or update? Email the details to info@kitsapag.org  Thank you for your continued support of Kitsap's agricultural community. If you subscribe to our quarterly newsletter, Field Notes, keep an eye on your inbox for our Summer 2026 edition! Not on our email list? You can subscribe here!