The Week Ahead
August 11, 2025
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August on Bainbridge Island has its own kind of magic. The sun lingers a little longer each evening, painting the horizon with warm light as neighbors and friends gather in parks, fields, and along the shoreline. It’s the sweet spot of summer—a time when schedules loosen, the outdoors beckons, and community life hums with activity. This week, Bainbridge has three standout events that capture that spirit perfectly, blending music, film, and adventure into a single stretch of days that remind us why we love living here.
It all starts midweek with Terry’s Sounds of Summer, a free outdoor concert series that transforms Battle Point Park into a lively stage for both music and connection. On Wednesday evening, country-rock artist Dusty Rust will bring his blend of Idaho roots and Kansas City grit to the lawn. Families will spread blankets, kids will chase bubbles, and food trucks will keep everyone happily fed. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the easy conversations with neighbors you haven’t seen in a while, the spontaneous dancing, and the simple joy of sharing a summer night in the open air.
By Friday, the focus shifts from music to movies, with the Movies in the Park series taking over the Battle Point Observatory field. This week’s feature is the blockbuster hit Barbie, an evening that promises not only a film screening under the stars but also themed activities, lawn games, and free popcorn. The invitation to come dressed in “Barbie Pink” and create your own version of “Weird Barbie” turns it into something more than a movie night—it’s an excuse to play, laugh, and lean into a bit of summer silliness. As the sky deepens and the screen lights up, there’s a collective hush that settles over the field, the kind that comes when a whole community is sharing the same story.
Then, on Saturday, the island’s attention turns to the water with the Around-the-Island Swim Relay, a full-day, non-competitive event that challenges swimmers, paddlers, and volunteers to work together in stages to make their way around Bainbridge’s coastline. It’s an endeavor that blends athleticism with camaraderie, supported by a flotilla of kayaks, paddleboards, and safety boats. For those not ready for miles in open water, the Arms Across Blakely fun swim offers a short and sweet challenge—a 0.25-mile loop across Blakely Harbor and back. And when the last swimmer comes ashore, the day’s efforts are celebrated at the After-Swim Party at Fay Bainbridge Park, with food, drinks, and plenty of storytelling from the day’s journey.
Together, these three events form a perfect snapshot of Bainbridge Island in summer. They’re as much about the connections made as they are about the performances, screenings, and swims themselves. They invite us to gather, to participate, to cheer each other on, and to savor the shared moments that make island life feel both vibrant and close-knit. So grab your picnic blanket, your popcorn, or your swim cap—whatever the occasion calls for—and make the most of a week that’s brimming with Bainbridge charm.
Featured Events:
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Terry's Sounds of Summer - Dusty Rust
This Wednesday night, Battle Point Park will come alive with the twang, grit, and heart of Dusty Rust, an artist whose sound bridges the wide-open spaces of his Idaho roots with the hard-driving country-rock energy of Kansas City. Known for his raw storytelling and rootsy sound, Dusty Rust delivers music that invites listeners to tap their feet, sway in their seats, and maybe even get up and dance. His rugged authenticity and down-home warmth make him a perfect fit for Bainbridge Island’s summer concert tradition.
Terry’s Sounds of Summer is the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District’s beloved annual concert series, running every Wednesday from July 9 through August 27. Each week, local families, friends, and visitors gather for two hours of live music, community connection, and good food. The concerts are free, non-ticketed, and open to all ages, making them one of the most accessible and family-friendly events of the season. This mid-August show promises more than great music, with a lineup of local food vendors ready to serve the crowd: Da “Q” Shack with smoky barbecue favorites, Island Lumpia’s Filipino spring rolls, The Saucy Sailor’s seafood comfort food, Island Cool’s frozen treats, Bluetree Cotton Candy’s sweet clouds of spun sugar, and whimsical balloon creations from the Balloon Brothers.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets, low chairs, and picnic gear to enjoy the show on the park’s open lawn. Parking is most easily accessed from the west entrance off Battle Point Drive NE, with designated spaces in the softball and artificial turf field lots. Since parking is limited, walking, biking, bussing, or carpooling is strongly encouraged. Visitors are also reminded to follow posted “no parking” signs to ensure emergency routes remain clear.
The Sounds of Summer series isn’t just about live music—it’s about creating shared moments in the heart of Bainbridge’s largest park. Whether you’re coming for Dusty Rust’s heartfelt country-rock, the chance to sample local eats, or the easygoing community atmosphere, you’re sure to leave with that unmistakable feeling of a summer night well spent. Grab your picnic blanket, invite your neighbors, and let the music carry you into a midweek evening filled with food, friends, and small-town magic.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30-8:30pm
Battle Point Park 11299 Arrow Point Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
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Movies in the Park | Aug 15 - Barbie
This Friday night, the Battle Point Observatory field transforms into an open-air cinema for Bainbridge Island’s Movies in the Park series, a summertime favorite that brings the community together under the stars. Throughout August, Friday evenings are dedicated to big-screen entertainment, complete with free popcorn, themed activities, and lawn games for all ages. Seating begins at 8:00 p.m., so attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets to stake out a prime viewing spot before joining the popcorn line and mingling with neighbors. Thanks to a partnership with the Bainbridge Island branch of the Kitsap Regional Library, each night also features pre-movie activities inspired by the evening’s film, adding a playful, interactive element to the experience.
On August 15, the spotlight shines on Barbie, the 2023 blockbuster that follows Barbie and Ken as they leave their perfectly pastel home of Barbie Land to explore the real world, only to discover its mix of challenges, humor, and heart. Rated PG-13, this playful yet thoughtful film has captured audiences worldwide with its sharp wit, vibrant visuals, and layered themes. Guests are invited to come dressed in their brightest “Barbie Pink” attire and bring creative ideas for crafting their own version of “Weird Barbie,” making this a movie night that blends fashion, fun, and community spirit.
Opening credits roll approximately 30 minutes after sunset, allowing time for everyone to settle in as the warm summer evening gives way to the soft glow of the screen. Admission is free, making this event an easy addition to any Friday night plans, and ample on-site parking ensures a stress-free arrival. Families, friends, and date-night duos alike can expect an atmosphere that’s relaxed, welcoming, and brimming with small-town charm.
More than just a film screening, Movies in the Park captures the magic of a shared summer evening—neighbors gathered on the grass, children playing lawn games as dusk falls, and the smell of fresh popcorn drifting across the field. Whether you’re a die-hard Barbie fan or simply looking for a casual, family-friendly night out, this event offers a chance to slow down, laugh together, and enjoy one of summer’s simplest pleasures: a movie under the stars.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Friday, August 15, 8pm
Battle Point Park 11299 Arrow Point Dr NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
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Arms Around Bainbridge Annual Relay Swim
On Saturday, August 16, Bainbridge Island will host one of its most spirited and scenic community fundraisers—the Around-the-Island Swim Relay. Unlike a traditional race, this is a non-competitive, all-day relay that welcomes swimmers, paddlers, boaters, and land-based volunteers to take part. Participants work together to circumnavigate the island, swimming in segments of 1–4 miles between designated access points. Each swimmer can choose to complete just one leg or multiple non-consecutive legs, making it an inclusive event for a range of abilities. Paddler escorts in kayaks or on paddleboards accompany swimmers for safety and sighting, while larger boats provide additional support along the route.
The day begins with the first swimmers hitting the water, and the relay moves continuously around the island. To stay on track with tides and currents, each leg may start up to 30 minutes early if the previous leg finishes ahead of schedule, but will never start later than its posted time. Swimmers pay a registration fee to help cover event costs, while paddlers and volunteers participate for free—though donations are always welcome.
For those curious about open water swimming but not quite ready for miles of ocean, the Arms Across Blakely event offers a more approachable challenge. This 0.25-mile fun swim begins at 4:00 p.m. in Blakely Harbor and is open to ages 10 and up. Participants swim across the harbor and back, a distance that takes most swimmers about 10–15 minutes. It’s a great way to dip into the excitement of the day without committing to a longer distance, and paddlers are also invited to join the Arms Across Blakely Flotilla for extra support.
The celebration continues after the last swimmers return to shore. At 6:00 p.m., everyone—participants, supporters, and community members—is invited to the After-Swim Party at Fay Bainbridge Park’s Hillside Shelter. This year marks a new starting and finishing location at Fay Bainbridge, allowing plenty of room for the end-of-day festivities. Guests can enjoy food prepared by Bainbridge Home Chef and AAB’s Good Eats program chef, Tim Shelly, along with craft beer from Bainbridge Brewery and non-alcoholic beverages.
Throughout the day, live updates will be shared at information tables outside Town & Country and Safeway, as well as on social media, so friends and family can track the relay’s progress. Whether you swim, paddle, volunteer, or simply come to cheer and celebrate, the Around-the-Island Swim Relay is a day of athletic achievement, community connection, and Bainbridge Island pride—all set against the stunning backdrop of Puget Sound.
Cost, tickets and logistics:
Saturday, August 16
Fay Bainbridge Park 15446 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Full details here
Register for Swim Relay here
Volunteer to support here
Register for the Arms Across Blakely Swim 2025
Know before you go:
Swim Relay
This is not a race, and there aren’t teams, but it’s fun to swim with friends! Swimmers fill each leg of the route as we work our way around the island. There are access points every 1-4 miles or so (see chart below for details) where swimmers will enter and exit the water. Swimmers can swim just one leg or multiple legs (which do not need to be consecutive) depending on how far they want to swim. Swimmers will have paddler escorts (kayak or paddle board) for assistance in sighting and for safety. We also have several larger boats accompanying the relay as additional safety resources. There is a registration fee for swimmers to cover costs of putting on the event. There is no registration fee to paddle or volunteer, but donations are always welcome!
Please note, each leg may start as early as 30 minutes before the posted time if the previous leg has landed. However, no leg will start later than the posted start time, even if the previous leg has still not arrived. This helps us keep on schedule with the tides and currents.
Other ways to participate
Water support: Kayaks, SUPs and boats provide support and safety for swimmers.
On-land volunteers: We can always use some onshore volunteer support.
Volunteer here.
Arms Across Blakely: .25-mile fun swim
Are you open-water curious? Or maybe you love taking a dip in the sound on a hot day, but the thought of swimming for miles is not (yet) something you want to try? We've got an event for you! This short swim is for anyone age 10 and above, so bring your (older) kids along for the fun. We'll be swimming across Blakely Harbor and back, approximately a quarter-mile (around 10-15 minutes). If you would like to support the swimmers from a kayak or paddleboard, you can join the Arms Across Blakely Flotilla.
The Arms Across Blakely Swim will take place the same day as the Swim Relay, on Saturday, August 16th, at 4:00 p.m. at Blakely Harbor.
Register for Arms Across Blakely Fun Swim
After-Swim Party at Fay Bainbridge
Come join us for a post-swim celebration at Fay Bainbridge Park in the Hillside Shelter, starting at 6 p.m. on August 16th. Everyone is welcome, whether you swam around the island or not!
Food will be provided by Bainbridge Home Chef and AAB's Good Eats program chef Tim Shelly, accompanied by beer from Bainbridge Brewery. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. All ages welcome, bring the family!
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